Saratoga Sampler

New arrival came complete with intrigue

By Mary Ann Cook

ADOPTION PERILS: Maureen and Duke Nelson have adopted a second baby from Chile, a project as grueling this time around as the first, in a process that sounds lifted straight from a spy novel. Endless red tape from two countries the Nelsons were expecting, but assault, attempted kidnapping and being enmeshed in an international baby blackmarket they didn't figure on.

When Maritza Lucille Nelson, now 9, was adopted, Maureen evaded an attempted baby-kidnapping on the street and an attempted break-in at her apartment the day before leaving Chile with 6-week-old Maritza.

Oh, yes, the plane was stopped on the runway and she was evicted because she had inadvertently given authorities the wrong envelope with the necessary paperwork. The right envelope had to be retrieved from her luggage. After all that, why approach Chile again, a country not receptive to foreign adoption, anyway?

"I love the culture, we wanted Maritza to have a sibling, I speak Spanish and the religion is the same [Catholic]. I cook Chilean foods, interact with people there. We want Maritza to be proud of her heritage, take her back to Chile every three years," says Maureen.

For the past three years the Nelsons have been trying again, going through several referrals, agreeing on a child and paying for his foster care for several months. He was snatched from foster care by his grandmother the day before the Nelsons got to Chile.

After Maureen tracked the grandmother down and began negotiations, it became obvious it was all part of a baby racket scheme. Maureen reported the scam to the authorities and left Chile, brokenhearted.

A few months later, those involved were all arrested, and, on the very same day, a Chilean judge, aware of the Nelson's plight, offered a baby under her guardianship that she would release for adoption. So, with considerable fear and trepidation, Maureen flew back to Chile, headed this time to the orphanage where Lucas Julian, 14 months, was waiting and who literally jumped into her arms when he saw her. Today he has gained seven pounds, added seven teeth, talks, walks--and doesn't stop smiling.

DIGGING FOR HISTORY: Saratogan Michel Quenon has a life-long interest in history, particularly Meso-American history, so ever since his early retirement he's been studying archaeology and spending the summers on digs. Last summer found him digging at the Presidio in San Francisco.

The work is tedious and exacting and the pay nil, but there's a payoff in the excitement of what might be found--and learned. The Presidio dig was under the guidance of Rob Edwards, a Cabrillo College archaeology instructor, and Quenon was part of the class. Quenon's particular concentration is with the Mayan languages.

About the Presidio dig he says, "It's quite an exhilarating experience to uncover stone foundations that once supported the adobe walls of the chapel [built in 1776] and its adjoining structures...like putting together a giant puzzle. As the excavation progresses and more of the area gets opened, one starts picturing what the standing structures might have looked like."

Each step is carefully monitored and extensively recorded and the resultant materials, after being screened in the lab, are taken to Cabrillo College for further analysis. The class also went on a surveying trip to Los Padres National Forest.

This was not a dig, but a surface search to determine if more study should be done there. The class found evidence that the area had been a Native American site. The give-away was the discovery of mortar holes bored into the boulders at the edge of the San Antonio River.

These holes were bored so that acorns could be ground into powder inside them. The powder was used to make acorn cakes, a diet staple. Other signs of habitation: fragments of marine shells; the presence of Monterey chert, a hard rock used to make tools and arrowheads; and the discovery of a small projectile point in the style used by Indians from 1300 C.E. to the arrival of the Spanish. 'Twas a treasure hunt crowned with success for these explorers.

IN FASHION: A Versace fashion show called "Fabulous You" will be held April 17 at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel to benefit the Pediatric Clinic at University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry. The clinic provides dental care to low-income children or those with emotional problems unable to go to a regular dentist.

The fashion show starts at 11 a.m., luncheon at noon. Saratogans involved in the event are Paula and Susan Bittner; Bonnie and Ken Kwong; and Anne and Blair Prince. Roger Craig is one of the celebrity models on hand. The contact is 867-5343.

IN CONCERT: Membership drive for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association continues to April 11, the date of the final concert for the year. New members signing on by April 11 will be treated to the Joe Trio concert. For information: Ray Strong at 377-1106.

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Saratoga Sampler: Adoption of Chilean baby complicated by intrigue

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