Around Town … with Robert Airoldi – Prepare the $5,000-winning recipe from 2018 Great Garlic Cook-Off

Published in the September 5 – 18, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life

Want to cook like a champion? Just visit our website at www.morganhilllife.com and check out the original recipe for Savory Crunchy Freshy Tangy Shrimpy Herby Garlic Lumpia Wrap prepared by the 2018 Great Garlic Cook-Off winner Will Simbol, of New York. Simbol took home the prize at the 40th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 28. The competition was hosted by Iron Chef and co-host of The Chew, Michael Symon, and featured eight amateur chefs competing for the $5,000 top prize and coveted garlic crown.

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Former Miss San Benito Rodeo Corissa King was named Miss Gilroy Rodeo 2019. King will represent the Gilroy Rodeo at events and rodeos throughout California.

After six decades, the Gilroy Rodeo returned to Santa Clara County as a two-day event to celebrate the love of rodeo. The last rodeo was held in 1956. King was the 2017 Miss San Benito Rodeo and recently competed for Miss Salinas Rodeo 2018. Valerie Costanza of Hollister won the latter title.

The rodeo queen is set to start her sophomore year at CSU-Fresno studying agriculture communications. After graduation, she plans to become an agriculture teacher.

King said she is considering running for Miss Rodeo California in the future.

Congratulations, Corissa! We’re sure you’ll do an outstanding job.

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Grease is the word. Our friend Hilary Little wanted us to remind our readers that the city of Gilroy Recreation Department and Little Theatre Productions are holding auditions for everyone’s favorite rock-and-roll musical, “Grease: School Version.” Actors and singers ages 6 to 17 are encouraged to try out for roles where they’ll sport poodle skirts and leather jackets while bringing this classic musical story to life. Auditions will be held at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St., Sept. 8. Ages 6-11 will audition at 11 a.m. and ages 12 to 17 will audition at 1 p.m. Be prepared to sing a song in the style of the show (‘50s, Broadway or Disney preferred) and be dressed and ready to move as there will be a short dance combination. For more information please contact (408) 846-0460.

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Each year, Santa Clara County volunteers fan out to creek sites throughout the county to clean up trash along the waterways during Coastal Cleanup Day. Trash in creeks can ultimately wind up in bays and the ocean, landing on California’s coastline and impacting wildlife. Many have already registered, but 1,500 are still are needed to clean up the 45 creek sites.

Last year, volunteer crews removed 87,997 pounds of trash from local creeks. That’s equivalent to the weight of 33 Honda Civics. Not only do these volunteer efforts beautify and improve the health of local rivers and creeks, but it also leaves participants of the impact that trash has on creeks.

Interested volunteers can find a list and map of cleanup sites and waiver of liability forms at www.cleanacreek.org. Pre-registration is required at most sites. Individuals, clubs and classes are welcome to volunteer, as well as those looking to fulfill community service requirements. All youth younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on a Waiver of Liability form and will also need adult supervision for the entire event.

This year’s cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 15. If you love our environment, join this awesome event to help keep our creeks clean.

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Town Cats of Morgan Hill was recently selected by The Jackson Galaxy Project, a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org, to participate in the Autumn 2018 Semester of Cat Pawsitive Pro, a life-saving initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to shelter cats. This innovative training program for shelter cats aims to increase feline adoption rates as well as educate the shelter staff and volunteers on how to implement it.

Cats who are exposed to reward-based training methods of Cat Pawsitive Pro gain confidence, experience reduced stress level and build connections with staff, volunteers and potential adopters. The program can help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to meet an adopter, a feisty cat can learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn to give an endearing “high five” to his visitors to seal an adoption deal.

Way to go, Town Cats. Hopefully, this will result in more cats getting adopted.