Main Street

Bench honors the 'Mayor of Johnson Avenue'

By Mary Ann Cook

MEMORIAL BENCH: The folks up on Johnson Avenue are a tightknit group and when beloved resident Hank Wipfle died recently, they wanted to commemorate him. They have done that with a memorial bench complete with plaque. A dedication ceremony will be held Feb. 26 (rain date Feb. 27) at 9:30 a.m.

The plaque reads "In loving memory of Hank Wipfle, better known as the mayor of Johnson Avenue by his neighbors and friends." And to everyone who knew him--he was so good humored, says informant Barbara Baggerly. In recent years he was valiant about getting exercise after he was felled by a stroke.

Residents could see him walking his self-imposed stint with the aid of a walker. The bench in his honor was donated by Barbara Niles, to replace a failing bench at the bottom of Johnson Avenue. But money was needed to have it painted a town-approved green and for the plaque.

The generosity of contributors was overwhelming. People who no longer lived on Johnson heard about the dedication and sent money. The total raised was $710. Since costs were $187, the remaining money will be donated to the library and to the senior center. Sharon Litvinoff was the fundraiser. Mr. Wipfle's wife, Esther, and daughter Heidi will accept the Johnsonites' heartfelt gift.

YEAR OF THE DRAGON: The Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by AAUW found Don and Ethel Worn, Louise and Michel Quenon and Jim MacDonald displaying the dragon by each holding up a standard and undulating between the tables. Chinese parade dragons are supposed to move like a wave.

Since this is the year of the dragon, that creature has special significance. Shanghai-born speaker Rose Marie Twu explained that in Chinese culture the dragon is a benevolent being, not the threatening one of Western myth that imperils heroes and ravages maidens.

Rather, the dragon is a symbol of transformation, since it is composed of parts from nine different animals. Herewith its heritage: head of a camel, horns of a deer, ears of a cow, eyes of a rabbit, neck of a snake, belly of a frog, paws of a tiger, claws of a hawk and scales of a fish. Thus the dragon is also a symbol of diversity and change, the only constant in life.

Twu is co-chair of the Chinese Historical Project in Kelly Park, which depicts life in San Jose's Chinatown of 100 years ago.

VALENTINE COUPLE: Adele and Ralph Funston, who have been married 51 years, were the Anniversary Sweetheart Couple honored on Valentine's Day at the Los Gatos Senior Nutrition and Service Center. The two danced to Johnny Mathis' rendition of Chances Are and received flowers and treats from friends and staff members of the center.

This was the third sweetheart celebration, an event that pays tribute to the memory of Rose and Andy Pavicich, whose anniversary was in early February. The event is also a thank-you to their offspring who continue their contributions of both time and money to the center in honor of their beloved parents/grandparents.

CAREFUL SHOPPER: Priscilla Hospers is a regular customer at the Happy Dragon, the thrift store that benefits Eastfield Ming Quong. She recently bought a photo album at the Dragon and when she got it home found it wasn't entirely empty.

Pasted within was a letter from a soldier in Japan immediately after WW II, plus clippings from a local newspaper about that soldier. His name was William Luckett and Hospers' friend Mary Martin knew the name, because years ago Kim Luckett had been a baby sitter for her.

So Hospers called the William Luckett number and, sure enough, the soldier written up was his father (Kim's grandfather), who now lives at the Meadows. The Lucketts were delighted to get the memorabilia back, all thanks to Hospers' sleuthing.

DEDICATION: A dedication ceremony was held at West Valley College recently to commemorate the brick courtyard, part of the 35th anniversary events. The courtyard is near the old oak on campus. Bricks were sold at $50 each and funds created provided a $1,500 scholarship for a transferring student.

The student book loan fund also got a $1,500 boost. Some 50 people attended the ceremony and President Marchelle Fox told those hardy souls braving the rain that of all the anniversary activities last year, the courtyard was the only lasting memorial to the college. Bricks can still be ordered by calling 408.741.2526 for an application. Joan Sarlo coordinated the anniversary events.

FAUX ARTIST: Valerie McNeal is the faux painter/muralist/trompe l'oeil artist who decorated the new Spa Los Gatos across from the post office. Her work includes three paintings, small murals and the walls that look like aged Italian stone.

McNeal describes the spa work as "radical looking." She's a creative arts grad from San Jose State University, and is an interior designer for Tile Fantastic.

FASHIONS: Azadeh Boutique, 29 University Ave., will hold a spring fashion show Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are requested at 408.399.4994.

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