Main Street

Local author brings distinctive style to her work

By Mary Ann Cook

NEW BOOK: Poet Linda Henreid Carney's first book of poetry is now out and on local bookshelves, Willow Glen Books, to name one. Titled Green Temples, the collection features Carney's own distinct style and subject matter; i.e., the vagaries of everyday experiences. This Los Gatos writer has been serious about poetry for the past several years and during that time her work has been published in 10 different periodicals.

She is an accomplished pianist, painter and athlete, as well. Indeed, one of her paintings adorns the cover of the book. Jacaranda Press is the publisher. Carney will be the featured reader at Borders Book Store June 8 at 7:30 p.m. As a science teacher, she taught in Illinois and California schools.

Says the book jacket: "Her curiosity, her compassion and her scientific recall about how our world works--all these qualities come together in her poetry. She's a rarity--someone who exercises both right and left sides of the brain." Quoted from a local journalist.

PROJECT NUTCRACKER: Right after its last holiday party, the Los Gatos Art Association determined to do something spectacular for its next Christmas party. The group decided that being smack dab in the middle of a set for the Nutcracker ballet would be an unforgettable evening. Each member was to undertake a life-size re-creation of one of the characters in the ballet during the year and thus Project Nutcracker was born.

It was the idea of Nancy Petras, and was implemented by Linda Spencer. Now several of the figures are finished, and they'll appear at the VAAST show at the Triton this weekend. VAAST is Visual Artist's Association Summit at the Triton.

Later on the figures will be at the Tait Museum, then they'll march in the Christmas Parade before taking up their original assignment as the backdrop for the association's holiday party. After all that, they'll be sold to either a business or an individual, and the proceeds will be used for children's art programs.

Y RECOGNITION: Sherry Shepardson of Monte Sereno was pronounced 1998 Volunteer of the Year for the Central YMCA of Santa Clara Valley in San Jose. Shepardson has served on the board of managers in various capacities throughout this decade. She is presently vice chairwoman of the board.

She co-chaired the Central Y Capital Campaign in 1997-98. This campaign raised $1 million, which money was earmarked for the new outdoor pool and family aquatic center, recently completed.

Shepardson was named chairwoman of Community Outreach in 1996 and Rookie Fundraiser of the Year in 1990. She was on the major gifts committee for three years and served as its chairman.

Says Randy Bolsinger, Y executive director, "Sherry exemplifies what a board volunteer for a nonprofit is all about. She not only comes up with ideas, but puts them into action. She's talented and dedicated, believes strongly in the Y. I'm lucky to have her on my board."

TEACHER OF YEAR: Voted Teacher of the Year at Los Gatos High School was Gayle Baggerly Shank. She teaches girl's physical education and is chairwoman of the department of state and local. That's the name for state-regulated courses such as driver's training and health education.

Shank also goes above and beyond as one could guess from the title she's acquired. She's working on a new program to begin next fall to help incoming freshmen acclimate to their new environment. It's called Link Crew, and it matches freshmen with upperclassmen to help the newcomers over the opening hurdles.

Shank was chosen for the honor by her peers. Before teaching at LGHS she worked at C.T. English Middle School in administration. She is a '65. grad of LGHS. And doesn't Shank's middle name sound familiar? Yes, Barbara and John are her parents.

OLYMPIC HOPEFUL: Soccer player Don Hilliker, a junior at Los Gatos High has been selected a member of the California Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program. As such he'll compete in regional and international competition and college coaches from across the nation will eye him for potential scholarships.

Hilliker plays goalkeeper and has won MVP the past five years, including the Fisher School team. The ODP costs between $1,500 and $2,000 yearly and is player-funded. Those interested in helping this athlete may contact Lynn Holland, vice chairman of the CYSA at 925-426-5437.

DESIGN GURU: Rick Tharp was convention speaker at the Canadian national design conference in Banff in May. His theme, "Reinventing Yourself," featured Los Gatos projects, such as Steamers, LeBoulanger and Old Town, plus his work for Brio Toys of Sweden and Hewlett-Packard.

Tharp and Patrick Keller are responsible for the new street and parking signage for historic downtown Los Gatos to be implemented this summer. Both men donated their time over the past year. The newsboy masthead of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times is Tharp's work too.

WORKDAY: A workday at the Oak Meadow Park carousel is set for June 5 starting at 8 a.m. No special skills needed.

Police Report

Columnist notes differences between writers, engineers

LGHS seniors prepare for grad night

Obituaries

Picture From the Past: Orchard heritage

Sports Briefs

Los Gatos sophomores star at CCS track championships

Wildcats lose heartbreaker at CCS volleyball semi-finals

West Valley baseball player named MVP