Published in the July 18 – July 31, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Congratulations to Karen Crane. The educator was named the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 winner of the Golden Mushroom Award. It was awarded to her to highlight her leading the annual Freedom Fest Patriotic Sing by local children.

“Karen Crane has been a tireless leader of youth choirs in Morgan Hill for three decades,” said chamber CEO and President John Horner. “Countless grade school students have continued having music class thanks to her efforts. Ms. Crane’s signature effort, however, is the annual youth Patriotic Sing. Thousands of young people have participated over three decades. We are delighted to honor Karen in this way.”

Thanks, Karen, for teaching our youth to sing. We look forward to the their performances every year.

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Gavilan College just got someone new in its administration. Denée Pescarmona is the college’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. She will be charged with oversight of the academic divisions of Gavilan College: Liberal Arts and Sciences, Career Education, Community Education, and Noncredit Instruction.

Pescarmona earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of San Diego and her master’s degree in English from Arizona State University. She has been married to her husband, Evan Franke, for 15 years and they have an 11-year old daughter. Pescarmona and her family plan to live in Morgan Hill.

Welcome to South Valley, Denée.

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Al Alciati

The Veterans of Foreign Wars John A. Berri Post #6309 recently installed new officers, including a descendant of the post’s namesake. Morgan Hill resident Alfred Alciati was elected the new commander. Alciati is the second cousin of John A. Berri, for whom the Gilroy VFW Post was named. Berri was the first veteran from Gilroy to give his life in defense of our country in World War II.

“It’s an honor to lead the local VFW,” Alciati said. “Especially the John A. Berri Post.”

Alciati, 69, served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam where he worked as an illustrator/draftsman for the Integrated Operational Intelligence Center, which was responsible for mapping and reconnaissance of North Vietnam. The Live Oak High School graduate later earned an associate of science degree in drafting technology from Gavilan College. Alciati went on to work as a building official, first for the city of Morgan Hill then as senior inspector for the County of Santa Clara totaling 35 years.

Other officers named include Senior Vice Commander Bob Diaz, who most recently served five years as Commander; Junior Vice Commander Joe Gonzales; Finance Officer Joe Perez; Adjutant Phil Garcia; and Chaplain Jesse Sanchez.

Congratulations, to all!

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Ladera Grill has once again been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2018 Restaurant Awards. The restaurant won the Award of Excellence and is recognized among other winners from all over the globe as a top destination for wine lovers.

“We are both humbled and thrilled to have our restaurant listed among the top restaurants in the world. It is certainly a big commitment on the part of our ownership and employees to maintain this recognition for five years in a row. We are honored to accept this Award of Excellence,” said Susan Marsh, Ladera Grill wine director.

Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: The Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award — with 2,453; 1,215; and 91 winners this year in each respective category.

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A big thank you to the nice folks at the Community Closet in San Martin for making the beginning of the school year next month extra special.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23 to July 28, families in need can stop by the site run by St. Vincent De Paul and pick up free school clothes— both new and gently used. The closet is located at 13570 Depot St.

The Morgan Hill branch of the American Association of University Women and the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill will donate backpacks.

And they have a lot of stuffed animals they’ve been collecting to give away to the kids.

“The kids love it,” said Maria Skoczylas, who volunteers with the group. They’ll even have a personal shopper.

If you want to donate clothes or participate in the back-to-school give-away, please call Debbie Molyneaux at (408) 500-5659.

It’s always good to start the school year in style. The Community Closet makes sure all kids have that opportunity.