Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Main Street

Mary Ann Cook

Wealthy Water grows from seed money

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: "Six rich Los Gatos kids," as they call themselves, have started a bottled-water business called Los Gatos Wealthy Water. Set up with an original $1,000 in seed money by their fathers, Chris Schade and Andy Kinyon, the company buys sealed water from Baxter Springs in Auburn and labels from a company in Foster City, where the bottles are picked up. Except for driving, the kids take care of the rest of the operation themselves--taking orders, issuing receipts, selling to companies and individuals.

They've even made their first bank deposit of several hundred dollars for LGWW. The Kinyons are Rachael, 12; Jessica, 10; and Andrea, 8. The Schades are Melissa, 11; Jessica, 9; and Christopher, 7. The label is an LG spoof ... To wit: "Caution: This product will make you feel like a million bucks. It can lead to the purchase of a really bitchin' car or sport utility vehicle, or at least a nice pair of bicycle shorts--bike optional. If used under the arms and neckline, it can simulate the appearance of a 10k runner ... A popular Los Gatos fashion statement." And in the fine print: "Orders taken when homework and chores are done and veggies eaten. All CEOs in bed by 8."

The number to dial before 8 p.m. is 353-6063. Price is $2 per bottle or $36 for a 24-bottle case. Schade is an electrical contractor; Kinyon, a painting contractor. If the Kinyon name is familiar, it may be because he it is who brought the historic fire bell back to town, now situated in the Town Plaza. The kids love to sell lemonade in the summer, so why not sell something that's popular all year long, reasoned Papa Schade.

A DAY AT THE FAIR: Children's author Joy Hulme always wanted to help decorate a Rose Bowl float, ever since the first time she laid eyes on one in 1950. This year she realized that dream. Not only did she work on a float, but so did 12 other members of her family. Thanks to money saved from earnings from her books, she (dare I say it?) floated the money for airfare, hotel and Rose Bowl tickets for the whole truckload of relatives.

Others decorating were her husband, Mel, daughters Kathy Stephens and Peggy McClanahan, son John and daughter-in-law Lorraine of Los Gatos, granddaughters Becky (and her husband, Justin), Karen, Alesha, Moriah, and Kaylene and houseguest Yana from Russia, currently living with John and Lorraine. Some were flown in from Utah, some from Ohio.

Hulme, daughter of a landscape architect, created floral arrangements for special events, mostly weddings, for 25 years, and granddaughters Becky and Karen helped in that enterprise, so the Hulmes are no strangers to floral fixations. The Hulme bevy had an eight-hour stint decorating the AAA float called "A Day at the Fair." They were at the end of the preparation lineup, so added finishing touches. Hulme volunteered the family's services by answering an ad in the paper.

FACE RINGS A BELL: Francis D. Bell was in town during the holidays and wanted someone to take his picture in front of his childhood home. Mr. Bell grew up in the house next door to the Los Gatos Weekly-Times newspaper office (on the Tait Street side). George-the-photog-pro wasn't around, but an obliging passerby answered the request.

Bell now makes his home in Salinas (phone number: 484-1400) and Quartzsite, Ariz. In earlier, pre-Times days, Almendra was known as the street of the mayors, since A.H. Bell (mayor '28-'30); Marc Vertin ('32-'40) and Stanley Mills ('40-'44) all lived there. As did councilmen Bert Fresher and H.K. Phelps.

The Bell family had houses at both ends of the street--an imposing mansion was located near the present B of A building. The Bells were well known in other areas, besides mayoral duties. Arch Bell was judge and real estate salesman and was seen to dispense justice at his Main Street real estate office. Yet another Bell was active in the feed business.

GETTING ORGANIZED: Feeling like you should get organized now that it's a new year? Karen Cassel may be able to help. Cassel runs a Creative Memories workshop regularly. Safety is the key here in preserving photos and memories. You supply the photos; she supplies the acid-free paper, ideas and other materials. Her number is 358-3070.

KEEPING KING'S DREAM: A special Pete Seeger concert Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Foothill College will honor Martin Luther King Jr. "Keeping the Dream Alive" is produced by Los Gatan Jane Fleming. Seeger marched with Dr. King during the turbulent '60s in the South. Now nearing 80, he is still active in civil rights. The Oakland Youth Chorus and folksinger Bob Reid of Santa Cruz will also perform. For tickets, send SASE and check for $17 to San Jose Peace Concert, 540 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Ste 213, Los Gatos, 95030.

TOPAZ AT HAKONE: The film Topaz will be shown Jan. 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Hakone Gardens. Topaz is a home movie filmed by Dave Tatsuno of San Jose about life in an internment camp and is one of only two films listed in the National Film Registry. The other is the Zapruder film of JFK's assassination.

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