05 gmhToday Nov Dec 2015

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 l Morgan Hill Gilroy San Martin

Giving aholiday traditionholiday traditionA Look at Giving in South Santa Clara County

PLUSGILROY ROTARYCELEBRATES 90 YEARS

SENIOR ACTIVITIESABOUND IN SOUTH COUNTY

GROWING UP IN GILROYAND MORGAN HILL

SARAHS VINEYARD THE LEGACY

TODAYTODAYTODAYTODAYTODAYTODAYgmhTODAYTODAYTODAYTHE L IFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH SANTA CLARA VALLEY

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Medicare Health PlansIndividual Health Plans

Life InsuranceFinal Expense

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California is on Track to Have Nations First High-Speed Rail SystemIf all goes according to plan, California may become a model of 21st Century transportation. That was the local buzz on September 23rd when the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) invited South County residents to a Community Open House at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center.

According to CHSRA, by 2029, Americas first high-speed rail system will have the capability to transport passengers from San

Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours. Ultimately, the high-speed rail system will extend to Sacramento and San Diego, with up to 24 stations stretching across 800 miles. The estimated price tag: $67 billion.

The CHSRA presentation focused on the statewide projects San Francisco to San Jose and San Jose to Merced Project Sections. Local residents came with questions and concerns about the project and its potential

impacts (will it go through down-town, will it be safe, can we afford it?) as CHSRA moves into the next phase of planning and environ-mental review.

CHSRA Northern Regional Director, Ben Tripousis, said that CHSRA is excited by the communitys interest in the high speed rail program and looking forward to continuing the conversation with Morgan Hill residents as we move forward.

Learn more at hsr.ca.gov/.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association recently announced distributions totaling $250,000 to 138 different charities and non-profit organizations. The 2015 figure brings the Garlic Festivals 37-year total distributions to $10,931,725.

In the Volunteer Equity Program, instituted by the Gilroy Garlic Festival founders in 1979, net proceeds from the three-day event are distributed to local schools, sports teams, non-profit groups, and

Gilroy Garlic Festival Exceeds $10.9 Million in Non-Profit Distributions

service organizations based on the number of hours logged at the Festival by volunteers for those organizations. Many non-profit groups in Gilroy and surrounding communities depend on the Garlic Festival as their primary fundraiser each year.

In addition to the Volunteer Equity Program distributions, the Festival also donated $8,000 to fund scholarships at local universities who competed in the Garlic Bowl cooking competition.

Although attendance and revenue

were strong this year, Festival organizers had to contend with record-high expenses due to the need for off-site parking. Overall, the Directors are pleased that the shuttle bus system worked smoothly for visitors, and are working on solutions to close the revenue gap in the future.

See complete list of distributions at gilroygarlicfestival.com/media-information/.

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The Bread Company New and Innovative Business Start-up

These days it is tough to start a business. Banks are tight. Local government often is more of a hindrance than a help. How does one do it?

Computers, phones and the digital age, in general, have introduced a new way of problem solving less old school bank or government, more creative new school thinking. We have all seen big time mergers, acquisitions and/or equity funding in business. But this is a tough playing field for the small guy. Alternative thinking has introduced us to crowd source funding and more recently to credibles. Credibles.com is an actual web site that organizes edible credits for food-related businesses. The buyer purchases credits with the opportunity to earn additional incentives. So a food business can get some up-front cash to open or expand.

Caf 152, The Bread Company has joined Credibles.com as a way to raise additional cash to open. The Bread Company is located in the La Aldea Building on the corner of 4th and Eigleberry Streets. Owners Bruce and Audrey Haller are committed to opening an eatery that features local products, wine and produce. Many might know the Hallers from the Caf 152 Burger Company or Caf 152 Catering.

For information contact: Bruce Haller, 408.623.8909.

Recently the new Caf 152 Bread Company, hosted several opportunities to Break Bread invitingvisitors to sample some delectable, local wines and an introduction to Caf 152 Bread Company credibles.

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation (MHCF) is prepar-ing to co-host with PG&E the 10th Annual Philanthropy Celebration, November 13, at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center (CCC). Twenty-six local philanthropists and volunteers will be recognized for outstanding contributions to nonprofits, exemplifying generosity, selflessness and, some-times, sacrifice. This years Outstanding Philanthropists and Volunteers and featured nonprofits are:

FEATURED NON PROFITS HONOREESMorgan Hill Community Foundation Anita WoodsonAmerican Association of University Women Peggy Martin Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Inc. Renae QuonCity of Morgan Hill Youth Action Council Ambrose Douglas Zuercher Community Solutions Guild Mortgage Edward Boss Prado Foundation Greta Salmi, Connie MurrayFriends of the Morgan Hill Library Yvonne Duckett Friends of the San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) Ava GeddesIntero Foundation Cathy JacksonLeadership Morgan Hill Recology South Valley Learning and Loving Education Center Barbara Palmer Live Oak Athletic Boosters CommonWealth Credit UnionMizuho Exchange Program Kathy Sullivan Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Leonette Stafford Morgan Hill Kiwanis Edward Boss Prado Foundation Morgan Hill Library Bonnie CherryMorgan Hill Rotary Club Jan DeanMorgan Hill Sister Cities Jill KirkOne Step Closer Therapeutic Riding Carol MurraySouth County Cal-SOAP College Futures Foundation South Valley Athletic Foundation Sharon Stoner, Elizabeth MandelSouth Valley Civic Theater Carol Harris Teachers Aid Coalition Ron Woolf Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Doug Greer

Making the event as special as those who are honored are MHCFs dedicated sponsors. This years event is made possible by MHCFs Philanthropy Leader: South Bay Piping Industry. MHCF also thanks its Premier Sponsors: Air Systems, Inc.; City of Morgan Hill; Santa Clara Valley Contractors Association; and TMCF, Inc. Additionally, the MHCF thanks its Spirit of Philanthropy Sponsors: Guglielmo Winery; Heritage Bank; Monterey Bay Area Sheet Metal Contractors Association; Pamala Meador Intero Real Estate; and the Woodson Family.

Philanthropy Night honorees come from any nonprofit in Morgan Hill that wishes to honor a person, company or group that has made a significant contribution to the non-profit in the current calendar year. It could be that a person has volunteered for many hours or provided financial support. Each nonprofit determines the criteria appropriate for its group, thereby making it a fair consideration, no matter how small or large the nonprofit. Information at: morganhillcf.org.


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A Trip To Remember The juniors (incoming seniors) of Mount Madonna School traveled to South Africa from June 13-29th, 2015 to visit a variety of nonprofit organizations and schools, as well as the Botshabelo AIDS orphanage. Along the way they interviewed several people including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and saw the environment/nature of South Africa on a safari.

With a quick stop in Gilroy for a bite at The Milias Restaurant along the way, Curtis Hargrove is a man on a mission. He is on a 1518-mile run that started in Port Alberni, BC on August 30th and is headed to the Ellen Degeneres Show in Los Angeles. He is delivering a very special blanket on behalf of Angel Magnussen, a 19- year-old BC teen who makes blankets for critically ill kids all over the world through her non-profit foundation, Hugginz By Angel.

My Name is Curtis HargroveThe goal is is have the

opportunity to invite Ellen to be part of Team Hugginz, and help her help sick kids.

Curtis was accompanied by his support driver, videographer and partner Allen Felker.

When asked about how he was received along the way, Curtis said, Everyone loves getting involved, restaurants have been extremely gracious through-out the trip.

Running 58 marathons in 49 days

Dancing students with new friends - the Tswelopele Performing Artists in Tembisa

Did I leave home fourteen or fifteen days ago? Is it Thursday or Friday? Did I change my socks? I dont have the slightest clue. As our jeep hurtles through the African landscape everything escapes my mind but the present. Swaths of grass cradle gazelle, camouflage lions, ripple like the gossamer surface of the sea, whisper stories, and dance wildly at the touch

of wind. I forget the coldness gnawing at my bones. I embrace the spirit of an open-minded traveler, letting the bumpy road give me a massage with its crooked fingers. The sunrise confounds my worried thoughts. I become a stream of images inseparable from the thing itself. The soil of South Africa, of the whole world is fecund for change,

On Safari in Pilanesberg National Park, South AfricaBy Holden Smith, 11th grade

for the growth of compassion. I feel the potential all around me. It is in the laugh of Desmond Tutu, in the smiling, playing, and dying youth of Botshabelo and on the savannah; it intoxicates me with a childs imagination. We need only to sow the seeds.

Visit africa.mountmadonnaschool.org for more student comments.

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90TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE LODGE ON THE HILL (partial membership in attendance).


Celebrating 90 Years of Service

The San Jose Rotary Club sponsored the Gilroy Rotary Club in 1925. Things were a lot different back then. According to the 1920 official US census, the population of Gilroy was 2,862. Today, more than 52,000 make their home in Gilroy.

Now in its 90th year, membership in the Gilroy Rotary Club has grown to 120 dedicated members. Over the years, Gilroy Rotary has sponsored several area clubs including the Gilroy Sunrise Rotary, which has another 20 members locally.

Every Tuesday, rotary members meet at noon and get down to the business of serving the community. Gilroy Rotarians also have their share of fun, with movie and play nights and a variety of social events but it is above all a service club that honors the Rotarian motto Service Above Self. Quietly and often unnoticed, Rotary extends a helping hand to local, region and national causes.

Gilroy Rotary raises about $100,000 a year. In 2015, over $50,000 was awarded to 58 local non-profit organizations and programs and another $52,500 in college scholarships. Selected

Written By Larry J. Mickartz

Rotary Club of Gilroy

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high school students received RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) scholarships and many class of 2015 seniors received college scholarships. On the other end of the spectrum, Gilroys senior citizens were treated to a summer barbecue.

A Gilroy Rotary project, with global implications, is the Share Life Bone Marrow Registry program which began with Rotary member Malcolm MacPhail. He had a rare form of leukemia that required a bone marrow match. Several club members took up the challenge and have signed up 5,000 people on the bone marrow registry. Of this group 104 were matches and 10 people have become donors! Malcolm also found a suitable donor, underwent a successful transplant in 1999 and achieved a full recovery.

Gilroy Rotary is one of six clubs in Area 6 (Gilroy, Gilroy Sunrise, Morgan Hill, Almaden, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista.) These area clubs pool their resources and take on an annual community project. Some past projects include: Rebekah Children Services in Gilroy, the Chamberlains Children Center in Hollister, Henry Coe Park, Gilroy Gardens and the Gilroy Compassion

Center. The 2016 project is focused on cleaning-up, mapping and installing a reflection area at the old St Mary Cemetery.

Gilroy Rotary is part of Rotary District 5170 and Rotary International which connects local members to Rotary projects all over the world. Gilroy Rotarians have traveled the world to serve on these projects. One of Rotary Internationals goals is the eradication of polio worldwide and tremendous progress has been made toward this goal! Gilroy Rotary also sponsors the local operation of RotoCare, a weekly free health care clinic at South Valley Middle School. For 25 years, RotaCare has been serving the Bay Areas working and unemployed residents who are unable to pay for primary health care.

On another local note, former Gilroy Chamber CEO and Rotary member, Susan Valenta, is the District Governor for Rotary District 5170 this year. Next year, local businessman, Jeff Orth, will take on the challenge of District Governor.

The small town Rotary Club formed 90 years ago has come a long way. Congratulations to Gilroy Rotary, 90 years of age, and getting better every day.

Polio Eradication Rotary, along with part-ners from around the world, has reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Gilroy Rotarians Pat Golden and Kat Filice traveled to Africa to help with immunization of children last year.

Area Work Day along with the other Area 6 Rotary Clubs (Morgan Hill, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Gilroy Sunrise & Almaden), refreshed the facilities at historic Morgan Hill House.

Bone Marrow Register Worked with Be The Match to register 300 Gilroy Garlic Festival attendees in hopes of to identifying potential bone marrow donors.

2014-15 Board of Directors (l-r) Whitney Pintello, President Joel Goldsmith, Scot Smithee, Brad Nye, Brian Bowe, Marco Renella, Kathleen Rose, Peter Katavich, and Tim Day. Not pictured: Paresh Patel and Karen Bernosky.


Service Above Self manifested in many different ways

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Wine Pavilion Gilroy Rotary collaborates with 20 local wineries in managing the wine pavilion at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. Event proceeds help Rotary provide local organizations and schools with Charitable Giving grants.

Fundraising

Regional & Around The World


Flower Sale Every April, Syngenta Seeds hosts the Rotary Club Flower Sale in its green-houses following the companys spring flower show. Event proceeds help support youth scholarships presented to local high school students. The Flower Sale is a popular happening for local plant enthusiasts.


Youth ProgramsRYLA Gilroy Rotary sponsored eight local high school students at a week- long leadership camp, the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy.

Interact Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary, and helping young leaders to develop their skills. Gilroy Rotary sponsors Interact Clubs for local youth at Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, and the Gilroy Early College Academy. Students in these clubs strengthen their leadership skills, serve their communities, increase their global awareness, and build f riendships.

Speech Contest hosted both our local and a district regional high school speech contest. Gilroys representative, Annabelle Chow was the District finalist.

Scholarships presented 16 local students with college scholarships totaling $37,500.

Community SupportDistrict Governors Project In a matter of weeks, Gilroy Rotary raised $1200 and partnered with Staples to give $2000 worth of supplies to Elliott School.

Charitable Giving Gilroy Rotary presented almost $60,000 to local schools and organizations who provide valued services for Gilroys youth and seniors.

Club Work Day a hard-working group of Rotarians re-stained the entry walkway bridge at Gilroy Gardens. The GG supervisor said if he knew they were going to work so hard he would have had more projects for them to do.

Senior BBQ a group of Gilroy Rotarians hosted over 200 seniors at this years annual barbecue held at Christmas Hill Park.

Candidates Forum hosted candidates running for Gilroy City Council.


Seven Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

D. R. Domenichini Construction was named Morgan Hill Business of the Year in 2012 and also voted (2014 & 2015) Best Contractor in Morgan Hill by the Morgan Hill Times. The owner, David Domenichini, resides in the Morgan Hill area and brings nearly 20 years of experience to his family-owned and operated business. Follow them on Facebook for weekly projectupdates, hints, tips, giveaways and more.You can visit their website at drdcon.comor call 408.691.3283.

Lets face it, remodeling can be

stressful. Between the many

decisions that have to be made,

the inconvenience it creates during

the project as well as the overall

cost to do a remodel, its no

surprise that remodeling can cause

anxiety. Here are seven common

remodeling mistakes that if

avoided can help keep your stress

level down and also keep extra

money in your pockets.

Number OneInaccurate Cabinet MeasurementsThis can end up being one of the costliest mistakes you can make. We suggest measuring for cabinets only after you have your appliance specifications so you can compare them to the plans with your cabinet installer. Not only can it be extremely costly if cabinet measurements are off, but it will also set a job back at least a couple weeks.

Number TwoChoosing the Cheapest ContractorWe recommend getting at least three bids when youre looking for a contractor and make sure to get a written estimate from each of them so you can do a fair com-parison. A well-written estimate should include details (e.g., exact cabinets, hard-ware, flooring, and install costs, not just new room), a waste removal plan, permit costs, insurance, general contractor fee, an explanation of how design changes are handled, and the warranty on the work. If your estimate doesnt include these, the contractor is either not very thorough or underestimating the project. This often creates scenarios in which unexpected change orders occur. Although the lowest bid may seem like the best choice, and it very well could be, it not only increases the chance of change orders, it often results in a hurried or sub-standard quality job.

Number ThreeNot Budgeting for the UnknownA detailed estimate will help reduce change orders, however there are some things that cant be known until the walls are opened. Therefore it is a good idea to set aside 10-15% of the total project cost for unexpected expenses. This is especially true for older homes or homes that have been remodeled several times in the past.

Number FourFear of Changing Bathroom LayoutWhile it may be more cost-effective to keep an existing bathroom layout, it doesnt make sense to keep a non-functional design. Some of the best choices in a remodel are the changes made to the overall flow of the space, so if youre already putting the time and money in, you should make sure that youre happy with all aspects of the project.

Number FiveAssuming You Want HardwoodDepending on your household, hardwood floors might not be the best option. For peo-ple with pets and/or kids, there will be more wear and tear than usual, so single-board laminate might be better as its more durable, while still giving that hardwood look.

Number SixMaking Your Kitchen Too TrendyGoing too trendy in your kitchen can hurt you in the long-run as design trends go out of style, which can bring down your homes resale value. Youll also want to avoid not overdoing it on your appliances so the overall storage and counter space isnt compromised.

Number SevenNot Ordering Enough ProductDuring flooring and tile installation, it is inevitable that there will be some cuts and breakage. Its a good rule of thumb to buy 20% extra materials since there is no guar-antee youll be able to find an exact match if you need to order more. And if the materials are special ordered, there will be a substantial delay in the project. Besides, its nice to have extra in case of damage in the future. Either way, if you end up with several unopened boxes, most major retailers will let you return it for a refund, so you shouldnt get stuck with a ton of extra flooring.



Susan Valenta

Making a difference in a big wayfrom smalltown to international stageWritten By Crystal Hann


Many know Susan Valenta for her enduring contributions to the Gilroy community. She served as the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for 18 years, volunteered for countless organizations and events, and is the current District Governor of Rotary International. Through it all, Susan has never seen what she does as work. Rather, it has always been about connecting with others and forming lasting friendships. In everything that she does, Susan is living proof that with a big heart and a can-do attitude, we can make a difference in the world in big ways.

Before Susan became an influential force within the Gilroy community her sole dedication was to her family. She and her husband, Tom, moved to Gilroy in 1976 to raise their three young children, a decision which she holds in the high-est esteem. Gilroy is the most ideal place to raise a family, she says, The quality of life in our community is phenomenal. While she was raising her children, Susan noticed the collaborative type of environ-ment Gilroy offered. Due to the influence of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the community had developed a strong culture of volunteerism and volunteer leadership that she found inspiring. When her children got older, Susan became the Membership and Programs Director of the Chamber of Commerce. From that point on its all history.

As Susan delved into her new professional role with the Chamber, she once again noticed the wonderful interactions between people. It was like I was this lifelong learner watching what others were doing and seeing that they were personally gaining benefits, and the community was gaining benefits. And that became a philosophy to me. The philosophy of volunteer leadership, she says of the experience. This drove Susan to do her best in everything she set her mind to. She readily accepted any opportunity to help her community, always seeing it as a chance to grow and open new connections with

people. Naturally, when she was approached for the role of President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, she took it without a moments hesitation.

At the same time Susan assumed the role as President/CEO, she was recruited to join Rotary International. It wasnt long before she was asked to be in line for the Rotary Club President, which she gladly accepted. When two people unexpectedly dropped out of line, Susan became the Rotary president much sooner than anticipated. For many, this would have been a stressful situation, but Susan didnt bat an eye. It was no big deal because all I had to do was ask people to help me out. By everyone coming together it was a piece of cake, she explains.

During her time as president, Susan was constantly branching out to give help wherever it was needed. When the District needed someone to fill in and take notes for their meetings, she volunteered, which led to them asking for her help in various other roles. While Susan was helping with the District, she befriended many influ-ential people that she could bring back to the Gilroy Community. Every time you gravitate out from the group that youre in, you meet new people and your connections keep building. The more youre involved, the more you can benefit others with that, she says. Because of her widespread involvement, many people encouraged Susan to run for District Governor. Within an hour of her applying for the position, she was appointed.

While Susan was ramping up for District

Governor, she did some soul searching. She had seen firsthand the impact Rotary had on the world with its Polio initiative, which has nearly eradicated the disease from the world. She thought of how she had recruited Katherine Filice into Rotary and how that gave Katherine the opportunity to travel to Nigeria and participate in National Immunization Day. Katherine, and a fellow Rotarian Pat Golden, returned with a goal of establishing wells with clean drinking water to villages in Nigeria; a goal which they met. Today there are 6 water wells for villagers to use. It occurred to Susan that bringing someone into Rotary gave them a chance to expand their comfort zone and do something great for others. All it took was the collective force of a few people to make a simple idea snowball into a world-wide initiative. But how could she help that collective force reach its full potential?

Susan started by focusing on vocations within her own community. Throughout her time with the Chamber of Commerce, she witnessed the benefit of businesses talking with one another and forming connections. She felt that Rotarians could greatly benefit from talking about their businesses, something that is currently discouraged in Rotary. When businesses can be successful, they really can help fund and support these initiatives. And if busi-nesses see theres an opportunity, they can draw more of their network and resources into the group, she explains. For her first meeting as Rotary president, Susan had someone sponsor the meeting and talk about their business. Her motto for this year became Its okay, and she encour-ages Rotarians to network in a way thats considerate to Rotary traditions.

As District Governor, Susan plans to facilitate this collective force further by visiting 2 to 3 clubs a week from now until February. She hopes to inspire Rotary clubs to support the Rotary Foundation and she encourages members to go out and recruit a member for the club. The more people who are recruited, the bigger their network

Every time you gravitate out from the group that youre in, you meet new people and your connections keep building. The more youre involved, the more you can benefit others with that.

Pre / K - 12th grade | CAIS & WASC accredited | Nonsectarian | Bus transportation available | Founded in 19 79

Come to our Open House, November 21, 11:00amCampus Tours available by request

We are mentors We are inspired

408-847-2717MountMadonnaSchool.org

We are compassionate

Mount Madonna School


would be to get things done. By the end of her term, the district would like to reach a goal of 4,000 members, a number that Susan feels is very attainable. As of June 20th, the district has had the highest net growth in 4 years. Susan feels that if they incorporate the opportunity for professional development, that number will only grow.

Susan is also teamed with the Wheelchair Foundation and her first project was to fill one container 280 wheelchairs to be distributed to Mexico in the spring of 2016. Each wheelchair is $150, but the Silicon Valley Foundation and District Designated Funds are offering a generous matching grant of $50 for every $100 donation. With the support of her community, 125 wheelchairs have already been committed. Her goal has been met and then some! She has already begun filling a second container, which will be donated to a community in need in either Mexico or to countries in South America.

Even after Susans term as District Governor is over, she shows no signs of stopping. After this year, she will be working hard to raise awareness about the

prevalence of illiteracy. She hopes to combat this issue by forming a global library of languages that people can access through iPads to learn how to read and write. The idea is still in its nascent stages and Susan would like to form a brain trust to bring this idea to fruition. With all of the proj-ects and good that Rotary is doing around the world, she believes that if Rotary concentrated on illiteracy in a big way and makes it one of their goals they can make a difference.

Susans contributions and dedication to her community have definitely not gone unnoticed. In 2013 alone, she was awarded the Sydney R. Mitchell Award for the Rotary District, the Hearts of Gilroy Award from Community Solutions, and she was named one of Silicon Valleys Most Influential Women by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. In 2014, she was awarded Woman of the Year as part of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerces Spice of Life awards. As if that wasnt exciting enough, they surprised her by creating an award in her name: The Susan L. Valenta Youth Leadership Award. The first recipient of the

new Youth Leadership Award went to senior Paul Fox, a wrestling athlete at Gilroy High School who had just received admittance to Stanford University. More recently, the award was given to Bridget Brown, this years Garlic Festival Queen. Susan has been thrilled to watch these two talented, incredible people receive recognition for their hard work. Despite all of the praise and awards, Susan remains humble. She is deeply honored by her numerous accolades, but even without them she would continue helping others. For her, the greatest award is being part of a community of positive people looking for positive results.

In everything that she does and strives to accomplish, it is clear that Susans con-tinuing success comes from a place of deep love and compassion. She has made a huge impact on her community in so many ways and will undoubtedly do so for years to come. Nevertheless, she sees herself as just a small part of a bigger whole. Im not going to change the world. I dont have the answers to all the problems. But I feel like you have to concentrate on something and move from there, she says with a smile.


Guglielmo Winery Celebrates 90th Anniversary

At a gala event befitting such a special occasion, Gene, George and Gary Guglielmo welcomed friends, family and community lead-ers to join them in a celebration of their familys years making wine in the South Santa Clara Valley. The third generation, family- owned win-ery produces a wide variety of award-winning varietals from more than 100 acres of Santa Clara Valley estate vineyards and produces nearly 40,000 cases annually under three dif-ferent labels, Guglielmo Private Reserve, TR, and their oldest label, Emiles.

Family photos by Scott Joines of Custom Creations.

Guglielmo Brothers: Gary, George and Gene.

Cristina Guglielmo Maggetti, Alexander Maggetti, Isablla Maggetti, Michelle Maccarra, Jan & George Guglielmo, Alissa Guglielmo, Lily & Craig Whitt with Liam Whit.

Kayln, Jonathan, Nicholas, Gena, Laura, Gene Guglielmo, Angelia Guglielmo Laing, and Isaac Laing.Gregorio, Ginger, Gary and Giuliana Guglielmo.

An Old But Simple Solution

1298395RM-Sep17

FINANCIALLYSpeaking For hundreds of years millions of people died from a disease that was simple and easy to

treat. Even though the cure was known and used in the 1400s, it was discarded and rediscovered several times, until 1930 when it became, and continues to be, common practice to administer vitamin C to treat and prevent scurvy. Sometimes an answer can be so simple that we have a hard time believing it could possibly be true. And so it goes with the principles for investing success. Here are some simple but true principles for success in investing:

Stay true to your objectivesVolatility has always been a part of the market, but todays investors are more concerned than ever about it. So its not surprising that many are paying closer attention to the DAILY stream of news tracking the markets ups and downs. The problem is, where investors focus their attention can have a powerful impact on how they perceive their own progress and whether or not they achieve long term success.

Investors who can look past the inevitable ups and downs of the market, as well as the steady drumbeat of political and economic news, and stay focused on their personal financial objectives, may be more likely to stay on track and attain success. Over a 20 year period ending on December 31, 2011, the average equity investor earned 3.5%. Compare those results with a 7.8% average annual return for the S & P 500.* You can see that simply staying the course is of value, no matter what your personal goals are.

While I am aware of the headlines, it is during times of heightened pessimism that the greatest opportunities for future growth present themselves. It is important to be willing to shrug off popular sentiment and focus on your long term goals.

Be realistic While periods of economic and market strength often inspire feelings of optimism, so too, can market turmoil lead to intense feelings of pessimism. Markets go up. Markets go down. This is reality.

Rather than just enduring extreme highs and lows in a portfolio, it pays to have a realistic diversified approach.

Emotions can lead to destructive investment decisions, such as buying at or near market highs and selling near market lows. Thats why the average investor does 1.9% better with an advisor and 2.9% better during periods of recession.** If you manage your expectations, they wont manage you.

Dont confuse safety for security The market volatility and economic uncertainty of the past seven years have severely undermined investor confidence. As a result, many have withdrawn from equity investing, seeking the perceived safety of cash. Considering what we have experienced recently, the reaction is understandable.

Investors in or near retirement can be particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of inflation. If investments are not performing at least as well as inflation, your portfolio becomes worth less and less with each passing year. The inflation rate for the 20 year period ending with December 31, 2011 was 2.5%.*** Moving into a cash position will remove you from the volatile market, but it can also subject you to the eroding effects of inflation, and the potential for capturing the markets upturns when they happen.

While past performance is not predictive of future results, stocks and bonds have generated relatively attractive returns that have outpaced inflation.

Plan for ups and downsMarket cycles inevitably include periods of strength and weakness. The problem is, the duration and scope of bull and bear markets are never clear until after the fact. So trying to time the market can be problematic at best!

Sticking to a well-constructed portfolio is the key to long term success. An objective based portfolio separates the investments you want to protect from market declines from those that you are willing to subject to more volatility and greater growth potential. This can help give you the confidence to stay the course when markets go to extremes.

Just like the cure for scurvy, the solution here is an old, but simple one:

Identify your long term goals Work with an advisor to construct a well-

diversified portfolio Meet regularly with your advisor Stay the courseRemember that volatility is normal. And you must

stay in control of what really matters your own behavior when it comes to your investments. Obviously, this is easier said than done and thats why a good financial advisor can help prevent you from doing the wrong thing at the worst possible time.

* DALBAR study ** Dr. Dan Crosby *** Consumer Price Index

Jeffrey M. Orth is a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Certified Advisor in Senior Living, and an Investment Advisor Representative, with over 15 years experience as a business and personal planning, insurance, and wealth management specialist Jeff is available for group lectures and private consultations. Visit ifitfinancial.com or call 408.842.2716.

The authors opinions, comments information, etc. are those solely of the speaker and are independent of, and do not represent, HTK, and should not be considered as specific investment or planning advice. Please consider your options based on your individual circumstances. Gilroy Today and other listed entities are independent of and un-affiliated with, HTK and Integrated Financial Benefits Network (IFit).

Registered Representative of, and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK). Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC, 16845 Von Karman Ave, Ste. 225 Irvine, CA 92606 (949)754-1700. I Fit is independent of HTK. CA Lic #0C49291 (Not an offer or solicitation in any state where representative is not properly licensed or registered.) Loans and other policy withdrawals will reduce the death benefit amount and may be subject to surrender charges and income taxes. All guarantees are based upon the claim-paying ability of the insurer.


MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT season which began on October 15, 2015 and runs through December 7, 2015 (for a January 1, 2016 effective date) has agents, like myself, running at high speed, putting on seminars, taking care of our existing clients, and helping out new folks. Also beneficiaries are reviewing and signing up for new plans. If you havent signed-up or need assistance, there is help available free of charge. We hear all the time, I didnt know there are people out there like you, who can help me. You made this so easy for me.

This is the time to change your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Prescription Drug Plan (or Part D plan). Both of these types of plans can change from year to year and the benefits you receive in the current year are guaranteed through December 31st of that year. If your health plan or drug plan has any changes, the carriers are required to mail you an Annual Notice of Change letter, which you should have gotten in early October. Keep this letter in your files because this is an important letter and might be needed to give you a guarantee to go to a Medicare Supplement plan if needed. If you notice a lot of changes to your current plan, then its time to shop around for something new. An Independent Agent can help by doing the research and giving you information on all the plans available to you.

Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage PlansOne of the questions we are frequently asked is what is the difference between Medicare Supplements and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Simply put, Medicare Supplements are guaranteed renewable. They dont change on you from year to year, like a Medicare Advantage Plan can. Supplements are secondary to Medicare, meaning original Medicare, Parts A & B, are your primary coverage and the supplement picks-up where Medicare leaves-off, depending on what Plan you have. There are many choices, Plan F being the most comprehensive supplement plan. Here are some differences between the two plan types:

As you can see, there are many differences but it doesnt mean that one plan is better than the other. Your budget and needs will determine the best suited plan for you.

Individual Open EnrollmentOpen enrollment for the individual health insurance market opens as this issue of gmhTODAY is being released so, we dont know all the changes that are happening yet. This time frame is November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. The carriers are just starting to advise agents of their new plans and changes that are rolling out. I will have a much better update by the January issue. Be aware that if you need to make a change with a January 1, 2016 effective date, then you MUST apply by December 15, 2015. The 15th of the month is the cutoff for the following months effective date. (Unless you lose coverage, then thats a different situation.)

By Michele Campbell, Independent Agent

Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period In Full Swing

Stanford Health Care Enters the Medicare MarketSTANFORD HEALTH CARE ADVANTAGE actually started in the Medicare market last year with their first Medicare Advantage plan, and now this year theyve expanded to two plans. Stanford might be somewhat new to the Medicare market, but not to health care. Most of us know who they are and are aware of the top notch medical care they provide some of the best in the country. They personally saved my nieces life more than 13 years ago when their 2 top neonatal surgeons performed open heart surgery on her at 17 hours old! Shes doing great today!

Now they have decided to step into the insurance market to give access to their faculty of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) practicing in clinics all around the Bay Area! These faculty PCPs are only available via their health plan. Other PCPs are available through their Affinity Network. I am pleased that our agency and broker have been selected to present their health plans at many events around Santa Clara County.

Medicare Supplements Medicare Advantage Plans

Guaranteeed Renewable Guaranteed until December 31st of the year you are signed up for

Always has some premium cost Often is less expensive, low premiums or $0 cost

You can go to any doctor that takes You have to stay in the PPO or Medicare, in the entire country HMO netwook (Santa Clara County only has HMOs)

Plan F There are almost no out-of- There are always copays somewherepocket costs. Most of the time you on the plan (excluding certainpay nothing. plans for Medicare/MediCal beneficiaries).

No referrals needed to see Referrals needed to see Specialists onSpecialists. HMOs

Michele has been in the insurance business for over 25 years and specializes in the Medicare, individual health and life insurance. She is passionate about helping her clients to find the right plan to fit their needs. She is an active member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Rotary and Gilroy Leadership Class of 2015. Visit mcinsuranceservices.com or call 408.848.2271. License #0F08825


Kathy Sullivan

Making Historyand CookiesWritten By Robin Shepherd


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H alloween and candy go hand in hand, but so do candy and teeth problems. Halloween marks the start of the sweet season, the time of the year filled with holidays, parties, family gatherings, school activities and community events, many of them featuring loads of sugary sweet holiday treats.

For parents it can be quite a challenge to allow their children to enjoy the season and still maintain good health, especially the health of their teeth. The solution is not to ban all candies and sweets but to be selective.

When it comes to candies and sweets there are good and bad ones, just as there are good and bad habits for dental health.

For example, candy that remains in your childs mouth for an extended period of time, such as taffy and hard candies, increases the risk of tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar that sits on teeth or is stuck between teeth. It then produces acid that causes tooth decay.

On the flip side, sugar-free gum can actually prevent cavities as it not only dislodges food particles from between the teeth but also increases saliva, which works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.

Parents should closely monitor their childrens candy intake this Halloweenand all year round and continue to promote good oral health habits, says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Dr. Cynthia Sherwood. Kids also should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes.

Here are 10 easy-to-follow tips to help your children maintain a healthy mouth and teeth provided by mouthhealthy.org, a website of the American Dental Association:

1 Eat Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after meal-time. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

2 Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Besides how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth

for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

3 Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

4Drink more water. Drinking optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, look for kinds that are fluoridated. Water also helps to neutralize the pH in the mouth after eating.

5 Maintain a healthy diet. Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you fill up affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums.

6 Avoid beverages with added sugar such as soda, sports drinks or flavored waters. When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.

7 Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.

8 Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Replace your tooth-brush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Brushing with a worn toothbrush makes it difficult to clean tooth surfaces adequately.

9 Clean between teeth daily with floss. Decay-causing bacteria get between teeth where toothbrush bristles cant reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

10 Visit your dentist. Regular visits to your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur early, when they are easy to treat.

Dr. Escobar has been practicing dentistry in the Bay Area since 2006. She took over Dr. Palmerlees practice when he retired in 2012. She is passionate about providing exceptional oral health care in a patient centered environment. Dr. Escobar participates in continuing education seminars with other leading clinicians in exploring new and innovative methods and materials for restoring smiles.

Teeth-Friendly Tips for Halloween and Beyond

By Dr. Jernell Escobar

Its Your Smile

Sweets are not 100% avoidable, especially at this time of year, but by being sensible with sweets, offering healthy alternatives and maintaining a consistent oral health routine, you can keep your familys smile healthy and happy during the holiday season.

It might have taken 30 years but the Don and Sharon Vanni house in the west foothills fits nicely into the sur-roundings. An entrance gate, curved driveway, mature trees, landscaping, flagpole and vineyards welcome the visitor. Things are neat and clean here but they are also calming.

It is hard to believe that this 3,000 square foot house was built thirty years ago. Completed in 1985 it sits on land purchased five years earlier. The Vannis chose the site for the beautiful southwest facing views. Don and Sharon designed the house with the help of an architect, Daryl Frazekas. Dale and Tim Fellows, general contractors, built the home. Dan says he was pretty much relegated to the basement and garage, which has room for six cars in three bays and an apartment upstairs. More about the basement later.

La Familia DVanni.Delightful, Welcoming, Breathtaking

Written & Phtographed By Larry Mickartz


The house is well laid out with exposure to gorgeous views from all the living and bedroom spaces. The kitchen and family room take special advantage of the views.

The house is filled with beautiful antiques, spectacular Florence figurines and family photos going back several genera-tions. The many rare and unusual figurines are the result of years of searching and col-lecting. The collecting has stopped these days for one very practical reasonthey are out of room!

The first floor is devoted to the living spaces. The kitchen was updated in 2002 and a water leak in 2012 resulted in major floor repairs. Both Don and Sharon agree that the family room and kitchen are is their favorite space in the home.

A well-portioned living room is lighted by a large stained glass piece at the very top of the two-story room.

Sharon and Don Vanni



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THRIFT SHOP

381-B First Street, Gilroy, CA 95020Phone: 408.842.1434 Hours: 10am to 6pm TUE-SAT

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JOIN US FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Year Round Wine Tasting Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm

Nov. 7th & 8th Passport Weekend

Nov. 21st & 22nd 12th Annual Holiday

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Dec. 12th & 13th 12th Annual Holiday Boutique

4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020 Ph. (408)842-3305



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