The Reception, the Coach and the New Store

VIP Reception

Cupertino rolled out the red carpet to meet, greet and toast this year's Silicon Valley Read's author, . , Richmond's much heralded book, is being celebrated by libraries in cities throughout the Bay Area.

Before the announcements of the winners of essay contests for adults and teens and of a photo contest focusing on the book, a festive reception was held for invited guests.

Those attending met the author, and Richmond autographed the books they purchased.

A few of the guests who enjoyed dessert and toasting Richmond were Ravi Patel, Kathy Stakey, Commissioner Susanna Tsai, Cupertino Councilman Orrin Mahoney, Vice President of  Fremont Union High School District Hung Wei, Ann Stevenson, Scot Austin, Savita Vaidhyanathan, Lily Schmidt and Cupertino Librarian Mark Fink.

The Coach

Howard Jensen is one of those people who can never say no when asked to help with a good cause. He's been a member of the Cupertino Host Lions Club for more than two decades and takes a lead position in its fundraising efforts and events.

The Lions Club's chicken and corn feed at , the warm clothing and blanket collection for a needy Native American tribe in New Mexico and the annual Lion's Fishathon at the Stevens Creek Quarry for special needs children are just a few of the projects Jensen makes sure are successful.

He helps with the heavy lifting at Quota Club's Hat's Off luncheon in the spring and supports West Valley Community Services projects as well.

Raised in Cupertino, he graduated from Fremont High School, and after college came back to his roots and coached the girl's softball team at .

Jensen is now the coordinator of playoffs for the Central Coast Section of California Interscholastic sports. His wife, Gail, is also an educator, and their daughter, Susan Rocha, is a second-generation Cupertino High School teacher.

The Jensen's have two daughters and three grandchildren, and we doubt that Howard will ever retire from being a coach.

New Store

Cupertino activists, Joanne and Mike Mansch, proprietors of Alotta's Deli at 2249-A Grant Rd., on the Cupertino/Los Altos border (home of genuine turkey roasted daily in their own kitchen), have just announced the opening of their new endeavor, The Furniture Consignment Store, adjacent to the deli.

While most of the new store will be filled with gently used, almost-new couches, love seats, chairs,  tables, lamps, book cases, dressers,  chests of drawers, head boards, dining room sets and accessories—there will also be a nook for quality clothing.

Expect to find (and bring to the store) unwanted wedding and shower gifts, spring cleaning discards that are still gorgeous, and presents to be re-gifted.

Give Joanne or Mike a call at 650-961-5199. And if you've never been to Alotta's Deli, the variety of fresh salads made on site with quality ingredients is impressive as well as delicious, and hot food like ravioli or lasagna is featured every weekday and is very tasty.

Catering for parties large and small is a specialty, and Alotta's serves a lotta good food just waiting to be sampled. Phone ahead for pickup at 650-967-0229.

Have a safe week, and we'll see you About Town.