Saratoga Sampler

Contrarian osprey decides to stick around

By Mary Ann Cook

LIKES IT HERE: Osprey, a hawk-like bird of prey, usually migrate south to the Caribbean and South America in early fall and fly back through these parts in the spring. Definitely transit types. One local osprey doesn't seem to be aware of this genetic pattern, though, and has lingered long here--for an osprey.

She's been spotted daily since Oct. 3, perched on a dead tree branch outside the home of Pat and Jean Dubois, which overlooks Vasona. This osprey's catch would be the envy of every fisherman around, Dubois claims. She's been seen with catfish, bass and trout, some as big as she is.

She drapes her dinner over the dead branch, often impaling fish that are so big it takes her hours, nay days, to eat them. The bird's colorings of white brow and speckled brown mark it a female. Jean Dubois, a dedicated birder since age 6, directs the local Audubon group.

Saratogan Eve Case started the group in 1967. When Case died, the group renamed itself the Eve Case Bird Discussion Group, and Dubois became the heir apparent and host of the monthly meetings. His sightings are posted on the Internet under South Bay Birds.

Several professional photographers have come 'round and gifted the Dubois with photos of this beautiful bird, ready for the framing.

AAUW AUTHORS: Saratogan Jean Kavale is one of three authors who will speak at the AAUW luncheon on Jan. 25, which benefits their education foundation. Kavale wrote From the Potomac to the Seine: the Personal Story of an Army Family.

The book's main focus is on her childhood and teen years during World War II. Her father, Brig. Gen. Howard Peckham, was responsible for allocating fuel and lubricant resources for the army worldwide and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for this work.

In Paris he was in charge of dispensing the American war dead--some 150,000, a staggering task. Kavale researched army documents and WW II histories, strengthening her awe and appreciation of her father's work. He retired as a major general in 1956.

Other authors speaking at the luncheon are Dr. Margaret Mahoney, who wrote Saving the Soul of Medicine and Rosalie Sogolow, Empty the Ocean with a Spoon. The luncheon will be held at La Rinconada Country Club and costs $45. For reservations: Mary Henderson at 408.867.1928.

TO HOST ORPHANS: Andrea Rogerson is organizing a bowlathon on Feb. 3, at Saratoga Lanes to raise money to bring Russian orphans to the Bay Area this summer. She hosted an orphan last year and desperately wanted to adopt him, but red tape entangled her.

The Rogersons are British nationals on a temporary work permit here and the Brits--and Russians--have very daunting requirements about adoptions. So a heartbroken Andrea resolved to help raise money for another visit by other orphans.

Participating bowlers will be grouped in teams of five and will seek pledges from friends and family. Sign up for pledge sheets with Rogerson at 408.354.7366. Happy Families International is the sponsor of the visits. The children, age 6-12, come for 10-day stays.

While here they give performances of folk dancing/singing. One was held at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Saratoga last year. The shows raise money and awareness, and serve as an audition in Russia. Children are selected based on which orphanage puts together the most appealing show.

Adoption is always the underlying hope of the visits, as well. Half of those who came to the Bay Area last year are now going through adoption, an expensive and demanding process.

"It was a life-changing experience for all of us," Rogerson says about hosting Ilia. "I was concerned about the after effects on those who are not adopted. But I learned that their confidence--and hopes--are raised and that they become leaders in the orphanage."

FUTURE OLYMPICS: Planning the campaign to woo the Olympic Games to the Bay Area in 2012 is already underway. The Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee has submitted a bid to the decision makers that runs to 700 pages, covering venues, transportation, housing, communications and weather.

Three separate areas are considered--San Francisco, San Jose and Monterey. Graphic designer Rick Tharp of Los Gatos developed the graphic vocabulary of the bid, pulling it all together visually with the look and feel that may sell the Olympic committee on this area.

SEEKING THE HEIGHTS: Next up in the Foothill Club public lecture series is mountaineer Jim Williams, who will talk about his "Adventures on the Seven Highest Summits" on Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. A polar expert and geologist, Williams grew up in Saratoga.

He was the climbing leader for the Everest 2000 Environmental Expedition and founder/president of Professional Mountain Guides, in Jackson Hole.

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