She taught in the Campbell elementary district. Mrs. Holt "taught us courage and tenacity," said longtime friend Cindy Summers. Though battling cancer, she did not miss a single day of school because of chemo treatment. And she offered friendship, support and hope to others with breast cancer.

"She taught us how to get excited about life, to embrace each new experience with gusto," said others. "She taught us about generosity—reaching out to those she loved, she embraced all generations."

WILDLIFE REHAB: Wildlife Rescue, Inc. has two devoted volunteers in Yasaman Shakeri and Veronica Eng, both seniors at Prospect High. The students work at the wildlife clinic in Palo Alto in five hour stints on Saturdays with beefed up schedules in the summer.

Helping animals be rehabilitated and nurtured back to health was the impetus that motivated Shakeri to apply. She intends to major in biology, with the possibility of becoming a veterinarian. At the wildlife clinic it's baby birds and squirrels that demand the most attention: constant feeding, with a schedule dictated by timers.

"I have an aviary in my backyard, so I take them home and release them once they are ready," Shakeri says. "It's an amazing feeling, knowing I have been able to give a wild animal a second chance of living a free life." Hummingbirds are Shakeri's favorites.

Eng's favorite is the goldfinch. "Goldfinches are the cutest when they're in between the gawky featherless stage and the graceful adult stage. They always love to eat. They're cute little flying pigs. People tend to overlook the wildlife right outside one's window that might need help," Eng says.

ART ACHIEVERS: Lydia Denola Mednick and Lorri Scott are two Los Gatos artists who will be honored at the American Pen Women's Celebrity Recognition luncheon Jan. 5 at the San Jose Elks Club. The annual fundraiser recognizes women achievers in the arts.

Also recognized in the category of art is Susan Terry of Sunnyvale. In letters, those to be honored are Mary Miller Chiao of San Jose and Julie Berry of Campbell; in music, Emily Ray of San Jose and Dr. Sondra Clark of Los Altos.

Pen Women's national president, Anna Di Bella of Washington D.C., will read from her poetry at the luncheon. Di Bella gives poetry workshops. Other entertainment will be provided by club members and includes ventriloquist Carol Greene, singer Susan Zerwick and writers Louise Webb and Vallie Chan.

Chan will read her haiku and Nancy Bloomer Deussen will play the piano. The Reverend Dwight Kintner will give the invocation and Michelle Gabriel will introduce the achievers. Contact number is 408.238.2340 for reservations. Checks for $30 can be sent to Sha Ron Haugen, 2156 Snowbank Court, San Jose 95135 by Jan. 26.

COOKIE COLLEAGUES: Saratogan Joyce Malia hosted the 17th annual Cookie Exchange Party that included 30 participants: all are former colleagues from Valley Med's Physical and Occupational Therapy Department. Co-hosts were Karen McCord of San Diego, Rosemary Wylie of Pleasanton, and Mel Hagopian of Mammoth.

They were again serenaded by the Bearitones, a musical group of Berkeley alums. Dawn Graeme was the one who hooked the cookie makers to music since her husband, Randy, is a Bearitone member as is Vic Ulmer. Another highlight: a prize dessert created by Saratogan Audrey West.

West is training to be a pastry chef at the California Culinary Academy so the group will have a professional panache from now on.

In other holiday hijinks, Saratogans Terry Cabrinha, Betsy Coo and Joyce Malia performed with The Tripp Tappers at a holiday celebration for families and children at Chandler Tripp School. The school houses the Early Start (birth to 3 years) and preschool programs for children with special needs. "Jingle Bell Rock" was the Tripp Tappers choice.

CULTIVATING INNER GARDENS: Diane Dreher, author of Inner Gardening, will be the speaker at Los Gatos Town Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 28. Dreher's book gives practical tips on gardening, as well as principles to cultivate a greater joy in life.

The author teaches creative writing and Renaissance literature at Santa Clara U. She is also the author of The Tao of Inner Peace and The Tao of Personal Leadership and conducts workshops on personal growth. Doors open at 7 p.m. for book signing.

LASAGNA: A fundraiser for the Saratoga Adult Care Center, a lasagna dinner, will be held Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center. Tickets are $15, of which $10 is tax deductible. The sponsor is the De Anza Kiwanis Club. For tickets call 408.868.1257.

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