FOR YOUNG READERS: Wishing on the Midnight Star is the second novel from Los Gatan Nancy Ogaz. Like her first novel, Buster and the Amazing Daisy, this one is targeted for middle-school readers and one of the main characters has Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism.
Ogaz herself is the mother of a child with Asperger's, Devon, and her first book was written for him. This book is written for her second son, Cory. Asperger's affects the entire family, not just the afflicted individual, as Ogaz points out.
Wishing is the story of 13-year old Alex, a story of first love played out against a background of schoolyard bullies and the frustrations and rewards of living with an aspie brother. The book is published by Jessica Kingsley, London.
Ogaz lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with husband Ron, their two boys and more than 20 pets. The pets include a dozen chickens, one of which was being steamed in the bathroom for upper respiratory problems as we spoke. The chickens will jump on command if tempted with a grape.
Also part of the Ogaz establishment are three cats, three dogs, two goats, a cockatoo, parakeets and various fish. "It's often more like a zoo here than a family," the author says with a chuckle. For children with difficulties, she offers something similar to a petting zoo that she calls "special pets for special kids."
For 10 years Nancy was a counselor for children with disabilities, and she has a master's degree in public health. Her book is available at Amazon.com. Ogaz will be interviewed on KCNS, Channel 38, on Bay Area Week at 10 a.m., Dec. 24.
INTERPLAST FUNDRAISER: The Monte Sereno home of John Wright was the setting for a recent fundraiser for Interplast, the agency that provides free reconstructive plastic surgery for needy children and adults in developing countries. The fundraiser netted nearly $20,000 through silent auction and individual donations.
Interplast board chairman Mark Elconin and Orly Mager co-hosted, along with Wright. Some 60 people attended the fundraiser, dedicated to the children of Interplast. Dr. Lorry Frankel talked about his experiences as a volunteer doctor on several Interplast trips.
Frankel is a pediatrician at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and is also a board member of Interplast. Money raised will provide surgery for needy patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, severe burns, or other disabling injuries, said Susan W. Hayes, Interplast president/CEO.
Interplast has provided more than 51,000 surgeries for impoverished patients in its 35 years of existence. Interplast board member John Morgridge offered opening remarks. Morgridge is the chairman of the board for Cisco Systems and Elconin is the chairman and CEO of Saratoga Systems. Wright is also with Cisco and Mager works for WebEx Communications.
YOUNG PHILANTHROPISTS: Bellarmine students have been named Outstanding Philanthropic Youth Organization of 2003 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The award recognizes outstanding community service by young people in philanthropy.
Bellarmine students provide more than 30,000 hours of service each year to those in need. In 2002, students collected nearly 7,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest. They coach and assist in Special Olympics sports and tutor at elementary and junior high schools.
The YMCA, Agnews Developmental Center, Sacred Heart Community Services and The Family Giving Tree are other agencies the students benefit. Josh Burroughs is president of the Christian Service Program core group and other officers are Mike Hausle, Jamal Howard, David Kelly, Greg Kimma, Robert Pedersen and Brady Ruebusch. Hausle and Pedersen are Los Gatans.
HOLIDAY BOOKSIGNING: One Christmas Story is a children's picture book for ages 59, written by local author Stephan J. Harper and illustrated by Joy Steuerwald. Harper will sign the book at Delphi Salon & Day Spa, 540 N. Santa Cruz, Dec. 13, 24 p.m. The book is $16.95, published by Inspire Press of Los Gatos.
Santa has overlooked 8-year old Annie, but head elf Egil and an angel with attitude named Gloria get Annie something every boy or girl wants at some time in their lives.
NURSERY SCHOOL BOUTIQUE: A Holiday Boutique to benefit Los Gatos Parent Nursery School will be held at Mountain Mike's Pizza on Dec. 14, 14 p.m. Quality merchandise, mostly handmade, will be featured. Some 15 percent of all sales will be donated to the nursery school.
Those displaying holiday gifts include Jenny Clancy, Wendy Doty, Cherie Cole, Meaghan Madden and Elyse Elconin-Goldberg. Tammy Fine-Posada is the organizer; Jim and Paula Johnson are Mountain Mike's owners.
WREATH WORKSHOP: For those 10 years and older, a wreath-making workshop will be held at Sanborn Park on Dec. 13, 13 p.m.
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By Mary Ann Cook