STATE FLOWER: As the California poppy nears its 100th anniversary as the state flower, Johnny Poppyseed is doing his part to make the poppy a more common sight in the area. Johnny Poppyseed is really David Herndon of Modesto, and he's made it his mission to bring poppies back to proliferating splendor, spilling over hill and dale.
The flower is dying out in droves because of pesticides. But landscapers Patti Hughes and Ted Simonson are doing their part to remedy that. They recently planted a pound of seeds at barren spots around Los Gatos and the Summit area.
If you, too, would like to pep up the poppy population, pick up a coupon for seeds at Dolce Spazio or the Antiquarium in Los Gatos. That coupon, courtesy of Daughters of the Golden West, plus 60 cents and two envelopes, will send poppy seeds winging your way. OK, trucking your way.
Poppies are especially suited to the parking strip between sidewalk and street or any small corner that could use some color. Scratch some soil, sprinkle the seeds and keep watered for a while. Nature does the rest.
NEIGHBORS: The oldest women's club in Santa Clara County, We and Our Neighbors, celebrated its 111th birthday this month. Located at Los GatosAlmaden Road and Union, the club meets the third Saturday of every month for dessert, fellowship and good works.
The 10 founders were all orchardist wives seeking cultural activities and mental stimulation. They would meet regularly at the clubhouse, coming via horse and buggy. The clubhouse was acquired for the princely sum of a $1 gold piece from one of the founding members, Sophia LaMontaigne.
Her great-granddaughter, Jean Slaght, is a present member. Maria Scofield must have enjoyed the presidency: She was president for 25 years.
The current president is Charlotte Taylor, whose grandmother Ann Jane Cilker was one of the club founders. New members are always welcome, and the person to call is Beatrice Mead at 408.377.1463. She's the treasurer and handles club rentals of the building.
FIREHOUSE FIFTY: Remember the Firehouse Five? Well, this was the Firehouse Fifty. That's the number that converged recently at the Firehouse at History Park for Saratogan Mary Lou Taylor's poetry reading, kicking off the publication of her book of poetry, On the Fringes of Hollywood.
The sponsors were Jacaranda Press, the publisher, and Poetry Center San Jose, a group Taylor has been active in for years. She has also been one of those responsible for the Markham House's move to History Park and its refurbishment. History Park is part of Kelley Park in San Jose.
The Markham House is the former home of San Jose poet Edwin Markham, but it was deemed too small for the poetry reading. The centerpiece at the firehouse was a virtual symphony of blooming plants, conducted by Mary Ann Snedeker. Snedeker was one of the artists who exhibited at the Mustard Walk.
Taylor's next appearance will be at Montalvo March 30 at 2 p.m.
ARTFUL & ART-FULL: An art sale fundraiser on Valentine's Day produced a crowd of 200 art lovers and $11,000 to maintain the Los Gatos museums, more than double the goal. LG Mayor Sandy Decker played MC, and so lively were the assembled that she had a hard time gaining control of the floor. She finally threatened fines.
Jan Hutchins was auctioneer and kept the bidding lively. Our own food columnist, Suzanne Cristallo, went home the proud owner of a case of wine after spirited bidding against Gil Decker. A watercolor by her late husband, Tony Cristallo, was part of the silent auction.
Outstanding fashion notes: Saratoga artist and instructor Ruth Rainie Condit was decked out in a red hat with a perky black net bow. And museum curator Catherine Politopoulos wore a sweater she designed herself with an arrow on the front and crushed hearts on the back.
TOP VALENTINE: Here's a mammoth Valentine—Summit League members presented a check for $155,000 to Downtown College Prep at a school assembly. The money was raised at the biannual Holiday Home Tour, the most money ever raised at one event by the league.
Summit League President Paula McHugh presented the check to school Principal Jennifer Andaluz. Jan Willoughby and Carol Parker, fundraiser co-chairwomen, attended the presentation, as did 15 other Summit Leaguers. Lorna Panelli handles the league's public relations.
HOSTESS DOING THE MOSTEST: Marykay Breitenbach hosts a monthly gathering of friends. She felt she wasn't seeing her far-flung network of chums often enough, so she decided to play hostess on a regular basis—at least for a while. Those attending help supply food and drink and find it a refreshing way to connect or reconnect.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to
maryanncook@earthlink.net.
By Mary Ann Cook