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Saratoga Sampler
When the parade passes by, you could be part of it
By Mary Ann Cook
PARADE: Warren Lampshire heads the committee that will produce a parade on Sept. 24 to end all parades--the one that celebrates the city's 50th birthday. Lampshire chaired a similar event three other times--1996-98--and modestly says, "Some may think I might get it right this time."
This time he'd like to see everything but the kitchen sink involved ... well, he'd probably even accept the kitchen sink if someone wanted to stroll with it. Parade applications are available through Mr. L. at 408.399.8800 or through his email: warrenrealestate@comcast.net.
Warren and wife Yvonne attended a Pacific Grove parade earlier this year that boasted all manner of colorful costumes with kids in decorated strollers, and he'd like to see the same kind of sparkling innovation used here. Bands that have already signed on are the Saratoga and Los Gatos high school bands, along with four others.
Others on board already are Ann Waltonsmith with her donkeys; Diana Copeland, who's a clown; and 100 Foothill Club members dressed in period costume. Groups include the Lions, Sister City, Taiko, Shriner's Comics, St. Andrews School, Saratoga Parent Nursery School, the rec dept and youth commission.
Floats from Top Explosion, Alain Pinel and the Bahai community will swell the ranks. Moms, dads and pets are welcome; unusual autos or other odd conveyances would be an added attraction. "These are the kinds of entries that really make a hometown community parade," says the chairman. "The imaginations of people are truly limitless. We welcome everyone."
There is no cost to be in the parade; just fill out an entry form. The activity after the parade will take place in Wildwood Park, where birthday cake and ice cream will be served to hundreds. "It's going to be a wonderful parade," promises its leader.
WELCOME VISIT: Dan, Berit and Kristina Wick were in Saratoga last month, houseguests of John and Dorothy Terrill. The Wicks are missionaries at the Colegio Latino Americana in Cartagena, Colombia, a Christian school for children from preschool through high school.
At a Sunday service at Immanuel Lutheran of Saratoga, Dan gave the message. That evening a potluck at the church celebrated the Wicks, as well as Dr. Jim and the Rev. Judy Bangsund, who are missionaries in Tanzania, Africa, that Immanuel Lutheran also helps support.
The Bangsunds gave a video presentation about Makumira University in Arusha, Tanzania, where they are both instructors--Jim in theology and Judy in church music. The program gave viewers a glimpse into their lifestyle in Tanzania.
MONKEY SHINES: Five-year-old Jenny Hull of Saratoga played the lead role of Abu the Monkey in Aladdin's Adventures, produced by Dance Action Academy earlier this year. The performance included a huge cast--all 850 students of the academy took to their toes.
The show was held at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts, and more than 5,000 tickets were sold. Jenny, a first-grader at Amber Elementary School in San Jose, was chosen from more than 100 dancers auditioning for the role. Amber Elementary is part of the Action Day/Primary Plus chain.
Two action-plus schools are located in Saratoga--El Quito on Bucknell, which welcomes young ones ages 2 months to 2 years, and University Preschool on Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road, where students are 2-5 years.
Other kudos for Action Day schools: Bay Area Parent Magazine called the schools and dance academy one of the "Best of the Best in the South Bay." The recognition was based on a poll from readers, and Action Day and its dance academy were lauded for the second year in a row.
Suzette Alvarado is executive director of Dance Action, a role she's held for 25 years.
LIBRARY ART WALL: The brush paintings of Ywing Ming Jyang and the art quilts of Shanti Subramanyam are on display on the library's Art Wall until Aug. 30. My favorites: Jyang's "Plum Blossoms" and "Abstract Orchid;" and Subramanyam's "Venice," "Tropical Sunset" and "Sunset in San Francisco."
On Aug. 30 Saratoga scenes will take front and center to commemorate Saratoga's 50-year anniversary. Deadline for submitting artwork for the Celebrate Saratoga display is Aug. 16. Call 408.867.6126, ext. 3817, for submission guides.
RIGHT AT HOME: Gene Lennon's business, Right at Home, provides non-medical care to seniors and those recouping from illness or surgery. His 41 caregivers run errands, do light housework, prepare meals, assist in bathing and dressing, help with laundry, change linens.
The aim is to help clients remain independent as long as possible in their own homes. The phone is 408.496.0833. Right at Home has a training program, an incentive structure, plus a "sincere passion for improving lives of the elderly," Lennon says.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.
