Besides finding goodies to buy and eat, authors to chat with and
music and food to enjoy, visitors to the Taste of Morgan Hill could
also pick up information on dozens of nonprofit organizations,
churches and businesses. The Morgan Hill Historical Society sold
historic area photos and samples of poppy jasper, the official
Morgan Hill rock; Independence Day, Inc., the folks who bring two
days of free July Fourth festivities to town, picked up volunteers
and the South County Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Project,
Inc. handed out information on surviving disasters and recruited
for its new series of classes, starting Oct. 4.
Besides finding goodies to buy and eat, authors to chat with and music and food to enjoy, visitors to the Taste of Morgan Hill could also pick up information on dozens of nonprofit organizations, churches and businesses. The Morgan Hill Historical Society sold historic area photos and samples of poppy jasper, the official Morgan Hill rock; Independence Day, Inc., the folks who bring two days of free July Fourth festivities to town, picked up volunteers and the South County Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Project, Inc. handed out information on surviving disasters and recruited for its new series of classes, starting Oct. 4.
Piece by Piece Quilters raffled off their fifth annual quilt, with the proceeds going to the Saint Louise Breast Cancer Center. The group hoped to earn $5,000 for the Basket of Hope patterned quilt in pinks, blues and greens. The quilters displayed squares of their work at BookSmart during the week. Other quilters showed their work Saturday at the First United Methodist Church.
Both political parties were also evident, this being the week before the recall election. The Democratic Club booth was willing to discuss the recall and the state of democracy in California with passers by. The Republican Party booth sported a standing cut out of President George Bush and collected comments ranging from praise to tomatoes.
Education was also represented, with booths by Sylvan Learning Center, Live Oak High, Martin Murphy Middle and Paradise Valley.
Quite a few churches came out, some selling T-shirts and other items. Visitors were invited to talk with the representatives about programs and activities at the churches.
The Taste and its non-profit vendors – and commercial, too – would not have been as successful without the support of its many sponsors, including Monte Vigne – Pacific Union Homes, Anritsu and Abbott Laboratories, Morgan Hill Swim Club, KSBW-TV8, KRTY Radio, South Valley Disposal & Recycling, Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Alaskan Brewing, Power Equipment Company, Heritage Bank South Valley, CordeValle Golf Club, Design Factory Graphics, Stewart Title, San Pedro Self Storage, Greif, Inc., Roses 4-U, City of Morgan Hill, Specialized Bikes, Safeway and Guglielmo and Pedrizzetti wineries.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sunday Minnich said the various committees that organized the event also made it a success due to their hard work and dedication. Minnich said she would like to recognize them: Brad Ledwith, event chair; Christine Giusiana, food; Jennifer Tate, arts and crafts registration; Michele Naylor, advertising and promotions; Bob Snow, entertainment; Patty Sebald, volunteers; Jeff Perkins, cash handling; Myles Taketa, car show; Susan Wilson, beer garden; Garrie Bryant, wine tent; Teri Nelson, kids zone; Cathy and John Wolfenbarger and Ron Bartholow, ticket and glass sales; Judy Pyle, souvenirs; Frank Portera and The Lions Club, set-up and tear down; Lynn Liebshutz and Bob Eltgroth, bike parking.
