Saratoga News
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Saratoga Sampler
Mair family has a University of the Pacific connection
By Mary Ann Cook
UOP BOARD: Here's a confirmed UOP family--Jim and Gretchen Mair of Saratoga and their daughters Meredith and Carolyn. Jim and Gretchen are '68 grads and Jim has recently been named the newest member of the board of regents of UOP. Mair (pronounced mayor) is president/CEO/founder of South Bay Development.
The company has developed more than 25 million square feet of commercial real estate in Northern California since its founding in 1978. "As a Pacific alum, he demonstrates the Pacific mission of commitment to public service," said Donald DeRosa, UOP president.
Jim earned an MBA from Santa Clara University in addition to his bachelor's from UOP. Meredith graduated from UOP in '94, and Carolyn in '97.
PAWS FOR READING: Read to your dog and you'll gain confidence in reading. So goes the current thinking from therapists who work with children with learning problems. One program is called PAWS, wherein children strengthen their reading skills by reading aloud to pets. Cats won't hold still for it, evidently.
One such clinic was held recently at the Saratoga Reading Clinic, with the aid of a trained therapist dog called Jodie. Children who took advantage of the program included Nathan Fernandez, Hailey Strong, Shiri Matoki, Evan Miller, Lauren Dunnett, Carson Panighetti and Allie and Michael Nicosia.
Judith Stubbs conducted the PAWS program, the first time at the Saratoga location. The clinic intends to hold such sessions regularly and hopes to bring in a variety of animals in future months--perhaps a pig. Negotiations are under way with My Pony Party of San Martin.
Kevin Comartin is director of the reading clinic. The phone is 408.496.1660.
HISTORIC HUB: Norm Koepernik is chairman of the Heritage Preservation Commission, the group that will award landmark plaques to seven different buildings that the commission said qualify as historic town treasures. The plaques will be distributed over the next few months.
Koepernik is obviously following his heart because he describes his full-time work as being in the historic preservation business. He lives in an historic building himself and did much of the restoration, learning as he proceeded. Now he advises others who are renovating, as well as providing services.
This history buff, whose former career was as a scientist/biochemist, has also worked for Heritage San Jose. It's detective work, this delving into the history of a building, and he calls it "very important, vital and fascinating. The craftsman rebirth is marvelous."
Other commission members are Bob Louden, Joan Gomersall, Steve Kellond, Peter Marra, Rita McCarty and, newly appointed, Hong Tai.
SCOTS A'COMIN': Highland dancers and singers, bagpipes and drums will be the order of the day when the Stewart Tartan Pipes and Drums present a Scottish Christmas Concert at the Saratoga Presbyterian Church Dec. 2. The free concert is at 4 p.m. at 20455 Herriman Ave. Phone is 408.867.0144.
Pipers Susan and Burr Nissen are two Los Gatans involved. Burr is also the singer for the group, now in its 27th year. Call 408.356.5406. The group's website is www.stewarttartan.com.
THANKFUL: With Thanksgiving fast approaching, now's a good time to reflect on things to appreciate about our lives. Beverley Bender, who teaches a class in laughter sponsored by the Los Gatos-Saratoga Ed and Rec department, lists evocative suggestions to her students.
Bender cites five things to dig deep into the psyche and feel grateful for. The most provocative are: the best compliment you've ever received and something you love about yourself. These two demand a thorough excavation in the memory bank.
Other items on the list ask you to call forth a positive experience, a place you love, or someone who loves you. Here's hoping one of these memories will hold you in thanksgiving thrall through Turkey Day--and, better yet, beyond.
HOLLY DAY: Greens is the theme at the Holly Day House Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Foothill Club. Topiaries, fresh evergreens, baked goods, jewelry, ornaments, homemade quilts, Yule logs and fruit and nut boxes are all for sale. A quilt will be raffled off at the end of the day.
Money earned will help maintain the Foothill Club, which celebrates its centennial this year. Contact is Ann Floyd at dwf06511@aol.com.
Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to mac@impruve.com.
