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Saratoga Sampler
Spelling bee ... s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g b-e-e ... spelling bee
By Mary Ann Cook
BUZZ ABOUT BEES: What is it about spelling bees that has captured the theater/book world's imagination? First there was the book Bee Season, with a Richard Gere film to match; then the Disney documentary Spellbound.
Playing now is a new movie called Akeelah and the Bee. It's a sobber about an African American 11-year-old who rises from her disadvantaged background to gain fame and confidence and the support of her once resentful peers.
And at the Post Street Theater in San Francisco is a new musical called The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It's a joyous, warmhearted look at the geeky middle-school set. Adults play these youngsters who conquer their fears and frustrations or acquire new ones with their forays into spelling bees. Four members of the audience are plucked out before the show to compete along with the actors, and I was asked to be one. But I hesitated, fearing that leaning on spellcheck for years meant I could no longer spell. But of course, they didn't want good spellers. In fact, just the opposite. If a contestant is too good, the show has trouble getting the amateur off the stage so the play can continue to unfold.
So if you'd like to compete in the Putnam County Spelling Bee, let's hope you won't be as faint of heart. And if anyone can explain the spelling bee phenom to me, I'd like to hear your theory.
PRESIDENTS ARMSTRONG: Never let it be said the Armstrongs aren't leaders. Fred Armstrong will soon take over the helm of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, the first male president this chapter has had. Meanwhile, Gladys is in line to be the next president of AAUW, a job she already filled years back.
Gladys is president-elect and will assume the full scale job next year. Fred is a retired doctor and the founding father of Saratoga Rotary's Building Bridges Program. Since the league presidency is a two-year run, the Armstrongs will be serving overlapping presidencies.
When you ask for the president at the Armstrong house, it's a tossup as to which gender will answer.
ART WALL: On the art wall at the Saratoga Library are the photographs of Shannon Amidon and the bas-relief work of Annie Mack, on display until the end of June.
Says the photographer about her photos: "I have a great appreciation for the natural sciences. I don't try and portray the obvious or even reality as I see it. I strive to express a unique viewpoint and a sense of mystery. I seek to push the boundaries of photography, blurring the lines between fine art and traditional photography. I spend a large amount of time exploring, studying and researching my subject matter and how to best represent it."
Mack's work has been exhibited mainly in Southern California, and one of her pieces hangs in the Smithsonian. Her work draws you in for a closer look, what with its unique and varied texture. Bas-relief is a marriage of sculpture and painting, a creation of undulating rhythms, designs and hues. The surface ranges from primitive distress to rich, lustrous jewel tones.
Mack's work has evoked many comments from library patrons, reports Karen Boyle, circulation supervisor.
NEW OFFICERS: Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga installed new officers recently, and each was given a handmade book filled with flowers to describe her. Carole Cantlan created the books, using sunflowers, black-eyed susan, violet, morning glory, etc. Terri Spice is the new president.
Other officers are v.p. membership, Linda Krain; v.p. philanthropy, Norma Stewart and Sue Schneider; v.p. resource development, Gloria Kahn; secretary, Carole DeSantis; treasurer, Lynn Sprague; public relations, Chrystie DeSoto; education, Susan Weber; strategic planning, Gail Hehir; and parliamentarian, Cindy Snelham.
The league received a grant for $1,300 from the LG Community Foundation, which will furnish warm jackets, shoe vouchers and school supplies for Los Gatos needy children. The money will also supply art materials for seniors in Los Gatos. Members meet with seniors monthly to make craft projects.
50 GOLDEN YEARS: The Los Gatos Parent Nursery Observation School, often referred to as the Mountain School, was founded by Saratogan Betty Peck 50 years ago. A gala celebration to mark its golden anniversary was held earlier this spring. The school was originally held at Easterbrook Farm, a community garden, and was sponsored by AAUW in its beginning years.
LUNCH RETURNS: Wednesday lunches at noon at the Saratoga Senior Center will resume June 7, followed by a talk on "Intimacy, Sexuality and Aging" by Mary Buxton, who has 25 years of counseling experience. Reservations for lunch are required by Tuesday at 5 p.m. at 408.868.1257.
At the lunch program on June 21 and June 28, George Bunyard, retired physicist, will give a two-part talk on "The Future of Energy," for our planet, country and state. The lunch program was discontinued for a couple of months while budget problems were addressed.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.
