Funding to support children with blood cancer is in honor of Megan Noyes

Megan Noyes died from leukemia last year. A fundraiser has been started in her name.
Photo courtesy OVYSL

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

The Orchard Valley Toros have partnered with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to raise funds to support children with blood cancer. During the month of September, all teams will wear orange jerseys and raise funds to support the fight against blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Megan Noyes was a local Toros player and coach who died last October at the age of 26 from leukemia, said her mother, Sharon Noyes.

The South Valley soccer community has rallied behind this effort and hopes to make this an annual fundraising event to honor the young woman.

To help, visit https://pages.lls.org/ltn/svmb/SanJose23/playlikemeghanovtoros

There’s good news coming out of the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Officials recently announced the launch of its 2024 Premium Membership campaign, offering an array of exclusive benefits that promise to elevate the park experience for its valued members.

Now, visitors can seize the opportunity to become part of a privileged community with unparalleled access to more than a year of unlimited adventures and educational experiences at the park.

The benefits include a year and a half of unlimited park admission (for the remainder of 2023 plus all of 2024); two free tickets or Fast Lane wristbands (up to $140 in value) when members purchase now; access to The Great Big BOO and all-new North Pole Nights; free parking, 20 percent discounts on food and merchandise in-park; Bring-A-Friend Free Fridays; and exclusive VIP Premium Events in 2024.

“Gilroy Gardens has always been driven by a passion for creating a unique and enriching experience,” Hoa Le, president and general manager said. “We are excited to welcome new members to join our family and take advantage of all the premium perks we have to offer.”

Sounds like a fiscally prudent deal.

There’s even more good news coming from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. They recently announced they will open the 1,859-acre Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve to the public Thursday, Aug. 31.

Five miles of new trails — including a new three-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and a wide range of accessible experiences — will be open for free to hikers on a schedule that balances recreation and nature experiences with the sensitive habitat for the many species that make their home in the preserve’s rare serpentine grasslands.

The OSA will host a free Community Day Oct. 14 celebration at the preserve. The event will feature special speakers and fun family-friendly activities. Details to come at www.openspaceauthority.org.

Less than 15 miles south of downtown San José and nestled between the Santa Cruz and the Diablo mountain ranges, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma in Northern Coyote Valley connects more than one million acres of core wildlife habitat and open space.

“Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge is a biodiversity hotspot in Santa Clara County, and its opening as a preserve presents an unparalleled opportunity to educate the public about the importance of protecting habitats for endangered plants and animals and helping them adapt to a changing climate,” said Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the OSA.

“With our free Butterfly Pass, bilingual interpretation, special hours and docent-led programs, we’re embarking on a novel approach to enlightening visitors about the pressing climate crisis and the sensitive species that rely on these lands. This place will serve as an inspiring outdoor classroom, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to learn about local wildlife, climate science and how to responsibly care for the land.”

Here’s a steal of a deal in higher education.

South Valley residents who wish to attend college but might not be able to afford tuition should consider applying for Gav 4 Free. The program is available to most people who register. There are no income requirements. Books and materials are not covered under the program.

Gavilan Community College starts its fall semester Aug. 28 and students can register through the end of the second week for full term class, said Dr. Renee Craig-Marius, executive vice-president of Educational Programs And Services.

“We also have late-start classes that students can enroll in before the start date,” she said.

Visit www.gavilan.edu/admit/summer_is_free.php