Main Street

Medical Resource Library is wedding gift recipient

 

By Mary Ann Cook

BRIDAL REQUEST: This bride and groom requested that in lieu of gifts, wedding-goers contribute to the Community Health Library of Los Gatos as a memorial to her father, who died of prostate cancer a few years ago.

A plaque was placed in the library--also known as the Medical Resource Center--recently to commemorate the bride's father, Edward O. Hook. And thanks to the generosity of the bridal couple, Mara Hook and Tobin Gabriner, the library added a new videotape, books and a series of pamphlets about prostate cancer.

The entire Hook family used the library, which is located at the Community Hospital of Los Gatos, extensively after Mr. Hook was diagnosed with the disease. "It's a wonderful library," says his widow Thelma Hook. "Very user-friendly. Lay people can walk right in and use it.

"There are no restrictions: You don't have to be a patient there or know someone who is. But people who use it are under extreme stress and Mike Liddicoat, the head librarian, knows exactly how to treat people in that situation."

The Hook's other daughter, Taryn Hook, was also an avid library user, bringing books about the disease to her father so he could evaluate his treatment options. Incidentally, Thelma Hook is a hand therapist, one of the first in the field, and works in the Physical Performance Institute at the hospital.

The library contains some 800 to 1,000 books and subscribes to 100 journals.

NEW SERVICE CLUB: Mark von Kaenel is the president of a newly chartered service club--the Community Connection/Exchange Club of Los Gatos. The club's focus is the prevention of child abuse, and its beneficiaries are Eastfield Ming Quong and the Teen Center.

The group is affiliated with the National Exchange Club and meets Fridays at La Hacienda restaurant from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group was chartered last month and already has 27 members.

Two fundraisers will be held yearly: a dinner and silent auction in May and a golf tournament in September or October. The group sponsored the Pumpkin Festival at Blossom Hill School last fall. For more information: 356-8009

NEW CASE MANAGER: Jennifer Turk is the newest member of the town's Older Adult Program, a division of Adult and Child Guidance Center. As a case manager, Turk will work with Los Gatos and Monte Sereno residents in their own homes and through the Senior Drop-In Center at the Neighborhood Center.

Drop-in hours are Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but it's a good idea to call ahead. Seniors with questions can call 378-1995. Turk's degree is in human development from San Francisco State University, and she is working on her masters in clinical psychology from Santa Clara University. She has worked at the guidance center for several years, addressing such issues as loneliness and depression, issues which often beleaguer the elderly.

IN THE PIT: Henry Mollicone composed several of the songs in the recent San Jose Rep production of Legacy, a musical based on the Studs Terkel book of the same name. The book is a compendium of interviews with vital seniors.

Mollicone also played the piano for the show's run, which ended recently. When his composer/colleague Craig Bohmler of Los Gatos had to turn down the Rep request to do the composing, Bohmler recommended that they seek out Mollicone for the role. And so they did.

TO HOST THE HOMELESS: Boy Scout Troop 452 of Los Gatos will host a Chinese dinner for the homeless in May. The Youth In Philanthropy Committee, part of the Community Foundation, awarded the $400 grant to the troop based on its benefit to the community and the fact that it will be conducted by the Scouts themselves.

The event will include a Chinese Lion Dance and balloons imprinted with the Chinese character for good luck. Some 39 youth groups received grants for a total of $25,000. The Sobrato Family Foundation was a major funder for this year's programs.

SEASON CLOSE: The Joe Trio will wrap up the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association for this season on April 11 at the Los Gatos High School Auditorium at 2:30 p.m. For tickets call Ray Strong at 377-1106.

The Joe Trio is a Canadian group composed of Cameron Wilson, violin; Laura McPheeters, cello; and Allen Stiles, piano. Their repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary composers and their own arrangements of pop, jazz and rock tunes.

BEST OF: A reception for the Best of LGHS art for 1999 will be held April 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Los Gatos Museum of Fine Art. Scott Downs teaches drawing and painting, and ceramics instructor is Raphael Aguayo. Downs, an LGHS grad, is art department chairman.

BLOSSOM TRAIL: Used to be that this valley was awash in blossoms. Now blossom pilgrimages are more likely to be undertaken in the Fresno area. Some people make it a yearly trek for its beauty and regenerating effect. One such is Carol Schrager, a Los Gatos travel agent who is considering leading a blossom trail trek next spring, which will include an overnight stay.

Police Report

Carl Heintze defends lawyers

Photo: Community Read-In

Photo: Sidesaddle & Co. appear at Woodhaven West

New in Town: East on Main

Sports Briefs

Los Gatos dominates at Stanford Invitational

Individual Wildcat swimmers star, but team loses

Los Gatos Little League

LG baseball, tennis, golf, volleyball