Published in the July 20 – Aug. 2, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
The U.S. Women’s Open has come and gone. By most accounts it proved to be a huge success with Brittany Lang beating Anna Nordqvist in a three-hole playoff. In addition, while the economic impact won’t be known for some time, it seemed downtown Morgan Hill was much busier than usual Saturday and Sunday of the championship, and reports from Gilroy are similar. Visitor and locals alike got to experience our weather (it was just beautiful all week) and our hospitality (saw some pleasant servers and bar tenders despite the crowds).
It sure would be nice if John Fry could get his course open and petition the PGA or USGA to bring a regular tournament to the South Valley region. Imagine the excitement in town from a annual tournament here.
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Once again, the Freedom Fest organizers put on one heck of a celebration. From the Patriotic Sing to the Fireworks on the Green, the events were fantastic. One of my favorites is the parade, and this year’s was perhaps the best ever. Entrants proudly marched through Morgan Hill entertaining locals and out-of-towners alike.
I met some folks from Northern California, San Jose and even from Alaska, here visiting family. I know the committee chairs work hard to put these events on. I for one would like to thank them. And, if you enjoy the July 3 Family Street Dance, the Patriotic Sing, the runs, the car show, the parade or the fireworks, why not get involved? Anyone interested should contact Jeff Dixon at [email protected] or at (408) 375-8804.
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The Candy Parlour owners Chris and Nancy Reynolds told us they will have “Kylo Ren” and “Rey” from the newest “Star Wars” movie coming to the store from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7. Anyone who comes to visit can meet the characters and get a free photo with them. First come, first served, Nancy said. The line will form in front of The Candy Parlour where there is plenty of shade. She said they anticipate a large crowd, so get there early. And, the Reynolds will be celebrating five years in business this fall and told us to stay tuned for an upcoming announcement. We’re looking forward to it.
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Mothers with babies at Fun in the Park
The Inclusive Playground project that will benefit the South Valley region is moving ahead, with a well-attended Fun in the Park event held at Community Park on Saturday June 25. It was held to educate the community about what features the park will have and was organized by Amber Biscardi, a committee volunteer.
The San Andreas Regional Center provided games and information about their programs. YAC volunteers provided face painting and balloon art, and Home Depot led a hand painting on tile art project for kids Entertainment was provided by Heroes for Hope, Baby Wearing Dance Class, and Angels on Stage. The Inclusive Playground is a community project inspired by local Morgan Hill residents Ron and Shirlee Locicero.
“We want the community to know that there will be something for everybody at this playground including the offering of adaptive features for all handicapping conditions,” Shirlee told us. “Our goal was to provide families a fun time at the park and to show them the size and location of the project. This community event helped to explain the ideas of the inclusive park and to showcase the unique features of the park.”
The park will have a musical sound garden, a slide mountain, a sand and water play area, a tot zone, a tree house with a suspension bridge, a small amphitheater and outdoor classroom area, spinning and swinging zones, a quiet area and a climbing zone. The playground will be a regional destination including but not limited to Morgan Hill. It’ll be freely available to people of all ages and abilities from Gilroy, San Jose, Hollister and elsewhere to socialize and play together in a park setting. It will help foster inclusiveness, understanding, awareness, and acceptance of all people.
We hope the special Fun in the Park event will encourage community support to make the Inclusive Playground a place where every day is a fun day in the park.
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Congratulations to Violet Macedo who took first place in the novice bikini division at the Santa Clara Convention Center July 2 in which there were more than 400 competitors. She also took the overall title in her category comprised of all first place winners. An outstanding achievement for someone who has only been competing for about a year. Macedo works out at 24-Hour Fitness in Morgan Hill most mornings, is a personal trainer at On by One Fitness in Milpitas and is a hair stylist at Artistry in Hair in Morgan Hill. Her next competition will be her first national level competition in Las Vegas July 29 where she will compete for her professional card.
“I am very fortunate to have my coach, Sarah Malone, because she guides me through the preparation of competing and is with me every step of the way,” Macedo said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today in this sport if it wasn’t for her! She is also my sponsor from Max Muscle.”
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Simple Beverages being torn down for four new restaurants. Photo by Mark Fenichel
The much anticipated demolition of the former Simple Beverages & More store is now complete, as the building was torn down July 14. Four new restaurants are slated to be built on the property beginning later this summer. Looking forward to seeing the new eateries open sometime next year!
