Saratoga News

Saratoga Sampler

Mary Ann Cook

Gardening's a little easier thanks to De Anza Kiwanians

HOW GARDENS GROW: The De Anza Kiwanians installed raised flower beds at the Saratoga Adult Care Center this spring so frail older adults can plant vegetables, herbs and flowers, even from a wheelchair. Crushed granite walkways allow wheels an easier entry. Thanks to Kiwanian Bruce De Boer's Saratoga company for the preparatory work.

Saratoga Adult Care Center brings activities to people no longer fully functional, but who don't need continual care either. This segment of seniors was often overlooked, so the center helps bridge the gap. Actually, the whole idea of adult care is a relatively new concept.

Saratoga can be proud that it was the first in the county to establish such a center. Today 20 folks take part in artwork, storytelling, music, word games, reminiscing and trivia. Plus they exercise with different instructors, most of whom teach at West Valley.

First-graders from St. Andrew's came for a visit this spring, and regular dates with Saratoga Community Pre-Schoolers are scheduled so the generations can enjoy and learn from each other.

New center director Ciky (short for Citlali, which means shining star) Garcia-Rose takes over today, while Mary Richards moves up to direct the Senior Center, replacing retiring Olga Mac Farlane. Other staff: Karen Lorenz, program coordinator; Veda Freedman and Charlie Niemeyer, program assistants; Sue Alvey, social worker; and Marydee Urbano, secretary. Saratoga High students Jaime Merz and Kim Ashburn volunteer there. And SJSU interns are are Shawna Hill and Kristina Meyer.

JUMP START: Judy Alberts and Susan Wytyshyn spearheaded a garage sale that netted $1,525 for Next Door, Solutions to Domestic Violence. The two are members of Jump Start Auxiliary, the fundraising arm of Next Door, a haven for victims of violence.

Jump Start President Eva Blachowicz gave the center $850 for toys for the children's therapy center and a new vacuum cleaner for the shelter. Next Jump Start fundraiser was a garden party at Nahda Balaa's with her watercolors and the work of 10 other artists on sale. Jump Start is 6 months old, has 30 members and is eager to expand its numbers and to raise public awareness to prevent the spread of domestic violence. You can contact Wytyshyn at email (susw@pacbell.net) or phone (446-2527).

TO MONTALVO: Summit League raised $50,000 at its winter fundraiser, a forum called "Staying Healthy in the '90s," which money was given to Montalvo to build more artist residences at the villa. One cottage will be named for the Summit League, promised Scott Sherwood, president of Montalvo.

The art center will build 10 additional cottages to house artists near the entrance to the villa. Linda Casentini is outgoing president of Summit League and Angie Dukes was chairman of the forum fundraiser, both Saratogans.

HOME ON THE RANGE: Here's an age range hard to top: members of the Gentlemen's Committee for the Cattle Baron's Ball 1998. The oldest is Alan A. Alameda, 95, and the youngest, Max Thomas, one month.

Alameda is grandfather of this year's co-chair Zoe Alameda and founder of Alameda Family Funeral Home. Max isn't quite coordinated enough to raise a hand, so won't be a voting member. He's the grandson of Joe and Andrea Thomas.

The committee held a fundraising barbecue at Jim and Sherril Kenny's. Committee chairs are David Evjen and Randy Cowherd, whose spouses head up the Sept. 26 ball.

JAMAICA-BOUND: Glen T. Leverich leaves July 5 to serve in the Peace Corps in Jamaica. Leverich received a bachelor's degree in environmental studies this spring from the University of Oregon. In Jamaica he will promote awareness about conservation issues through schools and community groups. He is the son of Lyle and Janet Leverich.

MISSING MARKO: The Front Window at Azule Crossing is pining for the return of its 3-foot wooden mascot Marko, taken from in front of the shop about 5:30 p.m. June 17, abducted by a 20-something white male in a small silver-gray pickup. No questions asked if Marko is returned, says shopowner Kristin Davis, at 253-2980. Marko last seen wearing red cap, blue coat, brown pants and cocky grin. The center has a lot of children, what with the piano school there, and Marko is the height of a 6-year-old. Children often stopped to talk to him.

DON'T FORGET: Hometown Celebration at Montalvo, shuttles from West Valley, July 3, noon-5 p.m.

HORN FEST: French horn players united for Hornfest recently, a workshop/performance featuring John Clark, with the Smith Dobson trio; William Klingelhoffer, of the SF Opera; and Paul Avril, of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Larry Osborne, director of the San Jose Horn Choir, organized the event.

Saratoga hornists who played include Jonathon Choi, James Hermstad, William Minkel, Rob, Barbara and Valerie Farnum, Ernest and C. Chao Huang and Annie and Stephanie Wiedert. A portion of Hornfest funds go to the San Jose Children's Shelter.

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