City, museum announce historical essay contest
The Los Altos History Museum and city of Los Altos have announced the 41st annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, inviting young historians from third through sixth grades.
This year, the contest encourages students to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Hidden Villa. Students are asked to begin their journey through the eyes of Hidden Villa founders Frank and Josephine Duveneck.
Students are invited to come to the museum any time noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, before March 1, to view the museum’s current Hidden Villa exhibit. For more information on this exhibit, visit losaltoshistory.org/exhibit/rooted-in-time.
Organizers said the annual essay contest aims to deepen young minds’ connection to California’s history and heritage while celebrating the diverse stories that have shaped the state.
For contest details and submission guidelines, visit the city’s website at losaltosca.gov/historicalcommission/page/annual-margaret-thompson-historical-essay-contest or the Los Altos History Museum’s website at losaltos
history.org/education/historical-essay-contest.
All essays are due by March 8. Prizes will include $50 for first place, $30 for second and $20 for third place. Prizes will be awarded to three winners per grade level.
Make Valentine’s cards for deployed Marines
Send some “Valentine’s Day love” to deployed military service members by decorating and writing Valentine’s Day cards. A cardmaking event is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 15 in the Sequoia Room of the Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave.
All community members are invited to attend and make cards, with a goal of writing at least 200 cards to send good cheer and greetings to Marines at the Miramar Air Station in San Diego.
The event is hosted by the Los Altos Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the City of Los Altos Parks and Recreation Department’s Adult 50+ Program. DAR will provide the crafting supplies and instruction; attendees will provide the creativity to make the Valentines.
To register, call (650) 947-2797 or visit secure.rec1.com/CA/LosAltosRecreation/catalog.
Give blood, save lives
St. Nicholas and St. William parish will host a blood drive on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas Hall, 473 Lincoln Ave., Los Altos. Appointments can be made at vitalant.org using the blood drive code: SNSW.
