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Volume 49, Number 9, Published on 02/26/1996

News

Neighbors make the difference

Buyers wait for houses in Dos Palos neighborhood

Local Olympic torch bearers wear hearts of gold

Los Altos residents Walter Chronert, 76, and Scott O'Donnell, 26, have at least two things in common. Both volunteer their time to work with children. And both have been chosen as community hero torchbearers for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay as the flame makes its way to Atlanta, Ga., for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Morning Forum speaker rips media for news-as-sports coverage

Since Watergate, journalists have stepped up their adversarial gait looking more fervently than ever for corruption and impropriety. But according to James Fallows, journalists are faced with steadily declining public approval ratings.

Home burglary count climbs in Los Altos

Four recent residential burglaries in the city of Los Altos have added to a long string of daytime burglaries going back to November.

Burglars bag loot from 8 cars in one night

Burglars broke into eight cars during the night of Feb. 15 in Los Altos and stole four stereos, two tennis rackets, one compact disc player, some clothes, a radio, stereo speakers and a radar detector.

Directory of child molesters arrives in Los Altos

Soon Los Altos parents, day care workers and school personnel will have a place to check out anyone who raises their concerns hanging around their children.

People

Veneta Beaty Nourse

A native of Ontario, Ore., she graduated from University of California at Berkeley, and taught high school in San Ramon. She and her late husband, Merrill Nourse, built their home in Los Altos and lived there for 43 years. An avid gardener and china painter, she was a long-time active member of the United Methodist Women and the Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Hillary McArthur

Services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Alta Mesa Memorial Park, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. A native of San Diego and an office clerk at La Canada newspapers, she is survived by her sons, Cameron McArthur of San Jose and Gerry Sgambati , and a nephew, Steve Furniss of Kneeland, Calif.

James E. Perkins

Mr. Perkins served as the cook for the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Stanford from 1952 to 1978 and was fondly revered as "Mr. Barns." Over those 26 years, he became the fraternity member's father, mother, friend and finally an initiated brother in the international fraternity as the only fraternity member to be admitted without having attended a university.

Hilde J. Leopold

A native of Limborg, Germany, she was educated and trained as a kindergarten teacher. During the early years of the Holocaust, she was sent by her father to England where she was employed as a governess. After one year, she was allowed to immigrate to the United States.

Marion G. Sanford

She is survived by her children, Marion S. Mueller, Barbara S Atlee, Patricia S. Pfieffer.

Vernie Victor Thompson

A farm owner for 25 years, he formerly lived in Sunnyvale and Mountain View. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the Teamster's Union.

Namo Jeffery Lundeen

A salesman for Consilium Inc. he is survived by his sister, Connie Schimbor of Houston, Texas, and children Jennifer Lundeen and Namo MacArthur Lundeen, both of Santa Rosa.

Henry C. Bleiler

Services were held Feb. 17 at the Mountain View Chapel of Spangler Mortuaries.

Ethel Bumstead

A member of the Children's Home Society, she is an active volunteer at the History House in Los Altos.

Community

Red Cross offering earthquake preparedness seminars

The fair will be in the Sears parking lot in the San Antonio Shopping Center from noon to 4 p.m. Free copies of "Before Disaster Strikes," the new American Red Cross guide on how to make sure you're financially prepared to cope with a natural disaster, will be available.

Community Briefs

The second annual Los Altos Good Friday Community Prayer Breakfast will feature a message by Greg Jamison, chief operating officer of the San Jose Sharks.

Almanac

Today

Arts in the area

Second Monday of every month: Los Altos Art Club demonstration on painting techniques, 7 p.m., Hal Brady Room, Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. Information: (408) 725-8662.

Births

A daughter, Jordana Rachel, was born to Howard and Hollis Bischoff Jan. 30 at Community Hospital of Los Gatos. Howard Bischoff is the circulation and business manager of the Los Altos Town Crier.

MROSD puts out call for docents

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District officials are putting out the call for district docents. Docents will have the chance to share knowledge and enthusiasm with others while leading hikes in open space preserves.

Protect yourself

Computer viruses have been a problem for years, and it's fairly easy for your computer to become infected. However, with the regular use of an anti-virus program, your computer can be rid of viruses it may already have and be protected from future viruses.

Noteworthies

The Gustavsons have been active members of the Bay Area Club for 11 years, and have hosted several ambassadors as well as being been home-hosted in various countries. To learn more about Friendship Force and participate in future exchanges, call 961-3539.

Los Altos Weather

Friday Feb. 16 69 56 25 Good

In The Past...

The March 3, 1971 issue of the Town Crier reported pandemonium reigned late in the afternoon at the Los Altos United Methodist Church on Magdalena Avenue and Foothill Expressway when a hefty, tan and brown heifer plunged through a large sliding glass door into the sanctuary.

CSMA offers financial assistance for music lessons

"We are pleased that over the years we have been able to meet the needs of many families seeking music education," said Dr. Nicholas Isaacs, music director. "By offering tuition assistance, we have not only served students at all skill levels, but we have also identified students with outstanding musical talent.

CSMA establishes memorial fund for Freelen

Freelen was affiliated with the Community School of Music & Arts for more than 10 years, serving on the school's board of directors, including terms as chair and vice-chair. "Maryce Freelen had tremendous effect on CSMA. Not only did her direct support of CSMA's Arts in Action and Music in Action programs ensure that elementary school children in this entire community receive arts education, but under her leadership, our endowment fund was established," said executive director Andrea S. Temkin. "Because of Maryce Freelen's efforts, many children currently receive music scholarships at CSMA. "

Would-be trail builders - Hidden Villa calls

If you'd like to learn how to build trail, lead volunteers, and help keep our trails healthy, come to the Trail Center's crew leader training session. This weekend workshop, scheduled for April 13-14 at Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills, is the first step to becoming a volunteer trail crew leader for the Trail Center, but is open to anyone who cares about our precious open spaces and the trails that traverse them.

Expert offers seniors tips for cutting fat from diets

Medical research has proven that people with high blood pressure, dangerous cholesterol levels or a history of heart and blood vessel diseases, should reduce fat in their diet. But, according to Drew Vranicar, as important as this topic is, it is overlooked by a lot of medical personnel.

Los Altos sculpture competition under way

The competition, open to all artists in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is a juried exhibition with the winners on display for 18-24 months at selected sites throughout Los Altos.

MV-LA adult ed offering Spanish childbirth class

Cora De Le Pena, the instructor, is a lisensed psychologist trained in childbirth preparation. She taught for five years in Mexico City, and three years to Spanish speaking patients at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City. All of her materials are in Spanish and English. The course is being taught Monday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Mountain View Community Center, 201 Rengstorff Ave., in Mountain View.

El Camino auxiliary announces scholarships

Graduating high school seniors and full-time college students enrolled in an accredited California college or university for the 1996-1997 school year may apply. Applicants must reside in the cities of Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills or Cupertino.

Just Say Yes! to volunteering at the YMCA

The campaign, which began in January, raised nearly $100,000 last year, all of which was invested back in the community. Volunteers need not be YMCA members or familiar with the YMCA, just interested in improving the lives of at-risk children.

Schools

MVHS music parents hold a Casino Night benefit

The $15 price of admission includes an evening's worth of fun, food, musical entertainment, starter supply of chips for casino games, opportunity to win a grand prize and bid on exciting auction items, and the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a successful music program at Mountain View High.

CUSD offering parent information nights

For a list of locations, times, and schools presenting on each night, call the district at (408) 252-3000, ext. 523. Kindergarten registration will be held at district elementary schools from March 26 through April 5, 1996.

Saint Francis High School named national school of excellence

Saint Francis High School in Mountain View has been selected as a 1996 National School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognized excellence in teaching, student achievement, leadership and parental involvement at both elementary and secondary schools.

13 LAHS students selected as Merit Scholarship finalists

The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC) has selected 13 Los Altos High School students as finalists in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards for 1996.

Mild mannered administrator becomes 'Captain Zero' to Loyola students' delight

Special to the Town Crier

LAHS band boosters hold 25th annual spaghetti dinner

Tickets are $7 per person at the door, $6 if bought in advance from a band member, and all children under five eat for free. The menu will be spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, beverage, and ice cream for dessert.

Blach Intermediate School Honors

Grade Point Average 3.0 - 3.69

Outstanding violinist, pianist highlight El Camino Youth Symphony concerts

The March 9 concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the College of Notre Dame Theatre in Belmont. The March 10 concert is set for 2 p.m. in Smithwick Theatre, at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills.Quint has won the 1996 Carnegie Hall Concerto Competition. He will play a Tchaikovsky concerto in May of this year at Carnegie with the New York Symphony Orchestra. In 1994 Mr. Quint won the Aspen and Juilliard Concerto Competitions, and recently the Hedida Hermann's International Young Artists Competition in Connecticut..

Hold the phone for Foothill College spring musical Bells Are Ringing

Evening performances are slated for Friday and Saturday, March 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23 at 8 p.m. Afternoon matinees will be staged March 10, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m.

High schools display musical talents in Harmony concert

Featured will be choral or orchestral groups from both schools, including choral groups led by Los Altos High's Mark Shaull, and instrumental music under the direction of Los Altos High's Don Miller and Mountain View High's Robin Kramer.

Noteworthies

James Warren Harris of Los Altos has received a master's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Harris was among 2,3000 students receiving degrees during January commencement exercises.

Sports

CCS basketball playoffs

Special to the Town Crier

CCS basketball playoffs

Town Crier Sports Editor

Sports Shorts

ON THE LOOKOUT: Va Va Marques, a former Brazilian national team player and current head coach at Foothill College, needs a defender, forward and goalkeeper for his under-13 CYSA boys soccer team. The team, World United F.C., last season won two major Class I tournaments and has qualified for the Nike National Tournament in July and reached the final-14 in the State Cup. Tryouts are 1 p.m. March 2 and 7 and 4:30 p.m. March 4 and 11 at Foothill. For more information, call 949-7309.

Girls CCS soccer playoffs

Town Crier Sports Editor

CCS wrestling championships

Special to the Town Crier

Girls CCS soccer playoffs

Town Crier Sports Editor

CCS basketball playoffs

Special to the Town Crier

Sports Calendar

Today, Feb. 28

Scoreboard

BOYS BASKETBALL

Albert Malo

The Mustangs (12-12) lost to North Valley Baptist, 60-42, last week in the Central Coast Section basketball playoffs.

Business & Real Estate

Real Estate Transactions For Week Of February 21, 1996

22740 Alcalde Road - L. & R. Webster to A. & N. Datta for $465,000.00

Chamber looking for new director

The Los Altos Chamber of Commerce is looking for an executive director to replace Penny Maynard, who is leaving March 15.

Business Briefs

Santa Clara-based Posh Bagel, Inc. operator of five locations in the Bay Area including one in Los Altos, announced its decision to franchise its operation. Randel Kemp, president of Posh Bagel Development Corp., the company overseeing the franchise operations, said 15 franchised stores will be opened in Northern California in 1996. Kemp is the former originator of the RE/MAX Realty concept in Northern California.

Good customer service recognized during Acts of Kindness week

During the week, Los Altos residents were able to pick up "Customer Service Recognition" cards from the Chamber of Commerce or the Los Altos Town Crier office and when they received good customer service from a local merchant, they could present them with a card to show their appreciation.

Downsize your home and increase your standard of living

Manager of Alain Pinel Realtors, Los Altos

Weekly Special

Restaurateurs Of The Week

Owner

Wet Stuff

1/4 cup Sugar (or to taste)

The First Lady Of Cooking

Julia Child -over the past forty years she has taken us from tuna melt dinners, in the '50s, to Epicurean delights and she is still going strong. This lady is truly great, witty, and no-nonsense. She disdains cuteness in cooking and is not happy with dietary fads.

Happenings

Rosina Mateo who is the new owner and Tracy McVeigh former owner (she is staying on as consultant and Executive Chef) have developed a new lunch menu, sophisticated but hearty sandwiches, 50 teas from around the world including gourmet iced teas. Starting March 7 they will be serving dinner on Thur., Fri., and Sat. 305 Second Street.

Happiness for the Caseys: A short walk downtown and friendly neighbors

Special to the Town Crier

Past and present styles merge at Ethan Allen furniture stores

Colonial traditions team up with contemporary styles at the Ethan Allen Carriage House in Mountain View.

Los Altos Hills garden for all seasons

Special to the Town Crier

Household Help

Special to the Town Crier

Home tips

I wanted to hang up a spice rack and it didn't have a bracket on it to hold it on a nail, so I made one using the tab off a soda-pop can. After removing the tab, I nailed it (large opening up) to the back top portion of the spice rack. I used a short nail with a large head so it would hold the tab on but not go through the width of the frame.

Antiques

A. Your china is the Moss Rose pattern once offered as a premium to people who bought Jewel Tea Co. products. Moss Rose was first offered in 1917, and discontinued in the 1920s. Jewel Tea was in business from 1901 to 1981. The Chicago company's most famous and most sought-after premium is Autumn Leaf cookware, kitchenware and dinnerware made in the 1950s. Many firms made a Moss Rose pattern between 1808 and 1900. A 47-piece dinner set made in Germany, such as yours, is valued at $625.

A&D's gates keep customers safe and satisfied

The folks at A & D Automatic Gate and Access not only design ornamental iron gates, they make them in their own forge, install them, include a one-year warranty on parts and labor and offer a full-time, radio-dispatched service department.

Briefs

BRANCHING OUT: The Santa Clara Valley Branch of the American Fuschia Society holds a pruning demonstration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Los Altos Nursery, 245 Hawthorne Ave. The society's regular monthly meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in room 13 of the Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. For more information, call 856-9476.