Saratoga News

Photograph by Louise Webb

Gloria Levy (left) and Sylvia Katzman, who helped sponsor the lecture series at Congregation Beth David, dine with Judge Joseph Wapner.

Louise Webb

Judge Joseph Wapner was in town dining at Dolce Vita recently. After dinner he spoke at Congregation Beth David on "Looking at the Law; Jewish and American." He was a speaker for the South Bay Institute's Distinguished Lecture Series.

The Easter Bunny came to Safeway on Easter Sunday, leaving colored eggs in the produce department. Five-year-old Emily Baba found a special piece of paper inside her egg, winning her a huge Easter basket filled with goodies. Among the participants wearing pretty Easter dresses and bonnets was Laney Drury of Saratoga.

Over 40 members of our Sister City group left for Japan and Korea for a l5-day stay, led by John Tauchi. The group left Easter evening and will be in Japan when the cherry bloosoms are in bloom.

On March 28, there was a swearing-in at the main Saratoga Post Office for our newly appointed postmaster, Sam Vasques. Many accolades were given by dignitaries, including Mayor Gillian Moran. Vasques, a very ambitious and hard worker, wants to be helpful and involved in the community. He says if you have any suggestions or complaints, feel free to call him at 867-3036.

Last time I saw Jack Mallory, he was wearing a "happy retirement" ribbon. He retired from Northtrop Gruman (formerly Westinghouse Marine Division) February 28 after 35 years. There will be some trips, but he wants to stay most of the time in Saratoga, where he says we have a great community.

Last year Spa Management magazine chose PrestonWynne Spa as the "Day Spa of the Year." This year there was a two-page spread in the February edition of USA Today by Anne Goodfriend, the Seattle-based publisher of Spa Magazine. She stayed at the Inn at Saratoga and wrote about thePrestonWynne Spa in glowing terms.

Jean and Ray Teeple gave a baby shower for their daughter, Conni Teeple Janitz, and her husband, Darrin. Janitz was l987 Ambassador of Saratoga and graduated from Saratoga High School in l987. She also was Miss Northern California National Teenager and Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen. Her dad and brothers Bill and Joe Teeple were all Saratoga volunteer firefighters at one time.

Audry Lynch, author of With Steinbeck in the Sea of Cortez, signed books at Barnes and Noble at Westgate the evening before the Fourth International Steinbeck Congress at San Jose University on March 18.

The West Valley Welcomers will have a backyard spring luncheon and election of officers April 10. The luncheon hostess, Diane Guisinger, will demonstrate flower arranging. New members are welcome. Call 867-9543. Officers are Faith Schmidt, president; Jeanne Holst, vice president; Dean Weston, secretary; and Grace Shepherd, treasurer and historian.

Hans Guth has been busy writing. Several of his works have been published this year. In l997 he wrote You, the Writer for Houghton Miffin, co-authored Discovering Literature for Prentice Hall and co-authored The Rhetoric of Laughter, published by Harcourt Brace.

A touching memorial was held at the Foothill Club March 25 for Helen MacPherson Nesbet, former Saratoga High School teacher. Nesbet taught special education, English and history at Saratoga High for 16 years. Saratoga High School Principal Kevin Skelly participated in the program. Three poster collages highlighting Nesbet's travels, hiking adventures and numerous other activities were on display.

Would you like to see wood carvers in action or a whittling contest? The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Carvers Guild will be featuring these things and much more in the Prospect High School Gymnasium April 12 and l3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.