Children Are Our Future—Treat Them Well
Ann Vernon
In the 80s I remember loving Whitney Houston’s version of “I believe that children are our future. Treat them well and let them lead the way.” Perhaps the reason those words resonated with me is because I was an educator, and that was my job—to teach them well and let them lead the way. At that time, I was preparing school and mental counselors in a graduate program, and although they were no longer children, it was so gratifying to see them so eager to learn and make a difference in kids’ lives. During the 80s, the challenges children and adolescents faced paled in comparison to what they face today. So, more than ever, I strongly believe that children are our future.
And that is the philosophy that the Oracle Schools Foundation board developed over 10 years ago when they determined that their mission was to help provide funding for early childhood education in order to give young children a solid foundation that would lay the groundwork for future success in school and in life. According to research, long-term benefits include enhanced cognitive skills, improved social-emotional development, better school readiness, and a higher likelihood of academic and financial success as adults. In addition, high-quality programs help reduce social inequalities and result in improved health outcomes.
That is why the Oracle Schools Foundation board is so committed to providing funding for the preschool program at the Mountain Vista School in Oracle. In order to do that, we need you! Each year we hold an auction in conjunction with a very popular Gala, which will be held at the MountainView ballroom on Saturday, March 14, 2026. We rely on donations (services, not goods) from SaddleBrooke and Ranch residents. Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate a “service”—made-to-order casseroles, desserts, appetizers, alterations, airport transportation, etc., or donate gift cards to local establishments;
2. Host a theme dinner, a cocktail party with donated musical talent, a “mystery” dinner; or
3. Offer your timeshares or vacation homes for the live auction.
So, we hope to see you on March 14 and, remember, children are our future, so please consider supporting our cause through your donations. For more information, visit our website at www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com or contact vernonann47@gmail.com.
Asian Dinner Extraordinaire
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
Asian food can be described as a mélange of culinary traditions and dishes from all regions of the Asian continent, highlighting an array of ingredients, flavors, and unique cooking techniques. A large part of Asian cuisine focuses on the use of fresh and local ingredients, as well as interesting and varying spices and herbs.
Eight lucky people experienced the aura of Asian cuisine on May 10 at the home of Jeff Luftig and Barbara Lawton where Mr. Luftig created magic with his Asian creations. He was assisted by family friend and neighbor Wanda Green.
Over the course of the evening, Mr. Luftig served several small-plate tastings, including pork egg rolls with duck and plum sauce and plum wine. The small plates were followed by spicy hot and sour soup. The pièce de résistance, however, were the tastings of Asian beef short ribs, honey soy pork tenderloin, and cashew chicken. Stir-fried Chinese noodles, white rice, and a refreshing red chili and cucumber salad brought the Asian dinner to a refreshing climax. The evening was topped off by mango ice for dessert. White wine and sake were also served with the eclectic meal.
Thank you, “Chef” Luftig, for your creativity. A good time was had by all.
The Asian dinners were purchased at the Oracle Schools Foundation 2025 Gala through one of the fixed price items offered during the evening. The Asian dinner quickly sold out!
The Oracle Schools Foundation 2026 Gala will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Further details regarding the Gala will be forthcoming.
For more information about Oracle Schools Foundation, go to www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com.
All Aboard for Oracle Schools Foundation! Wood family in Tacoma, Wash.
Family Cruises Around Vashon Island, Washington
Dorothy Wood
My husband Gary and I were the winning bidders of a half-day cruise around Vashon Island, donated by Dennis and Janet Williams of SaddleBrooke to raise money at the Oracle Schools Foundation Gala last March. On Aug. 23 we were able to share this experience with eight family members from the Tacoma, Wash., area who joined us aboard the beautiful Stella Maris, a luxurious, 58-foot private cruising yacht. The afternoon cruise on Puget Sound was splendidly hosted and expertly captained by Dennis and Janet. It turned out to be a lovely, sunny day with calm, blue waters reflecting the magnificent backdrop of snowcapped Mount Rainier. Dennis skippered the helm while co-captain Janet served a delicious array of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and brownies. This was a great experience for our extended family, especially for those who had never cruised on a boat before. Thank you, Dennis, Janet, and Oracle Schools Foundation for bringing us all together!
If you believe that education lights a spark at the preschool level, please support the Foundation by signing up for upcoming events online at oracleschoolsfoundation.com. Click on “Purchase Remaining Fixed Price” to view events. Hurry to book exciting home concerts and a lively casino night, which are still available for ticket purchases.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the next Oracle Schools Foundation Gala to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MountainView clubhouse.
Randall Dighton
You Are Invited to a Special House Concert Featuring Randall Dighton
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
November is the perfect time of the year to sit on a patio, have wonderful hors d’oeuvres, sip on an adult beverage, and listen to Randall Dighton perform music from popular movies and Broadway musicals. With over 60 years of performing, Randall brings his amazing voice and guitar skills to entertain and charm his audiences.
Randall has more than 400 songs in his repertoire, including 50 from popular movies and Broadway musicals. If you enjoy the likes of “If Ever I Would Leave You” (Camelot), “Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music), “Memory” (Cats), or “The Music of the Night” (The Phantom of the Opera), you will enjoy this evening of reminiscing. In fact, you will be transported back to the time in your life when you first heard the iconic songs that Randall will be performing. We hope that you can join us!
This wonderful house concert will be held on Nov. 6, with beverages and hors d’oeuvres served at 4:30 p.m., at the home of Marjorie and Tom Herrmann (hosts), 61879 E. Sandlewood Road. This house concert is being co-sponsored by Barry and Mary Jo Swartzberg and Randall and Linda Dighton.
This concert benefits the Oracle Schools Foundation. The price of a ticket is $60 per person. Note: Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided by members of the Catalina Chorale, of which Randall is the director.
To purchase tickets, go to www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com.