April 28, 2005


Junior League honors volunteers who go the extra mile

‘Crystal Bowl Awards’ go to Almaden’s Ben and Alex Greer and Eric Itani

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The Junior League of San Jose hosted its 36th Annual Vol-unteer Recognition Lunch-eon at the San Jose Convention Center April 22.

Volunteer honorees Rose Delgado (lt.) and Eric Itani stand with Castillero Middle School Principal Sandra Engel at the Junior League’s Volunteer recognition Luncheon April 22. Itani was one of 16 volunteers awarded the prestigious Crystal Bowl Award by the Junior League’s panel of judges.

The event honored 115 individuals, each recognized with a certificate of appreciation. Of those, 16 received the coveted “Crystal Bowl Award” sponsored by Tiffany & Co.

More than 800 guests gathered to acknowledge the volunteer efforts. Among them were representatives on behalf of Sens. Elaine Alquist, Liz Figeroa and Sabra Foley. Congress-man Mike Honda, State Assemblyman Ira Ruskin and Bishop Patrick McGrath also paid homage, as did city of San Jose Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez and Councilmembers Nancy Pyle and Forrest Williams.

“It was wonderful,” said Pyle. “It is extremely important to recognize as many of those ‘heroes among us’ as
possible who unselfishly donate personal time, and often money, for the benefit of others.”

As expressed in its mission statement, the Junior League of San Jose is a nonprofit organization of women committed to improving the community through voluntarism.

The Junior League offers training programs designed to enhance volunteer capabilities. Members gain experience via instructional sessions in the classroom and by participating at actual events. They must serve seven years before receiving classification as ‘sustaining members.’ In the meantime, training persists.

“With the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, we recognize those who volunteer full time, but never expect to be recognized,” said JLSJ president Leah Schnoor.

Members of the Junior League may not accept nominations. Slots are filled with the wishes of local nonprofits and educational facilities.

This year the event began with more than 1,600 nomination forms distributed to such organizations. Of those, 115 were returned—encompassing the volunteers honored—and acknowledged at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

An independent panel of judges determined which candidates were worthy of the Crystal Bowls.

Crystal Bowl recipients included Almaden 15- and 14-year-olds Ben and Alex Greer, alongside Castillero math tutor Eric Itani. Dr. A Richard Adrouny, Paul Calmis, Jessie Mae Eason, Indu Garga, Jeffrey Kaufman, Mark Liao, Diane Sandvig, Jon Stuart Smeltzer, Bob Swarbick, Susan Thomas, Alice Trigg, Vivian Younger and Billie Zwolinski rounded out the podium.

The 2005 VRL theme “success,” was personified by each volunteer; however, ‘Grandma’ Eason was singled out, winning the “Volunteerism at Its Best” award for her work at Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program. The 88-year-old is known for her vibrant energy. She walks two miles to work every day and accepted graciously, adding, “Children have enriched my life—it is a joy to wake up every morning and work with these kids.”

“It makes you feel special to be around all of the people in that room,” said Maria Olson, who co-chaired the event with Stephanie Bielanski-Fehr. “We got to spend some time with Grandma Jessee Mae when we shot her video piece. She’s no-nonsense, but also very warm.”

An impressive number of volunteers honored, 10 in all, hailed from Almaden—including three toting Crystal Bowls.

Crystal Bowl winners
Eric Itani—Castillero Middle School Principal Sandy Engel nominated Itani based on the aid he lends weary teachers in her math department. Itani arrives at six every morning and works with students throughout the day, in classrooms and in the math lab. He is renowned for applying real world scenarios to middle school math equations.

“Say you go to a 7-11 with one $5 bill,” said Itani. “You can either buy a single Coke for $1.20 or a six pack for $3 bucks. If you’re really thirsty there’s no question in my mind which is the correct answer. I teach the kids how to reason through things. The process is what’s important.”

Itani declined when Castillero offered him the opportunity to fill a vacancy in the math department as a full-time teacher.

“My background’s in business,” said Itani, who operated as an outside salesman for an electronic components firm prior to the dot.com bust.

Itani’s two eighth graders also attend Castillero.

“When I was growing up my parents never had the opportunity to participate in my education process,” he said. “By not working, I compromise my own standard of living, but I get to participate in my kids’ education.”

As for next year: “I also compromise my kids’ future education by not working. Unless I hit the lotto, I probably won’t be back next year.”

Ben and Alex Greer—Autumn Gutierrez, of InnVision, nominated the Greers after the young brothers conceived a program that accounted for more than 250 backpacks distributed to needy children. Packs were stuffed with school supplies in accordance with the students’ age, grade and interest.

“Education is virtually the only opportunity for kids in bad situations today to get out tomorrow,” said mom Laurie Greer. “They are less likely to participate and try hard in school when they have to borrow pencils and paper.”

Ben and Alex enlisted the services of younger brother Zach, who was oversaw the filling process.

Almaden teens Ben (center) and Alex (rt.) Greer were reportedly the youngest volunteers recognized with Crystal Bowl Awards at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. They spearheaded a project which outfitted more than 250 underprivileged students new backpacks filled with school supplies. Younger brother Zach (lt.) led efforts to physically pack the bags.

“We got the main idea from Grandma,” said Ben, a Bret Harte eighth grader. “We thought it would be nice to give to the kids who don’t have enough supplies.”

The boys’ grandmother ran a similar program in Des Moines, Iowa, from her post as director at Cross Ministries; however, the boys improved upon it. They offered choice.

“They knew that a middle school-age girl may want a “Hello Kitty” backpack,” said Gutierrez. “It was an astute observation, which became very evident in the joy of the children that were able to select their own backpacks and needed supplies. Through the efforts of Alex and Ben, the children of InnVision were able to return to school with dignity and pride.”

Spider Man was also a popular theme.

The distribution took place in morning hours, scheduled to avoid damaging the children’s self esteem.

“The best part was the kids’ reactions,” said Ben. “They were really happy that they were getting backpacks and kids were handing them out.”

“We had kids out there doing the backpack dance,” said Laurie. “The little, tiny kids were so surprised they had the choice, they would do a little dance.”

The Greers are currently seeking donations to advance their program locally in 2005. Please visit www.innvision.org for details.

Certificate award winners
Mary Sue Caillat—Principal Ken Eagleson of The Sacred Heart Nativity School nominated ‘Mama’ Caillat for her contributions serving at the middle school on Willow Road in Willow Glen.

“She does a wonderful job working with the kids in writing and reading,” said Eagleson. “Our philosophy is predicated on the small classroom setting, and Mama Caillat just knocks them dead with what she does.”

Caillat’s daughter Casey teaches language arts at Sacred Heart. Often ‘Mama’ Caillat relieves Casey of the ‘kids that are driving (her) crazy.’

“Her TLC helps give me a different perspective on dealing with the kids,” said Casey.

Beverly Dunn—Paul Wenninger of St. Stephen’s School, located on Allegan Circle in Santa Teresa, nominated Dunn noting her unparalleled dedication to the Episcopalian school’s success. Her duties include, ‘everything’ according to Dunn’s St. Steven’s counterparts. She operates as chairman of the St. Stephen’s School Board, and is responsible for steering the direction of St. Stephen’s educational program. More than 200 students, preschool ages to eighth graders, benefit from Dunn’s contributions.

Elanore Schwartz—Sue Meyer of Palo Alto’s Lace Museum nominated Schwartz on behalf of the all volunteer organization, which is dedicated to the expansion of lace making as a hobby and otherwise. Schwartz serves on the board of directors, in addition to her diligent efforts during the week, teaching techniques, which include tatting, lace knitting and hardanger.

“Because of Elly’s efforts, the Lace Museum has become more businesslike,” said Meyer. “We have increased our abilities to raise funds.”

Schwartz embarked on the project more than 20 years ago, after the Lace Museum was incorporated in 1981. She teaches Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also Wednesday nights.

Burton Epstein—Michael Gerstely of the Jewish sponsored Chai House senior residential facility, nominated Epstein based on various roles he fills as visionary, board member and friend to the residents. Epstein has devoted countless hours volunteering at Chai House over the past 20 years, including a five-year stint as president.

In 2004, Epstein focused mostly on the transportation committee, which sees that its Chai House residents are safely transported to events and around town.

The Chai House avails 140 apartments, 70 of which are subsidized in living expense under HUD regulations, with the remaining 70 owned privately.

“Burt is very tireless in his devotion to the facility and the people themselves,” said Gerstely. “He’s an all around good guy.”

Epstein’s contributions reach patients at Good Samaritan Hospital as well. He and his wife serve as candy caners four hours weekly.

“I do it because I get a lot of satisfaction helping people out,” said Epstein. “There’s a lot going on, but it’s OK as long as I can get a poker game in once in a while.”

Rose Delgado—Castillero Middle School Principal Sandra Engel nominated Delgado, paying homage to the retired teacher as thanks for time spent corralling energy in the schoolyard. Delgado serves on lunch duty and in the P.E. department, where students push the limits daily. Yet, according to Engel, Delgado moves them.

“Rose goes way above and beyond what the role of lunch duty entails,” said Engel. “She fills in for the P.E. department. She brings her own lesson plans to school. She supervises swimming if we need it. She does it all.”

Joy and David Spodick—Simonds’ Elementary School Principal Linda Kakes nominated Joy and David Spodick, highlighting the couple’s selfless and countless contributions to the school and the community in general.

Joy chaired Simonds’ annual Silent Auction in 2004 and 2005, negotiating contracts to secure the site and coordinating volunteer efforts, publicity, ticket sales, the procurement of donations and decorations, amongst her tasks. She also spearheaded design work on the school’s Traffic Improvement Plan and dons the VP of Communications title within the Simonds’ Music and Technology Foundation.

“Joy can jump right in and tackle any project with amazing efficiency, and is capable of going one step beyond what is asked if she sees that something else needs to be done.”

Joy’s experience in hospital administration helps her multi-task effectively.

“I guess the skill sets required in each field are similar,” she said.

David is the founding member of the Simonds’ Community Band. His duties include playing musical instruments, directing the band and developing methods to recruit and train volunteer instructors. Approximately 80 fourth and fifth graders are members of the band.

“David is the most experienced of the 37 volunteer instructors and willingly takes a leadership role with the band,” said Kakes. “His infectious enthusiasm convinces parents and high schoolers that really can teach music!”

David’s interest stems from his own passion—playing the trumpet.