Saratoga recently welcomed home singer, songwriter and pianist Vienna Teng (born Cynthia Shih) for a sold-out concert at Montalvo, and as a bonus thank-you to mom Nancy Shih, she performed at the Saratoga Rotary Club.
“It was a chance to contribute to my club’s cultural scene by having my daughter perform,” Shih says. www.viennateng.com
It’s National Preparedness Month, and to that end, West Valley College dean Renee Pacquier recommends Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
“This program equips residents with the skills you need to assist in emergencies such as earthquakes, fires or other disasters,” Pacquier says. “Through hands-on training and teamwork, I learned how to safely respond to critical situations and help those in need until professional responders arrive.
“The training gives me the confidence and tools to make a difference when it matters most. I highly encourage you to sign up for the next Saratoga CERT training, which will be held in October.” https://www.saratoga.ca.us/534/CERT
What’s in a name? Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saratoga, a new martial arts business in the Village, is not named for its owner. It’s a special jiu-jitsu curriculum that is standardized worldwide. Certified instructors and owners Drew Gornall and Steve Walker teach beginner-to-advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for men, women and children. Kids like my 8-year-old grandson are crazy about jiu-jitsu, which helps its practitioners learn self-defense skills as well as respect, discipline and focus to help them in school and life.14440 Big Basin Way.
The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is issuing an open invitation to attend its October business networking mixer Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m., at Brookside Club, 19127 Cox Ave. It’s a way to meet and connect with professionals from various fields, build long-lasting relationships and let others know about your business. House Family Vineyards will provide wine for the event. www.saratogachamber.org
A wonderful place to let creative juices flow is at the Saratoga fine art atelier. A fine artist himself, Gabriel Coke has a kindhearted approach to teaching drawing and oil painting with remarkable results. He teaches after-school classes for young students and night classes for adults. The studio is located at 14443-B Big Basin Way. www.gabrielcoke.com
Do you know of a deserving organization that needs financial support? The Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation invites requests for funding grants. Foundation CEO and President Terrie Creamer is encouraging local organization to apply for funding.
“The purpose of our annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show is to raise funds to benefit our community and distribute proceeds through a grant process, which is now underway,” Creamer says. “We welcome requests for capital needs and one-time special expenses.”
Visit www.saratogarotary.org for grant information, guidelines and applications.
Mark your calendars for the Witchy-Walk-About and the popular dog parade, both on Saturday, Oct. 26.
If you have social or business news about Saratoga, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.
