Julie -- Our Local Story Teller and Bundt Cake Maker

This past week I won one of Julie's Bundt Cakes in a fundraiser raffle at one of the elementary schools. It was winner's choice, so I asked for a lemon cake with chocolate frosting. Julie said it was an uncommon combination, then joked, "I hold no responsibility if it doesn't work."

The combination worked deliciously well, thank you very much, Julie's Bundt Cakes, especially on the second day when the flavors settled in.

Some, if not many, of you local readers, may know Julie. Julie Englehardt, that is. She is quite an enterprising creative lady. Not only does she make bundt cakes for sale--award-winning I might add--but she also offers tea-time parties to celebrate birthdays and, as Julie puts it, "any time of the year."  In addition, this freelance writer and substitute teacher,  is the owner and creative director of Story Time Adventures. Along with giving themed storybook readings to children, Julie performs as Ms. Bunny and Mrs. Claus, and as these characters will write letters and make phone calls to children.

To learn more about Julie and her products and services, check out her pages at Facebook.

• Julie's Bundt Cakes 
• Story Time Adventures 
• Mrs. Claus
• Julia's Tea Time Parties 

Note to FCC: I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, unless winning the bundt cake in the fundraising raffle counts. 

Loving the Rain

Yup.  I even enjoy watching the rainwater flow down the street.

When we were kids, we used to find worms in the gutter after a rain. We'd pick them up and throw them at each other as we waited for the school bus to pick us up and take us to Sunnyslope School. Ah, sweet memories.

Marine Band Jazz Combo

Musical magic came to Hollister last night in the form of the Marine Corps Band Jazz Combo from San Diego, particularly in the performance by the saxophonist, Sgt. Charlie Arbelaez.  Oorah!

Here's a video of the Jazz Combo playing Caravan. I have no idea of the date or location of the performance, but it gives you an idea of last night's wonder.  Along with Sgt. Arbelaez, the guitarist in the video was also one of last night's performers.

 

By the way, the Baler Band started off the evening. I tell you, we have a lot of young talented musicians living in our town. If you'd like to hear some of them, check out the County-Wide Music Festival tonight at 7 PM at the San Benito High School Mattson Gym. The free concert will feature the elementary, middle, and high school bands.

Three Free Community Concerts

That's right! Free music concerts will be happening in Hollister over the next two weeks. Three of them. And, each concert is free. So, no complaining about there being nothing to do in our town. You can complain that you wish you had known sooner. But, not to me.

Free Concert Number One

Tonight the Marine Corps Jazz Band will be performing at the Veterans' Memorial Building on the corner of San Benito and Seventh Streets. Time: 5:30 PM. For more details, check out Mr. O's Jazz Band Facebook page.

 

 

Free Concert Number Two

The County-wide Music Festival featuring the elementary, middle, and high schools bands in San Benito County will be taking place tomorrow evening (Thursday, April 3) at 7 PM at  San Benito High School. It will be held in the Mattson Gym, which is on the corner of Monterey Street and Nash Road. Mr. O's Jazz Band will also be performing at the festival. 

Free Concert Number Three

This year, the Watsonville Community Band is performing its 66th Spring Concert Series -- The Hounds of Spring -- throughout the Central Coast. The band will be in Hollister on Sunday, April 13 at 2 PM in the Veterans' Memorial Building. The band's members come from Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties. For more about the Watsonville Community Band, head over to its web site or its Facebook page.

No More Orchards

That's it!

The last orchard on Hillcrest Road is gone. Once upon a time -- at least when I was a kid -- apricot, walnut, and other fruit orchards stood on both sides of Hillcrest, all the way up to Fairview Road. I'm glad I got to experience it.