Saratoga News
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Saratoga Sampler
Burris' bad knee gets Goodie Bag Project off and running
By Mary Ann Cook
GOODIE BAGS: Here's how the Goodie Bag Project of the Westhope Senior Activities Center was born and how Carolyn Burris became its director.
Burris had retired from cashiering at Longs Drugs in the Argonaut Center and had undergone a knee replacement. But she missed working, and the camaraderie it brought, greeting familiar customers. Mildly dissatisfied, she looked about for some way to serve--and found it next door. The Westhope Presbyterian Church social hall and kitchen is home to the Westhope Senior Activities Center, which meets only on Mondays.
Burris spent many Mondays there and eventually was asked to serve as the center's hostess. Meanwhile, she was visiting her sister, who was living in a nursing home, and Burris could see the crying need for personal items and toiletries for those site-bound residents. So she decided to do something about it.
The WSAC women's group gave its approval, center director Kathleen Stuart set up the logistics and the Goodie Bag Project was launched. Folks began bringing in donations, and soon women and children living in shelters were added to the list of recipients.
"I'm amazed at how large it's grown," Burris says, a mere eight months after its inception. Deliveries are made monthly for the shelter people and every other month for nursing homes. Homes are selected from recommendations. Other goodie bag workers include Sonja Pfendt, Suwen Tong and Arlene James.
Daughter-in-law Ann Burris helps with delivery. Those in the line-dancing class at Westhope Senior Center are among her most ardent suppliers, as is Mark James, son of Arlene. Mark works for Avon and lives in Texas. But since he also works for an airline, he can fly in frequently.
Thus he can visit his mother and drop off supplies--so far more than 200 items. The local Longs, where Burris worked for 12 years, is a generous supplier, too. And Don Stephens is instrumental in getting goods from various companies. He and Carolyn recently took a supply of scarves, hats and gloves to present to 15 people in wheelchairs.
Donations to shelter residents go to the business office, since shelter sites have to remain anonymous. Mothers receive toiletries and make-up; children get toys and coloring books. Burris makes the coloring books herself, since it's more economical and the children like the uniqueness.
December was the peak month so far, with 161 bags being handed out. After a visit to a nursing home, "The smiles on their faces make my day," Carolyn says. Burris has carved out a fulfilling retirement modus--answering a need for the under-served and making friends in the bargain.
BUFF PETS: Gail and Buff Benson run TLC, a mobile pet grooming service, and most of their customers are in the West Valley area. Which is no surprise, since Buff grew up in Los Gatos. He is the brother of Chris Benson, the C.B. of C.B. Hannegan's.
Gail and Buff conduct their services from two separate vans and specific areas are covered on different days. Thursdays and Fridays are earmarked for Saratoga and Los Gatos. The Bensons have been in business since '89, live in Aromas, and commute to their customers.
They live on 1 1/2 acres, have about half a dozen dogs of their own and a floating population of several more. These are dogs they are either boarding or trying to place in appropriate homes. TLC maintains cage-less boarding, but guests are carefully screened.
Boarders have to be at least 6 months old, spayed and neutered, and compatible with the rest of the four-legged occupants. Next project in the TLC future is a cat hotel; and soon the Bensons will become distributors for the Noble brand of dog food from Canada.
"We look forward to meeting you and your pets," says the message at 408.568.3039 and 408.226.7387.
HOSPICE GALA: Sylvia and Jim Katzman of Saratoga and the Bay Area Pain and Wellness Center of Los Gatos are two of the many sponsors of the 27th annual Western Gala Eureka, a benefit for Hospice of the Valley. The date is May 11, 6 p.m., at The Summit Center on Fourth Street in San Jose.
Funds raised provide end-of-life care programs for people of all ages and families facing terminal illnesses. Sally Adelus is executive director of Hospice of the Valley, the oldest hospice in the county. Tickets are $150 at 408.559.5600 or email gala@hospicevalley.org.
WELL DONE: Members of the Kevin Moran Task Force received official commendation from the city council when their embattled mission was completed. Those commended were Brigitte Ballingall, Paul Jacobs, Elaine Clabeaux, Marty Goldberg, Peter Pranys, Mary Ann Escobar and Howard Miller.
CHOCOHOLIC ALERT: One of the most toothsome benefits held annually in Saratoga--Rivers of Chocolate--has a new location this year. The 11th delectable river will flow April 29, 1-5 p.m., at Villa Montalvo. The sponsor is EHC Lifebuilders, a nonprofit that benefits troubled youth. The cost is $100 and the number is 408.539.2121.
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