Los Gatos residents get to know the people in their neighborhood

The annual Cancer CAREpoint Garden Party took place last month in Nestldown thanks to Mark and Barbara Beck, who provided the venue. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone: the Becks, our volunteers who created a fabulous event, and our sponsors and supporters who generously donated more than $1.1 million to care for cancer patients, survivors, members of their families and caregivers in our community,” said Executive Director Dawn. Hogh said. “As Ruth (Slyngstad) so eloquently shared, you gave time to those affected by cancer, and we are so grateful for your support. No one should face cancer alone. Cancer CAREpoint provides personalized services and support programs to anyone affected by cancer in the Bay Area. Slyngstad spoke about his battle with cancer and his gratitude for the support of his family, friends and Cancer CAREpoint. www.cancercarepoint.org

There’s nothing like a block party to get to know your neighbors. For 25 years (with time out for the pandemic), people on Matilija Drive in Los Gatos have been gathering on Labor Day. One long-time resident said: “I’ve lived here for 30 years and just met my neighbors – and you know what? They are nice!”

Joseph and Janice Gali are the husband and wife team behind Gali Vineyards. You can taste award-winning estate-grown wines in their tasting room in downtown Los Gatos. They grow wine grapes using sustainable viticultural practices. “We love engaging with our community,” says Janice Gali. “You’ll find rotating exhibits of original artwork on the walls of our tasting room, and we regularly host local musicians as well as food pairing activities. The tasting room is available to rent for private events. Come taste our wines and meet us! wine@galivineyards.com, 21 W. Main St., 408-354-1468.

Blood supplies at blood banks are low and the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Robin Sedgwick and Don Knight of Coldwell Banker Realty and the Stanford Blood Center, is hosting a blood drive Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in front of the House office at 160 W. Main St. Donating blood is easy and relatively painless, and you’ll know you’re doing good. Make an appointment at https://sbcdonor.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1www.cyclebar.com/location/los-gatos2234.

Mayor Maria Ristow will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the new owner of CycleBar to Los Gatos at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, at 15525 Union Ave. CycleBar offers indoor cycling designed for all fitness levels, and your first ride is at home. www.cyclebar.com/location/los-gatos

Jennifer Gaines of Power4pilates reports that they are celebrating their first anniversary. “It’s amazing how many women (and men) we positively impact in and around Los Gatos,” says Gaines. “We are proud that with the support of our customers, Power4 Pilates has been able to support local organizations such as the National Charity League, Valle Monte League, Los Gatos Wine Walk and the Los Gatos Jazz Festival.” If you want to try, the first class is free. https://www.power4pilates.com.

The Los Gatos Fall Wine Walk will take place on Saturday, October 14 with tastings from over 30 local wineries. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the wine and unique shops and restaurants of Los Gatos, although “wine walk” is a bit of a misnomer as ABC regulations prohibit walking between tasting sites with wine in your glass. This means pouring or consuming wine at each tasting site before moving on to the next.

Tickets are available for $50 at Eventbrite.com. As always, sponsors are extremely important. Von Kaenel Giambruno Real Estate is sponsoring the wine glasses and Star One Credit Union is sponsoring the entertainment. There will be old school soul, funk and R&B music from the Complications on Grays Lane from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have any business or social news regarding Los Gatos, let me know: Debby@debbyrice.com