TO GHANA: It's always something new, challenging and untried for Layne Hackett. She's off this month to do good works in Ghana. She'll be there for three weeks as part of the Global Volunteers Program. Whether teaching English or working on the infrastructure remains to be seen. Knowing Hackett, she'll probably be involved in both. In this venture, the peripatetic Hackett will be living in Pram Pram, which is on the coast of this African country.
When at home, Hackett operates a business consulting firm, helping companies strengthen their team building. Issues such as company morale and intracompany communications are part of the focus. Other pursuits Hackett has tackled in the past include a snail business, wherein she harvested (from her own garden at times) and marketed snails for the gourmet trade.
More recently, she was the one who put together a cultural conclave in the shocked aftermath of 9/11. The meetings at the History Club were designed as a healing process, and all the diverse religious groups in this area were invited to meet together on specified evenings.
The idea was to talk together in small groups to grope for a better understanding of each other. The meeting drew some 50 participants at its inception, but gradually whittled down to a few faithful, meeting for several months at a San Jose school.
Hackett also headed up nonprofits such as the West Valley swim center for the handicapped and those needing rehabilitation. If you want to find someone who epitomizes a varied career, look no further than Layne Hackett.
LUCKY YOU: YOU'RE ALREADY THERE: Los Gatos is the featured destination in the "Weekender" column in the current issue of Via, the American Automobile Association magazine. Suggestions offered in the article include walking the Creek Trail or, for more strenuous adventurers, the hike up to St. Joseph's.
For those seeking less-exhausting pursuits, a ride on the Bill Mason Carousel or Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad at Oak Meadow Park are options. Eating enticements run the budget gamut from Manresa's $94 tasting menu to Andale's more modestly priced chicken burritos.
Other food purveyors that were given the nod are Marcellas, A Matter of Taste, Coffee Roasting, LG Brewing Company, Tapestry, Dolce Spazio and Fleur de Cocoa.
COMPOSER: Dr. Arthur Cooley, a Saratoga ob/gyn, is finding himself immersed in a totally new pursuit—composing music. He's played piano for years, but realizes now that this was but a steppingstone to his real pursuit of composing.
The composing bug bit a year ago, and since then the doctor has composed some 15 pieces encompassing the whole musical spectrum—symphonic, instrumental, chorale. Recently completed were a string quartet piece, a symphonic movement and a piano concerto.
And Cooley has been in touch with experts in the field to get welcome critique and structural advice. "I know now it's not just a passing fancy," Cooley says about his work. Besides composing, he's retrofitting his garage roof. All that hammering is good for one's health, he notes.
EXPLORE MORE IN '04: Betty Auchard and Susanne McDonough will co-host a seminar on behavioral change at Belwood Cabana Club on Jan. 24, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Bringing more joy to living by finding new behaviors is the workshop focus. McDonough uses visualization, writing, drawing and brainstorming.
The idea is to invigorate an area of life that brings one the most fulfillment. McDonough is life coach of Inner Design, a company she started in '01. The cost is $25 and the club is at 100 Belwood Gateway. Contact numbers are 408.729.4048 or 408.708.1698. The email is susannemcdonough@hotmail.com.
McDonough has completed advanced courses at Coaches Training Institute, has a bachelor's in dance and PE from SJSU and has worked with at-risk high school seniors.
SILVER ANNIVERSARY: The Los Gatos Rowing Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 1 with a large, formal party/fundraiser at the boathouse. In the meantime, the club is reaching out to former rowing teammates and former club members.
A severe need for new equipment and local support is prompting the anniversary party. And several smaller fundraising events are also planned for the coming months. The contact is EstellePagnoux@yahoo.com. The group wants to involve as many alumni as possible by establishing a mailing list for information about the club.
WHO'S MAD?: Mad Cow disease poses no threat to local beef lovers if the crowds at Forbes Mill Steakhouse are any indication.
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By Mary Ann Cook