COMMUNITY STORYTELLING

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.

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PASTOR DALE GUSTUFSON / CALVARY CHURCH LOS GATOS

Pastor Dale Gustufson shares stories with host Lissa Kreisler about his incredible humanitarian efforts in Rwanda. After several visits to the country, he realized that a child's education ends at age 9 or 10, so Pastor Dale and his family focused on helping kids continue their education. One of their passions has become building trade schools from the ground up for kids to learn marketable skills such as sewing. Visit PastorGusCoach.com to support Pastor Dale.

PRIORITIES AND STORIES / SANTA CLARA COUNTY SUPERVISOR JOE SIMITIAN

With a very enthusiastic introduction, host Lissa Kreisler is thrilled to welcome Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian to her KCAT TV set. Along with boasting about the wonderful Los Gatos restaurants, Supervisor Simitian recognizes that there is a large "greying community" where new County programs and services are top priorities, as well as supporting youth, mental health, affordable housing, and community media. Lissa also reveals a few little known stories about Supervisor Simitian that will make you smile. So, watch and enjoy this episode of Community Storytelling.

COOKING WITH CHET / CHET LAZZARINO

Nominated by his daughter, Cathy, 91-year old Chet Lazzarino shared stories and laughs with host Lissa Kreisler about his YouTube sensation "Cooking with Chet." His life story is endearing, and as a special treat, Lissa cuts away to show you an episode of Chef Chet cooking in his kitchen which is filmed by his grandaughter. In addition to his family tradition of Wednesday night dinners where he cooks for 19 people, Chet also makes meals for organizations like Hope Services with his 730 Italian Club. Ask him what is most important in life, and withouth hesitation he says "family."

GRAB A COFFEE WITH ROB / TOWN OF LOS GATOS COUNCILMEMBER ROB MOORE

There is no lull for words, stories and laughs between host Lissa Kreisler and newest Los Gatos Councilmember Rob Moore. One of 3 "Robs" that ran for Council, 24-year old Rob Moore knocked on 7,000 doors during his campaign and claims it was the most valuable thing he did. He said traffic was the biggest concerning issue to people. Rob is everywhere all the time, and cherishes the neighborhood feel and engaged community associated with growing up in Los Gatos. Reach out to Rob and meet for coffee to share your thoughts with him.

FAMILY & GIVING BACK / JAMES GARDNER

Host Lissa Kreisler welcomes Los Gatan James Gardner who was nominated by his neighbor. As a Santa Clara Reserve Officer, James has many stories to tell in this community volunteer role. He made the decision to not become a police officer as he found it a good balance to be with family as well as giving back.

THE PRODUCERS NETWORK "SUE ON THE STREET" / SUE FENTON

Rising stars have been emerging in KCAT's "The Producers Network," serving the 55+ community. Host Lissa Kreisler welcomes one of those stars, Sue Fenton, to share stories about her involvement and TV show, "Sue on the Street." Sue has the gift of gab and a passion for talking to people, so with a camera team in tow, she has interviewed folks at The Farmers' Market, The Health Fair and The Holiday Parade. Many other shows are in the queue so say hi to Sue when you see her in Town. In addition to her show, Sue has been a superstar for The Producers Network with her latest venture spearheading a fundraiser concert featuring pianist Matei Varga in June 2023. We bless Sue and thank her for being with us!

PLEASE, JUST CALL ME "BILL" / LGSUHSD SUPERINTENDENT BILL SANDERSON

After one year as Superintendent of Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School District, Bill Sanderson shares with host Lissa Kreisler what his top 3 priorities have been: health and wellness of students, engaging with the community, and a new strategic plan. Lissa soon realizes that there is more to Bill than meets the eye, and she quickly dives into some terrific stories about chickens, bees, a bow tie, and favorite haunts around Town.

SUPER POWERED FLOWERS / ELODIE DOUGLAS

Inspired by her dad bringing her a bouquet of flowers during covid, Elodie Douglas wanted to share the same joy with others. So this generous high school senior and star lacrosse/field hockey player started Super Powered Flowers to give back kindness to the community. Host Lissa Kreisler chats with Elodie and her journey to starting this business.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! / LYNN STEELE, ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS GATOS-SARATOGA

Guest Lynn Steele, , shares her passion for volunteering at Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga with Host Lissa Kreisler. Celebrating 20 years, Assistance League works with school districts, teachers and administrators to provide readers in the classroom. Through grants and donations, some of their other programs include: providing clothing to support homeless students in elementary, middle and high school; preparing and cooking meals for seniors 2x per week; and teaching a STEAM program which provides hands-on engineering and coding projects in the classroom.

MOSAICS & TURKISH FOOD / NILGÜN KURDI

Local mosaic artist and Art Docents of Los Gatos volunteer, Nilgün Kurdi shares colorful stories with host Lissa Kreisler about her life from Istanbul Turkey to Los Gatos, California. Celebrating 50 years, Art Docent volunteers teach art to kids K-8, and with the lack of art education in schools, Nilgün has become passionate about this mission.

SASCC: LIVELY, BOLD & FULL OF SPIRIT / TYLOR TAYLOR

As the classy CEO of SASCC, Tylor Taylor explains to host Lissa Kreisler, that his love for working with older adults began as a child when he learned to embrace his grandparents' wisdom and deeply respected their life experiences. His journey continued when he volunteered with his son at SASCC, Successful Aging Services and Community Consulting, and determined that this is where he belongs. Tylor has been instrumental in serving the needs of older adults by creating and implementing the RYDE program for transportation, The Outlook Newspaper for information, as well as programs and services that meet the needs of the largest growing 55+ demographic.

SAVED A LIFE BY KNOWING CPR / BRUCE RICHARDSON

Car racer and now known as a hero for recently saving someone's life, Bruce Richardson shares with host Lissa Kreisler that CPR is a lot different now than what it used to be. He is passionate that everyone should know CPR since it doesn't involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, it simply involves chest compressions. Bruce was recently recognized by the American Red Cross, and received a national lifesaving award, one of the organization's highest honors. He is thankful for the classes they offer and encourages everyone to sign up. Thank you Bruce Richardson!

kit & sis / MADELINE POLLACK

CEO & Co-founder of Kit & sis, Madeline Pollack, joins host Lissa Kreisler to share her journey of starting a business with her twin sister, Gaby, and their friend Kate. As an LGHS alum and recent college graduate, Madeline credits Cal Poly with helping them launch the product line for the company. Their story began when they were 13 years old and played with American Girl dolls which they loved so much, they started a camp and hosted birthday parties all to promote childhood creativity. Tune in to hear the rest of their exciting story.

YOU MADE MY DAY / ART RABITZ

Meet retired dentist of 45 years, Art Rabitz, who joins host Lissa Kreisler to share why he decided to attend Clown Camp. Along with his therapy dog, Missy, Art explains that he has a passion for making people smile and laugh which is why he volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and now Good Samaritan Hospital. He likes helping children go through what they are going through, it's as simple as that

CANINE COMPANIONS / BOB BUXTON

Guests Bob Buxton, Canine Companions volunteer, and Labrador Retriever, Nyx, join host Lissa Kreisler on the set of KCAT TV. Near and dear to his heart, Bob shares the process of training puppies for people in need from breeders to puppy raisers to advanced training in Santa Rosa. Canine Companions is a national service dog organization who graduates dogs for therapy or people to be successful in their daily lives.

COME ENJOY A CONCERT! / JACK LUCAS

Host Lissa Kreisler has a wonderful chat with LGCCA Board Member, Jack Lucas, who proudly shares the history of the Los Gatos Community Concert Association which started in 1946. LGCCA hosts a season of artists from October through May who perform at Los Gatos High School; and Jack would love for the community to subscribe to these excellent concerts - lgcca.org

At 93-years young, Jack was a 5-time Mayor of Monte Sereno, high school teacher, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for West Valley-Mission College.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS! / ROTARIANS SUZANNE BOXER-GASSMAN & JOHN PENCER

Los Gatos Afternoon Rotarians, Suzanne Boxer-Gassman and John Pencer, join host Lissa Kreisler to share stories about Rotary's tremendous accomplishments over 100 years and local giving through their two foundations for scholarships and charities. Internationally Rotary has been at the forefront of eradicating polio.

PUTTING HER GRIEF TO WORK / STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER GAIL PELLERIN

State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin opened up to host Lissa Kreisler about the pain of losing her husband to suicide. She is now is putting her grief to work by using her political platform to help others who are contemplating suicide or dealing with the loss of a loved one. We are thankful to Assemblymember Pellerin for her advocacy of mental heath, suicide prevention, and coining the phrase "it's okay to not be okay."