Stevens is an expert on infectious diseases, internationally renowned, and specializes in the study of fungi, called mycology. Stevens established the Infectious Disease Division at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in 1972. A sought-after speaker, he is the author of more than 500 medical journal articles.

The Saratogan is also a professor at Stanford's School of Medicine and is the SCVMC's epidemiologist. Stevens was lauded as a physician who not only benefits his patients, but the community as a whole. In this age of the SARS scare, it's comforting to know an international expert is in our midst.

The association also honored Dr. Martin Fenstersheib for Outstanding Contribution in Community Service for his work on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and his strides in educating physicians about bioterrorism. Fenstersheib is the county health officer and medical director.

SUMMER FUN: Great Getaways are sponsored by the Saratoga Recreation Department and are for all ages. These trips are one full day or longer. You can leave the driving to others and sit back and enjoy the views.

First up for summer is part of the Best of Broadway series June 25. This one is Wicked, the new take on the Oz story, now at the Curran before heading to Broadway. There's a harbor tour July 10 to the Port of Oakland with Jack London Square mixed in, as well as the afternoon at the Oakland Museum. That one is filled, but you can get on a waiting list.

Hearst Castle is a two-day trek July 16­17, and includes stops at San Simeon, Cambria and San Louis Obispo. Table Mountain Rancheria is an Indian gaming casino near Madera and the bus will head there on Aug. 13. On Aug. 30 it's the Big Sur Coastline, lunch at Rocky Point Restaurant and then on to Capitola for the Begonia Festival and the sand sculpture contest.

Safari West is the adventure Sept. 5—to the wine country where 400 exotic mammals and birds are on view in a natural habitat. Half the jaunt will be via a safari vehicle, the other half on foot through an inner compound, which includes an aviary.

Prices for the getaways range from $24 for Table Mountain and $59 for Big Sur to Capitola, to $209 for the two-day Hearst Castle trek. Buses depart from the Community Center and the phone number is 408.868.1248.

INSPIRING WORKSHOP: Several strong Saratoga authors turned out for a two-day dialogue workshop conducted by Maryland poet and playwright Grace Cavalieri. Cavalieri is the author of 18 produced plays, mainly Off-Broadway. She has also authored several collections of her poetry.

And she is the host of the PBS radio show The Poet and Poetry.

The Saratoga participants were Ariel Smart, Jean Lin and Kerstin Stone; from Los Gatos came Parthinia Hicks and yours truly.

NEW RESTAURANT: Twins Curtis and Russel Valdez, California Culinary Academy and Los Gatos High School grads, opened their own eatery this week, Restaurant Seven at 754 The Alameda.

The identical twins, 30, grew up with a healthy appreciation of food and cooking, helping their mother in the kitchen. Curtis is the older of the two. In fact, his mother wasn't expecting twins, so Russel's arrival was a complete surprise. The two work so well together they even complete each other's sentences—and presumably, each other's sauces.

General manager of Seven is Hugh Parker, the twins' brother-in-law, married to their sister Adrianna. Parker, 35, is also an LGHS grad.

SEGWAY SEGUE: Spotted zipping around these parts lately was famed local Steve Wozniak. But it wasn't the sight of Woz that elicited the interest, but his vehicle of choice. He was riding a Segway Human Transporter.

Several local folks seem to have picked up on this newest wheeled marvel of movement. What with industry inventors using it, surely common sightings can't be far behind. As common a sight as an apple or an Apple.

ON BALANCE: Become a Life Balance Master, Ric Giardina's new book, is a guidepost about how to achieve balance in one's life—an impossible task, he admits, but one integral to living well. He likens the process of life balancing to being a bear on a ball—no easy challenge.

The book offers tips on how to choose daily activities that support one's goals; how to keep divergent tasks in productive co-existence; and how to become action-oriented. Giardina gives workshops on such subjects and runs Spirit Employed Company, a management training company.

The Spirit number is 408.264.9723. The experienced speaker was recently named president of the National Speakers Association, Northern California chapter.

Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.