This is the sixth year for the film festival, which acknowledges new talent. Winners are eligible to compete for an Academy Award. The film was shot in the Bay Area with local cast, crew and music. The Sundial Field is a drama/love story about the magic of fate and the importance of following your heart.

The writer is Joni Thissen, and cast members are Mark Larkin, Kerry Seldin, Jennifer Baeseman, Dana Bergeman and Peter Bayham. Thissen and Steven Norfleet of Chelsea Point Pictures are the producers. Jeff Hofmann, the composer, grew up in Los Gatos and is the son of David and Lenore Hofmann.

The makeup artist is Rose Hill, who owns Rose Hill & Crew in Los Gatos. The film is 22 minutes long and was shot in color in 35 mm. Its Bay Area premiere is by invitation only. Sundial "provides something fresh and sweet to the viewers—a story with a magical twist, dealing with hope," Thissen says.

A woman meets a mysterious sundial maker whose past reveals a chilling connection between the woman and his former lover. The woman and the sundial maker develop a unique relationship whereby they learn the significance of fate. The website for the movie is at www.chelseapoint.com.

ON BOARD: Los Gatan Michael H. Kalkstein has been elected to the board of directors of the Silicon Valley Law Foundation. The foundation provides free legal services to people in need. Kalkstein is a judge pro tem in Santa Clara Superior Court and a litigation partner in Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly's Palo Alto office.

He is former president of the Opera San José board and is chairman of its nomination committee. Kalkstein has also served on the Arts 2020 Task Force of the San Jose Fine Arts Commission, as well as on the Presidents' Council of Silicon Valley Arts Fund. A legal fine arts maven indeed.

FOREIGN SERVICE: LGHS grad Susan Watters Cheatham was recently sworn in as a junior officer in the U.S. Foreign Service in ceremonies conducted by Secretary of State Colin Powell. Her first tour of duty will be in Surabaya, Indonesia, where she will serve a two-year term.

Foreign Service officers provide assistance to American tourists and business interests overseas, support U.S. foreign policy goals and promote awareness of America and American culture. That mission attracted Cheatham to the Foreign Service.

The new officer graduated from UC-Santa Cruz with a master's degree in library science and a bachelor's in French literature.

SYMPHONY DEBUT: Symphony San Jose Silicon Valley debuts Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts with three Los Gatans performing—Mimi Carlson, flute; Robert Szabo, trombone; and James Dooley, trumpet. Gilda Mazzanti of Monte Sereno is first violin. Tickets are priced from $25 to $68, with subscriptions $88-$240, and can be purchased by calling 408.288.2800.

Conductor David Loebel will lead the newly formed symphony in Corigliano's Promenade Overture; Stravinsky's Petrushka, Burlesque in Four Tableaux; and Dvorák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "New World Symphony."

Called a conductor with drive, enthusiasm and architectural sense, Loebel is music director and conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

IN 'SUNSET': An article in Sunset's November issue, titled "Hip, historic Los Gatos," recommends a day trip to Los Gatos. These upscale spots are cited—Mirassou Champagne Cellars, French Cellar, Manresa, Los Gatos Brewing Company, the Indian Store, Steamers, Campo di Bocce, Old Town.

SUMMIT LEAGUE OFFICERS: The new officers of the Summit League are Paula McHugh, president; Anne Griffin, vice president; Carrie Arata, recording secretary; Gretchen Mair, corresponding secretary; and Julie Black, treasurer. Created in 1956, the league has 47 members, plus sustainers.

Its Homes for the Holidays house tour will be Dec. 5 and 6 and will benefit San Jose's Downtown College Preparatory school.

HAWAIIAN PACKAGE: As part of its recent 40th anniversary celebration, Travel Advisors hosted author John Gray at a book signing. Gray is the author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. His latest book is called Mars and Venus on a Diet. At the signing, a Hawaiian package for two was given away.

VEGGIE TALE: "Healthy vegetarian alternatives for seniors" is the topic of a short seminar to be given on Nov. 20, 11:20 a.m., at the Los Gatos Neighborhood Center, 208 E. Main St. The seminar is sponsored by the Evergreen Healthy Vegetarian Association. Tips about healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes are promised.

For more information on Los Gatos senior programs, call 408.354.2360.

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