 |
|
|
|
|
Saratoga Sampler
Sacred Heart and Saratoga have deep roots
By Mary Ann Cook
50th ANNIVERSARY: Since Sacred Heart Church celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, Monsignor Alexander Larkin included some church history in his sermon at an 11 a.m. Mass in early January.
Seems Sacred Heart and Saratoga have very deep roots, as Monsignor Larkin put it. The two have been intertwined since the days when Saratoga was McCartysville and services were held in the widow Anna McCarty's front parlor with the Jesuit priest from Santa Clara College (now university) riding in on horseback.
The first Mass was celebrated officially in 1878. In those days settlers came from all over Europe; now Saratoga settlers come from all over the world, so there's a certain continuity there, he said. Sacred Heart has migrated from building to building through the years.
It has an active outreach program and its school opened the same year the city was incorporated--in 1957. Since Catholic School Week occurs from Jan. 28 through Feb. 2, the school plans several open houses. First up is an open house following the 9 a.m. Mass on Jan. 28.
The office will be open and applications will be accepted. Next, an open house will be held on Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. so prospective families can have a look at the school in action. Grandparents' Day will be held on Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. so that generations can get acquainted.
Applications for the school will be accepted from Jan. 28 to Feb. 15, and after that date enrollment is closed and applicants are put on a waiting list.
AVANTI AWARD: 'Twas a stellar week for Wanda Alexander earlier this month. On Monday she won a Spirit of Excellence Award from KNTV, Channel 11, and on Wednesday she won a MAGIC award from the Avanti Foundation.
Alexander, a clinical social worker, is the volunteer director of ACT (All Cooperating Together) for Mental Health. For the Avanti Award she was one of nine awarded $5,000. Six community activists, also unsung until then, received $25,000 for their dedication.
MAGIC stands for Making a Great Investment in Community. Alexander was the only professional so honored. She has worked for Agnews, the Adult and Child Guidance Clinic and Family Services. She has also taught social group therapy at Berkeley and the University of Washington.
But retirement doesn't seem to be in the cards. Besides her volunteer directorship, Alexander maintains a private practice in Los Gatos. Avanti Foundation was established by a Taiwanese immigrant who did well in business and is dedicated to giving back to the unsung and the disadvantaged.
DINNER CLUB: A new dinner club is aborning, an offshoot of the West Valley Welcomers. In the new format, each host will decide what the evening will entail--anything from a pizza party to a themed affair with entertainers could be in the works. Special speakers may be involved.
The first in this new offering will be a Valentine potluck at the Wales' home on Feb. 10. For reservations, call Barbara Wales at 408.379.0727. A popular plan, this--the guest list already numbers 50. Sally Neubauer and Jan Petrucha are dinner chairpersons for the new venture.
TEA & SYMPATHY: Le Mouton Noir and The Braid Box are teaming up for an intergeneration hand-knitting afternoon called Tea & Sympathy on Jan. 27, from noon to 3 p.m. Expert knitters Patricia Ferguson, Irene Assaf and Karen Breslow will lead the needle wielders.
These three experts will help with those difficult projects that may have the crafters stumped. No learn-to-knit lessons will be offered, however. The event will be held at Le Mouton Noir and afternoon tea will be served for $15. Reservations are required at 408.867.7017.
Braid Box is celebrating its 30th year in Saratoga, which may make it the oldest continuing business in Saratoga.
MEET THE AUTHORS: Saratogan Rosalie Sogolow, who wrote Empty the Ocean with a Spoon, a memoir of growing up with the customs, traditions and superstitions of a Jewish home, is one of three speakers at the AAUW luncheon on Jan. 25, a benefit for the AAUW Education Foundation.
Others are Dr. Margaret Mahoney, a San Jose physician and author of Saving the Soul of Medicine, about the HMO health-care crisis. And Jean Kavale, also of Saratoga, who wrote From the Potomac to the Seine: the Personal Story of an Army Family.
The luncheon will be at La Rinconada Country Club and the cost is $45. For reservations, call Mary Henderson at 867.1928.
MEET JANIS PAIGE: Saratoga Drama Group presents its annual open house at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 with special guest Janis Paige, of screen and stage. Paige will be interviewed by emcee Michael Trout. Among her movies: Silk Stockings, Please Don't Eat the Daisies and Bachelor in Paradise. On stage: Pajama Game and Mame.
Next up for SDG is Fantasticks, beginning Feb. 3. The open house is at the Saratoga Civic Theater and is free.
|
|
|
|
Saratoga, California Since 1955
