Emotional , that ’ s the word I would use to describe this issue of the magazine . I think we ’ ve run the gamut in that department . Prepare to laugh , to cry and to think about the future . Our infrastructure series continues with a look at the High Speed Rail . Our Associate Editor / Senior Writer , Robin Shepherd did an excellent job researching , sifting through the vast amount of information involved in the complex state plan . Whether we embrace it or not , it is our future and staying informed is a good way to be part of the process and not be surprised by the impacts . ( Pages 12-17 )

Have a hanky or tissue ready when you read about Jennifer Lynn Kranz and how her parents turned an unthinkable loss into a blessing for so many . Their work in creating the non-profit , Unravel Pediatric Cancer , has not only helped them cope with their loss but also helped them make a difference in providing services and making advancements in the field of fighting pediatric cancer . It is truly an inspiring story and we thank Libby and Tony Kranz for sharing it with us . ( Page 22 ) On the lighter side , I hope that my effort to share my new found love of man ’ s best friend will make you smile as our Charlie does me each day . If someone were to say that I could be smitten over a dog ten months ago , I would have said “ no way !” But here I am — smitten . ( Page 30 )

Ever wonder just who your ancestors were ? I have . I ’ ve even gone to a class on how to do the research . Sadly , however , I haven ’ t gone much further than that . My excuse is “ no time .” We interviewed a few folks that have made the time and have some interesting stories to tell . I ’ m putting it on my bucket list . It will be accompanied by my “ gotta write a book ” item . ( Pages 62-64 )

So I ’ m watching my favorite TV station , HGTV , and the show Tiny Homes comes on . I ’ m in awe of people who can live in such small spaces ; and note that most of them are really young and not big in the physical size department . But I digress . To my amazement , the couple on the show are from Gilroy . Molly Goldsmith and Rodney Balajadia Jr . have created a lifestyle around their tiny home and agreed to share their experience with us . ( Pages 54-56 )

For those of you who love wine , you will want to visit The Stomping Ground . Jason and Janu Goelz and Tim Slater have transformed a former industrial facility into a state of the art winemaking studio with production , custom crush and storage facilities . And they will be hosing a number of premium wineries for wine tasting , entertainment and related agri-tourism activities . Sounds like a good email list to get on . ( Page 80 )

I want to thank all our contributors and department writers . They do an excellent job of helping us round out the content of the magazine with interesting special interest pieces . Also , I want to welcome to Bev Stenehjem , our new writer of The Vine . ( Page 83 ) The next time you see one of them around town , be sure to tellthem how much you enjoy their contribution .

Last but not least , I will conclude by thanking Nicole and David Conragan of Morgan Hill for joining us at Cafe Thyme in Gilroy for our Dining Out With Friends series . It ’ s always fun to share good food with good friends , old and new . Next time we will taking some Gilroy folks to a Morgan Hill restaurant . ( Page 102 )

Enjoy !

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JULY / AUGUST 2017 gmhtoday . com

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