Business briefs

Art on display: The offices of Dr. Jernell Escobar D.D.S., located at 7880 Wren Ave. Suite D-142 in Gilroy, holds a bi-monthly art exhibition. The current artist on display is Gary Coleman, who has more than 10 works showing. For more information on his art, visit garycolemanartist.com.
The office works with the Valle del Sur Art Guild, which is comprised of more than 20 local artists who put on exhibitions throughout South San Jose, Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy.
Chamber awards
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau announced details on this year’s annual awards dinner where the organization will honor a man, woman, business and ambassador of the year. The 94th annual awards dinner is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at San Juan Oaks Golf Club and has a theme, “The Stars of San Benito County.” The evening starts with a champagne reception and includes some “changes and surprises,” according to the announcement. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased from the chamber, or any board member or ambassador. People can contact the chamber to pay for their tickets or sponsorships at (831) 637-5315.
Open house
St. Mary School will hold an open house for prospective parents from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Jan. 21. A general open house for prospective parents for kindergarten year one through eighth grades will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 27. School tours also are available by appointment. Applications are available at the school, located at 7900 Church St., Gilroy, or at stmarygilroy.org. For more information, contact Emily Morris at (408) 842-2827.
Common Core
Kathleen Biermann, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Gilroy Unified Schools, and Jennifer Evans, teacher at Rod Kelly School, will explain what Common Core means for Gilroy students at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St., Gilroy. A question and answer period will follow. Light refreshments will be served. Program sponsored by the Gilroy Branch of the Association of University Women and the Gilroy Library.
Pizzeria opens
Forno Kitchen & Catering recently opened at 730-A San Benito St., Hollister. The name, Forno, comes from the type of wood-fired oven used to make pizzas. In starting the business, the Felice family brings a taste of Italy to their hometown.
The pizzeria is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information, call (831) 313-1001 or visit feliceforno.com.
Sporting Clays
The fifth annual Sporting Clays for Scouting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 8. at Coyote Valley Sporting Clays in Morgan Hill. Enjoy 100 clay targets at 18 stations, a live auction, lunch and beverages.
Purchase raffle tickets to have an opportunity to win guns, supplies, trips and more. Sporting Clays for Scouting helps keep shooting sports programs going at all three San Francisco Bay Area Council camps.
Grant apps due
The Gilroy Foundation’s 2015 Grant Cycle is open through Jan. 31. Visit gilroyfoundation.org, click on ‘receive’ to open the grant page and applications can be downloaded. All applications must be postmarked by Jan. 31.
Crab dinner
The Gilroy Elks present a crab dinner Jan. 17 at Gilroy Lodge on the Hill, 2765 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. Bar opens at 5 p.m. with dinner held at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and include your choice of hot or cold crab plus clam chowder, shrimp, pasta, bread, salad and dessert. For information, call (408) 842-9397.
B-R re-opening
Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, announced the grand re-opening of its shop in Morgan Hill, located at 315 Vineyard Town Center in Morgan Hill. To celebrate, local Baskin-Robbins franchisee Letha Tran will host a community-wide celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at the shop. To show her commitment, Letha will partner with the Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance by donating $250 to the organization.
As a long-time fan of the brand, Tran is excited to share the Baskin-Robbins experience and its ice cream flavors, including favorites like Pralines ‘n Cream and Jamoca Almond Fudge, custom ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and ice cream sundaes with the local community.
In honor of the brand’s 70th birthday, Baskin-Robbins is offering guests a January Flavor of the Month, Icing On The Cake, which can be enjoyed as a scoop, a milkshake or a two-scoop sundae topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, cherry and chopped almonds. Throughout the month of January, guests can also upgrade their double scoop of ice cream with a free freshly-baked waffle cone.
The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. with local VIPs. During the party, guests will enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, live entertainment, giveaways and great deals.
“Local residents have welcomed me into the community and I want to thank them for already being so supportive of the brand,” Tran said. “We’re excited to be able to celebrate the official grand re-opening with the Morgan Hill community, including the members of Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance.”
To learn more, visit BaskinRobbins.com.
Email briefs to Andrea Joseph at aj*****@ne********.com.