Published in the July 9-23, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
The 2014 Summer Photo Contest is here. Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman wants to see your favorite photos that show why Santa Clara County is the place to be in the summer. Mike will frame and display the winning photos in his office. So grab your camera and show off your favorite images of landscape, farmers markets, parades, county parks, neighborhood barbecues, pets, and other fun images of summer. The deadline is Aug. 1, 2014. Simply email your photo to [email protected] along with your name, address, and where you took the photo. More information on the photo contest including rules and photos of past winners can be found at [email protected].
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Interested in helping shape the city’s future? The city has a vacancy on the seven-member Planning Commission after Commissioner Robert Benich resigned from his post effective Aug. 31. The commission oversees planning, subdivisions, zoning, residential development control and other land use regulatory controls prescribed by state law. It also serves as an advisory body to the City Council on zoning and general plan-related matters. An appointment to the second most powerful body in the city is a great stepping stone to higher office, if you’re interested in that. The term is for four years and the commission meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Anyone interested can download an application at www.morganhill.ca.gov or visit the city clerk’s office at 17575 Peak Ave. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. July 28.
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Locals interested in playing softball, now is your the time to form teams. The Morgan Hill Adult Softball League is now registering men’s and co-ed teams to play at 5, 6:15, 7:30, or 8:45 p.m. Monday nights. Both will begin play July 28 through the summer. Registration is open until July 21. The cost is between $500 and $600 per team depending on the residence status of the team. To register and for more information, visit www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/index.aspx?nid=1195
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Thomas Busk
Not everyone who visits Las Vegas returns home richer than they left, but Thomas Busk, 49, says he did just that. Morgan Hill’s own, Busk went to Las Vegas to study at the McBride Magic and Mystery School, operated by Las Vegas magic headliner Jeff McBride and his teacher, Eugene Burger. While in Vegas, Busk not only got to work with McBride and Burger, but also met magic legends Penn and Teller, and performed his favorite trick, Liquid Suspension in front of the Riviera casino. “I guess you could say I’ve performed on The Strip in Las Vegas, now.” he said. “If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.”
His father Morton Busk was the owner of the 21 Mile House Fruit stand on the corner of Tennant and Edmundson avenues, and his mother, Betty G. Busk, served the city for many years as City Treasurer and City Clerk. Busk attended both Nordstrom Elementary School, Britton and Martin Murphy Middle schools and Live Oak High School. He then graduated from Gavilan College where he was active in both the Music and Theater Arts departments, before earning his Bachelor of Music at the Berklee College of Music.
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Julie Zintsmaster
Julie Zintsmaster, the executive secretary to the Superintendent of Schools since 2002, a school district employee since 1998 and a board member from 1992 to 1996, is retiring. Zintsmaster has worked with five superintendents and 28 board members since 1992. She has attended an estimated 420 board meetings and is one of only three superintendent secretaries since 1996 when Morgan Hill Unified School District was formed as a unified district.
“Julie is a leader in our district,” according to a resolution of appreciation honoring her. “Her knowledge of district history is unsurpassed … she has encouraged, supported and guided many employees during her employment with the district.” Her retirement becomes official in December. Congratulations Julie!
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Nick Boden
Former Live Oak High School Principal Nick Boden passed away in June after suffering a heart attack. Boden was well-respected and loved by many of the students and staff members of the Morgan Hill Unified School District during the years he headed Live Oak. The school faced national attention over freedom of speech issues following a May 5, 2010 incident involving five students who wore patriotic-themed clothing to school during the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Last year judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Boden had not violated the students’ constitutional rights.
Former school board member Kathy Sullivan said she remembers Boden as a happy man who loved the local community.
“He was a lovely man who enjoyed his life, family and the children he served,” she said. “His legacy was his work in education.” Morgan Hill Life agrees.
