Brielle was one of about 80 girls in Northern California to accomplish the feat.

Brielle in her YouTube video.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Did you know ⁠⁠Taylor Swift was a Girl Scout? Me neither, though I probably know more about her than I ever thought I would. Well, 8-year-old Brielle is a Gilroy Girl Scout and a “Swifty” and she made a clever parody of Swift’s song “Blank Space” in hopes of reaching her goal of selling 2,000 boxes of cookies.

Her grandmother Michele told me she recently reached her goal by selling 2,060 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, earning her and a guest a visit to Disneyland this summer. She and her troop plan to use the proceeds to donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and to clean up and fix some of their favorite local parks. (Brielle and another troop member have Type 1 Diabetes.)

Brielle was one of about 80 girls in Northern California to accomplish the feat.

Check out the video here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRP4BppwF4I.

“She’s a pretty amazing young girl who accomplishes her goals in a positive and committed way,” her grandmother said. We couldn’t agree more!

Congratulations to the seven recipients of the Darren Dean Vocational Educational grants who received a total of $9,200 handed out by the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill at its May 8 meeting. They are Mary Grecu, massage therapy; Iryna Barchuk, master wig maker, master makeup artist, and hair extensionist; Dmytro Barchuk, landscaping; Josue Sanchez Rodrigues, ironwork and seasonal firefighter; Osiel Vazquez, plumbing; JJ Thompson, welding/sheet metal; and Bryan Leon, construction.

The importance of skilled labor cannot be overstated; we are experiencing a crumbling infrastructure, the disappearance of vocational education in public schools, and an ever-widening skills gap. At times, members of this skilled labor community demonstrate not only their importance but represent the trades as a whole being a necessary component of our lives.

One such person was Dean, a Morgan Hill painting contractor who bridged the gaps between his profession, community service, and community leader. He was an entrepreneur who ran a successful business and managed to figure out just the right work-life balance. In his far too short of a life, he touched so many in Morgan Hill. He served as a mentor to many, providing opportunities for change in their life, and the lives of those around them.

The grants offer financial support to individuals seeking a career in the trades, and can be used for education and training, as well as tools and supplies. Individual grants up to $2,000 are available to eligible applicants each year. The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill wants to help eliminate the financial hurdles for those looking to enter this honorable profession, and in doing so, better the community.

The next grant cycle is expected to open Sept. 1.

Read more about Darren Dean at www.morganhilllife.com/2019/07/26/celebrate-life-darren-brandon-dean-august-27-1984-june-19-2019/.

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The Santa Clara County Fair is getting ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary with the theme “Celebrating 80 years of Innovation: From the Fields to the Future.” The fair will take place from July 25 to 28 and Aug. 1 to 4.

The fair promises to be unforgettable, with exciting activities for everyone. On Thursday, July 25, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the fair, followed by an honor for military veterans. Children aged 12 and younger will receive free admission on this day. On Saturday, July 27, the fairgrounds will host the Fair Parade.

This year’s fair will feature many old favorites, such as the pig races, horse exhibit, dog show, rabbit and goat show, a petting zoo, and the popular livestock auction in the Expo Hall. In addition, the fair will introduce new attractions that will pique the interest of children, teens, and adults, including the robotics exhibition and the Hop ‘N’ Vine Garden, featuring local wineries and breweries.

There will be free entertainment, including music from multiple genres and eras, children’s magic acts, pig races, BMX stunt shows, a mini-circus, and a carnival. Bungee jumps and carnival rides are available for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Of course, no fair would be complete without delicious food, and there will be plenty of options available. You can indulge in traditional favorites such as Angelo’s Pepper Steak and corn dogs or try new international dishes. There will also be a wine and beer garden and a tequila saloon for those looking to relax.

In addition to the fun and excitement, you can learn something new. There will be hands-on exhibits from Tech Interactive, opportunities to explore local flora and fauna, and home art displays to inspire your creativity.

Tickets are now on sale at www.thefair.org. Free tickets are available on designated days for children 12 and younger, seniors 62 and older, veterans, first responders, and those with special needs. Additionally, anyone who enters the poster contest will receive two complimentary tickets, and anyone who enters to join the parade will get a free ticket.

Sounds like a great time. Hope to see you there!