Los Gatos Morning Rotary recently marked the 10-year anniversary of the highly acclaimed Lighting for Literacy project, founded by Doug McNeil and partner Jesse Salem. The two developed a practical method of bringing light to homes around the world using a simple charge controller circuit, standard 12-volt battery, low-cost solar panel and high-efficiency LED strip to create an off-grid solution, allowing students to study at night.
The project was honored at the White House Rotary Champions of Change ceremony as an example of how to inspire youth through STEM to build a better future for others.
McNeil’s daughter, Jessica Eastland, spoke on behalf of her father at the recent Rotary luncheon.
“Jess passed in 2017, the same year my dad was diagnosed with ALS,” Eastland said. “Today Dad survives on life support systems, but my dad often says that the passion they had with this cause helped sustain both of their lives. By bringing light into dark places, it helped them find a light in their own lives.”
McNeil requires 24/7 care for his ALS, and Los Gatos Morning Rotary has set up a nonprofit tax-deductible way to financially help him and his family. Checks can be sent to: LGMR Doug McNeil Fund, PO Box 282, Los Gatos, 95031.
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards luncheon honored the “Character of Los Gatos”— community members and businesses whose efforts help define the town. This year’s award winners were Ed Stahl of Travel Advisors of Los Gatos, Donna Novi of The Pastaria and Market, Lisa Myers of Los Gatos Birdwatcher, Rob Stump and Susan Tuttle.
There will be an Easter egg hunt this year, thanks to the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club, on Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.-noon at Oak Meadow Park. Admission is free for kids and their families. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos and games. www.lgkiwanisgives.org
And if you are looking for a tasty way to start your day, try Manresa Bread’s monkey bread or Kouign-Amann. They are taking orders for Easter at https://www.manresabread.com.
A reception, open to all, will take place at the Adult Rec Center on Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. The Town of Los Gatos, along with the Senior Services Committee, will share the results of surveys conducted to find out what senior residents want and need. Check out the new ARC Bar, the latest place for fun and gathering. Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center, 208 E. Main St.
Tickets are on sale for the April 23 Spring Wine Walk. More than 24 local wineries including Cooper Garrod, Left Bend, and Pelican Ranch will let you taste the fruits of their labor. Thanks to glass sponsor Keller Williams. This 21-and-older event will be held rain or shine. https://www.losgatoschamber.com
The Great Race is back Sunday, May 1, with some changes. A new route will take runners around Vasona Park instead of the historical route from Los Gatos to Saratoga, as use of Highway 9 has become cost-prohibitive. The course is certified, and the race will begin at 8:30 a.m. For the first time, a 1-Mile Kids Fun Run will take place at 8:10am. Proceeds from the race will, as always, support scholarships for local high school youth as well as Los Gatos Rotary’s local and global service projects. https://losgatosrotary.org
Welcome to new business Xandra Swimwear, which features one-of-a-kind swimwear pieces hand-selected from all over the world. They offer a variety of high-quality designer swimsuits for women, men and children in labels not found anywhere else in Northern California. 11½ N. Santa Cruz Ave. https://www.xandraswimwear.com
Also new in town is the Coder School, an after-school program that teaches kids to code in a collaborative way while encouraging students to have fun along the way. www.thecoderschool.com/locations/southbay
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.
Source: www.mercurynews.com