Saratoga Sampler

Meeting to promote understanding scheduled for Oct. 11

By Mary Ann Cook

FINDING UNDERSTANDING: This is a call for people of all ethnicities, cultures and religions to meet together to promote understanding between those of different backgrounds. The gathering is scheduled for Oct. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Los Gatos History Club, 123 Los Gatos Blvd.

This coming together is an invitation from Los Gatan Layne Hackett, who says, "We are all brothers and sisters, and our differences begin to fade when we get to know each other and realize we are more similar than different."

YOUNG RESPONSE: The day after the national tragedy, second-graders from Argonaut School began collecting money for the Red Cross at lunchtime. By the next day, they'd collected more than $500. By the second day, they were giving donors water and suggesting milk money be donated for water.

At the end of the week, Argonaut held an assembly with everyone wearing red, white and blue. The third-graders staged a Pledge of Allegiance rap, and second-graders led the singing of This Land Is Your Land. Principal Sue Brooks spoke, and a moment of silence was observed.

RED WAGON BRIGADE: Other Saratoga youngsters sprang into action on their own initiative. One group pulled a red wagon brightly decorated with flags around their neighborhood. They sold small American flags, red white and blue pencils, chocolate chip cookies and lemonade.

They raised $105 for the Red Cross. The students were Analisa Choy, Kayla Epsman and Kelly Nose of Hillbrook School and Gillian Peden, accompanied by adults Judy Peden and Karen Nose. Elaine Whitebrook was one of the first customers. The whole wagonload was the youngsters' idea.

AT SARATOGA HIGH: The Saratoga High dance went on as scheduled, but with this difference: it became a benefit for the victims. The community was invited to meet at the high school basketball courts to light a candle for the national day of mourning.

Debbie Pienkos and Brian Berg were the two who generated support for that candle lighting venue. Members of the Chinese School that meets at SHS turned out for the candle lighting in full force.

MEMORIAL RUN: The Peckler Memorial Run and Relay will be held Oct. 7 starting and ending at Los Gatos High with runs at Vasona Park. Butterflies, donated by Magical Beginnings, will be on sale for $5 and will be released in memory of Jim, Jill and Jeff Peckler at the end of the race. This year a K-5 Fun Run will be part of the action.

A Health Fair is also new this year. Margaret Larrenaga is in charge of food; Cathy Frazier heads prizes. Beneficiaries are CASA (Community Against Substance Abuse), Teen and Family Counseling Center and A Place for Teens. Pam Dunnett at 408.867.2546 and Reiko Iwanaga at 408.867.4525 are co-chairs.

Committee members are Celia Bell, Kim Bidermann, Lisa Schlageter, Vicki Thorburn of Los Gatos and Tina Kellogg and MaryKay Breitenbach of Saratoga.

FEAR OF FLYING? NAH: Sister City sponsored its yearly tour--this one to Italy. This one was scheduled to depart Sept. 18, a week after the national disaster. So most people chose not to fly and canceled their participation in the trip. But two of the 28 signed up refused to be daunted--Kerstin Stone and Louise Webb.

"I've faced down cancer," Stone said. "I'm not going to let this stop me from going to Italy. I've been looking forward to this trip for nine months." They probably won't have to battle the usual hordes of other vacationers, which is at least one advantage.

FLAUTIST NO MORE: If you're wondering whether "flautist" or "flutist" is the better way to describe those who pucker up, I'm told flautist is old hat, passé. This from Saratogan Norma Ford, who attended a national flutist convention this summer in Dallas.

She reports that a finer contingent is not to be found--anywhere--with such talented and warmly welcoming folks. Ford plays flute and piccolo in the Foothill Wind Ensemble. She's also a member of a trio that performs at retirement homes and such.

WRITER'S WORKSHOP: Short story writers and essayists are encouraged to join a group that meets every other Wednesday morning in Saratoga. The group is an outgrowth of a short-story writing class at UCSC extension. Those already on board are Saratogans Rebecca Tarumoto and Ed Soohoo and Rose Munoz of Campbell. For more information, call 408.446.3751.

ARTHRITIS CLASS: Combined with Stanford Arthritis Center, the Southwest YMCA will offer a self-help course for arthritis sufferers from Oct. 24 to Nov. 28, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Y. Pre-registration is required at 800-366-2624. The course will include how to manage pain, fatigue and depression.

CONCERT: The Thornier Salonquintett, a string ensemble, is the opener for the LG-Saratoga Community Concert series, Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. at LGHS Auditorium. The program is light and innovative, including classical and jazz. For tickets, call Ray Strong, 408.377.1106 or Lea Frey, 408.356.5698.

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