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 Opinion
Aunt Helena
 Excuse
me, Dear Reader, but following the remarkable and lively doings at last
week’s wine auction, Aunt Helena has been resting with a cologne scented
hankie to her temples. The thought of all that money and the good it will do
is almost too much for an old body to comprehend. What a world! And what
generosity on the part of all involved in this home-grown event.
Some
more wonderful people have come to Aunt Helena’s attention. Walter and
Carol Hasselbrack’s daughter, Jennifer, known to her friends as
Jeni, graduated cum laude this spring from Southern Adventist University
in Collegedale, Tenn. Jennifer, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in
English, is a 1996 graduate of Pacific Union College Preparatory School in
Angwin. She plans to complete requirements for a teaching degree.
And then there is Zech Browning, a St. Helena High
School student who was just named a U.S. Achievement Academy national award
winner in art. Zech, the son of Linda Mews and Mike Browning,
will appear in the academy’s yearbook. He was nominated for this honor by
high school art instructor, Greg Marvin, based on his academic
performance, leadership qualities and motivation to learn. Congratulations to
these fine young people!
The
Napa Valley was well represented at the Pickwick Equestrian Horse Show in
Rancho Cordova last week. Jean Edwards and her horse, Champagne, rode
to a division championship and placed either first or second in four
amateur-owner jumping classes for riders 18 or older. The duo has trained
with Macella O’Neill of Diamond Mountain Stables for five years.
Twelve-year-old Mia Cakebread, riding Barzeletta, earned a blue ribbon
and other top prizes in the short stirrup division. Jeffrey and Caroline
Shifflet were also winners with their pony Dutchess. More ribbon winners
included Jamee and Charlotte Wallis with their Welsh pony Peppermint
Patti. These talented young riders also ride at Diamond Mountain Stables and
are trained by Kelli Cox. (An aside: Macella on High Ridge
Ranch’s Renaldo 67 placed second in the $20,000 Grand Prix of Sacramento held
June 4.)
Shifting
for four legs to two wheels, Aunt Helena heard from proud parents Carolyn
and Gus Kelperis whose daughter, Liana, will receive a bachelor of
arts degree in American studies Saturday from UC Santa Cruz. Liana, as you no
doubt remember Dear Reader, spent last summer biking across the United
States. She is a 1995 graduate of St. Helena High School and a third-generation
St. Helenan (her grandmother is the late Hattie Marolf Kelperis).
Carolyn
Hoff at GardenHome has passed along a raffle number whose holder is
eligible for a round, Valencia-style table and four chairs. The lucky number
is 619439 and the crew at GH is anxious to hear from the winner. Call them at
967-4800.
Second
Helping Thrift Store, which for years has benefited St. Helena schools,
closes its doors Tuesday, June 27. But board member Leslie Stanton reminds
one and all that there are still plenty of irresistible specials available to
the bargain hunter. Donations will be accepted until Saturday. The shop is in
the old music building in front of Vintage Hall at the high school. Aunt
Helena knows from past visits that there are many treasures tucked away. Take
a look.
Aunt Helena joins the family and
friends of Pope Valley resident Jessica Dold in wishing her all the
best in her latest endeavor. She leaves Saturday for Mongolia where she will
be working for two years with the Peace Corps. Jessica, a 1999
graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, will be teaching English as a
second language.
Alex
“Bender” Clark was presented the Top Gun award at Aviation Challenge
California in May. The award is given to winners of a tournament style
competition in state-of-the-art flight simulators. The week-long camp in the
San Joaquin Valley encourages young people in the fields of
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