Svm1749

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & SAN MARTIN

DECEMBER 8, 2017

OU T

& AB OU T END A EV E N R O F TS

CA L

A section of the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

Ron Erskine takes readers to Lassen National Park

Seriously Sierras WASHINGTON HAWTHORN P8 | BENITO BENE P14 | SEASONAL NOSTALGIA P16

DECEMBER 8, 2017

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191 San Felipe Road, Suite P • Hollister

Located in Historic Downtown Gilroy

Ron Erskine

4

HIKER’S CHALLENGE Ron Erskine invites Getting Out

readers on its sixth annual trip.

• Steaks, Seafood & Pasta • Beautiful Ambiance • Patio Dining • Open Daily 8am • Sunday Champagne Brunch 9am • Full Service Bar / Happy Hour 3-6pm • Early Bird Dinner Specials 4-6pm • Banquet and meeting facilities which can accomodate up to 160 Ask about (Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, o ur Banquet Baby Showers, Receptions & Catering Services Open daily 8:00am for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sunday Brunch 8am-1pm

MAGAZINE

64 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA Mailing address: P.O. Box 516, Gilroy, CA 95021

7400 Monterey Street, Gilroy • (408) 842-3454 www.oldcityhall.biz

Phone: 408-842-6400 Publisher

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Dan Pulcrano Associate Publisher

Jeannette Close Editor

Debra Eskinazi

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Calendar Editor

Tia Sundberg Contributing Writers

Jenny Arbizu, Janet Enright, Ron Erskine, Kimberly Ewertz, Roseann Hernandez Cattani, Susan Rife, Colleen Grzan, Cheryl Huguenor, Brad Kava, Emanuel Lee, Kate Russell, Neera Siva, Bev Stenehjem Advertising Account Executives

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Kelly Been, Carrie Bonato, Vanessa Deleon, Scott Harvey Design Director

Kara Brown

2 Week TaeKwonDo " Intro Program

Production Operations Manager

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Cover Story

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Kathy Manlapaz

Crush

Cover photograph by:

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Home & Garden

Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

10 Calendar 15 Shopping

Ron Erskine

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advertising@newsvmedia.com 408.842.9404

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

Brokeoff Mountai

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LASSEN AWAITS Ron Erskine calls readers to the mountains—this year’s excursions include six Coast Range trails.

in Challenge for 2018 takes on Lassen National Park STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY RON ERSKINE

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

here did it go? Didn’t we just uncork some bubbly and toast the arrival of 2017? And now, another new year is at hand.

Whether you make New Year’s resolutions or not, the beginning of the year is a good time to reflect. We know we should be doing a little more of this or a little less of that. So we resolve to improve, but by mid-January, all is forgotten. Instead, consider accepting a challenge beyond a simple New Year’s resolution; tackle an adventure that excites you a little and scares you a little. Accept the Brokeoff Mountain Challenge. ➝ 6

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BROKEOFF MOUNTAIN

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Brokeoff Mountain

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

PREP HIKES Hikers can look forward to six mountain excursions as they gear up for Getting Out’s annual challenge.

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‘This year hikers will scale two peaks for the price of one’

For five years and as many Sierra summits, many of your friends and neighbors have taken on what for many of them was a daunting prospect. They have been to the top of Clouds Rest and Mount Hoffman in Yosemite, Mount Tallac and Snow Valley Peak near Lake Tahoe, and beautiful Round Top near Carson Pass. On those five Sierra hikes alone, challengers have walked nearly 50 miles and climbed 12,540 vertical feet to peaks as high as 10,856 feet above sea level.

I share these numbers with some reluctance, because I want to tempt you to come along, not scare you away. Past challengers have compiled a record to be proud of, ➝ 14

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OUT & ABOUT MORGAN HILL

ASTRONOMY PRESENTATION Experience an out-of-this-world presentation and discover more about astronomy with Fremont Peak Observatory presenter Bill Hudson.

Discuss the size and scale of the universe, the history of astronomy and how knowledge of the universe has changed on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 10am-noon at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Rd. The $10 fee supports Older Adult Services in Morgan Hill.

Visit astronomy.brownpapertickets.com.

GILROY

HOLIDAY SYMPHONY Celebrate the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with music as South Valley Symphony and the music director, Maestro Anthony Quartuccio, continue the symphony’s 44th season. In addition to music to celebrate the holidays, the orchestra will perform Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, “Behind Me Dips Eternity” by Henry Mollicone, and “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night) based on the mesmerizing version by Mannheim Steamroller.

Celebrate with the symphony Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:30pm at Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Visit southvalleysymphony.org.

WATSONVILLE

MULTICULTURAL THEATER Join Simba the lion in Mount Madonna School’s production of The Lion King Jr. The show embraces a multicultural approach honoring African traditions and rhythms. Catch this story of redemption and discovery Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, 2pm at Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Rd. All seats reserved.

Visit MountMadonnaSchool.org.

MORGAN HILL

Spin with BookSmart at the community Hanukkah party and learn about Hanukkah while having a great afternoon of fun. Enjoy cookie decorating, Hanukkah stories and songs, dreidels, donut holes, card making, coloring and more on Sunday, Dec. 10, 1:30-3pm at BookSmart, 1295 E. Dunne Ave, Suite 120. Visit mybooksmart. indielite.org or call 408.778.6467.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

HANUKKAH PARTY

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HOME & GARDEN

A passion for plants

THREE SEASONS The Washington hawthorn is a small deciduous tree with glossy medium leaves that turn in the fall.

The hawthorn that has it all

DECEMBER 8, 2017

By NANCY SCHRAMM

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had a very uncomfortable encounter with some poison oak last month, so it has been difficult feeling particularly thankful about plants for several weeks. But I wanted to pay tribute to November and Thanksgiving, so I thought back to an amazing garden I visited in October.

Despite being at the end of a long hot summer, this Menlo Park garden was attractive and a pleasure to see, full of seed pods, berries and the beginnings of fall color. It reminded me of a design tip I heard once: for every single plant chosen for spring flowers, you should plant two that will reward you with fall color or berries. Washington hawthorn

(Crataegus phaenopyrum) is an exceptional plant that will shine in spring, summer and fall.

This tree is native to the Southeastern U.S., but is highly adaptable and grows well in the Bay Area.

Hawthorns are in the rose family, and because of that are susceptible to fireblight, but the Washington hawthorn is more resistant than the rest.

This small deciduous tree has glossy, medium green leaves that look a bit like maple leaves, lobed and with toothed edges. They turn gorgeous colors in the fall, combinations of pink, red and orange.

Washington hawthorns bloom in late spring, with clusters of white flowers that attract pollinators.

Red berries form during the summer, pendant clusters that persist during the winter and provide food for songbirds and migrant birds as well. I’ve never tried eating the berries, but they are reportedly edible for humans, too. Just spit out the seeds if you taste the berries. I’ve also heard that you can make tasty jam or jelly from the fruit, known as haws.

A word of caution, the Washington hawthorn lives up to it’s name by bearing substantial thorns, so it’s important to place the tree away from well-traveled pathways.

All hawthorns prefer to grow in full sun, but will tolerate shade part of the day. They will put up with air pollution and (once established) with drought. They will grow in most types of soil as long as they have reasonable drainage and occasional water. They grow more quickly when young, but as with many trees, the growth rate slows with age. Washington hawthorns can reach up to 25 feet tall and almost the same width, but regular pruning will keep them smaller. They can even be pruned into an impenetrable hedge. They get bonus points for being deer resistant. Don’t over-fertilize hawthorns, they are more healthy when grown a little hungry. I’ve noticed this with many garden plants, when a flush of fertilizer-driven growth appears, so do the pests like aphids. In general, the Washington hawthorn is a rewarding, easy-to-grow tree.

Newsflash: The San Francisco Flower & Garden Show returns to the Cow Palace April 4-8, 2018!

A word to my readers: My passion for plants exceeds the limits of my nursery. Oftentimes I will tell you about very cool plants even if I am unable to offer them for sale.

Nancy Schramm is the third generation owner of Carman’s Nursery.

She and her husband have lived in Gilroy for more than 30 years.

Contact her at 408.847.2313 or visit carmansnursery.com

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

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& CALENDAR OA

South Valley Dance Arts

DECEMBER 8, 2017

THE NUTCRACKER

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Witness an enchanting and unforgettable holiday experience at The Nutcracker, presented by South Valley Dance Arts. This sparkling and original production of The Nutcracker is set in the Art Nouveau period and will transport audiences to a magical place filled with some of the most breathtaking costumes, dancing and theatrical staging. Celebrate the wonder of the season at this visually stunning South Valley holiday tradition Friday, Dec. 8, 7pm and Saturday, Dec. 9, 1pm and 6pm at the Ann Sobrato Performing Arts Center, 401 Burnett Ave, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit southvalleydance.com.

GILROY

season at Holiday@Night as festive

HOLIDAY@NIGHT Return to

ice skating and live shows usher in

Gilroy Gardens for the magic of the

the tradition of the holidays. Enjoy

strings of twinkling lights, Santa,

turkey with all the trimmings at a grand holiday feast and bundle up with family while riding around the park on the train. Experience Holiday@Night Friday-Sunday, Dec. 8-10, 4-9pm at Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway.

Rides will not be in operation during Holiday@Night. For more information, visit gilroygardens.org.

Regard the work on display through Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Gavilan College Gallery in the library on the Gilroy Campus, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Exhibition hours are 8am-8pm Monday-Thursday and 8am-3pm Fridays. For more information, contact ccanepa@gavilan.edu.

MAJOR RAGER! Experience fine art from visceral political statements to inquisitive formalism as Gavilan College Gallery presents the work of Gavilan College Fine Arts Majors in the exhibition: MAJOR RAGER! The exhibition features photography, painting, works on paper, ceramic sculpture and more.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL See A Christmas Carol like never before in Live Oak Drama Guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original adaptation of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holiday story that uses nothing more than some simple props, fresh physicality and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story. Experience this highly

MORGAN HILL

HARP CONCERT

Join the Friends of the Library for a free holiday performance by South Bay and Central Coast musicians. Harpers Hall Ensemble will be playing their Christmas arrangements along with solo performances by members of the ensemble and a hands on harp experience immediately following the performance. Experience the fun and magic of the harp Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7-8pm at the Morgan Hill Library Program Room, 660 W. Main Ave, Morgan Hill.

For more information, visit friendsmhlibrary.org.

theatrical adaptation Friday, Dec. 8, 8pm or Saturday, Dec. 9, 2pm at The Live Oak Drama Guild, 1505 E. Main Ave. For more information and tickets, visit lohsdrama.com.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Have fun

SANTA SELFIES Take a special holiday picture with Santa at BookSmart. Santa will be in town to pose for selfies with the whole family. Attendees may take as many

Enjoy an evening under the stars with astronomy enthusiasts eager to share the view at Starry Nights in Open Space. Dress warm and bring drinking water and a sense of wonder for the night sky; telescopes will be provided. Enjoy the view Saturday, Dec. 9, 7-9pm at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill. Space is limited, registration is required and cloudy skies or rain will cancel. For more information, visit openspaceauthority.org.

pictures as they like while shopping for new books and educational toys and taking advantage of free gift wrapping. Take a selfie with Santa Saturday, Dec. 9, 11am-2pm or Wednesday, Dec. 13, 3:30-6pm at BookSmart, 1295 E. Dunne Ave. Suite 120. For more information, call 408.778.6467 or visit mybooksmart.indielite.org.

fundraiser is open to the public and all proceeds will go to San Benito county parishes and related charities.

The Nonprofit Christmas Tree Sale Fundraiser is open daily 8am-8pm, through Dec. 24 (while supplies last) at St. Benedict’s Church Hall grounds, 1200 Fairview Rd. For more information, call 831.524.2389.

HOLLISTER

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER Prepare for the holidays and find the perfect Christmas tree at the Nonprofit Christmas Tree Sale Fundraiser held

by Knights of Columbus Council 1792, San Benito County. The

BI-ANNUAL TRADITION El Teatro Campesino’s longest running tradition, La Pastorela, is a musical retelling of the journey of the shepherds to Bethlehem after a sign from the Angel

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

MEAL WITH SANTA Have breakfast or lunch with Santa Claus and help the Girl Scouts Troop 61353 in Morgan Hill raise money to go to Georgia to see where the Girl Scouts started. Enjoy craft time, breakfast or lunch and one on one time with Santa for $10 per person.

The Girl Scouts fundraising event will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 9am or 12pm at the Morgan Hill Masonic Center, 380 W. Dunne Ave. Please RSVP to MJ Miller at 408.842.2132.

while holiday shopping as Sobrato Music Association presents its First Annual Holiday Boutique. Join Santa and his ship for photos, shop amongst the many local vendors and craft makers and enjoy the Sobrato Jazz Band. Children will enjoy arts, crafts and face painting and everyone will delight in hourly door prizes. Head to the boutique Saturday, Dec. 9, 10am-5pm in the Ann Sobrato High School Gym, 401 Burnett Ave. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yc2k3drq.

STARRY VIEW

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OA & CALENDAR

11 each day at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Ave, Morgan Hill. $10 admission includes wine tasting, under 21 free.

For more information, visit guglielmowinery.com.

Julianna Skai Arbor

TREE HUGGER

Join Julianne Skai Arbor, aka TreeGirl, as she reads from her new book, TreeGirl: Intimate Encounters with Wild Nature. TreeGirl invites readers into intimate contact with 50 magnificent tree species from her adventures in 13 countries on four continents with stunning fine art nude photography.

Attendees will enjoy a book talk, slide show and signing on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2pm at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 6825 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y9alg4oj.

of the Lord and their trials along the way. Experience this special Christmas offering through Dec. 17 at Old Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second St. Performance is presented in Spanish. For more information, dates and tickets, visit elteatrocampesino.com.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

EVENTS

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OPEN HOUSE Cat lovers are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Town Cats, a nonprofit cat shelter working to restore health and find homes for homeless cats, at a casual celebration at its shelter.

Attendees will enjoy light appetizers and beverages while meeting and spending time with the staff and, of

course, the cats. Attend the holiday open house Friday, Dec. 8, 6-9pm at Town Cats of Morgan Hill, 195 San Pedro Ave, Morgan Hill.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ycuy5fhn.

WINERY CHRISTMAS Enjoy Guglielmo’s 29th annual Christmas at the Winery, featuring award winning wines, gourmet food, hot mulled wine, holiday carolers and musicians.

Browse the huge selection of holiday decor and Christmas items and visit the expanded gift shop, open daily through Christmas Eve. Experience Christmas at the Winery Saturday and Sunday Dec. 9-10, 10am-5pm

ACT ONE South Valley Civic Theater presents Act One, the story of Moss Hart, from his beginnings as a poor child and son of immigrants in the Bronx to Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, including his collaborations with the most famous theater people of the day. Featuring an elaborate set drawing upon ideas from the original Broadway set design, the play promises to be funny, heartbreaking and suspenseful. The show runs through Saturday, Dec. 9 at The Morgan Hill Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd, Morgan HIll. For more information, visit svct.org.

ZENTANGLE CLUB Tangle with Zentangle artists at the free Morgan Hill Tangle Club. Please bring your own supplies (pen, pencil, tortillon, paper tiles, sketchbook) and share ideas, get inspired and trade tips with other artists. All skill levels are welcome and the club is open to visitors; please note there will be no formal instruction given during club time. Tangle at the Tangle Club Monday, Dec. 11, 6-8pm at BookSmart, 1295 E. Dunne Ave, Suite 120, Morgan Hill.

For more information, visit mybooksmart.indielite.org.

INDIVISIBLE MOVEMENT Join Indivisible South Valley, a grassroots effort aligned with the national Indivisible Movement, in working to protect the democracy and core values of society, with a focus on local communities.

Indivisible South Valley meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Attend the next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7-8:30pm at Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit indivisblesv.org.

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING Solis Winery is offering their awardwinning vintage wines from its

library cellar to celebrate the holiday season. Guests are invited to taste and purchase hand-selected, limited, super-premium wines. Quantities are limited. Experience Holiday Library Wine Tasting weekends through Dec. 31 at Solis Winery, 3920 Hecker Pass Rd, Gilroy.

For more information, visit soliswinery.com.

LEAF LIFTER Leaves are a major cause of local flooding. Leaves will fall, accumulate in the streets and clog up storm drain inlets, grates, and gutters. Neither city crews nor the street sweeper can effectively remove leaves throughout the entire city. By simply raking and removing leaves in the street and gutter and placing them in the yard trimmings can a big step is taken toward protecting homes and the neighborhood. The leaves removed today won't cause a flood tomorrow! Be a “Leaf Lifter” today! For flood prevention tips, visit: valleywater.org/Services/ FloodSafetyTips.aspx.

BOOK SALE The Gilroy Library invites the community to join the Friends of the Gilroy Library book sale. All ages are welcome to browse the variety of great reads.

Proceeds from purchases go toward supporting the collection and programs at the Gilroy Library. The sale is held on the second Saturday of every month, Dec. 9 at 10am at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St, Gilroy. For more information, visit sccl.org or call 408.842.8207.

ENERGY AUDIT The City of Morgan Hill encourages residents to sign up for HomeIntel, a new free energy efficiency service from Home Energy Analytics that helps all PG&E and Silicon Valley Clean Energy customers save money on utility bills. Receive an online analysis of energy use based on smart meter data and custom recommendations to save money.

The program is available for free to all Morgan Hill residents with more than 12 months of usage data and no solar panels. For more information or to start the Smart Audit, visit hi.hea.com.

for the

The most wonderful time of the year!

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Get your parking validated at more than 100 downtown restaurants and retail businesses. Or pay $5 after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends in most ParkSJ garages. ParkSJ.org

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DECEMBER 8, 2017

Invisible Braces

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BROKEOFF MOUNTAIN

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PREP HIKES 1: Coyote Valley OSP. Arrowhead Loop Trail. 9am, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. 4 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 580 feet. Moderate.

2: Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP. 9am Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018.

Two options: 4.3 miles. Moderate. 8.4 miles. Moderate+ Elevation Gain/Loss: Option 1: 500 feet/Option 2: 1,400 feet.

Christmas Eve & New Year's at

MORGAN HILL BIBLE CHURCH 15055 Monterey Street | Morgan Hill, CA

CHRISTMAS EVE

NEW YEAR’S

December 23rd 5:00 & 6:30pm

December 30th 5:00 & 6:30pm

December 24th 3:00, 4:30 & 6:00pm No morning services

December 31st No services

DECEMBER 8, 2017

Featured Mortgage Loan Officer for South County

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4: Mt Umunhum. 9am. Saturday, March 24, 2018. 7.4 miles.

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,150 feet. Moderate.

5: Harvey Bear County Park, Ed Willson Trail. 9am. April 28, 2018. 3.6 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 feet. Moderate.

6: Sierra Vista OSP. Sierra Vista/Upper Calaveras Fault Trails.

5 miles. Saturday, June 9, 2018. Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,100 feet.

Moderate+.

Brokeoff Mountain Challenge. 8am, Saturday, July 14, 2018.

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,600 feet. 7.4 miles.

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3: Angel Island State Park, Mt. Livermore. TBD as per ferry schedules. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. 6 miles. Elevation Gain/Loss: 788 feet. Moderate.

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most and they would not describe themselves as hikers. Few are from the sculpted Lycra-clad crowd. They are regular folks who tell me that they might not have come except for a simple invitation that made the difference: “Come with me, I know the way.”

And when they came, they learned they could do much more than they ever thought.

This year, for the first time, we will go to the Cascades instead of the Sierra. Lassen National Park is a beautiful and relatively uncrowded park with dozens of volcanoes, bubbling fumaroles, wildflowers, and bushels of mountain beauty. Rather than scale the park’s namesake peak, we will go to nearby Brokeoff Mountain, a far better destination. At 8am Saturday, July 14, 2018, we will meet at the 6,635-foot trailhead and climb 2,600 feet to the 9,235-foot summit, a 7.4-mile round trip. When you step on the summit of Brokeoff Mountain, thoughts of your pounding heart and heaving lungs will be swept away.

To the northeast, three crow-flying miles away, Lassen Peak dominates.

Up north, snow-clad and floating on the horizon like a cloud, we will see 14,179-foot Mount Shasta. In every direction, infinite views.

When I am in such amazing places, I think of the people I would

like to plunk down beside me so they could feel how being there fills you up. But you don’t get that feeling for free. Halfway up Brokeoff Mountain, you will long for your sofa and wonder how you got into this. But the following Wednesday at work and decades later, as you rock on the front porch, you will recall that day as one of your best.

Throughout the coming winter and spring, when our hills are showing off, we will walk six Coast Range trails to enjoy wildflowers, running creeks and the fleeting green. There is no structure or program. Come when you wish. Bring anyone you like. Below is the schedule of prep hikes (including a trip to Angel Island!) and the date of the summer challenge.

At our doorstep, we enjoy an expanse and a variety of open space unrivaled by any other major American urban center. It is a great gift. Many have fought to save it for us to enjoy. I hope you will take the opportunity to get out and see it in the company of nice people. Then come to Brokeoff Mountain. Mark your calendars. See you on the trail.

To receive pre-hike email reminders with complete directions and instructions, reach Ron Erskine at ronfoxtailerskine@gmail.com.

SHOPPING

Kimberly Ewertz

LOCALLY-INSPIRED Benito Bene in Hollister offers a variety of speciality products made close to home.

Bene charm

Hollister’s Benito Bene encourages people to buy local

S

décor and decorations including, decorative platters, turkey shaped cutting boards, candle holders and planters.

“We have so many fun things, ornaments, table toppers, aprons, jewelry and beautiful scarves,” Szeto says. “All things are locally-inspired.”

Gift baskets are a great option for that hard to buy for person on your list and Szeto creates custom-made baskets filled with spices, olive oils, mustards, preserves, honey, lotions and even hand-made toys.

This unique seasonal-inspired gift shop is continually featuring a new selection of locally crafted merchandise, especially at this time of year.

“Right now, the holiday season is a lot of fun for us,” says Szeto. “In our store we focus on friends and family getting together.”

Szeto believes in saying thank you to customers and each Saturday in December she’ll be offering samples of holiday recipes to all who visit the shop. Szeto wishes everyone, “Happy Holidays.”

Gift certificates are available and phone orders are accepted.

Store hours are: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm, Saturday, 10am-5pm. For more information call, 831.638.1188, or go to sanbenitobene.com or the San Benito Bene Facebook page.

‘Local products are the focus at Benito Bene’

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

an Benito Bene, located at 615 San Benito St, Ste. B, in Hollister, is the perfect example of small town charm.

Owner Kathina Szeto opened her shop in July 2011, because she felt people should be more informed about, “the variety of amazing locally produced products.”

Szeto says locally sourced products are indeed the focus of the store, featuring award-winning olive oils, Blenheim apricots, gourmet chocolates, spices and rubs, luxurious bath and body products, jewelry, pottery and hand crafted wood products. The store also carries a wonderful selection of home

By KIMBERLY EWERTZ

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ON SENIORS

Seasonal nostalgia

HOLIDAY CHEER From presents to family gatherings, the season offers warm memories of years gone by.

Sears catalog and macaroni necklaces DECEMBER 8, 2017

By CHERYL HUGUENOR

16

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n some parts of the country, a robin is the first sign of spring. My seasonal harbinger of choice when I was young was the arrival of the Sears Christmas catalog. It was one of the most exciting days of the year when that catalog, as thick as a big city phone book, was stuffed into our mailbox. My little brother and I would scoop it up and pour over the pages with awe and, frankly, greed.

My brother wanted to linger over the underwear section so he could snicker at the women’s lingerie, but I would act high and mighty as I tore it out of his hands to check out the newest dolls in the toy section.

I was allowed to ask Santa Claus for two dolls and a few small gifts, and I agonized over the choices as though my life depended on my decision.

Here at Live Oak Adult Day Services, Bill remembered not only the Sears catalog, but also shopping at their massive department store in downtown Chicago. “It was so tall,” he says, “that it had a special tower on the roof to warn planes coming in to land at the airport.” One year he agonized over the perfect gift to surprise his older sister, finally deciding on a bottle of perfume from that very Sears. He marched proudly into

the fragrance department, whereupon a clerk sprayed a sample so broadly that it flew into both eyes and he was unable to see to make a choice. Artie laughs at this story and shares that he not only remembers the Sears catalog, but “we used it in the outhouse!” That was not exactly the warm holiday memory I was expecting. He adds that he and his siblings did pick out their dream gifts from the pages of the catalog, but their parents had little money, so they usually had to make their own toys and gifts. They used old prune boxes to make go-carts, thrilled when an elderly neighbor taught them how to wind rope to fashion a working steering wheel.

We all agreed that once we became parents, we found that our priorities had changed in many ways. We did not need any gifts.

It was most fun to plan and shop for our children. And the best gifts we received were the ones they made for us in school. I still have the painted macaroni necklaces, the lopsided vases made of clay, the crayoned and glitter-covered birthday, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day cards filled with heartfelt expressions of love that make me cry all these years later. I found that I was not alone in this sentiment. Minnie smiles wistfully at the memory of all the sweet gifts and cards made by her daughter many years ago. “They are precious to me.” Lynn says, “Of course. What treasures to cherish forever!”

Everyone at Live Oak Adult Day Services wishes you a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Festivus, filled with glitter-covered cards, painted macaroni wreaths and necklaces, and maybe even a vintage Sears catalog to page through with the kids and grandkids. Hopefully it isn’t one rescued from the outhouse.

Cheryl Huguenor is the program director at Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy. For more information visit liveoakadultdaycare.org.

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19 23

Ladd Ranch

By K. Hovnanian® Homes

K. Hovnanian's® Quick Move-In Collection offers the best pricing on new homes closing in 60-90 days!*

Forest Spanish - Homesite 28

2131 Garnet Way 1,974 sq ft • 3 beds 2 baths • 2-car garage $563,337** Available December!

K. Hovnanian® Homes' Ladd Ranch is conveniently located near schools and downtown Hollister, with easy access to the Bay Area. Homes in this intimate neighborhood focus on indoor/outdoor living in the perfect Hollister location.

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Looking for a new home, but unsure where to start? Contact our friendly Community Information Specialists at 888-408-6590.

Ladd Ranch

San Benito St. & South Side Rd. in Hollister 2121 Cobalt Court, Hollister 95023

khov.com/bay-area

*K. Hovnanian® Companies of California, Inc. reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make changes or modifications without prior notice to any and all content set forth in this advertisement, and other ancillary information upon which this advertisement is based, including, but not limited to, prices, maps, plans, specifications, materials, features and exterior elevations/colors. Square footage is approximate. **Any home at an advertised price is subject to immediate sale and, therefore, the availability of a home at an advertised price is subject to change without prior notice. Please contact a Sales Consultant for the latest information concerning the availability and pricing of homes as well as the availability of amenities and facilities within the community including, if applicable, information about any related assessments. If buyer is working with a licensed real estate agent or broker, the agent or broker must accompany and register buyer on first visit to each community or pre-register using our Rapid Registration form prior to buyer's first visit. Rapid Registration form can be obtained by emailing ca@khov.com or calling 888-408-6590. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. ©2017 K. Hovnanian® Companies of California, Inc. BRE license number 01183847.