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.
1950s EMQ CHILDREN REUNITE / DR. ELENA WONG, JANET CHANG AND DALE LEE
Season 5 of Community Storytelling begins with a story that is near and dear to our hearts in Los Gatos. Host Lissa Kreisler learns the story of Eastfield Ming Quong from 3 remarkable former residents who lived at this girls' home in the fifties: Elena Wong, Janet Chang and Dale Lee. They call each other "sisters" as they share their heartfelt memories and life experiences.
Ming Quong, which means Radiant Light, was the 3rd home created in 1936 to rescue orphaned children from becoming victims of human trafficking. The campus housed over 400 Chinese, Chinese Americans and Bi-racial children over the years and is now a home for foster youth.
Lissa also engages with Development Director, Darren DeMonsi, who began as a volunteer at EMQ 20 years ago and has much history to share about the organization.
Ming Quong, which means Radiant Light, was the 3rd home created in 1936 to rescue orphaned children from becoming victims of human trafficking. The campus housed over 400 Chinese, Chinese Americans and Bi-racial children over the years and is now a home for foster youth.
Lissa also engages with Development Director, Darren DeMonsi, who began as a volunteer at EMQ 20 years ago and has much history to share about the organization.
DAUGHTERS OF DEMENTIA / SANDY DECKER, GINGER MCDONALD AND MARY ELLEN KASCHUB
Every now and then Lissa Kreisler hosts a show that stirs every emotion in us. Meet 3 fabulous women who bravely shared their stories with us about their husbands' varying stages of dementia.
Sandy Decker, Ginger McDonald and Mary Ellen Kaschub, all leaders in our community, created a support group called "Daughters of Dementia" to embrace a lighter look at an extremely tough situation. They feel blessed to have found each other as they all share the pain of becoming caregivers and care managers for their husbands who are no longer the people they married due to this agonizing disease. In this very candid interview, they share their stories, advice for others and hope for a future when dementia will have a cure.
Sandy Decker, Ginger McDonald and Mary Ellen Kaschub, all leaders in our community, created a support group called "Daughters of Dementia" to embrace a lighter look at an extremely tough situation. They feel blessed to have found each other as they all share the pain of becoming caregivers and care managers for their husbands who are no longer the people they married due to this agonizing disease. In this very candid interview, they share their stories, advice for others and hope for a future when dementia will have a cure.
THE VALLEY / EMERSON MORLEY
Host Lissa Kreisler chats with a very impressive LGHS Senior, Emerson Morley. Emerson's story will hit close to home for many who struggle in school like she did. After years of reflection about why students with mental health disorders who are good people get pushed aside for straight A students, Emerson decided to shine a light on this subject and create, direct and act in a short film.
During the pandemic, her home was turned into a movie set with a motivated team of actors and crew who created "The Valley." This successful short film was premiered and featured in film festivals, but sorry folks - it is now under wraps as a feature movie may be in the works. Stay tuned for more from Emerson as she embarks on her journey to Chapman in the fall.
During the pandemic, her home was turned into a movie set with a motivated team of actors and crew who created "The Valley." This successful short film was premiered and featured in film festivals, but sorry folks - it is now under wraps as a feature movie may be in the works. Stay tuned for more from Emerson as she embarks on her journey to Chapman in the fall.
CANCER CAREPOINT / JAN WILLOUGHBY
Meet volunteer extraordinaire, Jan Willoughby, who shares her story with host Lissa Kreisler. Jan, a former english teacher at LGHS, attributes looking and feeling her best to daily Yoga classes and walking her dog.
Originally Jan served on the American Cancer Society Board after many of her family members were diagnosed with cancer. When the news hit too close to home that her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, Jan quickly realized that she couldn't find the services they needed.
Jan and her friend, Gay Crawford, joined forces and created the non-profit Cancer Carepoint that would provide services for cancer patients at no charge. Now celebrating 10 years, they will keep the tradition of hosting their annual garden party fundraiser in August.
Originally Jan served on the American Cancer Society Board after many of her family members were diagnosed with cancer. When the news hit too close to home that her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, Jan quickly realized that she couldn't find the services they needed.
Jan and her friend, Gay Crawford, joined forces and created the non-profit Cancer Carepoint that would provide services for cancer patients at no charge. Now celebrating 10 years, they will keep the tradition of hosting their annual garden party fundraiser in August.
POE SCHOLARSHIPS - COLLEGE DREAMS COMING TRUE / ROSEMARY ROSSI AND JANE OGLE
Host Lissa Kreisler learns about an amazing organization thats near and dear to the hearts of Rosemary Rossi, former school teacher and 16 years on the LGSUHSD school board, and Jane Ogle, healthcare professional.
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarships, POE, was established in recognition of the inequities for first generation, low income students' ability to attend college and pursue an education. Students who are accepted into the program receive a scholarship which covers the cost of college. In addition, students work with a mentor all 4 years, an invaluable resource that helps them navigate college to reach graduation, which includes encouraging students to join clubs, write resumes and get jobs.
Over the years POE volunteers marvel at the eagerness of students want to attend college, graduate and become contributing members of society which is key to POE's success rate.
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarships, POE, was established in recognition of the inequities for first generation, low income students' ability to attend college and pursue an education. Students who are accepted into the program receive a scholarship which covers the cost of college. In addition, students work with a mentor all 4 years, an invaluable resource that helps them navigate college to reach graduation, which includes encouraging students to join clubs, write resumes and get jobs.
Over the years POE volunteers marvel at the eagerness of students want to attend college, graduate and become contributing members of society which is key to POE's success rate.
LOS GATOS THEATRE REOPENING! / PAUL GUNSKY, CINELUX
Our beloved Los Gatos Theatre is reopening! Thanks to the generosity of the Goetz Family, the theatre is now owned by the Town of Los Gatos and under new management. Paul Gunsky, owner of Cinelux Theatres, gives host Lissa Kreisler a sneak peek of what's to come as they get ready for a grand reopening.
GENEROUS HEART FOR ART / ALYCE & MIKE PARSONS & JAN SCHWARTZ
Meet philanthropists Alyce & Mike Parsons who share their passion for art and education with host Lissa Kreisler. Alyce and Mike are longtime NUMU supporters and recently endowed the museum with a $1,000,000 gift – the largest donation in the history of the organization. Jan Schwartz, president of NUMU, expressed their gratitude for this transformational show of support to the museum. The Parsons continue to support NUMU because they believe it is an important part of the culture and history of our highly educated and involved community.
BAHC: ONE HOME AT A TIME / REGINA REILLY
Join host Lissa Kreisler as she learns about an incredibly vital organization, Bay Area Housing Corp, from guest Regina Reilly. BAHC shines a light on people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their housing challenges all throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
BECOME A PENINSULA FOOD RUNNER / MARIA YAP, FOUNDER
This is an incredible story about an amazing woman, Maria Yap, and her journey to creating Peninsula Food Runners in Northern California. Maria shares her family stories of humble beginnings with host Lissa Kreisler and emphasizes how her passion for stopping food waste drove her and her husband to create "Chow Match," a food distribution system for corporations and volunteers. Through this system, Maria has created a rewarding opportunity for volunteers to participate in the ongoing efforts to collect and bring food to those in need. Sign up as a volunteer today! https://www.peninsulafoodrunners.org/volunteer-signup
DOING GOOD AROUND TOWN / SUE TUTTLE
Host Lissa Kreisler shares stories with guest Sue Tuttle and learns about her amazing volunteerism in our Town.
LOS GATOS BIRDWATCHER / LISA MYERS
Host Lissa Kreisler learns about the history of Los Gatos Birdwatcher from owner Lisa Myers. Lisa's beautiful store has been helping people feed wild birds, learn about different bird species, and explore a wide variety of gift items. Located in Kings Court, stop by, say hi to Lisa, and learn something new in the world of birds.
SHOWING UP TO WORK! / ED STAHL - TRAVEL ADVISORS LOS GATOS
Meet Ed Stahl who opened Travel Advisors Los Gatos in 1961. At 91 years young, Ed considers himself the luckiest person in world...find out why in this episode of Community Storytelling with host Lissa Kreisler.
CHEZ PHILIPPE / CHEF PHILIPPE LEROY
Chef Philippe LeRoy shares his experience of opening his newest restaurant during the pandemic. From delicious french cuisine to impeccable decor, Chez Philippe has become a favorite in Los Gatos as host Lissa Kreisler can attest.