Around Town: Hear all about Gertrude Atherton Around Town: Hear all about Gertrude Atherton (May 26, 2004)

Gertrude Atherton (1857-1948) created a local scandal when she published her novel, "The Randolphs of the Redwoods," upsetting her husband's wealthy family. Hear all about it at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, when Dr. Darwin Patnode presents a lecture on "The Early Years of Gertrude Atherton" at the San Mateo County History Museum, 777 Hamilton St. in Redwood City.

Dr. Patnode, who often lectures about local writers, has been associated with Stanford University and Cal State University Hayward.

The lecture is free with the price of admission to the museum: $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. For more information, call 299-0104.

Road to Rio

Mission Hospice of San Mateo County is taking the "Road to Rio" at its silver anniversary dinner dance Saturday, June 5, starting at 6 p.m. at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood Shores.

Henry Tenenbaum of KRON television will be the master of ceremonies for the evening, which will include live and silent auctions, and a salsa dancing exhibition and lessons. Dick Bright's orchestra will provide music.

Tickets are $125 per person, with reservations required by May 31. For more information, call 554-1000.

Founded in 1979, Mission Hospice serves nearly terminally ill families and their families.

Back at the ranch

B.O.K. Ranch will hold "Western Day," its 19th annual fundraiser, on Sunday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1815 Cordilleras Road in Redwood City. The ranch provides a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with special needs.

Sidesadddle and Company will provide music and there will be demonstrations on horseback by B.O.K. students, a silent auction, games for children, and a barbecue prepared by Canyon Ranch.

Cost is $35 per person with children under 10 free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 366-2265 or e-mail: bokranch@aol.com.

Sounds of spring

The Mid-Peninsula Recorder Orchestra will present a concert, "The Sounds of Spring," at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 6, in the Portola Valley Town Center multi-use room, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.

The program will feature works by Mozart, Byrd and Pepusch, as well as a sonata for recorders by the orchestra's director, Frederic Palmer. Joining the orchestra will be oboe soloists Nicholas Vigil and Richard Goodman. Composer Glen Shannon will direct a movement from his suite, "Wanderlust."

Admission is free. For more information, call Frederic Palmer, 591-3648 or visit web site: www.sfems.org/mpro.

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