Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Resident one of seven in the U.S. a part of Bridge to History program
Nathaniel Yokota is passionate about American history
Nathaniel Yokota at the Spirit of ’45 WWII Living History Event at the San Jose History Park on Aug. 12. Photo courtesy of Yokota family
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
Gilroy resident Nathaniel Yokota, 12, is going on the trip of a lifetime. He was selected as one of seven students in the United States to travel to Europe this fall with an international children’s program called Bridge to History.
The program for preteen students takes them to London, England and to the battlefields of Normandy, France, for 10 days in October to participate in events that honor World War II veterans. They’ll also learn about the war and D-Day. Nathaniel and one parent chaperone will visit all five Normandy beaches, cemeteries, landmarks, cathedrals, attend ceremonies that honor World War II veterans and more.
“Nathaniel has been passionate about history his entire life and dreams of becoming a military historian someday,” said his mother Catherine.
Nathanial, you are an inspiration.
If you’re a cinephile, you’re going to want to be in downtown Gilroy the evening of Sept. 15. In collaboration with the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, this month’s free Third Friday Art Walk will show seven films in seven locations.
“The films will be playing every 30 minutes at each venue from 5 – 8 p.m.” said Mattie Scariot, the festival’s director. “The venues are walkable. All within about three blocks.”
Here are the locations of the films that will be shown:
Neon Exchange – “Amor en Cuarentena”: A short web series comedy from local filmmaker Eugenia Renteria.
6th Street Studios and Art Center – “The Social Chameleon”: An animated Oscar-qualifying short film.
The District Theater – “Strings”: This horror film has played at more than 50 festivals and has won 15 awards with 12 more nominations.
The Realty Society – “The Stupid Boy”: This Oscar-qualifying film has been shown at 52 festivals and won 28 awards.
CMAP TV – “Tierra Fertile” (Fertile Land): An impactful film also directed by Renteria, it won at this year’s festival.
Saddles and Treasures – “The Phoenix”: A sci-fi comedy that has been at 36 festivals and won 16 awards.
Gilroy Veterans Hall – “Nisei”: This drama about the Japanese-American experience in relocation camps during World War II is an Oscar-qualifying film
We can’t wait to see these films.