The Cupertino Courier
News
Memorial is now sacred ground
By Ruby Elbogen
Since I was out of town for the dedication of the veterans memorial project at Memorial Park on Veterans Day, I decided to visit a few days later. Much to my surprise many people of all ages had the same idea. Children asked questions of their parents and older men and women, some of whom who had served in the armed forces, moved slowly and somberly along the Walk of Remembrance, reading the engraved stones underfoot and viewing the statues. Folks talked in hushed voices and the mood was one of reverence. It was evident the newly erected memorial is now sacred ground and stands as a testimony to all who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the loved ones who waited and worried. I read the names on all the pavers, and I want to thank all who've served, including Dennis Whittaker, Martin Sorensen, David Perez, Matthew Axelson, James Suh, Barney Cohen, Samuel Zuccaro, Meyer Sigall, and James Rodriguez.
Historical Society Dinner
On Nov.17, a festive fund raising dinner was held at the Cupertino Senior Center by the Cupertino Historical Society and the Veterans Memorial Committee. Many of the 100 people who attended the sold-out event dressed in clothes reminiscent of the 1940s. Historical Society board president Helene Davis chaired the evening along with former mayor Sandra James. A silent and a live auction brought forth many generous bidders, spurred on with impressive banter by auctioneer Jim Walker, who kept things very lively. Some of those attending were Lisa Giefer, chair of the planning commission, Mayor Kris Wang, Cookie Hoover, Paula Quinterro, and Thelma Epstein, president of the California History Center. Entertainment included dance music with a big band sound, and a special performance by Mark McKenna that brought the house down. All I can reveal is it involved a long blonde wig and a grass skirt, but what happens in the Historical Society stays in the Historical Society.
OSF Dinner
The Organization of Special Needs Families held its fifth annual fundraising dinner on Nov. 18 at the Quinlan Community Center. Chaired by Linda Walker, the event drew a record number of supporters who cheered the children's rhythmic concert and fashion show, enjoyed a great dinner prepared by Outback, participated in a giant raffle and tried to outbid each other at the live auction. Corinne Devine gave a heartwarming speech about how the work of OSF has affected her daughter Megan, a student at Cupertino High and one of the fashion show models. Among the Cupertino party goers were: Simon Leong, Kay Knapp, Michael Gottwald, Robert Adams, OSF founders Chihua and Lihuei Wei, and the wonderful teen volunteers from Cupertino High SEEK Club, Scout Troop 508 and the Monta Vista High Interact Club.
