Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Main Street

Mary Ann Cook

Senior group puts on sizzling performances

SIZZLING SENIORS: The Sizzling Seniors, beginning their 10th year, are an outgrowth of the dance aerobics classes led by Bev Myers of Saratoga, who teaches at the L.G. Neighborhood Center and in Santa Clara. The S.S.ers perform several times a week--mainly at schools and senior centers. None of the performers has had a background in dance or entertainment, Myers stresses, and are just enjoying themselves and keeping fit at the same time.

Though most members of the dance troupe come from the Santa Clara classes, five are Los Gatans: Audry Christianson, Cathy Clauer, Lesley Dinette, Anne Duarte and Fran Principe. Incidentally, Fran, who is 85, insists on doing the cooking whenever the group holds social get-togethers. An added bonus comes after the show, when the Sizzlers and their audience get better acquainted. "We spend individual time with them," Bev says.

ERMA AWARD: We know the Oscars and the Tonys, but at West Valley Light Opera Association they give out Ermas, named for Enid and Ross Maurice, linchpins in the success of the group and active for 15 years. Association subscribers voted Marge Hand of Los Gatos Best Supporting Actress for the 1996-97 season for her role as the Duchess Maria in Me & My Girl. Hand, a 32-year veteran performer with the group, won awards in earlier years for her performance as Golda in Fiddler on the Roof and Kate in Meet Me in St. Louis. Me & My Girl swept the Ermas, earning Best Show and Best Actor and Actress, as well as Best Supporting Actor and Actress. The new, 33rd, season starts Nov. 1 with South Pacific. Tickets: 268-3777.

BOARD PRESIDENT: Mabel Lai, who owns Mabel's Lantern House restaurant, is president of the board of Self Help for the Elderly. This organization provides help for Asian seniors and serves 25,000 people in four counties. The goal is to provide a place where isolated, low-income seniors can develop self-sufficiency through programs with an Asian cultural influence. Daily lunches, exercise programs, classes in citizenship and English and arts and crafts are all part of the action. There are two centers in Santa Clara County. The organization's number is 246-8790.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN: Nan Maier of Monte Sereno is president of the West Valley Republican Women and will attend the National Federation of Republican Women's Convention Sept 26-28 in New Orleans with the goal of bringing the women's vote back to the GOP. "A Vision With a Voice for the 21st Century" is the convention theme. The women's federation was established in 1938.

ANCHOR SPEAKER: Former broadcaster and present Councilmember Jan Hutchins spoke at a recent Kiwanis meeting about his 20 years in TV. Broadcasting is about entertainment and escapism, and sports is a business, he said. He thinks the news should be more subjective, not less. "Admitting your bias and finding the audience that shares that bias is better than an illusion," he surprised his audience by saying. But broadcasting can be inspirational too: He cited a radio network coming soon that will air the ideas of Zig Zigler, Norman Vincent Peale and Stephen Covey. Jan, a self-described reformed hippie, is working on a children's TV show now, to be aired on PBS in the spring. Featuring puppets and comedian Pat Morita, the show is called "Adventures with Kangarotti" and deals with ethical issues

OPERA GUILD: San Jose Opera Guild held a 50th-anniversary celebration at La Rinconada C.C. last week. S.J Opera Company singers Barbara Divis. Brian Leerhuber, Thomas Truhitte and Liya Fang performed arias and duets from the coming season--both the San Jose season and that in S.F. Accompaning them was Thomas Webb, vocal coach. Clifford (Kip) Cranna, musical administrator of the S.F. Opera Company, spoke about the recent reopening of the refurbished S.F. War Memorial Opera House.

The Opera Guild is headed by Alice Skurko of Los Gatos. Call her for ticket information at 356-7651. The guild hosts several lectures each season at the L.G. History Club, lectures which correspond with an opera being presented. For lecture info: Joy Hulme at 741-1331. The guild sponsored the popular "Opera in the Plaza" this summer, as well as a fundraiser for Hakone in Saratoga. The guild also sponsors an outreach program to schools. You need to call to request the program.

BAR-BE-CUE: The History Club will hold a western barbecue dinner Sept. 24 to open its season. Les Landin and his Skillet Lickers and a square dance group with Don Thompson, caller, will entertain. Desserts will be made by club officers.

BRIEF CLOSURE: The Indian Store in Old Town will be closed for two months for structural renovation. Expect new and exciting merchandise at the Nov. 28 re-opening, says owner Janice L. Benjamin.

BI-I-IG THROW: Ladislav Pataki won first place in the shot put and discus throw at the 12th World Veteran's Athletic Championship, held this summer in Durban, South Africa. His discus throw was 53.64 meters, beating out 17 other entrants.

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