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Saratoga Sampler
Fundraising can be fun, says YMCA top volunteer
By Mary Ann Cook
VOLUNTEER OF YEAR: Saratogan Tom Boyden was named Volunteer of the Year for the Southwest YMCA. Boyden has been a volunteer strength trainer in the fitness center for the past 13 years. He has also raised a total of $50,000 since he began campaigning for the Y in 1987 and was recognized by the National Society of Fundraising Executives last year.
Besides his work at the Y, Boyden volunteers at the Los Gatos Community Hospital and for San Jose Opera. He was honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner called "Volunteering: A Fun-damental Part of the Y," held at the banquet facility at Great America early this month.
The park was closed to the public, and carousel rides and a private showing of the IMAX film Extreme were all part of the evening's entertainment. Extreme tells the story of athletes who overcame physical and mental problems in order to participate in extremely challenging sports.
TURNAROUND SCHOLARSHIPS: The Los Gatos Kiwanians are justly proud of their first go-round of Turnaround Scholarships. The club awarded scholarships to two Saratoga High School seniors and three Los Gatos High School seniors, all of whom had managed to turn their lives--and grades--around after a dismal start in their high school careers.
The Saratogans honored were Lindsay Eschleman, who will start her college career at West Valley College. She intends to focus her training on wildlife preservation and improving the environment. Bret Miller, the other Saratogan, is bound for Fullerton State College where he will major in business.
From Los Gatos are Matthew Hoffman, Brie Ohlund and Dylan Vicha. Hoffman will attend University of Pacific; Ohlund will head for Chico State to study art; and Vicha will attend San Jose State University, major in astrophysics.
Guidance counselors at both schools were credited, along with the students themselves, most of whom had failing grades before knuckling down for a dramatic change. The counselors are Gail Wasserman of SHS and Teri Zappacosta of LGHS.
It was an emotion-filled luncheon for Kiwanians, students and parents as the young people recounted their individual struggles. "The afternoon was a tribute to these students' strength, courage and successes," said Catherine Barrier, Kiwanis president.
Office Depot and California Federal Savings were sponsors.
GOLDEN MILE: Saratoga seniors walked a golden mile recently when they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to earn money for the Saratoga Senior Center. The walkers seek pledges from friends and family to earn the money. Secure Horizons sponsors the event and provides transportation for the participants.
Seniors from Gilroy, Milpitas and Campbell take part, and this is the 20th year for the event. After the walk, it was into Sausalito for lunch and shopping. Then a ferry ride back to San Francisco before the ride back to Saratoga.
In other Senior Center news Internet/email classes are being held in the multipurpose room of the Senior Center. One class meets on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and one on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. These classes continue through mid-July.
JIVIN' FOR LIBRARY EXPANSION: The Saratoga Community Library fete called "Jump, Jive and Raise the Roof" will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 26 in the library parking lot. Tickets are $50, and the deadline is June 10. Checks may be sent to SCLF, PO Box 2804, Saratoga 95070.
Ann Peterson and Cynthia Lee are co-chairwomen; Bonnie Stone designed the invitation. The number to call is 446-5287. The fundraiser supports the library expansion efforts and is sponsored by Library Foundation patrons.
A $1,000 donation to the foundation qualifies one as a patron. Gala goers will wine, dine and swing to a barbershop quartet, the swing sounds of the Lyratones and other musical groups.
STILL GOING STRONG: Esther Stevens, who has lived at the International Order of Odd Fellows retirement home for the past 10 years, has been a member of Rebekah for 66 years. This month she took over the chores of Noble Grand for the May Rebekah meeting in the absence of Nancy Lake.
Stevens was also one who collected discards for the Sunshine Club Flea Market when residents were moved to the original building while the expansion is underway. There wasn't room for many articles when residents were temporarily moved.
Stevens drives to the Saratoga Senior Center and exercises for an hour every Monday. All of which doesn't appear particularly remarkable until it is revealed that Esther Stevens is soon to celebrate her 102nd birthday.
20th ANNIVERSARY: The Sanborn Park Youth Hostel celebrates its 20th anniversary July 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. with goodies and birthday cake. The 91-year old hostel building has been completely rebuilt--all by volunteer effort. Catering area events was the main fund-raising source and paid for materials.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
