Saratoga Sampler

Betty Peck marks her 80th birthday

By Mary Ann Cook

ONE PERSON'S IMPACT: When Betty Peck's 80th birthday rolled around recently (last week, as a matter of fact) longtime friends wanted to make sure the occasion was marked in a memorable way. Some months ago, Mert Parsons, for example, set to work assembling a wish book for the honoree.

Peck's multitude of friends and admirers were to relay to Parsons their wishes for the teacher/community activist/garden guru. The messages were to convey what the octogenarian had meant to them through the years. Parsons then transcribed their remarks into memory or wish-book form.

She knew it would be an outpouring of affection and appreciation, but still, she was probably staggered to receive replies from some 310 people. The book, heavy with remembrances and gratitude, was presented to the revered kindergarten teacher at a commemorative tea party held at her house.

Now that's making an impact.

SOLSTICE PARTY: The husband and wife team of Jeanine Bugh and Curtis Wright of Monte Sereno have held a "Joyous Celebration of Winter" every year for the past 18. And this year was no exception, despite the fact that Wright's job had recently been dissolved.

He's an international sales director for fiber optics companies; she teaches French and metaphysics. Some 60 revelers attended this year's solstice party, complete with wassail bowl, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, courtesy of neighbor Dr. Steve Jackson.

Carols were sung by the three tenors, who in this case were Jeanine's brother Steve Bugh, plus Mark Wallace and Phil Stephens. Other religions and rituals were not shorted: Laynee Gilbert sang a dreidel song and Penny Spalinger explained the English tradition of crackers, a noise popper that contains a party hat and toy.

Pamela Hinz and Jeffrey Killeen, who live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, were the only guests to have attended all 18 solstice celebrations. They all attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The evening wrapped up with a sacred circle of some 20 people assessing what the year had meant to them and their wishes for the new year.

FAMED NAMESAKES: Betty McClendon was the dance doyenne and manners maven for West Valley youngsters long before there was a Miss Manners nationally. She helped hone the social skills of countless local youngsters, some of whom are now far along in years.

She herself harbors an impish streak, a wicked laugh and an irrepressible sense of humor. Case in point: back when she was in her early 20s, she had her tonsils removed. She looked so young that hospital staff were inclined to place her in the children's ward before the operation.

However, once they started talking to her they began to change their respective minds. For starters, they asked for her father's name. "George Washington," came the cheeky reply. Since it was McClendon, the tongue was probably well embedded in cheek, despite the fact that the response was truthful.

At the incredulous look on her interviewer's face she kept going: "That's nothing." she said. "My grandfather's name is Christopher Columbus." All too true (they were McClendons), but by this point hospital staff were ready to stow her in the psychiatric ward for safe keeping.

You, too, may have a McClendon story that's been stowed away for safekeeping. Do pass it on to this interviewer at maryanncook@earthlink.net. I'll print any deemed appropriate for the innocent eyes of newspaper readers.

NEW OFFICERS, GOP STYLE: The new slate of officers for the West Valley Republican Club is as follows: Carol Greenleaf, president; Susan Hart, 1st vice president; Kathy Topham, 2nd v.p.; Rae Williams, 3rd v.p.; Virginia Waha, recording secretary; Marge Gamble, corresponding sect; Kay Eshleman, treasurer; and Kay Young, director at large.

RED RIBBON DAYS: Other Saratoga Rotary minions (besides Miles Rankin) who worked on transforming the village and Big Basin into a giant Christmas package are Don Perez, John Tauchi, Ken Gortz and Jim LeBlanc.

COMMEMORATIVE: When Sacred Heart Church borrowed the 6,100 paper candles that students from Pala School in San Jose had made to represent those lost in the Twin Towers tragedy, it made a powerful, heart wrenching statement as it filled the church.

The candles were mounted on 51 banners, each of which stretched 20 feet. At the evening prayer service, the banners graphically illustrated the nation's loss. They are now on display at San Jose City Hall until an appropriate permanent setting can be found.

DOWNSIZED?: For those considering a career change, West Valley spokesman Mark Zamzow of the public affairs office reminds that the college career center is free and open to the public. Professional staff will help assess one's skills, offer interview advice and job leads.

Appointments need to be made at 408.741.2508 or 2098. The center is open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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