At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is full of amazing discoveries.

Photo by Marty Cheek
Left to right behind John: Juan Montemayor, Juan Zamora, and Juan Vazquez; from left to right around John: Frank Alvarez, Ismael Montes, Tony Haro, and Sergio Marquez.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

The Big Blue Chair is back. Several months ago some misbehaving characters flipped the chair, breaking it up pretty good, said John McKay, who along with Don Jensen built the chair in 2015 as part of the Downtown Temporary Art Grant.

The repair was delayed a bit as McKay helped facilitate more than 50 COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other “life issues,” but it is back in the park where it belongs.

Thanks, John, and everyone else who helped get it back.

Santa Clara County Library District just released new library card designs with a unique feature. The three fun designs aim to inspire patrons to “Create, Dream, and Discover” unlimited possibilities, all of which can happen with a free SCCLD library card. These one-of-a-kind library card designs include a light bulb, cloud and magnifying glass on the front where patrons can draw or write to personalize their card.

“Public libraries are one of society’s most important resources, and a free library card unlocks those materials and services,” said Mike Wasserman, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and chair of the Library Joint Powers Authority Board.

Everyone is invited to get a free library card. Current patrons are also welcomed to replace their card with one of the new designs. As an added bonus, those who come into the library and get a new card will receive a special gift, while supplies last.

Got a hankering for Turkey? And no, we aren’t talking about the kind you serve on Thanksgiving.

Emmie Turan moved to Morgan Hill from Foster City four years ago. She soon found out her new hometown is a sister city to Seferihisar, a Turkish town not too far from where she was born. She swiftly joined the Morgan Hill Sister Cities nonprofit. Her affiliation with Sister Cities prompted her to undertake a “Tour of Turkey” project where South Valley residents can explore the country as a group between Sept. 30 and Oct. 12.

“With this tour, I’m hoping to connect my two homes — my native land and my adopted home of 45 years,” she told us. “Turkey is truly a mesmerizing land of fascinating dichotomies.”

Emmie has made countless trips to her native country to visit friends and family. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is full of amazing discoveries. It’s a secular republic but a large segment of the population holds on to its Muslim origins. Westernized, its people still hold  traditional values deeply entrenched and cherished. Emmie wants to share her fascination with local residents.

To join her and help her bridge her two beloved homes, visit www.misionviewwines.com.

Santa Clara County was recently nationally recognized for its budget transparency by producing and presenting high quality documents for the community. The county received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award through the Government Finance Officers Association for its annual budget for the July 1, 2021 fiscal year.

“We recognize the importance of transparency,” said County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith. “One of our missions is to always be accountable to the residents and this award is a testament to those efforts.”

The county has worked hard to add more robust information to the budget, so people have a good understanding of how their county government operates,” said Greg Iturria, budget director for the County of Santa Clara.