Musician Steve Parkinson, based in the U.K. wrote and performed a song about our late publisher Marty Cheek using a couple of online AI systems to help (ChatGPT, Suno) go through all the information.

“When I come across sad messages or hear about the loss of someone, I try to make time to uses my skills and knowledge of systems to bring a smile to someone, even people I don’t know,” he said, adding that he used information from the story we wrote about Cheek.

Below is the link. Take a listen. https://suno.com/song/d6f5abd3-a36f-442b-96c3-4540ce9e3477

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It’s that time of year. Time for Diwali, a major Indian festival celebrated across faiths, with the lighting of oil lamps, colorful decorations, fireworks and festive meals. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and fosters joy and the spirit of togetherness.

Morgan Hill’s much-anticipated annual Diwali cultural gala is set to return for its 30th anniversary Nov. 17 at the Ann Sobrato High School gymnasium. Organized by the Indian Association of South Santa County (IASC) with support and sponsorship from the city of Morgan Hill and local businesses, this year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of cultural fusion and community bonding.

This annual event not only honors the rich traditions of Diwali but also fosters cultural exchange and friendship within the community.

Since its inception in 1994 as a small gathering of friends and neighbors, this year’s IASC Diwali Gala is expected to be the biggest yet, with 120 participants and more than 500 attendees. The celebration will feature a lineup of traditional and contemporary dance performances showcasing a diversity of local talent. Attendees can look forward to enjoying traditional Diwali snacks and sweets, and a delicious catered dinner, all included in the price of entry.

To immerse yourself in an evening of entertainment and cultural exchange, get your tickets online at www.iascinfo.com/diwali.

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The Mount Madonna School senior class has begun work on their collective, year-long capstone project, “MMS Off the Mountain.” Earlier this month, from the aptly named New Hope Community Church in Santa Cruz, students worked with the Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to bag and distribute food to those members in need.

“One of our main project goals is working with underprivileged communities and looking for ways to lend a hand,” said senior Chloe Smith.

Student Amelie Zands said that after completing the food distribution, she, her classmates and  teacher Lisa Catterall loaded up the school van with all of the remaining perishable groceries and donated them to a nearby Oaxacan migrant farmworker housing site.

Great lessons for our youth.

The Rotary Club of Gilroy donated more than 120 pairs of new shoes for children in September providing much-needed support for struggling families in our communities.

The ‘Walking with Dignity’ community service project was one of the many programs and services the club has adopted to enrich the lives of others. From providing backpacks and school supplies to returning students at local schools, annual scholarships for graduating seniors, and community grants targeting local youth and senior citizens, the Rotary Club of Gilroy has a long history of service.

The shoes contributed by Rotarians to the ‘Walking With Dignity’ service project were donated to the Edward Boss Prado Foundation for distribution to local youth and families. According to Rotary Club of Gilroy President, Kelly Ramirez, “This community service project aligns with our goal to make Gilroy a better community for all. By providing these new shoes, it is our goal to allow children to proudly wear new shoes regardless of the financial situation of their families.”

Great job, Rotary club and the Edward Boss Prado Foundation!