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Saratoga Sampler
Chocolate, wine prove intoxicating menu for success
By Mary Ann Cook
RIVERS OF CHOCOLATE: One woman who drifted by said, "I think I've died and gone to heaven." She was in the underground cavern of the Mountain Winery in Saratoga and was surrounded by tables dispensing samples of chocolates and wine. She was floating through Rivers of Chocolate, the annual fundraiser for SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) held at the winery.
In the underground section of the winery were two rooms awash with chocolates of all persuasions and wine from dozens of different wineries. It was a hedonist's dream--chocolate and wine being dispensed at dozens of tables.
And aboveground--hors d'oeuvres.
On higher ground near the musicians, around the pool and in the chateau, restaurateurs offered samples of their most renowned appetizers. SAY organizers were blessed with fine weather and about 400 beaming folks and 36 purveyors of delicacies. The silent and live auctions added excitement, along with contributing to the coffers.
Saratogan Beverly Rossi is president of the SAY board and a family counselor by profession, a serendipitous dovetailing because SAY's main focus is youth in crisis. SAY operates a shelter for runaway and homeless youth, runs a youth and family counseling center and an independent living program.
Rossi got involved when she was interim director, searching for an executive director. She has worked for nonprofits for many years and credits SAY with being a most flexible organization, "constantly assessing community needs and answering them."
Case in point: the newest SAY program is a mentoring program designed for youth having trouble in school. Bea Lopez is the executive director who praises her staff for its flexibility, for being willing to explore new and better ways to serve their clients.
Rivers of Chocolate had a Hudson River theme with a replica of the Statue of Liberty in the innermost area of the chocolate den. I could have sworn I saw her drooling as I walked by.
FILM ON HBO: Craig Akimoto, son of Karen Akimoto, was a finalist in the National Children's Film Festival held last fall. He wrote and produced the half-hour movie. Although the film didn't win in the competition, HBO liked it so much they wanted to show it on their "30 x 30 Kid's Flicks. And so they did--on April 22.
SOUVENIR AT SEASON OPENER: Saratogan Warren Stearns caught the first foul ball hit in the new Pac Bell Park in the baseball season opener--with his bare hands from his seat in the first row of the club level. He was in section 216, row A, seat 6 for those who are into statistics.
The ball was hit by Dodgers' right fielder Shawn Green. Though the Dodgers beat the Giants by one run, the park itself was a home run, say those who were there at the historic unveiling.
YACHTERS ALERT: Dawn Riley was the first woman to manage an America's Cup team when she lead America True, the San Francisco Yacht Club's Challenge for 2000. She'll speak in Los Gatos on May 9, at 8 p.m. along with official photographer for the team Tom Zinn, son of LaVonne and Robert Zinn of Saratoga, who will offer a slide presentation.
She has sailed in three America's Cups and two Whitbread Round the World Races. She led the SF team to third place position in the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Races with the highest ranking of any U.S. team going into the 2000 semifinals.
The event is sponsored by the Los Gatos Yacht Club. A limited number of reserved seats are available by calling Ted Miller at 353-8602 or Leo Feltz at 356-0541. Cost is $8. Riley is a member of the International Speakers Association and a motivational speaker, as well as being filled to the gunwales with sea stories.
CLARINET CONCERT: The annual Spring Tea at the Foothill Club featured entertainment by the Klarinet Kapers Quartet, four musicians who started their collaboration in '92. The four have a diverse repertoire, from classical and romantic to ragtime, jazz and original contemporary works.
Their leader is Charlotte McManus, who teaches at the studio Music Students Ahead in the shopping center at Quito and Pollard. She plays the bass clarinet, the lowest-register instrument in the group. They are the only all-clarinet group in the Bay Area as far as she knows. Her number is 408.226.0347.
The others are Sue Macy, who teaches three student groups--both bands and orchestras--at Gunn High School in Palo Alto and performs on the basset horn; Allene Steele, a freelance musician who plays the e-flat clarinet; and Rosita Amador, who is a music teacher and commands the regular clarinet.
FIFTY-FIFTY: Saratogan Ron Landrum commemorated his 50th birthday by challenging himself to a 50-mile run around the Saratoga High School track one recent Sunday. He set his half-century body the goal of running/walking around the track 200 times.
He counted on friends and family to lend their support by joining him in the endeavor, at least once around the track. He promised them food and drink, along with a good workout .
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
