March 16, 2006

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Some enchanted evening

Simonds Music and Technology Foundation creates ‘An
Evening in Tuscany’ and raises $40,000 in the process

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

“An Evening in Tuscany” recently brought the romance of Italy to San Jose and at the same time provided financial support to the school’s music and technology programs.

Everyone one had a great time at “An Evening in Tuscany.” Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Held last weekend, the annual auction is considered the “best party of the year” by many. Since the inception of the school’s Music and Technology Foundation, the annual event is the primary way the group raises necessary funds. From its humble beginnings in the school’s cafeteria seven years ago, parents outdo themselves every year with creative ways to raise money and create lasting memories.

“Our very preliminary numbers are showing a net profit of more than $40,000!” said Simonds Music and Technology President Joy Spodick. “We are very happy that the event was such a grand success and that we were able to raise this money for the Music and Technology Foundation.”

The columned, recessed ceiling of Willow Glen’s ARC was the perfect setting for “An Evening in Tuscany.” The 260
guests dressed in cocktail attire enjoyed accordion music, cocktails and dancing. A buffet included hors d’oeuvres of Italian sausages and crab puffs followed by entrees of chicken parmigiana, tortellini, antipasti salad and beef kabobs.

Simonds Principal Linda Kakes sold poppers with prizes listed inside at the “Evening in Tuscany” fund-raiser.

The romantic hall was lined with gift baskets, silent and live auction items of trips, local business certificates, and Simonds’ class projects—all to be auctioned off to raise funds to continue the music and technology programs at the elementary school.

“I’m amazed,” said Simonds Principal Linda Kakes. “There’s 285 items to be auctioned off. They always think of some new way to raise funds. This year it’s the poppers with gifts.”

Kakes was one of many volunteers carrying balloons—called poppers. For $20, a player pops one and receives the prize written inside—all worth more than the gaming fee. Kakes herself came up with one of the most popular auction items: a limousine ride to McDonald’s for the kids and a chance to play principal for the day.

Another innovative fund-raising approach was the wine toss—ring the bottle of your choice and it’s yours. Equally popular were gift baskets created by classrooms, sports memorabilia, day spa certificates and trips to Paris, Cancun, Cabo, Tahoe and the like. There was something for everyone.

“We have awesome parent volunteers,” said Co-Chair Christina Mangin. “That’s what makes Simonds School so special.”

Simonds parents Jay and Purveen Canteenwala and Lilian and Mike Ross support the Simonds auction every year by attending, bidding and having a good time.

The annual event is organized by the Simonds Music and Technology Found-ation, which boasts dozens of parent volunteers. The popular event is a chance for parents and staff to dress up and mingle while raising the funds needed to continue the music and technology departments at the school.

“I’ve been involved since the beginning [with the fund-raiser],” said Jan Chase, whose son graduated from Simonds and currently has a daughter in fourth grade. “It has definitely grown and this is a perfect theme. I’m very excited about the event.”

Reno Dibono played the accordion at the “Evening in Tuscany.”

“I was teaching U.S. History and Kathy was my student at Monte Vista High,” said Dibono, speaking of Co-Chair Kathy Wesolowski. “Now she’s my physical therapist—I’ve spent too many hours playing the accordion. She asked me to play and I said sure—I’m donating my time.”

Leland High senior talks way to semi-final of Rotary speech contest

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Four young public speakers eloquently delivered presentations during the Almaden Valley Rotary Club’s semi-final speech contest recently, but it was Leland High School senior Divya Musinipally who was judged the winner. Her address, entitled “Because We Care,” also happens to be the Rotary Club’s international motto.

Leland High School senior Divya Musinipally was judged the winner at the Almaden Rotary Club’s semi-final speech contest. She will now compete in the organization’s north and south district contest. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

The win means Musinipally will advance to the upcoming north and south Rotary district contest.

“My parents have really encouraged me,” said Musinipally. “And my coach, Mrs. Brascher [Leland High speech and debate teacher].”

After graduating from high school, Musinipally plans to attend either University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles, majoring in political science. She is thinking of a career in law. Her speech included the famous quote by President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

All the young speakers made quite an impression on the judges.

“This is really a wonderful opportunity for me,” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle after judging the contest. “I’ve enjoyed it and am really impressed with the young speakers. It is a tribute to the students, teachers and the parents to prepare for the contest. They were all very polished.”

Fremont High School’s Taman Hoang, Del Mar High School’s Hien Knanh Hyynh and Santa Clara High School’s Malia Bell also competed in the semi-final five-minute speech.

The Rotary Club speech contest is only one way that the service club helps the local community. Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 Rotarians belonging to 31,000 clubs located in 167 countries.

District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle was one of the judges at the Almaden Rotary Club’s semi-final speech contest.

The Almaden Valley Rotary Club [AVRC] was founded in 1969 to benefit the local, national and international community. Since 1969, AVRC has provided financial aid and “hands on help” to schools, youth groups, disability services, seniors, parks and other causes. They sponsor Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Eagle Scout projects, high school Interact Clubs and student scholarships. This year alone AVRC has donated over $35,000 in the form of grants, gifts and scholarships and are the top ranked club in their district in per capita fund raising for the Rotary Foundation.

Internationally, AVRC is working to provide drinking and irrigation water for an orphanage called Casa Guatemala. They also cooperated with other local Rotary Clubs to provide safe drinking water to victims of the tsunami in Sri Lanka.

“Rotary Youth Services supports scholastic, citizenship and sports activities with recognition and scholarship funds,” said 23-year Rotary member Jeff Rosen. “Almaden Valley Rotary and Rotary International awards scholarship funds to high school speech competition winners and participants. The speech contest is only one way we promote community service.”

For more information about the Almaden Valley Rotary visit www.almadenvalleyrotary.org.

Castillero Middle School presents ‘Honk! Jr.’

Castillero Middle School’s Advanced Drama presents “Honk! Jr.” on Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 1, with two shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Indoor Commons. The tickets cost $7 for reserved seating, $5 for general seating and $3 for students up to age 12.

All performances will feature the talented local students from the advanced drama program. They have been working with a vocal director, choreographer and director in preparing this British pop musical, which won the Olivier Award for best musical in Britain. The story is based on the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, “The Ugly Duckling,” and is full of exciting musical numbers and solos. Songs include “A Poultry Tale,” “Different,” “Every Tear a Mother Cries” and “Play With Our Food.”

The story is full of lessons on courage and the hidden rewards of being different. In this high-spirited barnyard tale, all the ducks are surprised to find out who really is the best-looking bird in the pond!

It’s Showtime!

Leigh High School presents ‘The Secret Garden’

Almaden resident Katy Ullmann, playing the ghost Lily, encourages her son, Collin, played by Sam Talbert, to seek healing in her magical garden in Leigh High School’s production of the Broadway musical “The Secret Garden,” based upon the classic children’s book. Almaden residents Brian and Christina Carey, Kurtis Harl, and David Youngworth along with Technical Director Clayton Lawrence are also featured. Show dates are March 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or 4/$35 reserved seating only. For more information call 627-1675 or e-mail Stephanie Holt at stephanieholt@yahoo.com.