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Saratoga Sampler
A trip to the Olympic Games? Why not?
By Mary Ann Cook
OLYMPIC VIEWERS: Intrepid travelers Olive Stocking and Ruth Bauer enjoyed their time at the national ice skating competitions in Los Angeles so much, they decided they'd better take in the Olympics as well. So, most abruptly, and with little time to spare before the international competition, the two somehow managed to book both rooms and flight.
It was the 11th Olympic Games that Bauer had witnessed in person, and the sixth or seventh for Stocking. They reported that these Olympics went virtually without a hitch, citing the ease of public transit on the light rail line and connecting buses, as they shuttled back and forth to different venues.
The duo spent Christmas in Santa Fe, a choice they'd recommend wholeheartedly for others and one that may become a tradition for them. This spring they're off to Alaska to guide Bauer's French cousins through that region using their experienced eyes.
This combo insists on charting its own path, choosing the ones less traveled. When they hit a place that appeals to them more than they expected, they simply stay put for a few more days. What a life. Well, someone has to live it.
BUTTER PADDLE: The Butter Paddle is celebrating its 35th year benefiting Eastfield Ming Quong. The upscale gift shop raised $147,936 this year for EMQ, and its total for the past five years is $500,000. Run entirely by a volunteer auxiliary, the group is eager for new members.
The contact is Geri Forsyth at 408.867.1678. Featured ware at the shop this season is Portmeirion pottery. Its baby gift section has been expanded and a variety of Junior League cookbooks are available, plus plenty of Easter choices.
ACUPUNCTURIST: The practice of acupuncture is increasingly gaining acceptance in this country among both doctors and the general public. A recent noon talk to explain more about this process was presented at the Saratoga Senior Center by acupuncturist Angela Ching.
Since she spoke in Chinese, her talk was interpreted by Frank Fu, representing the Chinese Medical Foundation, an agency whose mission it is to increase the awareness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the United States. A recent study showed that 40 percent of people in this country turn to alternative medicine.
Ching put a needle in the back of her hand during her talk and it remained there throughout the hour-long presentation to demonstrate that the procedure is nearly always painless and bloodless. A few drops might appear, she said. Acupuncture sessions usually run about an hour per patient.
Ching showed charts of the body that have been in use for as long as 2,500 years. The charts mapped the route taken by bloodlines throughout the body and corresponding points where needles would be applied to counteract the patient's problem. For example, she indicated a point in the foot that would bring relief to a headache.
Each malady has its specific path for the acupuncturist to follow. The Chinese word for life force or dynamic energy is called ch'i. When there's a blockage in the ch'i, trouble develops. And inserting needles is meant to increase the ch'i, called the superhighway of the body.
Ching cited some amazing successes.
A Cupertino woman suffered a neck injury in an auto accident, and the injury was becoming more and more painful in her shoulders and arms. After four treatments, the pain was alleviated; after six sessions she could raise her arms; and after 10, she could move her neck.
"If I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't have believed it," the patient said.
One woman with a sprained ankle came into the office on crutches and walked out unaided after an hour of treatment.
Acupuncture can treat allergies, organ problems, diarrhea, constipation--addressing the root causes of pain so the problem doesn't recur.
CRAFTSMEN: Foothill Club members want to stress that their lecture series isn't just for club members, but is open to the public. And next up in the series is Gray Brechin on the architectural tradition of Bernard Maybeck and Julia Morgan on March 26 at 10 a.m. at the clubhouse.
Brechin is a Berkeley art historian with a doctorate in geography. A $6 donation is requested. The contact number is 408.354.2527.
CHOCOLATE: Rivers of Chocolate, the fundraiser for Social Advocates for Youth, will flow again March 24, 2-6 p.m. at the Mountain Winery. SAY benefits at-risk youngsters with a variety of programs--shelter, schooling and bridging the gap from foster care to independence.
Tickets are $75. Call 408.253.3540.
TALISMAN HONORS: The Saratoga High 2001 yearbook won awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. The Talisman earned All-Columbia honors for coverage, concept, design, writing and photography and a gold medal for scoring 967 out of a possible 1,000 points.
NSPA awarded The Talisman All-American status.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
