Saratoga Sampler
Ann Dedinsky's experiences add to her lead role
By Mary Ann Cook
RADIO DAYS: Ann Dedinsky is the leader of the Dave Ward Players, a group of amateur thespians that gives play readings for service clubs, senior centers and the like. Attending their presentations is akin to being in a studio audience where a radio show is in progress.
Indeed, much of their material is taken from radio scripts. Other materials are excerpted from plays or culled from longer pieces. The group is named for its founder, Dave Ward, who taught drama at De Anza and Foothill colleges. Dedinsky became coordinator after Ward's death in '93.
Three of the players entertained at a recent Wednesday lunch at the Saratoga Senior Center. In addition to Dedinsky were Charlotte Koller and Zara Van Wichen.
Dedinsky says the group, which now numbers about 10 players, could definitely use more males. Any male with a penchant for acting or speaking could call her at 408.978.1064. She has had radio experience aplenty in St. Louis. She gave the "News from a Women's Viewpoint" five days a week.
Plus, she was secretary to the general manager of the station, WEW. Then, during WW II years, she served as a stewardess for the B & O Railroad and met such luminaries as presidents Truman and Eisenhower. It was wartime: trains were jammed, crowded with people knee-deep in the aisles.
The presidents, of course, had sizable quarters for themselves and their families. On one trip President Truman gave up one of his compartments so that a young mother and baby would have a place to sleep during the trip from Chicago to Washington.
He swore Dedinsky to secrecy about where this largesse had come from. Railroad stewardesses performed many roles in those days--nursing duties, for instance, she reports. Sounds like rail diplomacy must have been part of the package, too.
RUNNER: Ron Landrum, who usually runs 50 miles a week, celebrated his 50th birthday by running 50 miles in one day--that's 200 times around the Saratoga High track. This was reported last week, but herewith are more details:
The challenge he set himself took from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with only one short break of a few minutes. He was able to eat and drink in small portions of the food his wife Betty handed to him as he came around the track. He knew what he would need after earlier trial runs. His day-long intake: five cans of Ensure and six bananas. Landrum, who has been running all his life, prefers shorter runs, 5Ks, so this one was something of a departure. Track was his sport in his school days, and he was a track coach for 15 years.
He runs every day and has for nearly the past 10 years, a steady string of 3,400 days. "I'm a fanatic about keeping records," he says. Friends joined him on the birthday run, some accompanying him for 12 to 15 miles. Only during one 45-minute period did he run strictly alone.
The rest of the time he had companions and supporters. Some 40 people helped celebrate in this movable fashion. His wife kept track of the laps. Landrum is a zoologist who gives wildlife lectures, sets up aquarium systems and works for Coamerica Bank.
NEW RESTAURANT: One of the newest dining experiences in Telluride, Colo., is the Roma Bar & Cafe, and a Saratoga native is at its helm. He's Jeff Panelli, son of Lorna and Ed Panelli of Saratoga. Roma Bar & Cafe is located on the main drag of Telluride, Colorado Avenue.
Jeff is a product of the French Culinary Academy in New York City and served as a chef in New York and Telluride. He attended Santa Clara University and St. Francis High School. His wife is also a graduate of the culinary academy, as well as Sarah Lawrence College.
Opening this restaurant is the culmination of a dream. Another dream for them came true earlier, five years ago to be exact: their son Joseph.
JURIED SHOW: The Los Gatos Art Association's open juried show will be on exhibit May 4-28, with an artist reception on May 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. Last year the show produced 400 entries from all over the western U.S. Linda Spencer is president of the LGAA, and Laura Bajuk is executive director of the Los Gatos Museum Association.
WINEGROWERS: The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers' Association will hold a tasting and auction on May 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hayes Mansion in San Jose. Tickets are $45 per person, and 42 wineries and 20 local restaurants will showcase their wares. A special menu will be offered by Hayes Mansion chef Michael Clark. Hayes Mansion is at 200 Edenvale Ave. For more information, call 831479.WINE.
KID SHOWS: Three shows targeted for children will play at Montalvo's Carriage House Theatre in early May. They are: Just So Stories, performed by California Theatre Center, May 6, 9-11 a.m.; Through the Looking Glass by actors and puppets of New York's Das Puppenspiel on May 7, 1-3 p.m.; and Three Little Pigs, a new musical produced by Theatreworks, May 13, 1-3 p.m. Cost is $12 regular; $6 for children and seniors. Call the Montalvo Box Office at 408.961.5858 for more information.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
