TO HONOR COLLEEN: Some 275 people swam from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park one recent weekend to honor Colleen Vojvodich, who is fighting breast cancer. The event was a fundraiser and the money raised—at least $27,500, since the entry fee was $100—went to two cancer organizations and one environmental group.
Swimmers came from all over the United States, with a smattering of watery stalwarts from England, France and Chile. Many participants were members of San Francisco's South End Rowing Club, where Vojvodich is a member. A former Saratogan, Vojvodich took up open-water swimming in earnest just three years ago.
The 40-year old wanted to prove to herself she could do something that strenuous to celebrate her birthday. Besides her forays swimming San Francisco Bay waters—she's done the Alcatraz to San Francisco route at least 45 times—Vojvodich also swam the English Channel, reaching the shore of France.
That was two years ago, and she calls that 24-mile endurance swim "extraordinary." She was in the water for 12 hours and had to wait a total of four months to get the right day. A pilot boat accompanied her, but a swimmer who touches the boat is disqualified.
Colleen and her sisters grew up in Saratoga, went to Lynbrook High, and are the daughters of Helen and Nick Vojvodich, who now live in Half Moon Bay. Colleen is the twin sister of Catherine Klopotic, who still lives in Saratoga.
The twins and their parents watched the Alcatraz swim from the comfort of a boat, with plenty of donated food and drink, plus musical accompaniment by the Cal band. "She started open-water swimming as a challenge," says Catherine about her twin. "My idea of a challenge is deciding what to have for dinner," she adds with a laugh.
But Colleen evidently thrives on adversity. As witness: one isn't allowed to wear a wetsuit when attempting to swim the English Channel. A myriad of rules are set up for the swim, because so many people are eager to try it.
On dry land, Catherine works at Discovery Shop, the resale shop whose proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
PAYING THE VET BILL: A bird pin created by Saratoga artist Dawn Hart was snapped up by Hart's veterinarian, who makes house calls. The vet was so taken with the pin that she bought it as Hart was working on it, plus two other pieces. The vet was there to give cats Whiskey and Shadow their shots.
This transaction greatly reduced the cost of the vet visit. (The Hart cats are adverse to travel.) The bird is called Little Dreamer 2003. Hart teaches the techniques that were used to make it in her "Polymer Clay Workshop" at the Palo Alto Adult School. The next class will be Nov. 6, 10 a.m.5 p.m.
The drawing of the bird was done in colored pencil, inspired by an antique cloisonné button Hart found on a calendar many years ago. Her email is dawnhartk@yahoo.com. The pin can be viewed at http://home.earthlink.net/~sbpcg/pictures.htm, the polymer guild website.
MEAL DEALS: Assistance League members provide lunch for seniors at the Saratoga Adult Day Care Center four days a week, working in teams of three under the guidance of Suzy Siegler, also a volunteer league member. Siegler could boil water and it would be tasty, attests Barbara Oggerino of the league.
As for fundraising, Chrystie de Soto, chairwoman, executed an enthusiastically received evening at Bob Gilmore's Flowers 'N Things recently, complete with flower-arranging demo by Flora Sennewald, who swears she didn't change her name when her career became apparent.
The one day that AL members aren't cooking for seniors is Wednesday, when the Senior Center provides the lunch for adult day care and for the public. Chef is Ivan Rodriguez. Wednesday lunches cost $4 for members and $5 for nonmembers, and reservations are required at 408.868.1257.
October lunch speakers include Fred Canon on Oct. 6, talking about Angel Flight, pilots who fly patients to doctors; Verda Keenan on Oct. 13, introducing Building Bridges and Music as a Religion; and Marion Brown on Oct. 20, talking about signs of elder abuse.
Les Landin and the Skillet Likkers will entertain on Oct. 27 with a Halloween spoof.
ESL SPACES: English as a Second Language class meets Tuesdays 1:303 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center. The cost is $40 for eight weeks and can be pro-rated. Contact is Joanie Meyberg at 408.868.1263.
Senior counseling is offered on money matters, feet problems, life changes and health insurance. Center memberships are now available at half price of $12.50.
TASTY TASTING: Sent Sovi wraps up its Wine Masquerades for 2004 on Oct. 13. Diners bring a disguised bottle of wine for the wine tasting and wear masquerades themselves—if desired. There are prizes for best costumes and best wine and the prix fixe dinner is $40.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to
maryanncook@earthlink.net.
By Mary Ann Cook