All Things Fall Into Place - Our communities are revving back to life . While still in “ pivot mode ” local business owners are reconnecting in public . Non-profit groups are hosting live , virtual , and in some cases , hybrid events to bring awareness and much-needed donations to their causes . In early September , the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce held their After-Hours Mixer , hosted by Guglielmo Winery , incorporating their 2021 Non-Profit Expo . Attendees enjoyed an evening of relaxed person-to-person networking and learned more about local non-profit organizations . Down the road in Gilroy , the Garlic Festival Association resurrected the world-famous “ Gourmet Alley ” as a pop-up drive-thru over two weekends . They served up their “ Best of the Fest ” garlicky dishes and sold out every day . Its been great to see locals out enjoying wineries and pubs , supporting local shops . dining out at local eateries , cheering on local youth sports teams , and in general - just getting back to life ! Here ’ s to us , the resilient South Valley Region !

MH CHAMBER NAMES NICK GAICH COO - Nick brings more than 45 years of professional experience ranging from executive coaching , management and clinical research administration to his new role as part-time Chief Operations Officer . He and his family ; Ellyn , Justin , and Nyssa , own Craft Roots Vegan Grill and Bar , a 100 % plant-based restaurant in Downtown Morgan Hill . He is board president of the Morgan Hill Foundation , chairman of the board at Bellweather League Inc ., and founder / CEO of Nick Gaich and Associates . He retired in 2012 as Assistant Dean of Clinical and Translational Research Operations , Stanford Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Education at Stanford University School of Medicine . With his expertise , can-do spirit and genuine optimism , Nick will no doubt make an immediate impact . Best of luck in your new role , Nick !

BROOKE HOEKSTRA NAMED MHCOC MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS DIRECTOR - Brooke brings more than 15 years of corporate and private event managment experience to her new role as director of membership & events for the MH Chamber of Commerce . Past experience includes roles as director of events for Guglielmo Winery , the Santa Clara Convention Center , and Hayes Mansion . A Morgan Hill resident since 1998 , Brooke ’ s first goal is to help businesses and the community get back on their feet and thrive once again . She plans to create a strong and diverse network for local businesses and expand the existing entertainment platform for residents . No stranger to the local scene , Brooke is lead vocalist for the Neverland Band , and one-half of the duo “ Brooke and Emil ” We expect to see great things from Brooke , and know she ’ ll deliver in style ! Best of luck , Brooke !

Photos by Mike Sanchez and Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce

IT TAKES A FAMILY - Morgan Hill mom Cameron Knapp and sons , Ian ( 5yrs ), William ( 7yrs ), and Aaron ( 9yrs ) make volunteering a family affair . The family Knapp maintains two planter boxes in Downtown Morgan Hill as volunteers with the South Valley Fleurs Garden Club . Their efforts include year-round , regular maintenance and planting new flowers three to four times per year . By the grins on these little guys faces , it ’ s clear they love playing in the dirt , learning about flowers and gardening , and making the community beautiful . Thank you for your community spirit , team Knapp !

South Valley Fluers Garden Club is headed by Irene Mort and Susan Houghton . Founded in 2001 , the Club works with volunteers to fund garden projects in schools in San Benito , Gilroy & Morgan Hill Districts . They also fund & maintain Nordstrom Park Butterfly Garden , Hollister Fire Safe Garden , and the Gilroy Senior Center . In Morgan Hill , they work with over 50 volunteers to maintain the downtown planter boxes . All flowers are donated by local grower CalColor .

For more information or to volunteer , contact : adoptaplanter @ yahoo . com

14 FALL 2021 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com