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Main Street
Bingman had lots to celebrate with friends
By Mary Ann Cook
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION: Judy Bingman was so ecstatic to reach the end of her cancer treatment that she threw a party one recent Saturday for all those who helped her through the hard times. "I just want to show my appreciation for all the support," she said.
All the support included more than 100 people who showed up at Joanne and Joe Rodgers' hilltop home. The list of well-wishers read like a "This is Your Life, Judy Bingman." episode. Three cousins and a close friend, Sharron Garioto, were sequestered for several days as surprise celebrants.
Those doing the sequestering were Tish Gossen and Trudy Burling. There was music aplenty, as befits the former band director at Los Gatos High . A trombone quartet played outside as guests arrived and members of the San Jose Wind Symphony were part of the ensemble.
Bingman plays alto sax in that group. Sue Livingston of the singing group Zingers wrote a parody in Bingman's honor performed by several Zingers. Gabby Webster catered, and the mandatory dress was jeans and tennies.
Country line dancing was led by Chuck and Becky Lowe. The celebration also marked the 60th birthday for the honoree. Pearl Mesta could have taken lessons from those party givers, commented Betty McClendon.
NEW HANDBOOK: Silicon Valley Handbook is just out from Avalon Travel Publishing of Emeryville. It's a compendium of history, attractions, festivals and accommodations, including hotels and restaurants, and is the work of Martin Cheek.
Cheek is a former reporter for the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, circa early '90s. Naturally there's a section about Los Gatos. Cheek credits George Bruntz's The History of Los Gatos in his acknowledgments. But his first nod of appreciation goes to LGWT photographer Kathy De La Torre.
She was the one who laughed and said it was a good idea when he proposed his original plan--a survival guide to be titled How to Have Fun in the Most Affluent Area of the Wealthiest State in the Richest Country in the World Even if You Don't Have Bill Gates' Bank Account.
De La Torre was there at the inception. An overview of industry, hiking and biking trails, map, all are included. A sequel will be coming since this world is a rapidly changing one. The email address is travel@moon.com.
INDOMITABLE HIKERS: Marie Low and her hiking compadres are gearing up to tackle another demanding woman's walk--in Provence in May. Every year a group of hardy women take on the challenges of a major hike somewhere in the world.
The first year eight intrepid souls did the Grand Canyon--24 miles in two days down and up. The next year, last year, there were 16 who traversed the Thames, 200 miles from its source as a puddle at Cirenchester down to London town where it's considerably bigger.
Now they're taking on hilly Provence for an 88-mile promenade. Los Gatans equal to the trek are Cathy Gillum, Sara Langton and Ginger Turnbull. Other Saratogans lacing up their hiking boots are Carole Hardy, Karlene Ferguson and Kim Hartley.
Gillum and Low are the only hikers who have signed on for all three treks. "These trips are so memorable," enthuses Low. "You always look back and say, 'I can't believe I did that!' It builds your confidence for the rest of the year."
Entrants come from all over the world. Lord Winston's Hiking Tour is the arranger. Men are outlawed: it's strictly for women, and the women are generally in their 50s and 60s.
INTERACT WITH ELDERLY: Live Oak Adult Day Services needs volunteers to interact with residents there, announces Cheryl Huguenor, interim director of the center. Such visits don't have to be on a regular basis. One-time appearances are just what she's seeking and they are much appreciated.
Almost any type of experience can help the frail elderly keep in touch with the outside world. People may bring their pets, talk about trips they have taken, read excerpts from printed matter--almost any interaction can become a nugget to brighten the day for these folks with narrowing perimeters. Call the center at 408.354.4782.
FDR MEMORIAL: A talk and slide show about the FDR Memorial will be given by Jeri Sulley on March 28, at the Quinlan Center in Cupertino. The show is presented by the Cupertino Historical Society.
Los Gatan Ethel Worn is director of the historical society. A potluck at 6:30 p.m. will precede the 7:15 p.m. program. Sulley is the slide archivist for Lawrence Halprin, the landscape architect who designed the memorial. The work of six sculptors was incorporated into the memorial.
SAWMILL AT SANBORN: Forest Conservation Days on March 25 and 26 at Sanborn Park includes a sawmill and donkey steam engine in action, a guided walk through a redwood forest, and learning how pencils are made. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
