Al Gagliardi served in World War II and helped establish the local VFW post, now known as the John A. Berri Post 6309.

Photo courtesy Gagliardi family. From left: Betty Gagliardi, Al Gagliardi and VFW Commander Al Alciati.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

The Gilroy Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrates its 75th anniversary and will honor the founding commander and World War II veteran Al Gagliardi.

Founded in 1946, VFW Post 6309 is a patriotic veterans’ organization that fosters camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts. Its mission is to serve the veterans and the community and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.

“It’s an honor to serve our country and community,” said VFW Post 6309 Commander Al Alciati, who will be presented with the Diamond Anniversary Award Citation from the state VFW commander at a small ceremony March 15. “It’s a testament to all of our veterans that through the VFW we have continued to serve for 75 years.”

One veteran who has served his country and community longer than most is Gagliardi, 97. He served in World War II and helped establish the local VFW post, now known as the John A. Berri Post 6309. Gagliardi remains an active member today. Berri was the first Gilroyan to give his life in the defense of his country during World War II.

“It’s an honor to have Al Gagliardi still active in our post,” said Alciati, who will present him with a plaque from the post and another from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for his service. “He has such a sense of history. He remembers everything. Plus, his sense of humor keeps us on our toes.”

Congratulations to all at our South Valley VFW Post. And thank you, veterans, for your service.

AAUW member Patrice Lyn let us know about the five Oakwood School students who competed in the AAUW Morgan Hill hosted Speech Trek 2021 via Zoom Feb. 23. The topic was: “Has social media helped or hindered the breaking down of barriers for women and girls?” Contestants voiced their opinions in a five- to six-minute speech. The winners were: first place, Lilianna Jaquet; second place, Jullea Powell; and third place, Jillian Bogosian. A recording of Liliana’s speech was sent to AAUW California to compete in state semifinals. Congratulations to all the contestants!

Be sure to tune in and watch Morgan Hill Mayor Rich Constantine’s annual State of the City address from 7 to 8 p.m. March 10. The mayor will reflect on the prior year’s challenges and accomplishments and set the stage for what’s to come in the future. Visit https://bit.ly/2021StateoftheCityAddress

It is time to gather up those diapers and wipes for a wonderful cause. The 7th Annual Diapers and Wipes Drive benefiting the families and clients of Community Solutions began March 1 and runs through April 31. The Jayson & Lisa Stebbins Family in partnership with Guild Mortgage are once again driving to provide these essential items.

“We started this adventure after our third baby was born. We knew as a family we did not need anything, so our baby shower turned into a donation event,” said Lisa Stebbins. “We had to cancel last year due to COVID-19, so this year we are looking to triple our previous donations thanks to our generous friends and community.”

All donations can be delivered to Guild Mortgage at 155 East Main Ave., Suite 170 in Morgan Hill. Or residents can email [email protected] for other ways to donate.  Also watch for two “drive thru” donation events at Guild Mortgage April 17 and 24.

The Freedom Fest 2021 is looking for patriotic essays from Morgan Hill students as they do every year. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Heroes.”

Who would you honor as a true hero? You may choose a group of people, such as first responders, research experts, soldiers, or medical staff. Or you may write about an individual such as your mom/dad, your teacher/principal, your favorite author, or historic person. These are but a few ideas to start you thinking!

Essays should be no longer than one page in length for students in grades 2 and 3, and no longer than two pages in length for students in grades 4 and 5. Students should place their name, school, grade level, phone number and email on their essays. They are due April 16.

Submit them an email to [email protected]. Classroom teachers who use this as an assignment may submit class entries. Essays may also be submitted at BookSmart or mailed to Karen Ann Crane at 15860 Walter Breton Drive, Morgan Hill, 95037.

Winners in primary and upper grades receive $100; second and third place winners in primary and upper grades receive $50. All six winners will receive trophies and T-shirts. Winning essays will be published on the Freedom Fest Website, in Freedom Fest’s 4th of July Program of Events, and in our paper.

“I am hoping we have a good turnout this year,” Crane said. “Usually we receive 150 to 200 essays.”

Good luck, students!

Do you have a spare room in your home? Attend a free webinar to find out how you can provide housing to a Gavilan College student. Gavilan College and Catholic Charities are partnering to house local college students. Through this partnership, the House Sharing Program will work with Gavilan College students and home providers within the community to find the best housing match for each individual.

South County residents interested in becoming housing providers for students are invited to attend a free virtual event at 4 p.m. March 17 to get information and ask questions. Visit https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErdOqorTouGNUxVGkI5i6dXA6joLiEyaxg

The Morgan Hill Historical Society is partnering with the Edward Boss Prado Foundation to offer a 2021 “Your Future, Your History” Scholarship Program.

The $4,000 fund is open to seniors at Central, Live Oak, and Sobrato high schools who do not fall within traditional academic scholarship programs. Applications for trade schools and junior colleges will be prioritized. Awarded funds can be used for tuition, books, tools, and materials. A Scholarship Review Committee consisting of MHHS board members and Edward Boss Prado Foundation board volunteers will review applications to determine awardees and funds to be granted. Applicants must be a senior currently enrolled in one of the three MHUSD high schools

Applications are available at high school Counseling Offices. The submittal deadline is 5 p.m. March 31, 2021. Completed applications to be emailed to Edie Atkins at [email protected]

Grants will be announced by April 26, 2021.

Robert Airoldi is the editor of Morgan Hill Life. Reach him at [email protected] or at (408) 427-5865.