Yes, you all have stories… so nominate yourself, a relative, friend, neighbor or non profit to sit next to me and share their story on Community Storytelling: Stories About People Doing Good Things.
DONATE BLOOD@RED CROSS / MAYOR SAM LICCARDO & CEO KEN TOREN
KCAT TV Host Lissa Kreisler takes her show, Community Storytelling, to the blood donation center at the Silicon Valley Red Cross. In an exclusive interview while giving blood himself, Mayor Liccardo shares efforts being made throughout Santa Clara County to help people during this pandemic. In part 2 of her interview, Lissa sits with CEO Ken Toren and learns about the Red Cross national request for blood donations during this time. It is safe to give blood during the virus spread, so watch for blood drives in your area.
HELP SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS
Please give us 3 minutes of your time to watch this video! Our local firefighters need us! You can't fight the fires, but there are easy things you can do to show your support and thanks to these brave men and women.
PSYCHIC MEDIUM / KATHERINE DACANAY
Join host Lissa Kreisler as she learns interesting things about herself from psychic medium, Katherine Decanay. At 4 years old, Katherine began seeing lights around people and slowly realized she needed to acknowledge signs and symbols that were presenting themselves to her. Katherine specializes in readings helping people find their way to a happy life.
FREEDOM IS DIGNITY / DANIEL AND STANFORD STICKNEY
Meet Stanford Stickney and his brother, Daniel, who share their incredible life stories with host Lissa Kreisler. Stanford has dedicated himself to making the world a better place through technology and making a more accessible life for Daniel and others. Their mantra, "Freedom is Dignity," is a driving force for their remarkable accomplishments. Daniel and Stanford sing the praises of their single parent father who has raised them with unconditional love and support along with a myriad of people who are recognized in this video. We were beyond impressed by these two remarkable people and you will be too!!
I LOVE TO COOK GOOD FOOD! / YVONNE KHANANIS
Yvonne Khananis shares very colorful life stories with host Lissa Kreisler. Originally from Chicago, Yvonne learned to cook from her grandmother and mom when she was only 4 years old. She eventually left home at 17 years of age and worked at a variety of career jobs where she earned a great living. However, Yvonne had the desire to cook and now she is lovingly referred to as Chef Yvonne! She is the owner of Reverence Catering in Los Gatos and successfully pivoted during the pandemic to cooking "to go" meals while opening a new business called Grocer + Goddess - a market which sells her favorite things in the kitchen and favorite foods to eat. She is a remarkable woman!!
WE LEFT OUR HEARTS IN MONTE SERENO / DENA AND JOEL GAMBORD
Sweethearts Dena and Joel Gambord share their love story with host Lissa Kreisler. They married and lived a wonderful life in the historic John Steinbeck House in Monte Sereno, where Joel was a real estate developer. Their guest house became a dark room studio where he continued his passion for photography as a student of Ansil Adams.
As hard as it was for them to move from Monte Sereno to Pebble Beach, Joel and Dena are 90 years young and are living a fulfilling life as philanthropists - generously giving to places that demonstrate cause and effect while enjoying their families, sailing, golfing and a farm-to-table lifestyle. Joel continues his passion of photography and now flys his drone while creating stunning videos of the bay and large format prints in his studio.
As hard as it was for them to move from Monte Sereno to Pebble Beach, Joel and Dena are 90 years young and are living a fulfilling life as philanthropists - generously giving to places that demonstrate cause and effect while enjoying their families, sailing, golfing and a farm-to-table lifestyle. Joel continues his passion of photography and now flys his drone while creating stunning videos of the bay and large format prints in his studio.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE / BETH WILLIAMS
Host Lissa Kreisler and Beth Williams, Development Director of Nextdoor Solutions for Domestic Violence, discuss this very serious topic and ways that her organization is helping people out of frightening and abusive situations.
Nexdoor Solutions started 50 years ago as a social women's alliance in a garage. However, they soon realized that domestic violence was a major issue in our community, so they quickly expanded into a women's shelter offering a 24/7 crisis hotline. During shelter-in-place, Nextdoor Solutions crisis hotline calls increased to 40 a day from women (and men) throughout Santa Clara County who found themselves in terrifying situations. Beth's insights about what is abuse or domestic violence are very educational and informative if you, a friend or a family member are feeling trapped.
Nexdoor Solutions started 50 years ago as a social women's alliance in a garage. However, they soon realized that domestic violence was a major issue in our community, so they quickly expanded into a women's shelter offering a 24/7 crisis hotline. During shelter-in-place, Nextdoor Solutions crisis hotline calls increased to 40 a day from women (and men) throughout Santa Clara County who found themselves in terrifying situations. Beth's insights about what is abuse or domestic violence are very educational and informative if you, a friend or a family member are feeling trapped.
SHE HAS A THING ABOUT WORDS / ALISON CARPENTER DAVIS
Freelance Editor and Writer, Alison Carpenter Davis, shares her stories with host Lissa Kreisler about how faith and laughter have helped her live with Crohn's disease. To raise awareness that acute diarrhea happens to everyone at least once a year, coupled with the scarcity of public bathrooms especially during the pandemic, Alison wrote a most poignant article that was published in the Huffington Post on 5/25, "Here's What I Want You To Know About Having Diarrhea While Out In Public." As Alison explains to Lissa, it is critical to open up and write about this ongoing and often embarrassing problem plus she wants to provide people with valuable information like how to obtain the "I Can't Wait" card through the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
In addition to Alison's advocacy for Crohn's awareness, she is the co-founder of the Disability at Stanford Oral History Project and editor of "Letters Home from Stanford" - two endeavors that continue to be a passion for Alison from her college years at Stanford.
In addition to Alison's advocacy for Crohn's awareness, she is the co-founder of the Disability at Stanford Oral History Project and editor of "Letters Home from Stanford" - two endeavors that continue to be a passion for Alison from her college years at Stanford.
55 PLUS IS TOP PRIORITY / JEFFREY BLUM AND DICK KONRAD
Host Lissa Kreisler chats with Los Gatos Rotarians and Community Health & Senior Services Commissioners, Jeffrey Blum and Dick Konrad, to learn about their goals and priorities for the growing senior population in our community.
A new Town council together with CHSSC are making senior services a top priority this coming year by looking into 55 Plus volunteer opportunities as well as offering grants to support local non-profits as they expand their menu of robust senior programs and services.
A new Town council together with CHSSC are making senior services a top priority this coming year by looking into 55 Plus volunteer opportunities as well as offering grants to support local non-profits as they expand their menu of robust senior programs and services.
AZUCA CELEBRATES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY THROUGH A MURAL / MORGAN BRICCA & KRYSTAL RHEMA
Artists Morgan Bricca, Murals by Morgan, and Krystal Rhema, share a terrific story about our newest mural in Los Gatos came to fruition.
Azuca store owner, Amy Faschnat, had a vision to hire an artist to paint a mural on her very large white outside wall at the corner of University and Main Street. Amy had seen Artist Morgan painting murals inside Lulu Lemon and was so impressed that she got permission and funding to hire Morgan.
Amy's vision was for Morgan to paint something that celebrates diversity in Los Gatos and feels inclusive. Morgan took this information, looked at the black and white wall, and was inspired to paint a sophisticated black and white mural. Stop by Azuca to shop and marvel at the new mural painted by Morgan and Krystal!
Azuca store owner, Amy Faschnat, had a vision to hire an artist to paint a mural on her very large white outside wall at the corner of University and Main Street. Amy had seen Artist Morgan painting murals inside Lulu Lemon and was so impressed that she got permission and funding to hire Morgan.
Amy's vision was for Morgan to paint something that celebrates diversity in Los Gatos and feels inclusive. Morgan took this information, looked at the black and white wall, and was inspired to paint a sophisticated black and white mural. Stop by Azuca to shop and marvel at the new mural painted by Morgan and Krystal!
LOS GATOS GATEWAY SCULPTURE #1 / TOM SPILSBURY, DR. ELLIS WEEKER, AND ARTIST MATT BABCOCK
Arts and Culture Commissioners, Tom Spilsbury and Dr. Ellis Weeker, share their excitement with host Lissa Kreisler about the first of many installations of a sculpture that represents The Gateway Project.
In partnership with the Town of Los Gatos, the Commission has been working on this project for years and it has now come to fruition with 11 identified gateways around Los Gatos for future sculptures. A call for artists and submissions was circulated which resulted in 19 artists applying, and Matt Babcock was selected to design and construct the first one located on Route 9 and Alberta Way.
In the second half of this show, Matt talks about the history of the Los Gatos cats and how his vision for this sculpture derived. Drive by and check out this beautiful sculpture and stay tuned for future locations and designs of the next Gateway Project sculpture.
In partnership with the Town of Los Gatos, the Commission has been working on this project for years and it has now come to fruition with 11 identified gateways around Los Gatos for future sculptures. A call for artists and submissions was circulated which resulted in 19 artists applying, and Matt Babcock was selected to design and construct the first one located on Route 9 and Alberta Way.
In the second half of this show, Matt talks about the history of the Los Gatos cats and how his vision for this sculpture derived. Drive by and check out this beautiful sculpture and stay tuned for future locations and designs of the next Gateway Project sculpture.
THE BELOVED BILLY JONES WILDCAT RAILROAD / KEN MIDDLEBROOK
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, now located at Vasona Park, was an ode to Billy Jones - a visionary, lover of the community, father, engineer, and more. Ken Middlebrook, a beloved volunteer and incredible mechanic, honors Billy's life as he shares stories with host Lissa Kreisler.
During this fascinating interview, you will hear stories about how Jones created the first train prototype in his backyard for neighborhood children to ride. You will also learn about his relationships with famous people, such as Walt Disney, as well as other historical facts. He would bask in the smell of the railroad steam and his passion for "choo-choo's" was unlike any other. Jones sadly passed away in 1968.
Looking for a fun activity for all ages? Ride the train, wave hi to Ken, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Vasona Park, knowing its prominent history!
During this fascinating interview, you will hear stories about how Jones created the first train prototype in his backyard for neighborhood children to ride. You will also learn about his relationships with famous people, such as Walt Disney, as well as other historical facts. He would bask in the smell of the railroad steam and his passion for "choo-choo's" was unlike any other. Jones sadly passed away in 1968.
Looking for a fun activity for all ages? Ride the train, wave hi to Ken, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Vasona Park, knowing its prominent history!
"IF I REALLY FOCUS, THERE IS NOTHING I CAN'T DO"! / HELEN MARCHESE OWEN
Helen Owen shares stories with host Lissa Kreisler about her family, philanthropy and missing her best friend and husband of 55 years, Eddie. She is a ray of sunshine who keeps young and energized by walking 12 miles a day, meeting with her Pastor, and writing stories about her life to give to her family.
Helen's passion for philanthropy runs deep throughout our community non-profits, such as JW House. Her most recent endeavor is building a cultural center and museum in Little Italy to memorialize the rich history and stories of San Jose, including Marchese Farms. During Covid, Helen, owner of Marchese Properties, generously helped her store tenants survive through these dark times.... she is a woman of influence who truly has a heart of gold!
Helen's passion for philanthropy runs deep throughout our community non-profits, such as JW House. Her most recent endeavor is building a cultural center and museum in Little Italy to memorialize the rich history and stories of San Jose, including Marchese Farms. During Covid, Helen, owner of Marchese Properties, generously helped her store tenants survive through these dark times.... she is a woman of influence who truly has a heart of gold!
THANKFUL THAT MUSIC CHOSE HIM / KIMBALL HOOKER
Host Lissa Kreisler enjoys the energy and excitement of performing artist, drummer and songwriter, Kimball Hooker. Kimball is a success story from the Bay Area... if you don't know his name now, you will soon hear about this talented musician and singer as well as his most recent endeavor as a podcast host of The Kimball Hooker Show, a KCAT original series.
Since age 12, music has always been Kimball's passion. Now with 3 CDs under his belt, he surprises Lissa and serenades her during the show... you won't want to miss his fabulous voice and engaging interview! Plus check out his podcast of deep dive interviews with Bay Area musicians.
kcat.org/radio
Since age 12, music has always been Kimball's passion. Now with 3 CDs under his belt, he surprises Lissa and serenades her during the show... you won't want to miss his fabulous voice and engaging interview! Plus check out his podcast of deep dive interviews with Bay Area musicians.
kcat.org/radio
92-YEARS YOUNG & LOVING LIFE / MARYBETH "MAYO" PARFITT
MaryBeth Parfitt, 92-years young, shares stories and laughs with host Lissa Kreisler. Lovingly nicknamed "Mayo," Marybeth has done it all... from flight attendant and realtor to becomming Miss Berkeley at just seventeen years old. Mayo is an extremely talented artist and found a passion for creating butterfly cards with scissors, pins, and sourced butterflies from Europe. She lovingly creates and sells her cards to raise money for a variety of programs that have meaning to her, such as the Senior Nutrition Program in Los Gatos. She wants people to stay young at heart no matter what age you are.
THEN WHAT? COCO BONNEVILLE ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO STAY ACTIVE AND BE ESSENTIAL FAR BEYOND RETIREMENT!
Born in Tokyo, Coco Bonneville moved to the United States and worked at "carriage trade stores" (couture department stores) such as Neiman Marcus and Sacks Fifth Avenue from 1989-1990. Bonneville would dress celebrities such as Betty Ford, Diane Feinstein, Sonny (but not when he was with Cher!), and more! With her love of fashion, Bonneville started to design her own trendy clothes because she hated going shopping. Bonneville retired at seventy-nine years old and said..."Then What?" Just because she was retired, she wanted to continue to have a purpose while also encouraging others to do so. Bonneville has created crochet "nests" to catch and care for animals that fall out trees for the Wildlife Center of the Silicon Valley, has made over 3,000 beanies for babies at the El Camino Hospital, and crafts comfort pillows for hospital patients near and far. Coco teaches us that there is always something one can be doing, big or small, to make the world a better place!
BELIEVE AND YOU WILL ACHIEVE / CHARLIE WU
Eighty-two year old Charlie Wu, born in Kobe Japan, shares his wisdom and fascinating life's journey with Host Lissa Kreisler. His dad was a diplomat for the Chinese national government during the Japanese war. Wu moved all around Asia to be with his father - at one point, making a hallway his home. Wu had a unique schooling experience that led him to learn english in fourth grade at a US military dependent school in Japan for military brats. After having too much fun, in seventh grade, his dad enrolled him in a Catholic school for discipline. His journey then lead him to meet famous names such as Jackie Robinson and the daughter of the Japanese Ambassador. Once he graduated from the American School in Japan, in 1957, Wu moved to America with just $45 and a steamship ticket. He got accepted into a prestigious school following the footsteps of his brother. Wu retired at sixty years old after being a successful engineer in Silicon Valley. He now devotes his time to senior citizens encouraging them to share their past stories and get them movin' and groovin'!
LIONS CLUB PRESIDENT / BOB SKUBIS
Host Lissa Kreisler was surprised to learn from LIONS Club president, Bob Skubis, that "LIONS" is actually an acronym for Liberty Intelligence Our Nations Safety. The Club has been chartered for over 75 years, and Bob proudly shares with Lissa that he has been involved for 30 years! He has always made an impact and contributed to the Los Gatos community as a Little League coach, former business owner in downtown Los Gatos, as well as organizing donation drives and bringing "Canine Companions" to people in need. Check out this special service organization at lglions.org!