Short Takes Short Takes (April 20, 2005)

Now that's stamina

This week marks a milestone for the unstoppable and perpetually graceful Marianne Crowder: her 99th birthday.

Ms. Crowder, who started teaching her "Forever Fit" adult exercise class in Menlo Park's Burgess Recreation Center in 1949, will celebrate with a luncheon party with friends and former students.

Sue Chiappone, Ms. Crowder's daughter, took over the teaching reins at "Forever Fit" about four years ago, but Mom still regularly takes the class.

"She's there every week," her daughter says.
Ignorance is bliss

A group of historical preservationist who are fighting Steve Jobs' plans to demolish the 1926 Jackling mansion in Woodside have launched a Web site with photos, information and updates on the progress of their lawsuit: friendsofthejacklinghouse.org.

It's clear that aficionados of the Spanish colonial revival-style house are still a bit piqued by Mr. Jobs' oft-quoted assessment of the Jackling mansion's aesthetics -- it's an "abomination."

Photos posted on the site show the Jackling estate through the years, and include this caption on a June 1960 photo: "Happy owners unaware they are living in an abomination."
Go with the wind

These breezy days of spring are just crying out for kite-flying.

On Sunday, April 24, the city of Menlo Park will hold its annual Kite Day at Bayfront Park, located at the Bayside end of Marsh Road. Anyone with a kite can come for free, but there's also the option of plunking down $2 and getting a kite, a hot dog and a soda.

The festivities go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 330-2200.
Quote of the week

"At least the food doesn't move."

-- An Almanac staffer on the benefits of shooting photos for Food & Drink stories

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