Farotte and Dunne’s fine performances in a complicated plot will make audiences appreciate their delivery.

Roberta Vinkhuyzen (dark hair) and Christy Wait (blonde), in Limelight’s Ripcord.
Photo courtesy Limelight Theater

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Morgan Hill Life’s theater review goddess Camille Bounds recently saw “Ripcord,” the latest production by the Limelight Theater, a small venue group managed by the South Valley Civic Theatre.

She told us she immensely enjoyed the comedy-drama, calling it “bright, and entertaining” and saying the cast carries the show with a strong sense of believability with a plot that zigs and zags with humor and heartbreak.

Rosalind Farotte plays Abby Binder with the force of a Sherman tank demanding her need to keep her room to herself at her assisted living facility. Marilyn Dunne is the new roommate Christy Wait who has the ability and charm that equals Abby’s force and mental ability. Their fine performances in a complicated plot will make audiences appreciate their delivery.

Andre Leben, Roberta Vinkbuyzen, Bruce Pember and Eric Browne add to this super cast. Director Angi Higgins moves the actors on a set that brings the stage out to the audience practically involving them in scenery changes.

“Between the viruses and politics this well done production is timed perfectly,” Bound said. “Humor and fun is the order of the day — and we sure need it.”

Catch the show “Ripcord” at the Limelight Theater at 7341 Monterey St., in downtown Gilroy. Remaining shows are 8 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 and 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2.

For information: www.svct.org/2021.ripcord.

The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill is once again looking to team up and offer financial support to other local nonprofit organizations that are working to make Morgan Hill a better place.

During the years, the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill through its annual Community Grant and Hearts of Rotary programs, has provided financial support to local nonprofit organizations that operate free clinics, distribute food to those in need, help purchase school supplies, teach children the fun and appreciation of art, provide musical concerts to elder care facilities, educate the community about and rehabilitate endangered wildlife, and provide our community Fourth of July festivities.

For more information, please visit www.MorganHillRotary.org.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes proclaims, “Drink your wine with a merry heart.” To celebrate faith, Guglielmo Winery has produced Holy Wine, a unique new table wine, to be enjoyed on Sundays and religious holidays, says a press release from the Morgan Hill-based winery.

The rich red wine may sound like it belongs on the altar, served alongside unleavened bread. But what’s revolutionary about the wine is that it’s being produced to be enjoyed outside the church, at home. Holy Wine pairs perfectly with a traditional Sunday dinner and during mealtimes on religious holidays, says the press release.

“As we near the end of a global pandemic, and with families allowed to gather, we felt that now would be the perfect time to introduce Holy Wine,” said Gene Guglielmo, partner and general manager of Guglielmo Winery. “We have a lot to be thankful for, and this is a wine with which to celebrate faith.”

For information about The Holy Wine of St. John the Divine, visit holywinecellars.com.

Guglielmo Winery is currently looking for distributors and national retailers for Holy Wine. For more information, contact Gene Guglielmo at (408) 779-2145.

Mario Ramirez

Morgan Hill Police Department Capt. Mario Ramirez has been selected to the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s (IACP) 40 under 40 for 2021. The annual IACP 40 Under 40 award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals younger than 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership, exemplify a commitment to their profession, and positively impact their communities and the field of policing.

The professionals chosen as the 2021 40 Under 40 awardees represent the rising leaders of policing, regardless of rank. They serve their agencies and communities with excellence, whether they are civilian staff, line officers, or chiefs of police.

Ramirez started at the Morgan Hill Police Department in 2002, working his way up the ranks from police cadet to captain. He has a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego and a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Advanced and Supervisory Certificates. Additionally, he is a certified court expert and served as the department’s defensive tactics and emergency vehicle operations instructor.

Ramirez helped lead the city through several historic events in 2020. With a captain vacancy, Ramirez, a sergeant at the time, filled the role, becoming the department’s disease infectious control officer and ensuring no instances of COVID-19 occurred in the department.

He also served many days as the city’s liaison officer to the fire department during the Santa Clara Unit Lightning Complex Fire, one of California’s largest wildland fires in history, providing vital information to assist in the safe evacuations of hundreds of people. He successfully led several safety operations during civil unrest while ensuring the rights of all community members. His actions in these roles helped minimize injuries, preserve property, and ensure the overall safety of first responders and community members.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be the recipient of such an award and to be part of such a diverse group of awardees,” he said. “I accept this award on behalf of the men and women who have worked selflessly during these unprecedented times.”

Chief Shane Palsgrove, who nominated Ramirez, said, “Capt. Ramirez has really stepped up in these times of crisis and has put others’ needs before his own. I am incredibly proud of our officers and professional staff who have given so much to their profession.”

Finally, resident Maria Skoczylas told us she made $1,250 during the citywide garage sale Sept. 11 & 12 and sent a check for that amount to the Haitian Relief Fund.

“The people of Morgan Hill were so generous,” she said. She sold European linens, glassware, LP records collected over many years and more.

Way to go, Maria! Such a fantastic way to clear out your house and help those in need at the same time.