Students go on a quest for knowledge and adventure with pirates. Arrr!
Photo courtesy Julie Firato
Rich Firato and actor Jeff Goldblum in the museum at Morgan’s Cove, Firato’s homage to his passion for pirates. Goldblum’s show featuring the “pirate village” begins streaming on Disney+ Jan. 19.
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
Ahoy, me hearties! Gather ’round for education through adventure in an outdoor classroom in our fair town of Morgan Hill!
Avast ye! There be a new treasure on the horizon, and it goes by the name of Morgan’s Cove Foundation. This nonprofit is set to bridge the gap in outdoor learnin’ for the young scalawags of our local schools. Ye see, the foundation is the brainchild of one Rich Firato, known to many as “the Benevolent Pirate.” This scurvy dog be openin’ his very own pirate-themed yard to fourth and fifth grade buccaneers, complete with a mighty fine pirate ship!
But wait, there be more! A crew of volunteers from the American Association of University Women (and other landlubbers) be guidin’ the young’uns through this magical realm. These little swabs be learnin’ about the Golden Age of Piracy from 1715 and the legendary Spanish Treasure Fleet. They will also learn about Morgan Hill history and or first arrivals. Who were they? What did they do? And what is their legacy? Rich’s fellow pirates include Kevin Fernandes, Armando Garcia, and Tom Guinane.
Yo ho ho! Firato asked us to give a nod to the Morgan Hill Community Foundation, the nonprofit their education organization is under. “Without them we wouldn’t be doing what we are doing,” Firato said. He also thanks Ron Locicero for guiding him through the process.
To support this innovative way of teachin’, the good folks at Intero’s Morgan Hill office have dropped a treasure chest of $8,000 into the foundation’s coffers. This bounty was presented July 15 in a grand ceremony. So, me hearties, if ye spot a gaggle of young pirates roamin’ the streets, fear not! They be on a quest for knowledge and adventure at Morgan’s Cove. Arrr!
From pirates to fiddlers, the production of the classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof” at San Jose’s Hammer Theater will feature a strong contingent of South Valley performers.
Opening July 20, for a three-week run, the show boasts a cast and crew with deep roots in our local theater community.
South Valley residents make up an impressive 20 percent of the cast, with additional locals contributing their talents behind the scenes.
Gilroy is well-represented with Coraline Christian as “Chava,” Amari Johl as “Shprintze ,” and the Oliphant family – Genie, Oliver, and Brenden — taking on various roles. Jenn Oliphant lends her creativity as the set designer.
San Martin’s Larry Tom takes on the role of “Avram.” Morgan Hill contributes both on and off stage, with Marilyn Pifer as “Yente” and Elia Lasky as “Fyedka.” Sisters Clara and Miriam Shem-Tov work behind the scenes.
The production further benefits from the talents of several non-South Valley residents who have recently performed with SVCT, including Doug Brook as “Tevye” who recently appeared in “On Golden Pond” and Michael Grimm as “Lazar Wolf” who appeared in many shows including the recent “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Ron Bowman as “Nahum the Beggar” and Mark Wong as “the Fiddler” have provided musical and vocal direction for many SVCT shows. Tressa Bender, director of “Fiddler,” directed “Gentleman’s Guide,” and played “Miss Trunchbull” in last summer’s “Matilda.”
This strong showing of local talent in a major San Jose production underscores the vibrant theater community thriving in the South Valley.
Are you interested in running for local office and serving Morgan Hill? For the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election, the mayor, council member District A, council member District C, and treasurer seats are up.
The nomination period, when you can “pull papers” to run, opened July 15, and closes Aug. 9, and is by appointment only. You can book your appointment at https://outlook.office365.com/book/[email protected]/ or by emailing the City Clerk’s Office at [email protected].
To learn more, visit www.morganhill.ca.gov/2043/Run-for-Office.
