November 4, 2004

Bejeweled and bewitching

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Thanks to legend, folklore, and tradition, Halloween conjures up a host of images, including abhorrent witches with pointed hats, coarse black hair, evil eyes, and long, wart-ridden noses. Their silhouettes can be seen passing in front of the full moon as they steer their broomsticks toward tempting little tikes to cast their evil spells upon.

Last Friday, the “Cat Witches” (aka the Sassy Divas) prepared to board the light rail for their 13th annual downtown witches luncheon—a 13-year tradition. Shown from left, first row: Diane Livingston, Sharon Honnegger, and Bev Henshaw; second row: Susan Swartz, Arlene Hart, Darla Iacovoni, Suzy Voss, Dee Chase, and Avril Calderwood (standing); third row: Keren Bookey, Ann Reynolds, Mary Ann Smith, Marion Hill, and Florence Giacinto. Photo by Kymberli W. Brady

Although they share a similar liking for hats, the Sassy Divas are more of what you might call the whimsical variety of witches. They’re not about casting evil spells or mixing up naughty potions—they’re all about having fun.

The group of “Red Hatters” can typically be found hitting the treadmills or splashing about in the pool at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club [AVAC]. While they plan monthly impromptu lunches in and around San Jose, they haven’t missed a train since 1991, where as few as 14 and as many as 24 women have gathered each year for a pre-Halloween trip on the light rail to a downtown eatery for their annual “witches luncheon.”

“We’re just a group of women who work out together and come together to support each other,” says Senior Wellness Coordinator Mary Ann Smith. “It’s all about having a good time.”

These days, the event requires a little more advance planning for Suzy Voss, who now travels from Angels Camp to attend the soirée, and for Keren Bookey, who moved to Eldorado Hills last April. The two-and-a-half hour drive she says, is a small price to pay for the 10-year relationship she has with her fellow witches.

“These are great women and I come down once a month for whatever activity the girls are doing,” Bookey exclaims. “We’ve shared the ups and downs of life together. We’ve laughed together and cried together—it’s that bonding thing that only women have.”

Although “Cat Witches” was the designated theme this year, the 14-year tradition has encompassed a variety of others, including “spider,” “Mardi Gras,” and “Celestial Witches,” while “Witches of the Decades” included everything from poodle skirts to leg warmers. Then there was the year of the “Pregnant Witches,” all of whom returned with their babies to the following reunion.

“Suzy bought a foam stomach that year,” laughs Susan Schwartz. “She got on the train, sat down, and lifted up her skirt. Her belly said, ‘Son of a Witch!’”

With another successful haunt behind them, plans are already in place for a flashy showing next Halloween.

“Next year, we’re going to be the ‘Witches of the Moulin Rouge,’” exclaims Sharon Honnegger. “Ooh la la!”