When Adrian Stanga put up his Christmas lights this year, he wasn't just stringing colored lights; he was making a statement. From the edge of Carnelian Glen Court, one could see only the beginning of his display--which meant the bus-bound Odd Fellows judges didn't get to see it all. But Stanga put up a long archway of lights, which he called "The Lighted Path to Peace," leading to a manger scene with "Peace" written in lights.
Adrian and Frances Stanga's son Pete is in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Through a United Nations project, he and other volunteers are working to rebuild homes and businesses and coordinate workshops to help ease tensions between the Croats and Muslims. Pete was here for a visit before Christmas, but has now returned. His parents admit to being both proud of their son's bravery and fearful for his safety.
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Another display the Decorate! judges missed was at the Harleigh Drive home of Carol and Scott Hutchings. Somehow their entry got lost in the mail and was not included in the contest. The neighbors couldn't understand why they didn't win, Carol said. Looks like we missed a good one.
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Once a Pennsylvanian, always a Pennsylvanian. At least that's how Jack Mallory feels about it. He is inviting all former Pennsylvanians to the seventh annual Groundhog Dinner Party, to be held Feb. 3 at the Palo Alto Elks Club. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend the gathering, sponsored by the Groundhog Club of Silicon Valley and local Penn State Alumni.
The annual event not only celebrates the legend of Punxsutawney Phil but gives nostalgic Pennsylvanians a chance to enjoy music and food from the home state. The groundhog get-together also raises funds for the needy. Last year, the club raised $2,500 for the Salvation Army and the Second Harvest Food Bank. To sign up, contact Mallory at 252-7447.
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While the holidays were officially over for most of us on Jan. 2, at least a half-dozen Saratoga Village merchants decided to extend their vacations a few more days. Bit O' Country closed for inventory, and Bella Saratoga took three days off to put in a new kitchen floor. The Saratoga Bike Shop and several others simply took an extra week off, the equivalent of putting up a "gone fishing" sign. Why not? Hope your holiday was a good one, whether it lasted two days or two weeks.
--Sue Fagalde Lick
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, Wednesday, January 10, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.