Saratoga News

Saratoga Sampler

Mary Ann Cook

Degree, credential required university partnership

ACHIEVER: Kristin Bencze received a master's from Notre Dame after a two-year stint teaching second grade on Tybee Island just off Savannah, Ga. The program is a special one called Alliance for Catholic Education, whereby students teach (not just assist as student teachers) and take classes while earning their degrees. Target areas are poorer, isolated school districts that have trouble attracting teachers. Kristin's parents, Vicki and Dan Bencze, attended the recent ceremonies in Lafayette, Ind., which was Dan's alma mater, too ('64).

Kristin previously earned a bachelor's in psychology from Notre Dame. But Notre Dame doesn't have an education department, so it partners with U. of Oregon to present a diploma. Thus it is that Kristin has a master's from Notre Dame, has a certificate to teach in Oregon and is currently touring Louisiana with her dental school-student boyfriend, who lives there. Anyone else confused?

CAN'T STAND THE HEAT?: Then get into these kitchens; they're probably air-conditioned. To introduce the community to an organization called Ch-Am Circle, a service group of Chinese American women, kitchen tours were held Aug. 3. The kitchens, most of which are new or newly remodeled, belong to Margaret Gee, Marlene Duffin, Rose Tang and Pat Lum of Saratoga and Mabel Lai (owner of Mabel's Lantern House) of Los Gatos. Outstanding features include a built-in wok, granite island and dinette, handmade tile artwork picturing anchovies and pears, violet paradiso granite counters and an island sink for vegetables. Ch-Am benefits Self Help for the Elderly in Santa Clara County and disadvantaged children at Agnews Development Center, and offers annual college scholarships, among other good works. Former Saratogan Gloria Hom is president and the group's headquarters are in Saratoga.

WILL THE CLASH between hippies and the ultraconservs ever end? If you happened in on the annual party at the Saratoga Woods Swim Club, you'd think that '60s debate was still seething. The theme was a hippie one, flower children and all. Standouts in costuming: Mark and Marie LaForge, longhaired wig (his) and platform shoes (hers). Conservs were Dan and Tracy Brophy, both in horn-rimmed glasses; he with white socks and pocket protector; she in neon A-line. They were heard arguing with the love-beaded hippies. Judi Clayton had daisies between every toe, as well as in her hair; and Robert and Laura Vantress sported giant Afros. Drink choices: Love Potion #9, Mama and Soda Papas, and Creedence Clear Water, served up by Bob DeBarr, president of the association, and Rick Ridder. Social chair of these shenanigans is Roberta Witte.

SCOUT JAMBOREE: Greg Benson, 13, was one of 80 scouts from Santa Clara County handpicked to attend the National Scout Jamboree. When the 35,000 jamboree attendees pitch their tents, Tent City becomes the third largest city in Virginia for the 10 days of the convention. Before the jamboree, Greg toured touchstones of democracy--the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, Washington Monument, et al.--in a 10-day whirlwind tour. Greg is a Life Scout--two merit badges and a project shy of the highest ranking, first class. He's been an avid scout since he was 6, says mother Jo Ann. Last summer Jo Ann spent eight days with 400 Boy Scouts, including her own two, at the International Rendezvous at Camp High Sierra. Eight days? 400 scouts? She must be a good scout herself.

PARK CLEANUP: Some 65 members of the Church of Jesus Christ, LDS, donated a combined 218 hours of volunteer service to clean up Wildwood Park last month. Green Valley donated two giant bins that were filled to the brim with Scotch broom by the group, part of the ongoing campaign to replace non-native plants. Scotch broom is considered exotic (not native). The morning's work resulted in "the restoration of a major section of hillside to open, natural-looking landscape," said Volunteer Saratoga coordinator Lori Burns. The project was part of the 150th commemoration of the arrival of the first Latter-Day Saint pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah.

DIDJA KNOW that the Blue Rock Shoot/Saratoga Book Market now hosts a Philosophy Club? Next meeting is Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and the theme will be "Self and the Siege." The group was meeting privately, but decided to open it to the public. Leader is Frans Spickoff at 415/506-6952. Next poetry reading at the BRSSBM is Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. and features Elizabeth Crow, Debra Fay Holton and Aaron Williams.

NEW OFFICERS of the Saratoga Coordinating Council are Roy Cook, president; Paul Clark, v.p. Adult Day Care Center; Ron Duffin, v.p. finance; Peggy Corr, v.p. Senior Center; Lane Tronson, v.p. at large; Fran Krezek, recording secretary; Vi Brown, treasurer. Directors at large: Gladys Armstrong, Natalie Wilds, Marie Calkins, M.E. Sample. The council oversees and decides policy for the Saratoga Senior Center, the Adult Day Care Center and the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council.

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