PARTY TIME: You wouldn't think a martini could help out the kids, but ... At the Evening in Paris fundraiser at La Rinconada last spring, a benefit for Van Meter School, Jennifer Unger and Shannon Susick were the ones who bid on and won a martini party for 10 couples.
The 10 couples paid $2,500 for the privilege. The fundraiser itself netted more than $50,000, to be used for the new computer lab at the school. The party was held at the home of Peter and Sandy Jordan. The martini mixers were Bob Gibbens and Ken Olivet.
The food, described as "incredible," was prepared and served by Carolyn Ivancovich, Pam Swanson and Roxanne Gibbens. Bruce Swanson held sway over the grill: mustard-rubbed rack of lamb and prawns wrapped in prosciutto. Lots of martinis, lots of laughs, reports Susick, who says that this month was a continuing round of parties, a direct result of the fundraiser.
NEIGHBORHOOD POTLUCK: On a recent Sunday, the seventh annual Shady View Neighborhood Potluck and Reunion was held at the home of Amy and Shawn Carroll. Shawn is the longtime manager of C.B. Hannegan's. More than 75 neighbors turned out—of all ages, 6 months to 89 years.
IS K.G. OUT THERE?: The Sutcliffes—Flo and Charles—are trying to find the teenager, initials K.G., who lives in Monte Sereno and attended the summer program at the University of St. Andrew's in Scotland. This K.G. is a high school student who is quoted on the website about the program, which teaches Scottish culture and history.
The Sutcliffe's teenage granddaughter, Jill Edwards, is interested in attending the program there, and they'd like her to have firsthand information. The Sutcliffes are just back from a trip to Ireland and Scotland themselves, which may have whetted their granddaughter's interest.
If K.G. is listening, would you please give the Sutcliffes a call at 408.395.7475 so they can put Jill in touch with you? Jill lives in Moscow, Idaho, with her mother, Linda, who graduated from LGHS in '70 and her father, Dr. Dean Edwards.
TO HELP SIGHT-IMPAIRED: The Friends of the Los Gatos Public Library has just received a $23,000 grant from the Valley Foundation to be used to enhance library services for those with poor eyesight. Items to be purchased include video-color magnification, Zoom Text software, audio books on CD, and large-print books and signage.
The Valley Foundation grant will also fund a new multimedia computer for the children's room. And the furniture to house all these enhancements will also be covered by the grant. Rita Baum is the Friends' grant writer, and it was through her efforts that the grants were obtained.
IRONWOMAN: Los Gatan Paris DeSoto completed her first Ironman Triathlon at Lake Placid this summer with her parents Chrystie and Ed Desoto and her fiancé Kevin Rogers all in attendance to cheer her on. Paris swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran 26.2 miles—all in 15 hours and 47 minutes.
Since she started doing marathons and triathlons Paris has raised almost $20,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She has signed up for Coeur d'Alene to meet a long-held goal of being in an Ironman event with her 73-year-old uncle of Southern California, who has completed three Hawaii Ironman events.
Both Paris and her fiancé are teachers at Los Gatos High School: he in history, she in English.
ROMANIAN ORPHAN CHOIR: A Romanian orphan choir will sing at Calvary Church on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. to raise awareness and support for the orphanage. The choir, 33 youngsters strong, is here through the Caminul Felix Project of Assist International.
Calvary has been involved with this group for several years. Three years ago a group from the church went to Romania to build a 4,500-square-foot house for the youngsters.
JOYFUL MUSIC: The first concert of the season for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association will be the Festival of Four at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 29, at the Los Gatos High School auditorium. One flute player and three guitarists will offer Andean folk music, Spanish flamenco and classical guitar. Joyful, passionate melodies promised.
JULIA CHILD: The grande dame of the kitchen, Julia Child, will sign copies of her books at Sur La Table in Los Gatos on Oct. 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
When she came to these parts a couple of years ago to begin a book signing at 10 a.m., some disciples started lining up as early as 6 a.m. By 8 a.m. there was already quite a line. By scheduled arrival time the line stretched for blocks. So be forewarned—attending a Child book signing is akin to a pilgrimage to a shrine.
McCLENDON MEMORIAL: A memorial tea celebrating the life of longtime dance teacher Betty McClendon will be held Oct. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Los Gatos History Club. Note that this is a later time than originally announced.
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By Mary Ann Cook