Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: As we move forward after the election, let’s join together in peace

Let’s hope that we as a people will value the traditions of democracy

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By Robert Airoldi

Future historians may very well call the 2020 election our country’s most contentious race for the White House. My hope is that in its aftermath, regardless of which man might wind up leading our nation for the next four years, we Americans will find ways to stay civil and avoid acts of violence.

Here in South Valley during a time of uncertainty, let us remember who we are as Americans. We are at our best when we come together as people who care about the institution of democracy. We are at our best when we work to preserve our rights and freedoms that all people must be allowed to enjoy under the law of the land. We are at our best when we take time to respect each other’s opinions and viewpoints, especially those that are contrary to our own. We are at our best when we set aside our political tribal affiliations and understand we all belong to the greater tribe of our common humanity.

The path America will take into the future still remains uncertain. In the post-Election Day time, my hope is that we as a people will value the traditions of democracy that so many men and women throughout our history have fought for — and even died for. As we move forward following the 2020 election, let us put aside our polarization. Let us come together as Americans who stand proud of the heritage we have received from the people of our nation’s past. And let us strive as Americans to give a legacy of hope and peace to the people of our nation’s future.

May God bless the American republic. And may we, the people, preserve our democratic institutions.

If you haven’t yet visited Gallery 1202’s fall program featuring female black artists, you have another week or so to enjoy the “Women (Un)Silenced) show. It runs until Nov. 20.

Six American artists give voice to those who have been historically silenced. Each seeks to challenge their audience to adjust and question their perspective on issues such as mental health, misogyny, racism, culture, and gender by using the female figure as a tool in their respective medium.  Depicted in a variety of mediums including photography, painting, digital illustration, and textiles, the artists place female subjects into alternative narratives forcing the audience to re-imagine these women through a different lens, which empowers both the subject and the artist.

There is more artistic experiences in store for Gilroy residents. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 14 when the South Valley Symphony will present its first virtual concert.

The ensemble music will lift your spirits during the pandemic in this free online autumn concert conducted by SVS’s music director Anthony Quartuccio. The concert is called “Musical Musings” and will include “miniature masterpieces” for brass, string and woodwind.

Streaming on a video platform you’ll be able to enjoy the orchestra performing works by Mozart, George Gershwin and other beloved composers.

Links to the concert will be sent on Nov. 14. For more details, go to www.southvalleysymphony.org/support-svs.

Let’s hear it for the good guys. Pacific Point High School seniors Michael Abel and Zack Ferreira decided this year they would give back to those in need. When faced with how to earn community service hours, Abel got in touch with Morgan Hill’s local St Catherine’s Church and asked how he could help. He was emailed a list of items needed and he and Zack filled 50 one-gallon sized Ziploc bags with everyday essentials.

“To hear the excitement in one’s voice when telling them they would get a disposable razor was almost too much,” said Zach’s mother, Heidi Ferreira, in an email. “They bagged up a pair of socks, laundry detergents, shampoo and Chapstick, face masks, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors and shaving cream as well as feminine hygiene products. Essential items for health and basic needs that most of us we tend to overlook.”

Robert Airoldi is the editor of Gilroy Life. Contact him at [email protected].