Edward Boss Prado Foundation has committed $25K to Gavilan College’s nursing program

From left, Jim Trifilo, Lorraine Leonetti Caruso, Masako Kodama and Jim Friebel at Mama Mia’s.  Photo courtesy Jim Friebel

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Wow! Congratulations to the Live Oak High School Class of 1948. Yes, 1948. Six classmates celebrated their 75th high school reunion at Mama Mia’s.

In person were Jim Trifilo (actually class of 1949 but decided to join in the fun), Lorraine Leonetti Caruso, Masako Kodama and Jim Friebel. Joining via Zoom were Steve Asmuth and Barbara Fisher Stump.

“It was wonderful to spend time with old friends,” Friebel said. “I’m thankful to my classmate, Steve (Steve Asmuth), for organizing the event.”

The group said they never heard of a class celebrating 75 years and are looking forward to next year.

St. Louise Regional Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit received the prestigious Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses May 21.

The Beacon Award lauds hospital critical-care units that set standards for excellence in patient-care environments by collecting and using evidence-based information to improve patient outcomes, patient and staff satisfaction, and credibility with consumers.

“Our county is so proud of the efforts by the doctors, nurses and staff with the St. Louise Intensive Care Unit for receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Paul E. Lorenz, CEO for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. “Their commitment, care and compassion for patients facing critical and life-threatening situations is vital to South County communities.”

An additional factor in winning the award was demonstrating continual learning and implementing effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. The St. Louise ICU was recognized for its strength in ensuring that policies, procedures and protocols are current, relevant and based on nationally recognized evidence and standards.

“Our ICU is led by an incredibly strong team of registered nurses and physicians who work hard to not only prioritize patient care, but to also create a healthy and satisfying work environment,” said Gloria Dela Merced, chief operating officer for St. Louise Regional Hospital.

In an effort to bridge the nursing shortage, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation has committed $25K to Gavilan College’s nursing program to cover fees for completing a degree for at least five students.

“We have a great need for nurses, and we have a great need in our most disadvantaged communities for good paying jobs for our young people,” said Executive Director Cecelia Ponzini. “We have the solution right here in our backyard with Gavilan College’s nursing program. It is gratifying to know five students will not have to worry about fees or program costs, and will transform their lives, and that of their families. I am grateful for the partnership with Gavilan College.”

Ponzini and the Edward Boss Prado Foundation are a cornerstone in South County communities, said Gavilan Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila.

“The organization helps the most underserved families with dignity and supports other non-profits in our area,” he said. “With this donation, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation is making a commitment to economic sustainability, and we are grateful.”

Throughout the months of June and July, Santa Clara County Library District libraries will be hosting an exciting and enriching lineup of programs for children, teens, and adults as part of their free Summer Reading Program. Participants can look forward to performers, arts & crafts, book clubs, speakers, and more. Find Your Voice is not just about reading, it is about building connections and discovering different ways to express yourself.

“According to the California State Library, Summer Reading programs can help children develop skills in art, science, math, technology, and literacy, which helps to maintain what students learned through the school year,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks.

It is easy to get started. Library patrons can preregister on Beanstack. On June 1, let the fun begin. Make sure to log books read and activities completed. Find Your Voice is free and fun for all ages. If you don’t have a library card, all residents are invited to get one at any of our library locations.

Are you a Volkswagen aficionado? Then there’s something coming for  you. The 2nd Annual Volkswagen Car Show is coming to San Juan Bautista July 29.

Ray Diaz, a Gilroy resident, has been a Volkswagen enthusiast since a teen and has encouraged his friends to revisit the opportunity to once again own, drive to shows, meet new friends and even exchange ideas for the next best thing.

“Maybe it’s a mid-life event, I don’t know, but it’s like living your childhood dream on a weekend,” he said.

Entry fee is $35 and available at www.dubaffair.com. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Public admission is free. There will be a swap meet and vendors on site.

 

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce will present the 23rd Annual Garlic City Car Show on June 17 in downtown Gilroy. The chamber has hosted the show since 2016.

The car show, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attracts thousands of spectators to enjoy hundreds of custom and classic cars, awards, vendors, beer and wine, and more. It is free for spectators. Car registration is sold out, but car owners can be added to a wait-list by emailing Victoria Valencia of the Chamber at [email protected].

For more information on the 2023 event, visit  www.gilroy.org/garliccitycarshow/.