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Published on 11/02/1998 All articles from this issue

Socially Speaking

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By Robin Katsaros

The only way to golf

Rooftop golfing? Los Altos resident John Tompane was surprised by his wife Chris for his 40th birthday. Little did he know when he arrived at the Atherton home of David Mohler and Heidi Roizen that he would be treated to a Scottish bagpiper, food and delectables served on a sod-covered buffet table, joke gifts intended to "improve" John's golf game (NOT!). But even more surprising, the tuxedo clad guests hiked up to the third story for a little rooftop golfing to try to connect with greens set up on their property below. Chris knew it was properly "configured" as it had been "beta tested" that previous Monday by none other than Bill Gates himself.

Phone scam: It seems the scams these days are getting even more aggressive - if that's possible. One local resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be an AT&T technician who was conducting a test on her telephone line. To complete the test, he asked that she touch the numbers 9, 0, and the # symbol.

Suspicious, she refused and proceeded to call the phone company. She was told that by pushing 90#, the requesting person would have full access to her telephone line which would allow them to place long distance phone calls billed to her number. Ouch!

Wild, wild West returns! If you were one of the lucky 1,250 party goers who attended the 1998 Cattle Baron's Ball, then you know just how fantastic this party proved to be. Public relations chairwoman and Los Altos resident Virginia Hess was so proud of all the extraordinarily hard-working people who helped raise more than $850,000 for the American Cancer Society. Los Altan Karen Cano and Los Altos Hills resident Mary Wolleston teamed as the dynamic duo who transformed historic Hanger No. 3 at Moffett Federal Airfield into a gold rush boomtown. It is mind boggling when you realize that this group of women from the Grand View League in just three short years has raised more than $2 million dollars. Interested entrepreneurs with a heart should call (408) 879-1032, ext. 110.

Books and big bucks: Mountain View resident Alice Faye Symons and Sue Gorman of Los Altos Hills were beaming with pride at the seventh annual C.A.R. (Community Association for Rehabilitation) luncheon. Not only because it was sold out with more than 500 guests attending, or because it raised more than $50,000 for this worthy cause - but because they each got their very own signed autographed copy of celebrated mystery writer Elizabeth George's new book.

Traveling party: Steve Smith of Los Altos Hills had no idea what he was getting into when he was asked to "go in on" an auction item purchased at the golf tournament that Steve founded to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. A group of locals purchased a dinner at Kan's Chinese restaurant in San Francisco and took a bus load of 50 friends, almost all from Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. The bus ride was one they'll never forget. It was the perfect way to end the evening. And next year, they're all hoping they will double the $55,000 that was raised this year at the golf tournament.

Heard about a great party? Have a funny story to tell? A celebrity sighting or any other good scoop? Let me know by writing to "Socially Speaking" at the Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or by calling or faxing 949-4207. You can e-mail me at: rkatsaros@aol.com.