JP Graphics – Making a Strident Imprint on the Printing World
By Tricia Chambers
Published 8/7/08
Walk with JP Graphics owner Joan Escover, through her 36,000 square foot building and chances are you will find yourself left behind in the dust.
Such an experience may be indicative of the strident focus and determination that’s granted Escover with ten years of success in what she calls, the “male-dominated business” of printing.
“There aren’t a lot of women in the business,” she explained. “and most of them will close their companies within two years.”
Photo by Christy Kinney
Not that Escover’s path wasn’t loaded with speed bumps or road blocks. Quite the opposite. Fifteen years ago the mother of three young boys attended law school while working for Babylon, a printing company in Milpitas.
By the time she received her degree she’d garnered an impressive selling record that eventually led to the opening of JP Graphics.
“I started with a few little machines, got to ride the dot com wave and re-invested in the company,” Escover said.
And as the business grew, it required a new, larger building and kept pace with the family since the Idaho native gave birth to a fourth son about that time.
Between dual roles as mother and business woman, there was the occasional school function that Escover was forced to miss.
”Fortunately, my sons understood,” she said.
Escover is quick also to show appreciation to employees who she rewards with anniversary dinners and days-off coupons with pay.
“I can sell anything if I have the right managers and surround myself with really good people like I’ve done here,” she said.
And according to Escover, it sure didn’t hurt that she chose Santa Clara for a location.
“I will never leave this city,” she said. “It’s the best when it comes to doing business. Even the police want to work with you. They’re not pompous at all.”
Today JP Graphics receives about 20 to 30 jobs per day and works with some of Silicon Valley’s largest companies, such as Symantec and Sun Microsystems. But to Escover, success means that JP Graphics can run without her.
Escover’s finally free to spend time with her sons who range from 9 to 16 years old. And then there’s always the opportunity to zip around the building and point out the Kodak direct imaging press, a piece of equipment that according to Escover, is only one of three in the Bay Area.
“Now I have a better life than most attorneys,” she said. “I couldn’t be luckier.”
JP Graphics, which covers a wide array of printing needs from business cards and stationary to annual reports and manuals at the upper end, also operates a pre-press department that deals with digital files.
Additionally, the company prides itself on a Bindery where attention is paid to detail and all work is done in-house.
Located at 3310 Woodward Avenue, JP Graphics ships worldwide and strives to offer services as diverse as the businesses they serve.
For more information, visit http://www.jp-graphics.com or call 408.235.8821.
Red Beans and Rice Mix Central Park Hot n’ Spicy
By Tricia Chambers
Published 8/7/08
If you’re a lover of good blues bands, or a lover of blues bands that play danceable blues, then Central Park’s Concert in the Park was the place for you last Sunday.
But don’t take it from me. Take it from the readers of the Monterey County Weekly, who for the twelfth time in the last thirteen years named Red Beans and Rice the Best Local Band.
And it isn’t any wonder since the Monterey-based band’s recipe for success includes former members of popular bands.
Still not convinced? Then you can take it from the crowd of over 100 music lovers, dogs and stuffed bunnies who turned out for the group’s soulful presence.
Lead vocalist, Jon Gorman (formerly of The Tangled Roots) opened the show. Later he took turns singing and playing his trademark harmonica.
“Ready for a little Red Beans and Rice, Santa Clara?” he shouted and drove right into an original composition, ‘Big Automobile.’
Within seconds, the regular front row dancers popped up and unleashed a rush of energy left over from the last Concert in the Park.
The band’s sound, which is really hard to pigeonhole, actually is all over the map, and runs from Mississippi to Texas swing to New Orleans-styled tunes.
Of course, it didn’t take long for brand new dancers to stake out their own territory from which to boogie. Babies swayed in strollers when Gorman crooned, “I’m Gettin’ Old Way too Young.”
Hungarian-born saxophone player, Tamas Marius impressed me with what must be an enormous lung span. There were very few notes where he got to take a breather!
Red Beans and Rice continued to play tunes from their fourth cd, Hot n’ Spicy, which currently receives regular airtime from radio station KPIG as well as on the Internet.
“It’s nice that these days,” said Gorman “when school music programs have been cut, that people of all ages can come together to enjoy music on a Sunday afternoon.”
Founding member Gil Rubio of Seaside wailed on his blue bass while percussionist John Tindel was so hot that he needed a set of keyboards.
Rounding out the group, but hidden, was Karl Steams (formerly of Chicano All Stars) who set the groove with driving drum beats and bassist Brian Shaw (formerly of Los Lobos), the tallest member who was not hidden.
The band was closing with Ray Charles’ ‘Unchain My Heart,’ when a call came for an encore. But alas, it was not to be, as Santa Clara audiences have a way of tuckering out musicians.
Visit Red Beans and Rice at http://www.redbeans.com.
The Cultural Advisory Commission will sponsor two more free Sunday Concerts in the Park. August 10 you can see Big Butter and Egg Band (vintage jazz). Fog City Stompers (Dixieland) is scheduled to play August 17. Both performances run from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Central Park is located at 909 Kiely Boulevard. For more information, call (408) 615-2210 or visit http://www.santaclaraca.gov/events/concert_in_the_park.html.
Roberta Jones Junior Theatre Delights with Shakespeare in Central Park
By Tricia Chambers
Published 7/30/08
Shakespeare was right when he said, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” But let the youngsters of Roberta Jones Junior Theatre stage the 16th century fantasy/comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and they will pull off a performance as smooth as silk.
I pity the person who was not as fortunate as I, and who had to forgo RJJT’s 8th annual open-air Shakespeare production last Friday in Central Park.
Photos by Christy Kinney
Although RJJT’s hour-long version was adapted by Jean Collins, the performers were required to speak in the Bard’s famous but antiquated prose, a feat the group of 21 youngsters met seamlessly. Think of a play within a play and the complications this can involve.
Dressed in colorful, wispy costumes the performers told the classic story of love, jealousy and the confusion that ensues when pranks go a wry.
How delightful it was to see so many talented children return to the stage.
Kaydee Sheer opened the performance with her role as Philostrate (ordered to find entertainment for Theseus, a duke’s wedding).
Andrew Dodson and Sarah Rogers were up for the challenge of taking on dual roles as Theseus/Oberon and Hippolyta/Tatiana.
Dodson will go off to college to pursue a theatre-based major. For Rogers, acting is just “something to do for fun.”
“I’ve been doing this since I was nine,” she said.
Also taking up dual roles was Chris La Placa, who played Egeus (Hermia’s father) and Starveling (a tailor who dons a long wig in the craftsman’s play to portray a woman).
Camden Tausworthe, also pulled his weight as Nick Bottom, a weaver who pays for his overconfidence when he becomes the butt of Oberon’s bad temper and wakes up with a head of a jack ass.
Some of the most complicated dialogue is relegated to Tausworthe. Think dialogue within dialogue. How did the fair-haired youth do it?
“He reads a lot of Shakespeare,” a friend chimed in.
Don’t forget the always effervescent Peter Heinz who portrayed Puck, the mischievous fairy whose antics propel the plot.
Star-crossed lovers include Wendy Gregg, Matt La Placa, Alex Thompson and Kiran Grewal.
Laura Hovey, Cory Clausen, Kenneth Mendonca and Katie Ratermann played Bottom’s fellow craftsmen who bumble towards putting on a play for Theseus.
Fairies were played by Carla Medlin, Zoe Gray, Margaret Schekall and Kathryn Schekall. Alyssa Crawford, Janet Medlin and Rachel Wade played the attendants.
My advice for times when sleeping in a dark forest with impish fairies becomes necessary: Sleep with one eye open. Better yet, sleep while you’re awake.
I also suggest that you “get thee gone” to a seat with a good view in September when RJJT will perform the musical Oliver.
In August the group will celebrate 40 years, with a reunion picnic on August 16.
Founded and directed by Roberta Jones for 32 years, RJJT was an immediate success. Each year over 600 young people participate in the organization that encourages the exploration of creativity and talent.
For more information, visit http://www.RJJT.org or call (408) 615-3161.
Santa Clara Stirs it up for Harry Best and Shabang
By Tricia Chambers
Published 7/30/08
Musician, composer and Caribbean-born Harry Best, is no stranger to performing solo. But when he played his steel drum calypso music at Central Park last Sunday, he brought along his five-piece band. And from the hoots and howls sent up by the audience, I’d say they were quite appreciative.
“It’s about 50 degrees in San Francisco where we’re from, so it’s a little hot here” said Best who then proceeded to heat up with the pavilion even more with his island jams.
Best performed a few of his original compositions as well as what he called his Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley revue, on 55-gallon finely-tuned steel drums known as pans.
Before long, Best was receiving requests to play songs that included Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” He also inspired the audience to sing along to “Kingston Town.”
Photo courtesy of Harry Best and Shabang
Couples-dancing returned to the Pavilion in a big way, led by 18-month-old, flower thermas-sipping Tea Ballew, a tot whose foray into the dance world is keeping her Mother hopping.
“I used to dance,” said Santa Clara native, Sally Culbertson as she leaned against the cool metal railing and clapped to the bouncy island music. Daughter Martha, visiting from Seattle stood by her side.
“We were in my back yard and I thought I heard music,” said Culbertson. “So I told Martha that we had to go. I forgot today was Sunday.”
Barbara D’Angelo, a Santa Clara resident formerly from Aruba, didn’t brave the dance floor but had fun just the same.
“I come to these concerts a lot,” she said. “This music is very popular in my country.”
Shabang is rounded out by steel drum player Dexter Bruce, formerly of Our Boys Steel Orchestra. According to Best, it’s bass player Ed (Mac) Mc Carver who is the pillar of the band. Tyrone Gray, a drummer who can’t play without a broad smile is another Boys Town veteran.
After the 90-minute show, Shabang packed their instruments to head up north to the colder weather. Day light come today and found me sad to say that Shabang will not be back for many a day. But I do have it on good authority from a very reliable and colorful toucan that Shabang might just return next summer.
Yes, Santa Clara sure knows how to show visitors a good time!
If you would like to learn more about Harry Best and Shabang, visit
http://shabang.us/home.html.
The Cultural Advisory Commission will sponsor three more concerts, August 2-17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Central Park is located at 909 Kiely Boulevard. For more information, call (408) 615-2210 or visit http://www.santaclaraca.gov/events/concert_in_the_park.html.
St. Cecilia’s Festival - Celebrating Family and Community
By Tricia Chambers
Published 9/26/07
Much has been said about the structure of the crumbling ties of the American family and the ever-increasing pace in which we are forced to live our lives. So there may be a lesson to be learned from immigrants and their efforts to maintain and strengthen family bonds.
A perfect example took place this past weekend at the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall (Society of the Holy Spirit) on Lafayette Street where the celebration of St. Cecilia got underway.
Ask eight-year-old Roger Costa if he spends much time with his family and he might share with you about the joy he felt while carrying a banner in the Portuguese parade on Sunday while his proud Mom looked on. Then again, the slightly shy San Jose resident could just keep quiet and let his gumdrop-sized dimples do the talking.
For the past year Costa has been learning to play the trumpet and marching in the parades. It’s a real family affair since his thirteen-year-old sister gets into the act as a flag holder.
“It keeps them busy,” Fatima Costa says of her children’s experience. “It’s a good opportunity.”
Photo of the parade by Christy Kinney
Band member, Alex Vieira, a 10-year-old from Santa Clara also participated in the festivities with his family. An alto sax player, Vieira plays in the Buscher Jazz Band as well and enjoys “meeting new people and traveling to new performances.”
Vieira was far from being alone this weekend as he was joined by hundreds of others who came through the Portuguese Hall. Non-Portuguese are also welcome to attend.
Also participating in the parade from the Hall to St. Claire’s Church on Lexington, were a total of seven local bands and the ‘Rainhas,’ (queens) as well as friends and family who joined in a Mass where St. Cecilia was asked to bless the band members. The bands traveled from as far away as the Central Valley and San Diego. Both the rainhas and free meal serve to commemorate Queen Isabel, the kind-hearted 15th century saint known for feeding peasants.
The celebration kicked off Thursday night with the first of nightly Rosaries. Other activities included silent auctions, raffles and dances both Saturday and Sunday nights. The traditional Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit) meal ‘sopas’ was served and consisted of flavorful roast, cabbage and French bread, seasoned with allspice and mint.
Layered atop the sense of family is a strong commitment to community, which serves well since preparations for a Portuguese festa is no small task. Washing and cutting the massive amounts of meat and vegetables starts at 4:30am two days in advance of the actual cooking and requires many hands.
One pair of those hands belongs to Mary Cunha, Our Lady of Fatima treasurer for the upcoming festa in October. Besides serving as director for many other Portuguese organizations, Cunha’s involvement spans a total of thirty-three years. “Too many years,” she says with a laugh. “It’s a lot of work, but I really enjoy it.”
Aside from the prepared meal, a veritable smorgasbord of over 50 dishes (mainly desserts) is laid out deliciously in a small room; specifically as a show of gratitude from the S.E.S. organization to the visiting bands. Non-band members are also invited to partake in the scrumptious delights which range from fudge brownies to Portuguese flan (egg custard topped with caramel sauce).
Legend has it that St. Cecilia, a harp player and patron of musicians, composers, singers and poets, had the ability to sing any song, play any instrument and hear angels sing. Cecilia and her husband were martyred after conducting hundreds of baptisms.
The last Espirito Santo festa this year scheduled at the S.E.S. Hall will be Our Lady of Fatima on October 13 and 14. For more information, visit www.sessc.com or call (408) 243-0811.
Harris-Lass Museum’s Spooktacular – A Real Scream
by Tricia Chambers
Published 10/31/07
Anyone foolish enough to discount Halloween as harmless child’s play, is making a grave mistake. As the reporter assigned to cover the Harris-Lass House Museum on Saturday, October 16, I feel confident to speak on the subject.
Nary a star was in the sky that dark and dreary evening as I found myself surrounded by more than 100 brave souls daring to visit the museum’s annual Spooktacular. In exchange for a donation, we received a ticket and waited in a line that snaked along the house.
Some strange ceremony that I surmised to be a wedding, was performed in what used to be the garden. A later inspection revealed that the once-lovely garden had been eerily transformed into a cemetery, complete with bones and headstones. My knees didn’t start knocking until I noticed a shadowy Dracula-type peering at us from an upstairs window.
Ghouls at Harris-Lass House Museum
Photo by Christy Kinney
Eventually, a generous but ugly witch flew by with a plate of candy. When we reached the front of the line, we were met by a scarecrow who was so frightened that he felt compelled to spout out all he knew about the historic home.
At the front door we were greeted by a humorless but hospitable farmer, Tulsa Ted. The old codger complained about a constant stream of nosey visitors and then took us on a tour. “I dare you to call my house haunted,” he bellowed repeatedly.
Had Ted exhibited a little more friendliness, I would have inquired about the sudden growth of giant cob webs. Throughout the house we were met by at least 20 interesting characters, all quite noisy and extremely unhappy. One in particular, a female child dressed in a disturbing flannel nightgown, showed us to her room where she clutched a baby doll and endured a tantrum.
Next we visited Captain Lass’ room where I found cause to wonder how he liked sharing his quarters with a sloppy skeleton.
Eventually we were taken to a room where a young maiden with a ghastly complexion compulsively combed her long locks. Evidently she was unaware of our presence as well as the messy scene caused by a gruesome torso leaning on the bed.
Next we were led to the powder room where some unlucky creature suffered what I presumed was an unfortunate shaving accident. Returning to the first floor we visited the kitchen, a room as neat as pin, save for a female corpse laying on the floor.
This reporter feels confident that most participants had a devilish good time since many raced out the back door screaming. Poor dears! They were in such a rush to share the experience with their friends.
A thorough investigation of the property did not reveal the presence of Preservation Secretary, Bob Byrd or Events Coordinator, Kathleen Hall. But according to a little raven who whispered in my ear, if there’s a ghost of a chance, the next Spooktacular will be held over for an extra night.
Located at 1889 Market Street, the Harris-Lass Museum is open most Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call (408) 249-7905 or visit www.harrislass.org.
Carden Academy Rock ‘n Rolls with ‘The Nifty Fifties’
By Tricia Chambers
Published 5/28/07
Chances are, I’ve seen as many musicals as anyone. But the performance I enjoyed the most was not on Broadway nor was it staged by professionals. It was on the evening of Friday, May 2 that I was truly touched by the 8th grade students of Carden Academy’s production of “The Nifty Fifties.”
No sooner did I enter the school’s gymnasium, than I was made to feel welcome. Teacher Linda Sutton wasted no time ushering me to the front row and pointing to the best seat in the house.
Written by Tim Kelly, “The Nifty Fifties” takes place in a luncheonette, awash in the signature pink of the times.
What followed were two delightful acts where 20 students do-wopped in saddle shoes and motorcycle boots to music composed by Bill Francoeur.
Things are swell until Gracie Stanley (Tiffany Lu), gets in a jam trying to help a friend. And because these were the days that birthed a generation of “teen idols,” there’s dreamy Ziggy Springer (Max Ryan) who provoked screams from pony tailed-girls and plenty of laughter from the audience.
During the intermission, Principal William Ries took it upon himself to treat me to cookies and bottled water. Other teachers took his lead and rushed over to thank me for my visit.
The performers abandoned one dance number to rush the audience and return with new partners.
“Principal Ries was totally behind the show,” said teacher Linda Sutton. “For some students this will be the first time they’ve been in front of an audience. Our children know that when they reach the 8th grade they will be putting on a show.”
But stardom means different things to different students like Daniel Toy, who prefers to work the lighting. Apparently Dad, John Toy enjoyed the show as much as I did and laughed from start to finish.
Does Daniel really enjoy working behind the scenes?
“He does,” said Toy. “He really does love it.”
Parent Melanie Goff, mother of soda jerk, Donald Spinney (Garrett Goff), who’s “grown up with Mrs. Sutton for the past eight years,” couldn’t say enough about the teacher. “The kids just love and respect her,” she said. “She’s like the Pied Piper. They’d do anything for her.”
“Nifty Fifties” was truly a school-wide effort since two teachers from other grades pitched in and provided voice and choreography lessons.
When the show ended, students and families clamored out to meet the moonlit night. After all, pizza party reservations and bright futures can’t be expected to wait forever.
Located at the original Silicon Valley address at 615 Hobart Terrace, Carden Academy subscribes to the philosophy that each child has the potential to become a truly superior person.
Across the U.S. and China, more than 250 nonsectarian, private Carden Schools model the virtues of kindness, respect and service, set down by founder Mae Carden. Students are exposed to classic literature, robotics, French and etiquette as well as music, spelling and drama. Teachers receive an additional 45 hours of training each year.
For more information, call (408) 244-5041 or visit http://www.cardenacademyofsantaclara.com.
Even this grown-up cannot resist the excitement of sledding down the hill. |
SNOW FALLS ON SANTA CLARA NURSERY SCHOOL
By Tricia Chambers
Published 3/8/08
Three-year-old Emma climbs up a slide and grabs on to a blue plastic now disk. Just one good push and she’s barreling down a 3-ft. high patch of “snow.” She’s blissfully unaware that her Mom, Melissa Waters is holding her breathe just a few feet away.
“Emma’s shy like I was,” Waters says with eyes that track
her daughter all the way down the slope. “I didn’t know how she would like this.”
Snow-covered ground in February may be an unusual site for Silicon Valley, but for the Santa Clara Parents Nursery School, annual “Snow Day” is all in a day’s play.
“That’s fun!” Emma exclaims as she jumps to her feet and lines up again.
Relieved, Waters is now free to sneak a peek at 5-week-old Addison, sleeping peacefully in an infant carrier. Addison doesn’t know it, but when she turns two, she will join the Twos Class for two-year-olds.
The classes of two and three-year-olds have their time for chilly fun too. But this afternoon is the four-year-olds’ turn. Without a single tear or injury, the activity plays out as smooth as glass. The biggest mishap involves the only teacher who “rode” the slope, the Four’s Class teacher, Cheryl Zirbel. A SJSU graduate and former elementary school teacher, Zirbel eventually discovered that her heart belonged to the younger set.
Parent Gwen McKinley speaks of the children as being very attentive during “circle time,” and gives this as the reason why the event turned out to be such a success. “The children are really very impressive today.”
Emma takes another turn on the slope as her Mother continues, “We love it here. Emma loves coming here. It’s a great resource for support and information. We’ve both made great friends at this school. I get so many parenting tips.”
Parent Ann MacDonald, who serves as SCPNS promotional assistant, pauses to look through the view finder of a camera and snap up some photos.
“The philosophy of the school is that it’s play-based,” she says, “and that allows the children the freedom to roam unless it’s circle time or snack time.”
SCPNS strives to promote the physical, social, intellectual and creative growth of children through hands-on activities and the participation of parents.
MacDonald went on to explain that the children can choose their activity at the co-operative preschool. They can either play indoors or outside on the climbing structures, tree house or train. At all times there is a total of five or six parents present to supervise and help the three teachers.
MacDonald’s husband Charles took the day off from work as he always does for Snow Day. He stands armed with a broom to sweep away the watery residue.
As members of the school, each family is responsible to attend a monthly meeting, share in cooking and classroom duties in addition to helping with one fundraiser per year.
The “snow” was purchased from Igloo Corporation in the form of 110-40lb. bags of ice. The San Jose business donated five bags.
Organized in 1951 and first established on Lawrence Road, SCPNS is affiliated with Santa Clara Adult Education, as a nonprofit, nondiscriminatory pre-school, licensed by the California State Department of Health.
Located at 471 Monroe Street, the SCPNS will sponsor an open house on Monday, March 17. For more information, call (408) 248-5131 or visit, http://www.scpns.ca.campusgrid.net/home.
Triton Museum Holds Midsummer Art Fest
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