gmhTODAY 08 gmhToday May June 2016 | Page 9

T his issue is full of challenging success stories — from amazing careers, to new young entrepreneurs, from competitive sports challenges to under- water adventure seekers. But, never fear, we also have something for our readers who prefer to enjoy a more relaxing, calm lifestyle. Actually, no, we don’t. Maybe next issue. Our feature article showcases the life and times of Steve Kinsella, Gavilan’s Renaissance man (President & Superintendent) for the past 20 years. Under his leadership, Gavilan College has thrived, both fiscally and educationally, meeting the needs of over 9,000 students yearly. (Page 12) It’s with a heavy heart that we bid our good friend, Bob Dyer, a fond goodbye. He even managed to throw a rip roaring party to celebrate his life posthumously. Friends from as far as Georgia flew in to send him off in style. Those who knew Bobby well enjoyed his “gusto” (for lack of a better word) — he was always one step ahead of everyone else. He lived large and those around him went along for the ride. Thanks Bob for letting me be a passenger from time to time. (Page 38) I want to welcome Don DeLorenzo, author of a new column about the abundance of golfing opportunities in South Santa Clara Valley. (Page 86) I trust golf enthusiasts will enjoy hearing about the amazing courses we have in the area. Perhaps one day I will find the time to learn; it seems like an amazing sport. If the students featured in our article on Young Entrepreneurs (Page 25) are any indication of what we have to look forward to, we’re in pretty good shape business wise. It is so enlightening to see such creativity and innovation. And then, we have young business people like Kassi Swalboski who first opened a coffee shop with her mother, Konni Thomas, and now runs her own fitness center, Crossfit (Page 56). LAFCO — now this one powerful force here in South Santa Clara County. We wanted to know more about them so we did a little research and felt you might like to know just how much power they wield when it comes to growth and development in our communities. (Page 80) Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Laura Perry for sharing yet another of her amazing adventures with our readers. This time she takes us on an underwater adventure in Antarctica. The photos are breathtaking. We want to thank the photographers: Jim van Gogh and Amos Nachoum. Enjoy! On a personal note: It’s been a pretty tough couple of months for Larry and I. We have had to deal with the loss of Larry’s father, Joe Mickartz and the need to place my father, John Albaugh, in a care home. As I mentioned in our January/February 2016 issue, Joe celebrated his 100th birthday on February 1, 2016. He was mentally sharp and still lived by himself in the home he had shared with his family for 63 years in Downey, California. He passed away on April 4. We will miss his calm and loving demeanor and remember his tenacity and love of life. My dad is still as cute and easy-going as ever. He has lived with us for the past six years but after a nasty fall a month ago and a brief stay in a rehabilitation facility it became evident that he needed more care than we could provide here at home. We visit him often and are pleased that he is getting the care he needs as he navigates his final years. He is 96. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN Larry and I with Tony Guy and Ann Cahill (Larry’s sister); Dad Joe; granddaughter Alyse Cahill and her fianceé Alec Cohen; and grandsons Peter and Gabe Mickartz (Larry’s sons) at Joe’s 100th Birthday party in Downey, California. MAY/JUNE 2016 gmhtoday.com 9