Bike Therapy is involved in the community, supporting many local events and organizations
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
Congratulations to downtown Morgan Hill merchants Bike Therapy, which earned the title of “America’s Best Bike Shop” for the second consecutive year.
Awarded by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, America’s Best Bike Shops certification rewards overall excellence in store layout and visibility, user-friendly displays, compelling product merchandising, smooth traffic flow, and engaged and passionate staff. Fewer than 150 stores qualified for the honor this year.
“We are elated and honored to receive this award again!” said co-owner Doug Hall. “We are committed to making customers feel very welcome and at home and, in current conditions, feeling safe”
The NBDA looks for bike shop involvement in local and national cycling advocacy. Bike Therapy is very involved in the community, supporting many local events and organizations with time, bike support, and financial contributions. One of their proudest initiatives is the South County Composite Mountain Bike team, founded to offer competitive racing and adventure riding to middle school and high school students.
On keeping with health protocols, Chabad South County Jewish Center will be hosting a drive-in public menorah lighting ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center solar panel parking lot, Sunday, Dec. 13, the fourth night of the eight-day holiday.
The event is open to the entire South County community and all safety guidelines will be followed. Participants will be able to watch from the comfort of their vehicles, and enjoy holiday treats which will safely be distributed to each car.
The celebration will include a grand menorah lighting, holiday greetings from local dignitaries including Morgan Hill City Manager Christina Turner, followed by music and a spectacular fireworks show.
“We can’t wait for the drive-in menorah lighting,” community member Elke Axtell said. “We are amazed at Chabad’s creativity as they’ve created an event which allows our community to unite safely, ensuring that no one will have to celebrate Hanukkah alone!”
Chabad’s director Rabbi Mendel Liberow, said, “Despite the greatest darkness, light will always prevail. Even a small amount of light dispels much darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, makes all the difference.”
To ensure the safety of this event pre-registration is required at www.jewishmh.com/chanukah.
Sheri Chakamian in front of her new sunflower mural.
Local artist and 31-year Morgan Hill resident Sheri Chakamian has created a new mural on the back of the Dezign Salon building on Third Street. It was painted at the request of salon owner Julie Wolfsmith and with the city’s approval.
“My hope was to paint something happy to bring hope and a smile on people’s faces when they pass by to get their coffee or go to the local restaurants,” Chakamian said.
She also has started a contest to encourage people to help promote the new artwork. You can win a framed print of the sunflower painting (value $125) and Aveda product by Dezign Salon by taking these easy steps to enter (the deadline is Friday, Dec. 4):
- Take a selfie or family photo in front of the mural.
2- Share this post with a friend by tagging them in the comments.
3-Tag @sherichakamianart and @Dezignsalon on your photo
4-Follow @sherichakamianart on Instagram and @dezignsalon
Joseph Carrol, a student from Ann Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, recently won third place in the 2020 Districts Make the Difference Student Video Contest. The statewide contest encourages high school and college students to learn about the local governments that provide their families essential services such as water, electricity, fire protection, wastewater, garbage removal, and more.
Students were challenged to make a video of less than 90 seconds to raise awareness and understanding of the special districts that serve communities and regions across the state. Special districts are local governments that are formed, owned, and governed by a community to specialize in meeting a specific local need. The video contest is organized annually by Districts Make the Difference, the public outreach campaign launched by the California Special Districts Association.
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is great to see students continuing to learn and use technology to engage in civic action,” said Neil McCormick, CSDA chief executive officer. “Students like Joseph will be the future special district leaders making a difference in our communities.”
Joseph will receive a $500 scholarship. Each student nominated a teacher who will receive an additional $500 to put towards their classroom use. Joseph nominated Kim Stubbe to receive this cash prize.
To see the video visit www.DistrictsMaketheDifference.org.
Robert Airoldi is the editor of Gilroy Life. Reach him at [email protected].
