Concert hosts Gary and Dorothy Wood, Dennis and Janet Williams, and Kevin and Julie Simon Johnson
Marvelous Night for a Moondance
Dorothy Wood
On a perfect autumn night, with clouds crowning the Catalinas, more than 50 attendees gathered to enjoy a cocktail party and concert by SaddleBrooke resident and guitarist Brian Gregor. Brian has been writing songs and performing for 35 years. His acoustic guitar repertoire ranges from coffee shop vibe to soft rock and folk. It was an amazing evening enjoying wine, beer, and a sumptuous array of hot and cold appetizers while listening to Brian’s masterful guitar techniques.
Janet and Dennis Williams hosted the event on their lovely patio, and funding was shared by donors Kevin and Julie Simon Johnson and Gary and Dorothy Wood. All ticket proceeds went to Oracle Schools Foundation, which provides support for Oracle preschools. If you believe that education lights a spark at the preschool level, please consider a donation by visiting oracleschoolsfoundation.com.
Mark your calendar for the next Oracle Schools Foundation Gala to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the MountainView clubhouse.
Greek Night: Wine, Dance & Ouzo—Opa!
On Oct. 22 the spirit of Greece came alive on the patio of Gene and Lorna Fox’s beautiful home, where Greek Night: Wine, Dance & Ouzo—Opa! was held to benefit the Oracle Schools Foundation.
The festive evening was hosted by Gus and Karen Pachis and Steve and Nan Kartsonis who shared their passion for Greek culture, cuisine, and community in support of local education.
Guests were treated to a feast of authentic, homemade Greek dishes, lovingly prepared using treasured Pachis and Kartsonis family recipes. The menu included spanakopita, tiropita, keftedes, chicken souvlaki, charcuterie, and baklava for dessert—a sweet finish that had everyone exclaiming, “Opa!”
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with lively Greek music, a cheerful shot of ouzo, and a commemorative Greek flag, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The highlight of the night came when 12 talented children from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s youth dance program took the stage, delighting the crowd of 34 donors with traditional Greek dances and infectious energy. At the end of the evening, each guest received a thank you package filled with paximadia, a classic Greek almond, biscotti-style pastry, a perfect reminder of the warmth and generosity of Greek hospitality.
Creative themed dinners and events like this are a hallmark of the Oracle Schools Foundation’s Spring Fling Gala, where supporters can bid on unique experiences that bring people together for a great cause. The next Gala will be Saturday, March 14, 2026. Save the date!
Opa! to everyone who made this memorable evening possible—supporting education, culture, and community one Greek dance step at a time.