Local yule tunes are coming your way

I'm already tired of Mariah Carey Christmas songs, not to mention that ridiculous Bing Crosby - David Bowie duet. Now, Johnny Mathis, that's good stuff. Andy Williams, even better. But live music is best anyway, and there are some good opportunities coming up to listen to live performances of seasonal songs in Gladstone.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and again Saturday, Dec. 5, the Festival Brass (pictured at left) will provide good cheer and lively atmosphere at Crossroads Coffee Cafe', located at the intersection of 82nd Drive and Oatfield Road. Gladstone High School's winter band concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15; the winter choir concert is Thursday, Dec. 17. Both will be held in the newly refurbished high school auditorium. Support live music!

Gladiators win state girls soccer championship!

Exciting details here: http://tinyurl.com/ycj5z4h

Great job, girls!

Big surprise at GHS

Tuesday was a big day for Gladstone High School and science teacher Kevin Zerzan. Lowell Milken and Rosey Grier (yes, that Rosey Grier) were in town to join State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo in presenting Mr. Zerzan with a $25,000 Milken Education Award, one of just two awarded in Oregon this year. It was a complete surprise to Kevin and to all but about three people in the room, as you can tell from watching this video on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/y99u5tp

GHS has a fantastic crew of teachers in its science department, and Kevin is a very deserving recipient of this honor. The gym was packed with students and local dignitaries, and the event was covered by KGW-TV, the Clackamas Review and The Oregonian. It created a big buzz, and rightfully so. Having known Kevin for more than a decade, I can tell you he was shocked and very nearly overwhelmed by the award and the attention. Good guy, great day.