Short Takes Short Takes (January 07, 2004)

Random act of kindness touches veteran

Menlo Park resident and World War II veteran Raymond "Hap" Halloran said his favorite Christmas present this year came from someone he'd never met. A fellow shopper at the Redwood City Costco on Christmas Eve noticed his car's POW license plate and left a note on his windshield wishing him a merry Christmas and thanking him for his service to "our beloved country."

The well-wisher, Ester Souza of Redwood City, said she was the proud mother of a marine who served in Iraq.

Mr. Halloran, a B-29 bombardier whose plane was shot down near Tokyo and who endured seven months as a prisoner of war, said he really appreciated the gesture. "Patriotism still exists!" he enthused.
Historic courthouse for rent

The domed San Mateo County Courthouse in Redwood City may look a tad dingy from the outside, but inside it's a stunning, formal space. Currently the home of the San Mateo County History Museum, it can be rented by anyone seeking swanky surroundings for a soiree.

Built in 1908 and refurbished after the Loma Prieta earthquake, the courthouse has a grand stairway leading to a circular balcony. Light from the stained glass windows of the dome plays across the green marble pillars and mosaic floors of the central rotunda.

Rental fees support the history museum. For information, call Jeri Joseph at 299-0104, extension 24.
Read a lot, then read some more

The Woodside Library is offering "fabulous prizes" to anyone who meets its Thousand Page Challenge. Bibliophiles who plan to tackle 1,000 pages of printed material between January 12 and April 3 -- and even pre-literate children who have 1,000 pages read to them -- may participate. Sign up at the library, 3140 Woodside Road, anytime after January 12. For information, call 851-0147.

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