For inclement weather, they have the ability to provide shelter by adding walls and space heaters


By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

While many school districts are grappling with the decision of whether to welcome students back on campuses, Mount Madonna School is building seven additional outdoor classrooms as well as an amphitheater. Like indoor classrooms, the outdoor classrooms will be furnished and equipped with shade structures, whiteboards, Wi-Fi technology and data projectors.

“Immersing students in nature and outdoor learning develops the whole student,” said Head of School Ann Goewert. “Outdoor learning fuels the mind and ignites all of the senses.”

The space under the big oak tree provides ample room for students to socially distance, with flexible seating options. Using some recently felled redwoods, they milled stumps for seating. Extra desks and chairs will be ordered for students who prefer to sit at a desk and chair. Student-supplied, personal camp-style chairs could also be an option for students who prefer to bring their own seating.

The existing upper campus outdoor classroom has been a favorite of students for years. In this learning environment, many students choose to sit on one of the tree limbs as teachers lead class discussion or supervise quiet reflection. Others choose to sit on the wooden benches or prop themselves against a nearby tree trunk.

The weatherproof outdoor classrooms will be equipped with Wi-Fi, waterproof covering, traditional desks and chairs, whiteboards, and data projectors. For inclement weather, they have the ability to provide shelter by adding walls and space heaters.

Meanwhile, work is happening every day. In early July, wall blocks were installed in the amphitheater to create seating for the performing arts supporters. This space will also serve as an outdoor classroom.

School starts Sept. 8. Best of luck, students!

The Annual Taste of Morgan Hill is another victim of the global pandemic as organizers announced earlier this month that the two-day event has been cancelled.

The event, scheduled for the last weekend of September, annually brings in about 50,000 over two days.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the cancellation of the 2020 Taste of Morgan Hill Festival and Car Show,” event organizer Sunday Minnich said on the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. “Our committee has done their best to weather the COVID-19 storm, however, there comes a time where the decision to pull the plug or forge ahead must be made. We are deeply saddened this popular event will not take place this year. We hope to see you in 2021 for the return of the Taste of Morgan Hill Festival and Car Show!”

I’ve gotten several calls in the past few weeks from elderly residents of Gilroy wondering how many people in Gilroy have gotten COVID-19 and how the city is faring compared to others. When the news of the pandemic hit, we published the numbers, but soon realized they were changing so fast that by the time the issue landed in mailboxes, they were outdated. So, instead, I’ve been giving out the website that has most of the information. Visit www.sccgov.org/sites/covid19/Pages/dashboard.aspx to learn more.

I visited the Gilroy Ostrich Farm & Petting Zoo earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed the array of animals. Like many businesses, it was forced to close when the global pandemic struck. But it has now reopened its gates to the public and is celebrating the birth and nurture of many new animals, all in an environment optimized for social distancing.

Families across the bay area now have a safe and rewarding outdoor activity to enjoy, right here in Gilroy. As part of its dedication to the community and the continued well-being of visitors, staff and animals, the farm has increased cleaning and sanitation efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and guests can visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

“There are few experiences as rewarding and enriching as connecting with wildlife, and in these extreme times of stress and uncertainty, our visitors find peace and tranquility in our vast outdoor space,” said Dan Nelson, executive director of the nonprofit outdoor experience at Gilroy Ostrich Farm. “Feeding and petting the many animals aren’t just fun weekend activities with the family, they can also reduce anxiety and depression, provide social support and a sense of purpose.”

The opening weekend drew many visitors from all parts of the Bay Area, including lots of families with kids. A visitor from San Jose, Bonnie, said, “We came out because my kids needed to get out of the house and go somewhere where we could socially distance. They loved feeding the animals, and I loved catching the sunshine.”

With 114 acres of space, along with more than 100 animals in addition to 250 chickens, 50 rabbits and now a new family of baby ostriches, the farm has something for everyone, and provides a self-guided outdoor experience in a working ranch environment. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $50 or more will receive a T-shirt. Donations more than $100 will receive a special gift package of shirt, hat and apron. Donations of $500 or more will receive the gift package and have their names added to the Founder’s Wall at the farm. To donate, visit  www.gofundme.com/f/gilroy-ostrich-farm-animals-need-help.

It can be tough to get your foot in the door with a company. Let work2future be the friend who helped you land your next job. Employers from the Morgan Hill/Gilroy area will:

  • Present employment opportunities they are recruiting for right now.
  • Share tips on getting hired.
  • Give job seekers a chance to connect one-on-one.
  • Let job seekers know why their company is a great place to work.
  • Advance registration is required work2future.org/events/

Register at https://bit.ly/JULY-JOB-FAIR  There is no cost to participate. The virtual event will be hosted on ZOOM at 9 a.m. July 23.  Questions: Call Char Marrazzo at (408) 706-0626.

Cesar Gamboa let us know that Gilroy’s Chicano community is helping preserve a piece of cultural history. Culture is not static nor fixed to one particular locale. It moves alongside history as circumstances adjust, Gamboa said. In recent decades time has taken a toll on historical landmarks, such as a mural which serves as a testament to Gilroy’s Chicano identity. Across the train station, at 40 Hornlein Court, rests a depiction of what is popularly known as the Aztec Calendar. This work of art goes back to the 1970s and was organized by a local youth program that provided academic and extracurricular opportunities to youth from migrant farmworker families.

Some of the same youth who assisted in the mural then are now returning with more insight and wisdom than before to preserve this piece of local heritage. Jimmy Castañeda, a local resident, was one of the youth who participated in the original mural. In the words of Castañeda “This is our history, I want to see it thrive.” He is joined by nonprofit organization CARAS, several downtown businesses, and the city of Gilroy Public Arts Committee, who have already come together to clean and apply protective coating to the mural. Another phase is to begin later this summer.

Let’s keep Gilroy Strong.

Robert Airoldi