Saratoga News Studies included front-row seat to Hurricane Mitch Mary Ann Cook GLOBAL STUDENT: When Stephanie Workman elected to study abroad for a semester, she could hardly predict she'd be caught up in what has been called the worst natural disaster in the Western Hemisphere--Hurricane Mitch. But she was. Fortunately for her and the other 19 students in the program, they were high enough up in the Honduran hills of the capital city, Tegucigalpa, to escape the devastation. Those who suffered the most were the poor, whose homes were at a lower level and were washed away by the flooding. Though the students were safe, they helped others in the evacuation process and could see houses sliding down the hills and bodies being washed into rivers created by the flooding. Some 50 percent of Honduras was under water. In the capital city, the water came up four stories high in the downtown area, and flood waters reached the tops of telephone poles. Some 70 percent of the banana and coffee bean crops were wiped out. It is estimated that it will take 10 years before the banana trees will bear fruit again. After the hurricane, the students used the top level of the school building, so that displaced families could be housed on the lower two levels. Workman studied Spanish, the history and culture of Honduras, its underlying problems and its relationship with the U.S. as part of her Global Studies at Azusa Pacific College. She's no stranger to travel, having spent shorter stints in Ecuador and India. She'd like to work with inner city children in community development once she graduates. She is the daughter of Dale and Bonnie Workman of Los Gatos, and her family is very active in Saratoga Federated Church. Her aunt, Becky Dugan, is one of the music pastors there. WOMEN & MONEY: Two well-known investment gurus will offer a presentation called "Women and their Money" at Hyatt Rickeys in Palo Alto Jan. 25. The financial mavens are Joan Perry, president of Take Charge Financial in Los Gatos and David Bach, senior vice president of investments for the Bach Group at Dean Witter. Joan Perry is author of the book, A Girl Needs Cash. The title comes from a quote from Mae West--who said that after 40, a girl needs cash. Perry is the founder of the first municipal investment banking firm owned by a woman and is today head of her own firm. David Bach, a scion of the investment firm that bears his name, is the author of Smart Women Finish Rich. He is well known for his educational investment seminars. The cost is $25 for Commonwealth Club members and $35 for guests. A light buffet is set for 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Closer to home, Perry will present a talk Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Amundsen Hall, 14103 Saratoga Ave. The sponsors are the Los Gatos- Saratoga and San Jose chapters of AAUW. For more information call 741-0652. BIG SELLERS: Popular items at the Butter Paddle over the recent buying frenzy known as the holidays were the animals and Santas made in Chico and called Woof 'n' Poofs. "We couldn't keep them in stock," says buyer Caryl Pozos. The minute they came in, out they went, volunteers at the Paddle attest. The floppy creations are definitely prized collectibles. For the Christmas trade, stuffed Santas, angels and elves were added to the usual supply of lambs and dogs. VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: The Junior League is accepting applications for exemplary volunteers for the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon April 16. Nominating forms must be submitted by Feb. 2. Effectiveness, creativity and leadership are some of the qualities sought by the judges. Leslie Beemer and Louise Pahl are co-chairwomen, and the number to call for application forms is 536-0988 PAINTING DEMO: Artist Mike Linstrom will demonstrate his oil painting techniques at the Saratoga Contemporary Artists' meeting Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Library. Guests are welcome. Call 354-9046 or 378-7659. A PLETHORA: For cultural gurus, Saratoga is definitely the place to be. Even a cursory glance can attest to its richness. It's a constant source of amazement to me how many different cultural agencies are housed and thriving in a village as small as Saratoga. There's Villa Montalvo with artist residents and an active outreach program to children who may not otherwise be exposed to the arts. There's Hakone Gardens, where Westerners meet the East with Japanese tea service, brush strokes and garden philosophy. There's the Saso Herb Garden, internationally famous. Then there's the Youth Hostel, where travelers from all over the world can find inexpensive food and shelter in an exquisite setting much prized for weddings. The Mountain Winery where the famed entertain all summer long. The Southwest Y where swimming pool and exercise rooms invite shedding excess pounds or rebuilding muscle after accidents. West Valley College offering bargain-priced college courses with interior design a specialty. And this but a partial listing. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 13, 1999. ©1999 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.