Los Gatans earn Silver Bowl awards at Junior League volunteer luncheon

Four individuals honored for their contributions

Four individuals who work or live in Los Gatos were recognized with Silver Bowl awards at the Junior League of San Jose's 30th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, April 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel in San Jose. The event honored volunteers from throughout Santa Clara County who have made significant contributions to the community. The theme for this year's celebration was "Heroes with Heart." From among hundreds of nominations from individuals and businesses in the county, the Junior League community judges chose 19 of the nominees to receive Silver Bowls, a symbol of their exceptional achievements, volunteerism and contributions. Local honorees were:

Charlene Boulais

Since 1992, Charlene Boulais has worked with Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties as an advocate for abused children. She meets regularly with each child, prepares court reports on behalf of the children and represents them within the court system. Her efforts have helped children get better places to live and have affected other areas of their lives as well, including improved academic performance, better behavior and more social skills. She has been a board member of Child Advocates for the past six years and has helped make the agency's dinner/auction event its most successful fundraiser. Boulais also chairs a new project, overseeing the recruitment of non-Advocate volunteers.

Dr. John A. Herman

So strong is Dr. John A. Herman's dedication to the Diabetes Society of Santa Clara Valley that even when he vacations, he leaves a number where someone from the society can reach him. President of the society's board of directors for the past two years and former chairman of last year's extremely successful fundraising campaign, Herman has also served for four years as camp physician for two week-long camps for young people with diabetes. He also recruited 20 other friends and colleagues from the medical community to help staff the camps, and constantly strives to increase public awareness of the disease, for the sake of individuals with the disease, those yet to be diagnosed and their families and caregivers.

Bob King

Bob King developed various interactive demonstrations for the Tech Museum of Innovation in downtown San Jose and sometimes visits the museum to discuss and share the secrets of science and technology with visitors. He also leads a group that develops training materials to educate and inform Tech Museum volunteers, explaining exhibits and technology in language that everyone can understand--both the technical-minded and those not so familiar with high-tech wonders. King worked actively to prepare training materials in preparation for the Tech's re-opening last fall.

Colleen Murphy

A longtime member of the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department's Volunteers In Policing program, Colleen Murphy performs a long list of services for the department and community. Among other tasks, she serves on the graffiti task force, for which she seeks out new graffiti, photographs it and then removes it; she also makes vacation checks for residents who've asked the department to keep an eye on their homes while they're away. While on patrol shifts, Murphy also watches for suspicious people and activities and has helped police officers apprehend crime suspects on several occasions. While the VIP program requires volunteers to serve at least four hours per week--which amounts to at least 208 hours each year, Murphy dedicated 678 hours to the program last year alone--300 percent of the minimum.

LGHS freshman admits bringing gun to school

Editorial: Creative approach needed to maintain Town's charm and character

LGHS Winterguard places eighth at World Championships

Obituaries: Alma Sieber, Peter Kraai, Stanley Johnson

Picture From the Past: Los Gatos railroads

Sports Briefs

Los Gatos boys win swim meet

Los Gatos hosts league track finals

Wildcats win two in baseball

Cats Hills Criterium Cycling Classic

Giants, Yankees tied for first in Pony League