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Published on 11/10/1997 All articles from this issue

Contributors to today's Los Altos: 50 who made a difference - 1987-97

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By Carol Tiegs / Town Crier Staff Writer

T he Town Crier concludes its anniversary presentation of 10 individuals from each decade, beginning with our founding year, 1947, who have positively impacted the fabric of our community. Selections are based on staff opinion, research and community input. Given the dozens of individuals in every decade who have contributed so much, we faced hard decisions in presenting only 10 per decade. We'll look forward to honoring another 10 in 2007.

Margaret Abe is a tireless fund-raiser and volunteer for a range of community nonprofit organizations including El Camino Hospital, Hidden Villa, Foothill College and History House. Working from personal tragedy following the death of her son, she campaigned for state legislation requiring warning sounds be installed on all garbage trucks to alert individuals when trucks back up.

"She's wonderful," said Mady Kahn, who has worked with Abe on some volunteer efforts. "She's such a giver and she never says no. She's always there for anyone who's had a loss and any time anyone needs help with a fund-raiser. She's talented, organized, a real leader."

"She's wonderful. A very sweet, generous, lovely person," said fellow volunteer Ann Perham.

Abe was honored with the 1991 community service award for "her unselfish giving of time and talent to health care, education and charitable causes."

Dodie Alexander was a founder, board president and executive director of the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC), as well as an active volunteer with schools and scouting. "With CHAC, she really had a vision for a need that was not being served at all," said Joan MacDonald, who was on the CHAC board with Alexander. "She was the mover and shaker who got the school superintendents and cities of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View involved."

"Dodie is a dynamo," MacDonald said. "She came from New England, and brought with her the New England value of service."

Alexander was honored with the 1989 community service award for her work in the prevention of substance abuse and the formation of the council.

Marge Bruno has given her time and service to many aspects of Los Altos life. She served two terms on city council and promoted "random acts of kindness" in her two terms as mayor. City manager Dianne Gershuny credited her with initiating the in-home repair program for seniors and triggering the city's economic development program.

As president of the Los Altos Rotary Club, she began the Partners in Education program, encouraging fellow Rotarians to become tutors to children at Santa Rita Elementary School and Los Altos High School. That program has continued to grow.

"I really admire that Marge took that focus, made something happen and inspired people to get involved," said resident Ginny Lear, who has worked with Bruno on several occasions. "Her commitment to children and education and working within her own community is as fine a reason as anybody can give for making a difference."

"I had very large shoes to fill," said Bob Adams, who followed Bruno as Rotary Club president. "The community has been helped by her energy."

Bruno is deeply committed to the Community Services agency, which she also served as board member and president.

Bruno was named 1995 Los Altan of the Year by the Town Crier.

Larry Chu is known for his tireless support of the civic and business communities. For many community organizations, he's the man who's there to provide help whenever they need it. He's been a strong supporter of Chefs Who Care. Beneficiaries of his efforts include the Community Services Agency, United Way, Kidney Foundation, Rotary and Self-help for the Elderly as well as local schools.

"He's a very giving person, always willing to help and lend his expertise," said Rotarian Jean Newton.

"He leads by example," said Rotarian and former Foothill College dean Dick Henning. "Not only is he everywhere in terms of volunteering, fundraising and working for the city, he also talks to his Asian friends and tells them they need to get involved."

Not to overlook Chu's culinary skills and success, Charley Cheng, owner of Charley's restaurant on State Street, called him the "humble genius of the Chinese cuisine."

For his community inspiration, Chu was named 1994 Los Altan of the Year by the Town Crier.

John Dodson came to Los Altos United Methodist Church nearly 20 years ago. Since then, said parishioner Pat Osbourne, "he has opened the church to anyone any time. He has reached out to the community with so much enthusiasm and is there for anybody with a problem."

Dodson is involved in the YMCA board, Habitat for Humanity and outreach programs to the homeless and teens in prison, among others.

"John doesn't just consider himself pastor to the people at the church," said parishioner Harvey Dixon. "He has shown repeatedly his willingness to serve as pastor to anyone in the community in need."

Marge Gratiot has touched many lives in her 30-plus year career in the Los Altos School District. She's been teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and since 1987, superintendent. In 1995, she was named the state's Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators. She's also found time to serve as a director of the Los Altos Rotary Club, and on the board of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, among other professional and civic involvement.

"By example, she has established a level of trust and a collegial working relationship among all levels of the district, including the community," said assistant superintendent Dick Liewer. "She has the really unique ability to look into the future, see potential problems and head them off before they come."

"Marge has steered our school district away from many trouble spots, while at the same time maintaining the high standards we have come to expect," said resident Walden Powell. "She has helped to mold several generations of Los Altos leaders."

"She's really committed to the Los Altos school district, the students, teachers and the community," said Carole Flores, president of the Los Altos Teachers' Association. "The teachers' association feels she's a real positive force in keeping the district running so smoothly."

Ruth Koehler has provided decades of leadership to Los Altos as council member and mayor, as a library volunteer, and on the Los Altos Senior Coordinating Council.

"She's done everything with the senior coordinating council," said Judie Sidebottom with the Los Altos Senior Center. "She's very active, very community-minded. She always keeps us (at the Senior Center) abreast of what's happening in the community.

At the Los Altos library, Koehler and her husband have been responsible for developing the computer docent program that has involved more than 100 volunteers.

"We couldn't have done it without her," said head librarian Carol Tefft. "She's a wonderful person to work with - a real people person. Ruth is just a wonderful resource for our community."

"Ruth brought exceptional knowledge of the city and intelligence to the council," said Roy Lave, president of the Los Altos Community Foundation. "She was a tireless worker with a vast knowledge about what was going on in city governance in California.

"The fact that she and her husband Keith have continued to this day to work for the betterment of the community demonstrates her commitment."

Claire Pelton is another who's inspired and guided many area youth during her long teaching career.

She was honored as California Teacher of the Year for her efforts. As a member of the College Board, she was instrumental in shaping policy on SAT tests, and she was continually active in the National Council of Teachers of English.

"She was very highly regarded and widely recognized throughout the state," said teacher Douglas Bailey. "So many parents wanted their kids to be in her class."

"She was very supportive of teachers in the district and supportive of innovation," said retired teacher Neil Elverson of Pelton, who was instrumental in establishing advanced placement English in the Mountain View- Los Altos Union High School District.

"Students always came back from their college board exams and said how much she had helped them prepare," Elverson said. "She's one of the ones that helped establish the district's good reputation."

"I was very impressed with her knowledge of curriculum and her commitment to quality education for our students," said former district superintendent Don Phillips. "She has contributed greatly to our community and to the lives of our children."

Jane Reed "has been totally involved in bettering our community for our children since 1963," said friend Gloria Buckley.

Reed was executive director of the Los Altos Village Association, after serving the city as council member and mayor. An active Rotary Club member, Reed has chaired the club's Art and Wine Festival. She is past president of the American Association of University Women.

"Jane is a good listener," said bookstore owner Conrad Heintzelman, who has worked with Jane in the business association. "She'd listen to you and try to help you find a way to solve your problem. She was a major force in bring the Village Association to a higher level."

"She's a very creative, wonderful person," said friend and fellow worker in the arts Nancy Marston.

Reed's vision led to the creation of the Los Altos downtown Community Plaza. She was instrumental in Los Altos' outdoor sculpture program and arts program. Reed was also the moving force behind development of the art docent program to bring art into local classrooms.

She received De Anza College's community award for her wide range of community service.

Mary Wallace Wheat "is a consummate volunteer," said Dick Henning. "She never stops."

Wheat was a long-time member of the board of trustees of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and a long-term volunteer of El Camino Hospital. She served on the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District board and is currently volunteering at Slater Elementary School in Mountain View.

She was recognized with the 1985 Los Altos Board of Realtors' community service award for "a way of life devoted to volunteer service in education, health services and community leadership."

"She's always so willing to give of her time," said fellow volunteer Mary Lou Zoglin. "She's one of those people who gets things done."