Los Gatos Weekly-Times Celebration remembers the life of Mary Foster The first annual Holiday Remembrance of Mary Foster: A Celebration of Life, takes place Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Forbes Mill Regional History Museum, where Foster was a curator and active volunteer. People of all ages are welcome to attend the free event, and refreshments will be served. A longtime Los Gatos resident who died July 30 at age 72, Foster was known around town for her many community activities, including her portrayals of Mother Goose and Santa Claus; her Los Gatos--Then & Now show on KCAT Channel 6; her founding of the Poetry for Everyone group whose members meet monthly to share their verses; and the Los Gatos Poet Laureate Contest, which each summer names one adult and one youth laureate. Foster also coordinated The 12 Days of Christmas--a free series of entertainment events--at Forbes Mill in the days preceding Christmas. In keeping with the tradition Foster started, and recognizing that no one could equal her accomplishments, according to Los Gatos Museum Association member Louise Collins, members of the LGMA organized this remembrance of Foster to celebrate both her life and the holiday season she loved so much. Members of the community are invited to share their memories of Foster in the form of poems, songs, stories or photographs. Poems or songs on other topics are welcome also, as Foster loved creativity in all its forms. In addition to the open-mic portion of the event, Foster's remembrance includes two live bands: Chip Curry and the New Pine Tones; and Moonglow, whose members Jerry Ashford and Beth McNamara are also known for their performances with the South Bay-based bluegrass band Sidesaddle. Collins, who is coordinating the holiday remembrance, encourages those wishing to read or perform at the event to call ahead, so she can include their names on the program. Drop-ins are also welcome. For information, call Collins at 356-7025 or the Forbes Mill office at 395-7375. [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, December 9, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.