The longtime oncology nurse was recognized for her contributions working with cancer patients through both Community Hospital and the American Cancer Society. She facilitates the hospital's breast cancer support group, cancer caregivers support groups and gynecological/ovarian cancer support groups.

Ankeny is also on the board of the American Cancer Society and raises funds by participating in the 24-hour Relay For Life walk and Daffodil Days sales. Active in the society's speakers bureau, she gives talks to high schools, senior centers and nursing homes. She's been an American Cancer Society volunteer for 20 years.

Ankeny expanded the programs at Community Hospital to include a general cancer support group and a lymphedema support group.

"I get so much inspiration from my patients," Ankeny says. "They have so much courage." She calls her educational outreach talks for patients and their caregivers the most rewarding part of her many jobs, both paid and volunteer.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Here's a book club that really gets to the heart of the book they're discussing: All women who work at Fisher School—or once did—this 10-member group puts on monthly dinners or brunches themed according to their chosen book. Examples include enchiladas to honor Sandra Cisneros' Caramelo and Chinese food for Amy Tan's Bonesetter's Daughter.

The last book covered was A Telling Time by Monte Serenan Glynnis Belchers, who came to the meeting and dinner. Next up is Beat Until Stiff, a mystery set in San Francisco. That one is written by an author from Lafayette about the restaurant industry. Dinner will be prepared by a professional chef who happens to be a member's sister.

Book club members live in Sunnyvale, San Jose, Gilroy, Santa Cruz, Nipomo and Los Gatos. Susan Kankel is our informant.

Member Sue Frey is a friend of Belchers, their first guest author. The group, now in its fourth year, has also attended book signings and readings by authors Amy Tan and Isabelle Allende. This summer they'll tackle East of Eden and will take a field trip to the Steinbeck Museum in Salinas.

TEACHING AT TAOS: Children's author/illustrator Joanie Cavanaugh will teach a course called "Writing for Children" at the Taos Institute of Art in Taos, N.M., the week of July 21. Cavanaugh's book Miles Away From Home (Harcourt), was chosen as an American Booksellers Kids Pick of the List the year it came out.

It was published under the name Joan Cottle. The author is a member of the English department at Santa Clara University, where she teaches advanced writing for children and business writing. Cavanaugh also holds an M.F.A. from Boston University and illustrates her own books.

The Taos Institute offers weeklong workshops in writing, illustrating, mixed media, clay, fibers and jewelry. The Los Gatan taught there last summer and calls it "a tremendous kick-start for writers of all levels." Her website is www.joancottle.com. For more information about the Taos Institute, call 800.822.7183

AWARD: Los Gatan Mary Ellen Ittner was recently honored with a Tribute to Women in Industry Award from the YWCA at a recognition dinner at the Fairmont San Jose. Ittner is director of public affairs for PG&E's Silicon Valley and Central Coast division. Earlier, she was press secretary for Tom McEnery during his stint as mayor of San Jose.

The award winner sits on the board of directors of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, COMPAC—the Chamber's political action committee—and the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Her husband is Peter, and they have two children, Joey and Allison.

CRISSCROSSING THE GLOBE: Crisscrossing the Globe for Free is the title of Cynthia Swensen McAlister's memoir of her flight attendant days. From 1972 to 1984 McAlister flew for Trans International Airline on charter flights to destinations that included Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Fiji, South Africa, Europe, Saudi Arabia—in short, all over.

McAlister relates her adventures on and off the job, deglazing the idea that it's a glamorous life. The book is dedicated to her husband, Bill, and children, Teri Cherie and William Robert. She also credits Dale Aycock and her mother for their encouragement and help.

The memoir is self-published and can be ordered by emailing planeanxiety@aol.com or by writing McAlisters, 926 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale, 94087.

BOOK SALE: A sale of better used books will be held May 24, 10 a.m.­2 p.m., in the lobby of the town council chambers. The Friends of the Los Gatos Public Library are the sponsors, and the library itself is the beneficiary.

Got a tip for Main Street? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.