Saratoga News Those who lived it tell story of local orchards Mary Ann Cook LOCAL HISTORY: History buffs, take note: a new book called Voices from the Orchards has just been published. It's a compilation of personal stories of those in the fruit industry in this valley--from picker to processor. Some 21 voices tell their stories, including Saratogan Vince Garrod. Also heard from are Frank Pregliasco and Carol Beddo, who grew up on farms in Los Gatos and lent their voices to the story. The book's author is Carolyn Downey, who collected oral tapes of these local remembrances. She sought out representatives from every ethnic group then living in the valley. "Many just spouted out poetry," she says. "I hardly had to do any editing. Even those for whom it wasn't a pleasant experience spoke glowingly about how there was nothing more beautiful than apricots ripening in the sun." Downey taught in the Alum Rock school district for 20 years and recently earned a master's degree at San Jose State University in education and children's literature. The book is designed to be read as a text by fourth graders, and will interest adults as well. Two of her test marketers were 10-year-old Los Gatos twins Allysa and Kelly Craig-Arnold. Margaret O'Keefe is the book's illustrator and chief impetus for its creation. O'Keefe, a friend of Downey's, did these pencil drawings 60 years ago at an Evergreen ranch, filling dozens of sketchbooks with her work. She was hoping to do a mural in San Jose of the fruit-packing industry. O'Keefe, now deceased, was a founding member of the San Jose Art League. Thirty percent of first-day sales will go to the Margaret O'Keefe Endowment Fund at the League. Downey will sign books at the Fairmont Hotel lobby Jan. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The books are $14.95, available at the San Jose Art League, 482 S. Second St., or ordered through Anacaro Publications, P.O. Box 720816, San Jose, Calif., 95172-0816. A sequel to the first book is in the works, titled Growing Up in Santa Clara Valley. A LIFE WELL LIVED: It's not often one feels uplifted at a memorial, but that's exactly what happened at the Celebration of a Life honoring Saratogan Kenneth Lee at Montalvo Jan. 7. More than 500 people endured the chill of the outdoor amphitheater to hear friends, relatives and colleagues eulogize him. His widow is Cynthia Lee, and his children are Marcus Lee and Stephanie Lee Jones. Dr. Lee was a physicist, a vice president of Quantum Corporation and the holder of several patents. He also worked for Varian, IBM and Domain Technology. Quantum announced that a new scholarship in his name will be offered to Berkeley, his alma mater. Quantum will also name a new lab in his honor. But it wasn't his scientific brilliance alone that people saluted at the memorial, but his personal impact. The word integrity was a continual refrain. And his sense of humor in particular was cited by his family. "We knew nothing of his zany side," said amazed business colleagues who spoke after family members had offered tributes. Colleagues told of his mentoring, his problem-solving abilities, his compassion, his brilliance. His family talked about his hobbies, with football and cars being two all-consuming passions. He painted his garage floors so that his work area would be as clean as a hospital surgical unit. Born in San Francisco, he was the youngest in his family, following four girls. His Chinese name was Mission Accomplished. At his birth and at his death that seems a most fitting name for a life well lived, for a man who exemplified the best among us. AT THE Y: This is Active Older Adult week at the Southwest YMCA on Quito Road, and next week is Healthy Lifestyles week. A free luncheon lecture will be held Jan. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m., and the subject will be "Stocks for the Long Run." On Jan. 28, the luncheon/lecture subject will be "Preventative Health." A title that seems to go against the grain. Surely the Y doesn't mean to prevent its patrons from being healthy. Guess "Preventive Measures to Ensure Health" wouldn't fit on the marquee. Regular offerings at the Y include tai chi, aerobics, aqua fitness, Jin Shin Jyutsu and stretch classes. Call 370-1877 to reserve a spot for the luncheons or to check out any of the action at 13500 Quito Road. PAINT THROUGH WINTER DOLDRUMS: Petroglyph offers new classes to create hand-painted plates. Italian Brushstroke Grapes and Roses will be covered Jan. 25; Easy Painting for Terrified Adults is Feb. 1; Valentine Fun on Feb. 8; Italian Brushstroke Vegetable Madness, Feb. 15 and Italian Brushstroke Hummingbird and Fuchsia, Feb. 22. All classes are 7-9 p.m. at the store on Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. For children ages 8-12, classes are offered on Monday, and for youngsters 6-8, it's Wednesdays. Children's classes are 4-6 p.m. To enroll call 354-8700. Prices from $30 to $45 include instruction, ceramic piece, glazing and firing. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 20, 1999. ©1999 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.