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Saratoga Sampler
Journalist recalls covering Princess Di
By Mary Ann Cook
SCOOP ON PRINCESS DI: The Saratoga Rotarians heard a talk about Princess Di given by Susan Maxwell Skinner at a recent meeting. Skinner was part of the Buckingham Palace press corps, and followed the Princess' every move for eight years. The journalist reprised her talk at a Friends of the Library event that night.
Diana's impact on the world--and on the royal family--was the theme of the lively presentation. Skinner's appraisal is that people related to Diana because of her vulnerability and unpretentiousness. The frightened girl became the beloved princess: a fairy tale brought to life.
People could identify with her, felt that, "She's one of us." As a high school drop-out, Diana's was less educated than her maid. Skinner attributes to motherhood the confidence and compassion the princess developed. William's birth was uniquely her achievement.
She produced an heir to the throne within less than a year of marriage, and the boys became the center of her life. Indeed, she probably relied upon William emotionally more than was healthy for him, unloading her woes on him when he was still a pre-teen.
But, who else? Skinner asks. He was the only one near her she could really trust. Diana instilled discipline and reinforced the idea of a life of service in her boys. William, at age 6, stood shaking hands at receptions in long lines and, though increasingly fidgety, was not excused.
As graphic signs of the changes the princess wrought on the Royals: Since Diana's death, the Queen no longer wears gloves when she shakes people's hands. Before, she always wore gloves, even to greet the pontiff. And Charles now visits AIDS' clinics since Diana's demise.
In short, Diana brought light to people's lives and showed the Royals the way into the 21st century. Photos of Di flashed on the TV screen during the presentation and Skinner, a singer in her husband's band, closed with a song. Her book, Diana, an English Rose, contains 300 color pictures, and can be ordered at 916.481.0334. Her email is skinnerband@webtv.net.
SAINDON IN CHARGE: Michael T. Saindon became the officer in charge at the US Coast Guard Station at Morro Bay in a change of command ceremony early this month. Saindon, a Saratoga High grad of '88, has been in the Coast Guard for 13 years and this is his first command post.
Saindon performs mainly search and rescue missions in often dangerous seas. Thirty-foot seas and 50-knot winds are normal for him, says his wife, Susie. The rescue boats he commands answer some 130 calls a year. The boats patrol 100 miles of rugged coastline, plus 50 nautical miles from shore.
His command will be for four years and he oversees a crew of 22. Saindon has received several commendations in his coast guard career. The Saindons have two children, Jacqueline, 6 and Holly, 2.
VOLUNTEER OF YEAR: Susie Levin of Saratoga won the Volunteer of the Year Award for Prospect High School in the Campbell High School District. Levin is the co-founder and coordinator of Prospect's Career and College Center. She is the School Site Council president and the parent representative on the district board.
This year, she volunteered in the health office and attendance office at Prospect. She also organized breakfasts and barbecues for STAR Testing. Additionally, this star volunteer is on the Grad Night Committee and helps collate the Prospect Parent Page each month.
The award is given by the West Valley Chapter of the Association of California School Administration. Levin's husband, David, is an ob/gyn physician at Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara. They have two offspring--Jen, a member of the Saratoga Youth Commission and a senior at Prospect High, and Ross, a sophomore at Prospect.
ART SHOW RETURNS: The Rotary Art Show grossed a record-setting $675,000, reports chairman Dane Christensen. And returns from the auction doubled last year's figures. Those responsible for the grand showing include Peggy Christensen, Joe Long, Carol Hutchinson, jurist and Paul Conrado, operations manager.
Dane attributes the success of 2001 to an increased number of volunteers. Those who benefited from the fundraiser in past years came forward from Ming Quong, Friends of the Saratoga Library and the Youth Commission.
FROM THE TERRACE: Wednesday Summer lunches on the terrace at Montalvo start June 20. A different country's cuisine will be featured each week, starting with tapas from Spain. A Taste Tour on the Terrace is sponsored by the Montalvo Service Group. Cost is $28 and reservations required at 408.961.5823. Pat Smith's Extravaganza is caterer.
MILESTONE: First hole in one for Saratogan Arlene Finley. The rare feat was accomplished at Santa Theresa Golf Course with an eight iron on the 6th hole. Witnessed by playing companions Donna and Bob Huebner of Los Gatos.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
