September 17, 2003     Saratoga, California Since 1955
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Saratoga Sampler
Stanga wins Voice of Conscience Award

Mary Ann Cook By Mary Ann Cook

TOPS IN CLASS: Peter Barta Stanga, son of former Saratogans Adrian and Frances Stanga, won the most prestigious award offered to those in the master's program in international and public affairs at Columbia University. Peter won the Voice of Conscience Award.

This award is given to the student who "best exemplifies the common good in public service and life to help produce a better world." Peter served three different six-month tours in war-torn Yugoslavia as part of a 12-person project to help rehabilitate the country physically in order to bring about social rehabilitation.

After these experiences, the St. Francis and Berkeley grad was named executive director of the Peace Brigade International, operating out of Washington, D.C., to investigate and report human rights flare-ups to Congress. Earlier he had operated a desktop-publishing business, editing five literary journals.

His father owned Adrian's Menswear in Saratoga for 14 years, was active in the Chamber and the Rotary Club and was named Citizen of the Year in '89. It was he who started Celebrate Saratoga! Before becoming a shopowner, Adrian was assistant superintendent of the Fremont High School District.

His wife, Frances, was a counselor at De Anza College for 25 years.

FINE HOMES, FINE WINES: "Builders of Fine Homes, Makers of Fine Wines" is Paul Conrado's company motto, and those words were validated once again by the awards Conrado wines received at state fairs this summer.

His wines are made from vineyards planted where Conrado houses are being built—if owners so desire. Being amateur winemakers, their Conrado wines are not for sale. The wines are donated to charities for fundraising or given to clients and friends.

Winning wines from grapes grown in Saratoga were the following: the 2001 Sacred Heart Church merlot won a double gold at the Orange County Fair, a gold medal at the Indiana State Fair and a silver medal at the California State Fair.

The 2001 Renn Vineyard zinfandel from Marion Avenue rated a gold medal at the Indiana fair, a silver medal at the California fair and a bronze at the Orange County Fair. The 2000 Bella Vina Vineyard cabernet sauvignon from Bella Vina took home a double gold from the California fair and a bronze from Orange County.

The 2000 Ostby Vineyard cabernet from Sobey Road received a silver medal at Orange County and a bronze at the California State Fair. The 2000 Ohlund Vineyard cabernet from Viewfield Avenue, Monte Sereno, captured a gold medal at the California State Fair and silver medals from Orange County and Indiana.

Still more: The 2000 Khanna Vineyard cabernet from Sobey Road received a gold medal from the California State Fair and an honorable mention from Orange County.

HEAR THEM ROAR: Recently installed Lions Club officers: Robert V. Cancellieri, president; Elaine Clabeaux and Dalia Nir, 1st vice presidents; Helen Lemmon, 2nd v.p.; Marge Bunyard, 3rd v.p.; Dean James, secretary; and Jim Ousley, treasurer. This is Cancellieri's fourth term as president.

Cancellieri owned a Big Basin bakery (try saying that fast) and is recently retired. He is an avid barbershop quartet singer and a member of the local gutbucket group, the Skillet Likkers. As a 40-year member of Lions, he has been zone chairman and deputy district governor in Lions International.

The Saratoga Lions' focus is health and youth. The club sponsors a public-speaking contest yearly at Saratoga High and awards scholarships. Joint projects with the Southwest YMCA will be a concentration this year. The contact is Marge Bunyard at 408.255.3594.

LEAGUE HONORED: For developing Smartvoter.org, a website that provides nonpartisan background information on candidates and issues, the state League of Women Voters was named one of 25 laureates for the prestigious 2003 Tech Museum Awards.

The Tech Awards were developed to recognize the need to bridge existing technology in emerging countries and emerging technologies in developed countries. Titled "Technology Benefiting Humanity," they were presented by Applied Materials.

At Smartvoter.org, voters can input their address to find their polling place and receive a customized ballot, local-measure sites and related newspaper articles.

BENEFIT: Saratoga Drama Group will stage a benefit performance of The King and I for the Committee on Homeless Women and Children of the local AAUW on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. at Saratoga Civic Theater. Tickets at $20 available through Nancy Anderson, 408.867.4383.

OPERA GALA: San Jose Opera Guild holds its gala Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at Los Altos Country Club. Svetlana Nikitenko will sing an aria from Queen of the Night.

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

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