The Saratoga Recreation Department is taking reservations for its upcoming sessions of Camp Winter Wonderland. The first session, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 23, includes holiday gift-making, storytime, songs, games and a visit from Santa Claus. The second session, which runs Jan. 2­3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, features songs, games, storytime, arts and crafts activities and cooking projects. The first day's theme is classic winter fun, while the second's theme is "a tropical paradise in January."

Both sessions are divided into three age-appropriate groups for children ranging from 3½ to 10. The cost for the first session is $39 for Saratoga residents and $49 for nonresidents; the second session is $74 for residents and $84 for nonresidents. Snacks will be provided; children should bring their own bag lunches. Call 408.868.1248 or 408.868.1249 for details.


Arctic Park is topic of program

As part of the outdoor-related programs it offers to the community, REI Saratoga has invited mountaineer Masa Maeda to give a slide presentation Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. on his dog-sledding adventure in Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park.

For two weeks this March, Maeda explored the Arrigetch Peaks in the Brooks mountain range and navigated the Nahtuk and Iniakuk rivers. He will discuss what he learned about physical and mental endurance, winter survival and safety skills.

The event is free and open to people of all ages. REI Saratoga is in the El Paseo de Saratoga shopping center. For more information, call 408.871.8765.


Saratogan places 5th in Irish dance

Saratoga resident Claudia Walsh competed in the Western U.S. Irish Dancing Championships in Phoenix, Ariz., over Thanksgiving weekend and took home the fifth-place award in her skill level. She competed with 40 other Irish dancers from 10 western states and is now qualified to compete in the U.S. National Championships in Tennessee in 2003. A third-grader at Saratoga Elementary School, Claudia dances with the Sean Gavan Irish Dance Company in Newark.