gmhTODAY 25 gmhTODAY April May 2019 | Page 24

LEARNING AND LOVING CENTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Morgan Hill 2018 Nonprofit of the Year, the Learning and Loving Education Center (LLEC) celebrated 25 years on Saturday, March 2 nd at St. Catherine Parish at a Gala Anniversary Celebration. A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation, doors opened 25 years ago to twenty immigrant women came to the literacy center at the St. Catherine, Morgan Hill old Parish Hall. These women, their little children, the Sisters of the Presentation and volunteers began the tradition that continues today. The Center now serves about 200 women each year, along with 55-60 children enrolled in the free preschool. The Anniversary Celebration began with an 1130am mass in the church followed by a celebration of cultures represented at the Center as Director Christa Hanson acknowledged the board, volunteer teachers, and generous donors who support the Center. Information, contact Christa Hanson at learningandloving.org Photos (top left) Morgan Hill representatives: City Council members Renee Spring and Yvonne Martinez-Beltran, City Manager Christine Turner and Chief of Police, David Swing (top bottom) Sr. Pat Davis, founder of the Center and the current Director, Christa Hanson GILROY WELCOME CENTER VISIT GILROY The California Office of Tourism and Visit California are very excited to welcome Visit Gilroy as a partner, and to celebrate the official opening of California Welcome Center, Gilroy. California Welcome Centers remain an important touch point for more than 1.5 million travelers from across the globe. The value of personalized recommendations results in 32% of visitors changing their travel plans and 76% going on to partake in an activity or attraction featured at a welcome center. Additionally, 17% of welcome center visitors, on average, stay in the area an additional 2.5 nights. We look forward to continued success in Gilroy. 24 GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN april/may 2019 gmhtoday.com