December is the season for lending a helping hand. As welcome as
this is, we are pleased to applaud some Morgan Hill citizens who
volunteer all year long.
December is the season for lending a helping hand. As welcome as this is, we are pleased to applaud some Morgan Hill citizens who volunteer all year long.
• Kudos to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students and volunteers for their work for the less fortunate in our community. These Live Oak students collecting, sorting and distributing food during the holiday season. The students put together a well-planned campaign and were able to meet their goal of 50 boxes, which not only included food but also household necessities like paper towels and deodorant.
The FBLA students, under the guidance of advisor Kiki Nakauchi, also collected four truckloads of household goods for Croy fire victims. They had planned to deliver the goods during winter break but were prevented from doing so by the weather. Heavy rains made the Croy area impassable. Another attempt will be made soon.
• Kudos also to the new School Board. After only one regular meeting and one special meeting, they have already begun to make a difference. The selection of a construction management firm for Sobrato High School is being handled with care, and an effort made to determine the district’s financial status in relation to the construction of the high school.
To be fair, the impetus began before the “old board” became the new board, when an RFP, or request for proposals, was demanded by the board in October. Outgoing trustees John Kennett and Rick Herder and incumbent George Panos stood firm against an automatic re-selection of Jacobs, Inc., clearing the way for the current board to conduct a more thorough investigation into Jacobs and competitor Turner Construction before coming to a decision. The community appreciates that you are doing the job you were elected to do: oversee and direct the district’s actions.
• Ken Tougas, a Chamber of Commerce Showcase Man of the Year in 1999, continues – unofficially – in that role – as a stalwart in the Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club. He is also widely known for being the driving force behind the hugely successful Toys For Tots program. Countless children must believe Santa looks like Ken.
• Jesse Nazzal, owner of Betsy’s Restaurant in Tennant Station, is another Santa who deserves thanks and applause. Betsy’s, a Morgan Hill fixture for 21 years, has helped provide food for senior lunch programs on days when the lunch program was closed. Nazzal has been generous with the ChildSpree program during the last two summers, barbecuing ribs every Friday for Grange Hall dinners with proceeds going to ChildSpree.
But they are best known for their holiday spirit. Each year, Betsy’s provides a free Christmas dinner for anyone who drops by. Santa is on hand to pass out gifts for the children.”
“It makes me feel good to help people who need something,” said Jesse in September when receiving a Spirit award from Gavilan College.
It makes us feel good to live in a community with such people.
You, too, can volunteer in your community. If you need help finding a suitable outlet, call Karen Lengsfield, volunteer coordinator at City Hall, 779-7271. She will put you to work.
