Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Gilroy Bowl, Scotty’s closed as a result of the global pandemic

Hopefully, once we’re through with COVID-19, another operator of the downtown bowling alley will come in.

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By Robert Airoldi

Another victim of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting business restrictions is Gilroy Bowl and Scotty’s Restaurant, which closed Nov. 16.

The downtown icon since 1967 announced it would close its doors Dec. 20, however, it was forced to close earlier after Santa Clara County was moved into the most-restrictive “Purple Tier.”

News of the closure hit longtime Gilroyans hard, some of whom shared their memories on various Facebook groups.

Rick Nagareda posted on the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce page: “Sad to see Gilroy Bowl close. There is so much great history there.”

Although I only bowled there twice, I can only imagine the sorrow over seeing such an icon that was part of many people’s lives forced to close. Hopefully, once we’re through with COVID-19, another operator will come in.

On keeping with health protocols, Chabad South County Jewish Center will be hosting a drive-in public menorah lighting ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center solar panel parking lot, Sunday, Dec. 13, the fourth night of the eight-day holiday.

The event is open to the entire South County community and all safety guidelines will be followed. Participants will be able to watch from the comfort of their vehicles, and enjoy holiday treats which will safely be distributed to each car.

The celebration will include a grand menorah lighting, holiday greetings from local dignitaries including Morgan Hill City Manager Christina Turner, followed by music and a spectacular fireworks show.

“We can’t wait for the drive-in menorah lighting,” community member Elke Axtell said. “We are amazed at Chabad’s creativity as they’ve created an event which allows our community to unite safely, ensuring that no one will have to celebrate Hanukkah alone!”

Chabad’s director Rabbi Mendel Liberow said, “Despite the greatest darkness, light will always prevail. Even a small amount of light dispels much darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, makes all the difference.”

To ensure the safety of this event pre-registration is required at www.jewishmh.com/chanukah.

Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) was presented with the prestigious California County Boards of Education Outstanding Legislator Award for his leadership in working to improve California’s public schools and his support of local counties and school boards.

He was nominated by Janet Wohlgemuth, Board Member of the Monterey County Board of Education and President of CCBE, who recently gave the award to Rivas in a small ceremony.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this award by the California County Boards of Education,” said Rivas, who represents Gilroy and Morgan Hill in the State Assembly. “Education is personal to me. I come from a family of educators — both my mom and aunt are teachers in Assembly District 30 — and prior to becoming an Assemblymember, I worked as an adjunct professor at Gavilan College. This is an incredibly difficult job, made more complicated by inadequate funding and a lack of teachers. I’m proud of my accomplishments to increase funding for schools and combat the teacher shortage during the past two years in the Assembly, and I look forward to continuing to support educators and students in the upcoming session, especially during this unprecedented period in our state’s history.”

Congratulations, Robert. Keep up the good work.

It’s been more than a year since a gunman killed three people at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, prompting the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office to open the Gilroy Strong Resiliency Center. Recently, District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced it is expanding its center and services created to help those impacted recover from the continuing trauma.

The Gilroy Strong Resiliency Center, located at the Neon Exchange at 7365 Monterey St., has opened its permanent offices on the second floor designed to accommodate private rooms for counseling and advice on how to get services. The GSRC will be offering a series of free virtual self-care workshops starting at 6 p.m., Nov. 24.

“This city rose up after the worst day in its modern history and answered hatred and violence with care and cooperation,” Rosen said. “Gilroy Strong is not just a hashtag. It’s an accurate description.”

The center is designed to help survivors, family members, first responders, and those impacted by the July 28, 2019 shooting.

The GSRC is a center where the public can receive support, services, resources, information and referrals to other community agencies in a COVID-safe way.

In the weeks following the shooting, the DA’s Office served 877 victims and their families, and more than 2,250 people in the Gilroy community through events and services of the GSRC. It is open on from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment.

For information, contact the GSRC Hotline at (408) 209-8356 or email [email protected].

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