ON SWEDISH TV: Saratogan Helen Riley was interviewed by a Swedish TV program about her grandfather's experiences in the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Riley's granddad, Fredrik Westerberg, was a doctor and surgeon in San Francisco and Riley's family lived with him during the last three years of his life. She was about 12 when he died.
However, at the time of the San Francisco quake, Dr. Westerberg was himself laid up, recouping from a concussion caused when a sign fell on his head during a heavy windstorm. The jolt of the earthquake tipped the house so severely that his bed slid into the basement, "where he thought he was undone," as a newspaper story of the time put it. Friends were able to rescue him and ultimately took him to Mill Valley, where the rest of the family was living, so that he could continue to recuperate.
He didn't do any more doctoring after the concussion. However, he served as vice consul in the Swedish Embassy. He was also the first president and one of the founders of the Swedish-American Patriotic League in San Francisco. He received the Order of Vasa from the Swedish king for his work in the Swedish-American community through the years.
His granddaughter, too, is active in the league and in the Swedish Order of Vasa. The TV interviewer found her through the Swedish consulate. The program will air next year and focus on the 100th anniversary of the quake.
You may remember hearing about Helen and her late husband, James, who made gingerbread houses for children in hospitals or other residences such as EMQ Children & Family Services--those in need of a lift. The week before Christmas, the Rileys delivered the handmade edible structures that they had been working on for a month. This has been their project for 10 years: the last year they did it they produced 65 houses.
JEWISH GALA: Several Saratogans are involved in planning the 25th anniversary gala of Jewish Family Service of Silicon Valley to be held April 3 at the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose. Artist Bonnie Stone designed the invitations, as well as the frameable artwork attached to the covers of each program.
Other Saratogans include Rosalie Sogolow, JFSSV board president; Michelle Gabriel, event chairwoman; and Maureen Schneider, Syl Meltzer and Gail Joseph, committee members. Musicians singing selections from early American composers will entertain. Live and silent auctions will be offered.
JFSSV provides emergency services and outreach programs to community members in need. For information, call 408.556.0600 or visit www.jfssv.org.
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD: Maggi Ferguson, who teaches computer classes at the Saratoga Senior Center, received a 2005 Good Neighbor Award, presented recently by San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales. Ferguson also teaches at the Cypress Senior Center near Valley Fair.
The 80-year-old dynamo estimates that she has introduced more than 1,000 seniors to the computer world in the past five years. She teaches in Saratoga on Mondays and Wednesdays and at Cypress the other three days.
The Ferguson whirlwind started the program at Saratoga and oversees the computer lab. When she isn't helping seniors navigate the communications highway, Ferguson flies her own twin-engine plane, plans day trips for the senior center, and has worked and toured as an I'm OK, You're OK therapist and taught computer classes at West Valley College.
GOURMET BENEFIT: A cooking class conducted by famed chef Emile Mooser, owner of Emile's in San Jose, will benefit the renovation of Skyland Church's kitchen. Mooser is a member of that mountain church. The benefit will be held at the restaurant, 545 S. Second St., on April 7 at 6 p.m.
The class is $55, sponsored by the women's group of Skyland. Participants will sip wine as they watch Emile at work. Emile's website is www.emiles.com.
ACCORDING TO CODE: The Braille signage at the new Saratoga Firehouse is there in answer to state building codes and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. I can understand the need for Braille signage for the restrooms and other public necessities. But on the firepole, which is off limits to the public? That does smack of code over-zealousness.
BEYOND THE GRAVE: PetGuardian, a pet trust e-business based in Campbell, was featured in a CBS Early Show recently that addressed the issue of what to do about pets to provide for them after their owner's death.
Better is to name both an executor and a caretaker to have checks and balances in place for your pet. The phone number is 408.871.1133.
EXHIBIT: An artist reception for Eileen Graham will be held April 16, 69 p.m., at Aegis Gallery. Graham's work will be at the gallery March 29April 24. New figurative paintings by the Campbell artist will be on view. Her murals appear in several Saratoga businesses.
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By Mary Ann Cook