Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Main Street

Mary Ann Cook

Irish visit includes stop in sister city of Listowel

IRISH FOREBEARS: Kathy and Joe Cusick are just back from a trip to Ireland, where they took in three Elderhostels, found two castles that Joe could trace to his forebears, climbed cathedrals, turrets and hills and played golf at Ballybunnion the day after Tiger Wood, Ernie Els and Payne Stewart had.

The Cusicks checked out Los Gatos' Sister City Listowel in County Kerry, where they stayed at a B & B and were hosted by Frank and Carmel Pearse, who have themselves "sister citied" in Los Gatos.

One night with the Pearses, Jimmy Deanihan, a member of the Irish Parliament and a frequent emissary to Los Gatos, showed up with two people in tow--one of whom was a former Los Gatan and one a Saratogan. Though Joe can't remember their names, it was definitely small-world time.

This was the fourth Irish venture for the Cusicks, and they found Ireland much more prosperous this time--better roads, strengthened economy. But don't ask for directions in Ireland, Joe warns. Reference points and distances offered are inexact at best.

A white cross or church that might or might not be where you were instructed to turn left isn't very clear, especially in the Irish mist or downright rain. But finding their way through the countryside was part of the adventure, after all. They studied ancient Celtic history in Navon, Christian study in Sligo; and Irish writers at the University of Limerick.

After three weeks of hosteling, the Cusicks drove 1,600 miles through the countryside, locating a family castle in Killeen. Antecedent Geoffrey deCusack was granted a barony there in 1175 and built a castle, now boarded up. The second castle was traced through his mother's side, the Taaffes, a 15th-century merchant's home in Carlingford, County Louth.

Many Irish towns have heritage centers where people intent on family history can learn a lot. Irish B& Bs are the only way to go, Joe enthuses--reasonably priced, impeccably clean, government-subsidized. On an earlier trip to Listowel, Joe was credited with getting Los Gatos' name added to the sign proclaiming Listowel's list of Sister Cities. All it took was a word to town councilman Pearse.

Joe is a member of the Los Gatos Museum Association but didn't check out the small Irish museums this time as he has in former visits.

GOLF WINNER: In one of the first tournaments he's ever played in his life, John Brackett won first place and an impressive set of golf clubs. The tournament was the Isuzu Golf Celebrity-Amateur held at the Edgewood Club at Lake Tahoe.

Brackett's friend, Clay Rodriguez, invited him to play in the event, probably little dreaming what an impressive showing John was destined to make. His celebrity teammate was Marcus Allen, recently retired from the Oakland Raiders.

So many celebrities were milling about that John, outfitted in dark glasses, was often asked for his autograph--and willingly gave it. Celebs included John Elway, Dan Quail, Mario LeMieux and Maury Povich.

John is a '78 grad of Los Gatos High, sells commercial real estate for Wayne Mascia in Santa Clara. He and wife Kristen have two boys, Jacob, 2 and Justin, 1. He has a 15 handicap, but he played that day to a 5 and was teasingly accused of sandbagging. He doesn't play very much since becoming a father, Kristen relates, but obviously diminished play hasn't meant diminished skill.

RON'S WILDLIFE RUN: The 15th annual Ron's Wildlife Run, a fundraiser for YSI (Youth Science Institute) will be held Sept. 13 at Vasona Park. The run is named for its founder, Ron Becker, avid runner and YSI vice president, who died in 1988.

Close friend Jack Hubby suggested the race be named to commemorate Becker. Today Hubby carries on the Becker dedication to YSI: he's the current president. This year the race will include a 5k run, as well as 10k and 2k. The 2k run is for children under 12.

The 2k and 5k runs are within Vasona, but the 10k loop takes in other parts of Los Gatos.

SYMPHONY AUXILIARY: Recently elected officers to the San Jose Symphony Auxiliary include Los Gatan Marilyn Lattanzio, parliamentarian; and Monte Serenons Carol Mardesich, budget and finance; and Kay Eshleman, historian.

Saratogans on the board include Lois O'Haren, recording secretary; Nancy Daniher, corresponding secretary; JoAnn Syvertson, treasurer; and Bonnie Radding, past president. The members met at the O'Haren garden July 22 for the election, then adjourned to Montalvo for lunch. President is Terri Anderson of San Jose.

LAST COUPLET: The Poetry for Everyone contest for the Los Gatos poet laureate has a special poignancy this year, what with founder Mary Foster's recent death. She didn't want a memorial, but her family held one anyway. She would probably have been amazed--and heartened--at the outpouring of people and sentiments there. A small tribute to the way she warmed our hearts through the years.

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