Watching the HBO mini series 'John Adams' recently really hit home on how hard our forefathers fought for our right to celebrate the Fourth of July. Watching them craft the constitution, and the blood, sweat and tears that went into our Bill of Rights, made me feel so humble. How we take these freedoms for granted. I encourage everyone to try and watch the series, which is now On Demand. America is built on the passion of amazing men and women, courageous people whose strength, dedication, and unfaltering faith should inspire us all. People fought hard for us to have this country. As we celebrate this holiday, let us not forget the price paid and the debt owed.</p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>Happy 48th birthday to John Silva, "Loverboy" 1-4-3, "Baby doll."</p><p>Happy belated 40th birthday to Dave Mitchell. We love you, Dave.</p><p>July 3 was the birthday of lovely Margie Lagmay of Memorial Hospital of Los Ba&#241;os, a fellow Soroptimist and neighbor. She and Hal are a great couple.</p><p><b>The other side of the coin</b></p><p>In last week's column, I wrote about one side of the coin, urging residents to shop local. I appreciate the feedback from some of the local businesses in our community who shared their frustration that our city was not using them. By city I am referring to our city government who needs to hire various services to keep it running. We have many talented and resourceful businesses in town that provide these types of services who often feel they are not getting their fair share, if any, of the pie. </p><p>It would seem to me a fundamental principle that as we urge our residents to shop local, our city government seek to use local services, when comparably priced to outside services. We may actually want to create a ready talent bank of these sources to aide in this endeavor, to save valuable time and to assure that all interested parties are aware of when bids are out. Perhaps a rotation system could be used on some services if duplicated in town, thus giving all local businesses an opportunity to not only give to the town but to receive in fair measure. As residents of Los Ba&#241;os we are all sort of a part of a corporation, we all have financial and emotional stock in its well being. We have enormous talent that can be harnessed here to make this an even more vital community at a time when cities across the nation are in great distress. Some very hard questions and even harder answers await us.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy 58th wedding anniversary to Tom and Marlene Farnham, with love from Sherri.</p><p>L<b>ocal quiet heroes: Three Volunteers</b></p><p>Our Los Ba&#241;os is rich in amazing people who serve our community out of love, not vested interest. These often too unseen people deserve applause and recognition. I am going to try to strive to mention a few in my column on a regular basis. Not long ago I highlighted Carol Booher, a nurse who has touched so many. It was great to bump into her the other day having lunch at Espa&#241;a's. Carol looked great.</p><p>Our Central California Blood Bank Drive has helped to save the lives of thousands over the years, an ongoing program of help and hope. Helen Gallichio and the blood drive, to me, are interconnected. I cannot think of one without the other. Helen is a giver, be it with her work with the Blood Bank, or with the students of FFA or YLI. Helen does; her name should almost be a verb. Helen is always in action, and somehow always manages to look perfect doing it. I have heard so many 'Helen' stories over the years; all spoken with love and admiration.</p><p>Tesse Mazzina is an institution; she has to be more than a mere mortal. What hasn't this great lady done? She is everywhere. The Blood Bank, elections, YLI, Cancer Society, Park and Recreation Commission; I know I cannot begin to list all she has done and continues to do. What honor has she not already earned? As a Soroptimist, she is almost a legend. Aunt of my beloved Judi Nicoletti (oh, how I miss that wonderful girl), Tesse is a woman easy to love who wears her heart on her sleeve. If there were more 'Tesse's', the world would be a better place.</p><p>Saint Vincent DePaul is a loving center of caring for our fellow man, and for years Lillian 'the grand dame herself' Mendes has volunteered there, among her numerous other charitable endeavors. Lillian, who often is teased about her two voices, one a bit sweeter, one a bit more forceful, is a woman I just adore because of her passion for living and loving. Lillian is bigger than life and has the energy and vitality of someone in their twenties. So three cheers for three great volunteers.</p><p><b>Business highlight</b></p><p>A wedding, a shower, due at a party in an hour, and no gift in hand. What to do? And certainly no time to wrap, if you could find an odd piece of paper and strand of ribbon somewhere. Think downtown and our variety of cute shops, many of whom do beautiful gift-wrapping for no charge. Los Ba&#241;os Flower Shop, Simply Unique, and Peppermill. All have lovely things, as do Fleur de Lis, The Ivy Cottage, and Wine Styles. I have found great gifts at Los Ba&#241;os Drug, and they gift wrap as well. Most of our local restaurants sell gift cards, and that is always a welcome gift. With Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart and soon Target, almost any need can be filled. Why go out of town to a mall when we have friendly jewelry stores downtown eager to serve you. The musical knowledge John has at Fantasia Records is astounding. Take a walk, or a short drive and discover all we have to offer. Save the planet one gas tank at a time.</p><p><b>A special birthday wish</b></p><p>July 12 is the birthday of my hero, my guy, my knight in shining armor, Ron. It strikes me odd that Lara and Ron's birthday are exactly a month apart. They are both made of great stuff. Ron is as solid as a man can be: loyal, honest, steadfast and filled with am earnest faith that is reflected in everything he does. Ron is rare man in the world of business. He is a man of his word, who still does work on a handshake. Ron's wide range of knowledge is amazing. As our very dear friend, Lou Vierra says, "Ron really does know everything."</p><p>Ron loves his kids, his grandchildren, his lab Ruby, our other pet kids, fishing, hunting, computers, poker, cage fighting; oh, really every sport; his Triumph, and he loves trap shooting. The Los Ba&#241;os Sportsman's is truly his other home, and he is a dedicated volunteer there, donating thousands of hours. A pilot, he enjoys being on the Los Ba&#241;os Airport Commission and is a dedicated mason. Ron is as good as they come, as a husband, Dad, Poppa, and friend. How honored I am to be his wife. Happy Birthday Ron.</p><p><b>Will be doing some reminiscing</b></p><p>I had some very minor eye surgery on July 2 that will have me out of the office for a week. I will be back as fast as a hike in the gas price. Yikes, that is fast.</p><p>We will be adjusting to a new schedule together, you and I, meeting on Fridays instead of our old Tuesdays. I still need your information to make this column be more than a blog, so get your words to me. Have a spectacular Fourth of July, and until next time, may all your news be good news.