When Emma Kaliterna, 95, was asked how she was doing on April 30, her bubbly response was, “Fine and dandy, sweet as candy.” Surrounded by loved ones attending a “surprise” yearbook collection dedication to her in the Central Park Library’s Heritage Pavilion, the vibrant philanthropist and hairdresser had every reason to feel happy about fundraising … Read more
“We’ve got a really diverse school with children from all over the world, from countries like Russia, India, Pakistan, and all over Europe,” says Miakje Kamstra, principal of Braly Elementary School. “Our school represents 26 different language backgrounds. I believe music brings cultures together.” So it makes sense that Braly’s kindergarten students would sing “It’s … Read more
“Our egg hunts years ago were a lot smaller,” says Maureen Medeiros, one of the co-chairs of the Rivermark Moms Easter Egg Hunt. “They used to be held at Live Oak Park, and it evolved into something like what we have today. Now we provide Easter baskets. We have a potluck too. Since 2008, the … Read more
People signed their names on an orange “Save Our Library” t-shirt, now a memento. Mayor Jamie Matthews cheerfully helped hang a giant sign announcing the Northside Library’s future opening. Martha Hull, library foundation board member, promoted a time capsule project. Northside Library advocates Roger and Estela Ramirez and others gave walking tours of the 17,355 … Read more
Loretta Beavers brought a chocolate rum raisin cake. Diane Harrison brought allergen-free double chocolate cookies. Mother and daughter Marcia and Alicia Thorndike brought spicy mixed vegan beans. In spite of the rain showers pouring down on the evening of March 31, many friends and volunteers of the library showed up for the Santa Clara City … Read more
Money might not grow on trees for students in higher education who struggle with paying their tuition. But if you have a goal to pursue a career in energy services, public power, or the power industry, and you have an impressive application, the money tree would be called Silicon Valley Power. Last year, Silicon Valley … Read more
On a typical day at Don Callejon School, a parent volunteer in an elementary class from the Don Callejon Project Cornerstone ABC (Asset Building Champion) program may read aloud a book encouraging students to “fill other people’s buckets” by saying nice, positive things to one another. Older students can participate in the Middle School Book … Read more
The first-ever Montague Market was perfect for bargain hunters seeking a little bit of everything, from baby gear and tutus to adult clothing and musical instruments. The face painting, miniature cupcakes, and lemonade stand added a kid-friendly vibe to the event, held at Montague Elementary School on March 15. “The money raised today is going … Read more
Marta Mouritsen reflects on the time she began teaching at Laurelwood Preschool, back in January 1986. “When I first started teaching, the work hours were shorter,” Mouritsen says. “There were more stay-at-home moms who volunteered and the families were bigger. Back then, the dads never worked at the preschool. But now, we have dads who … Read more
On February 28, Joy Shmueli, principal of Laurelwood Elementary School, had on a whimsical red and white Dr. Seuss hat as she welcomed community members visiting her school for its second annual Read Across America, Guest Reader Day. Student representatives escorted the community members, serving as guest readers, to their respective classrooms where they spent … Read more