Shops will not “hide” Waldo but will display him prominently in each store or store window

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

It’s that time of year again. During the past eight years, Find Waldo Local has brought small businesses and communities together for a hunt for the beloved bespectacled character Waldo. The initiative continues to be a force in the Shop Local movement, and the partners are excited to continue in this fun summer program. Because of the ongoing pandemic they made some fundamental changes to the program for everyone’s safety.

Let’s find Waldo!

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up at BookSmart or download a “Find Waldo Local in Morgan Hill!” passport, which contains the names of all the participating sites after June 25, and get their passport stamped, signed or sticker-ed for each Waldo they spot. All minors should be accompanied by an adult. Collecting store stamps, signatures or stickers at 20 or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a prize drawing Sept 1. All participating businesses will provide a gift to be awarded to a lucky winner. The prize will be on display at each business.

This year, they also spread the contest over two months so that you don’t have to crowd into a space to get your passport marked. They will not have a prize drawing party but will instead award prizes by phone or email to be picked up by each individual winner. They also will not “hide” Waldo but will display him prominently in each store or store window. They ask all Waldo Hunters to abide by the mandated social distancing protocols and posted restrictions at each establishment. Have a fun, safe Find Waldo Local event. Find Waldo Local starts July 1. Get your Waldo passport to fun and prizes at BookSmart or www.mybooksmart.com.

The Edward Boss Prado Foundation’s Annual Backpack School Supplies Drive for children in Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy runs through July 31.

Building a strong and resilient community means serving everyone in the community and there is no more important time to strengthen our community than right now. In an effort to help the most in need in our community, children, the SPARK Business Group of Morgan Hill is partnering with Nick the Greek Restaurant to collect backpacks, school supplies, new socks and underwear to be distributed by Cecelia Ponzini and the Edward Boss Prado Foundation a nonprofit 501 C3 run by  volunteers only. They are working to make it easier to contribute by providing an additional collection point at Nick the Greek located in Tennant Station next to the CineLux Theater through July 31.

Enjoy a delicious meal on the patio while safely social distancing and assist the underprivileged youth in South County.

The supplies will be distributed by the Edward Boss Prado Foundation in August prior to the beginning of the school year.

Now that sports are coming back and we are able to dine outside, we got the bad news that Dan and Deb Creighton are closing Huntington Station this month.

“By now most of you have heard that Huntington will be closing its doors,” Deb Creighton wrote on Facebook. “A culmination of circumstances, including but not limited to COVID-19 and unsuccessful lease negotiations, are the primary reasons. As tough as the closure is to accept, writing this note is equally as difficult.”

The restaurant has brought so much happiness to so many over the past 15 years. Dan and Deb spent almost half of their married life running HS/Glory Days and watched their kids grow up there. The memories are overwhelming for them. “Huntington is so ridiculously special because of so many loving and very capable people,” she said. “Our staff has always been the heart of our business which we know and appreciate. Our patrons, family and friends became the soul. And while we will miss the Glory Days of the restaurant, we will miss the hearts and souls of Huntington Station more. Thank you for all the memories, it been a great run.”

I’m going to miss the place. I worked next door when Dan and Deb remodeled the old Poppy’s pub and watched many sporting events there — and had some great meals and drinks with friends. Good luck, Dan and Deb.

James Allen Taylor

Jim Taylor, a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, and the 2015 Grand Marshall in our Freedom Fest Fourth of July parade, was scheduled to be part of this year’s virtual parade via video but was unable to participate. He did, however, send a note to the event organizers that was shared with us.

“I’m going to miss your great parade. Millions of Americans have served and sacrificed their lives to  protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Sadly, we find ourselves in a state of disarray. Instead of coming together we find ourselves divided, fighting to protect our civil liberties. I encourage the citizens of Morgan Hill to come together. God bless each of you and God bless America.”

Thanks, Jim. Look forward to seeing you in 2021.

Robert Airoldi is the editor of Morgan Hill Life. Contact him at [email protected].