THE BOOKISH FREYS: A book that had a germination process of at least 35 years will finally be in print before long. It's called Dear Voices and its author is Los Gatan Lea Frey. Dear Voices is a true story, told almost entirely by letters, about the strong friendships between five high school friends, one of whom is Frey.
When one friend is incarcerated for armed robbery, the others come to his emotional rescue—all in different ways. This is a story that needed to be told, she felt, and promised herself she'd write it—someday. The "salutary effect of unconditional love from friends" is the kernel of the story.
The robber is now a Bahai preacher. Book and publisher are a fine fit, because PublishAmerica focuses on people who overcome challenges—"turning stumbling blocks into steppingstones." Though PublishAmerica is a print-on-demand house, the arrangement is not that of a self-publisher.
Advances and royalties go to authors, just as in traditional publishing. Frey, who is a language coach for Opera San Jose, says the book virtually wrote itself. The letters had been sitting in a drawer for years.
Lea was a French and German teacher at Fisher for 25 years (which makes her a French Frey, I guess). Her husband, Bill, is a retired cardiologist from Good Sam, who published his mystery story, Oblivion, a couple of years ago. Son Randy is also in publications—director of publications for Dataquest, and the former sports editor of this publication. The other Frey son, Bill, Jr., is a dentist in town and former Lions president and writes articles for the LGHS football program. We'll have to wait to see what he publishes now that The Secret Life of Dentists has already been taken.
INTERNET SUCCESS: A Boxer and a Baker are joining forces, thanks to the Internet. Shari Boxer, president of JDS Group, a public relations firm, recently became engaged to Christopher Baker, vice president of finance at Harris Corp.
Both are Los Gatans, though Baker is originally from the UK. Both have sons near the same age: Jack Boxer, 9, Joe Baker, 12, and Tom Baker, 10. The prospective groom's passion is sports, being an avid triathlete. The future bride is an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society, for San Jose Rotary Club and the YMCA.
Both are singing the praises of match.com about now.
GO FLY A KITE: Artist Dolly Cahill Johnson, whose specialty is kites, will be interviewed on the Home and Garden TV channel on Oct. 11 at 2:30 p.m. The program is the Carol Duvall Show, and Johnson's art kites will be the focus. To confirm program timing, check www.HGTV.com. Her episode is listed as #1505.
SOMEWHAT RAPID: Willys Peck will present "Before the Light Rail: Somewhat Rapid Transit in the Early 20th Century," the story of the Peninsular Interurban Trolley system, on Oct. 19, 13 p.m., at Forbes Mill Museum in Los Gatos. Slides and movie clips will be part of the presentation.
On display at the museum is "The Interurban Trolley System of Santa Clara Valley, 19031933." An interactive exhibit of the railway was created by craftsman Doug Dodd.
Also showing is "Costumes and Textiles: Wear and Tear," featuring period pieces and the equipment necessary to care for them. Items from the museum collection are on view, along with articles from the private collection of famed designer Marian Clayden. The exhibit was curated by Jade Bradbury. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon4 p.m. Phone is 408.395.7375.
HEALTH FOR SENIORS: Andrea Leiderman of Kaiser Permanente will talk about that company's position on current healthcare legislation at the Los Gatos Senior Center Oct. 15 at 11:15 a.m. On Oct. 22, state Senator Bruce McPherson is slated to present Republican perspectives on health care. The center phone is 408.354.2360.
INFO ON JORAIN?: Lynetta in Arkansas wants information on an artist, Jorain, whose name appeared in this column sometime back. Jorain illustrated a cookbook done by a local author. Lynetta recently acquired a picture of an old man with a beard, done by Jorain.
She'd like some background on the painting. Does anyone out there know how to contact Jorain? If so, Lynetta would appreciate that info at philandlyn@tcworks.net.
WILDLIFE FESTIVAL: For the whole family: it's a walk on the wild side at the 18th annual YSI Wildlife Festival Oct. 12, 11 a.m.4 p.m., at Alum Rock Park in San Jose. The wildlife includes snakes, hawks and big cats. A Native American storyteller will add his culture's lore.
A guided nature tour, crafts, and hands-on science projects for the youngsters are part of the action. Admission is free, but there's a $6 auto parking fee. For more: 408.258.4322.
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By Mary Ann Cook