Mary Maumoynier Barcellos was one of those women who made an immediate, big impression on you when you met her. Petite in size, Mary was huge in pizzazz and had a style all her own, polished and sharp, bling and tasteful, always perfect. It was her dazzling eyes that always got me. Bright eyed and bursting with enthusiasm, Mary reminded me of Auntie Mame, Rosalind Russell's famous portrayal of a woman who lived her life with gusto and to the fullest. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, cruiser (ship kind), master bunko player; no dust gathered under her high-heeled wearing feet. Mary and Anthony made a perfect pair, hard to think of them apart. Her service, held on Tuesday, October 13, was lovely. Tom Faria's Ava Maria was painfully beautiful. It was fitting send off for a classy lady I happened to like a great deal. </p><p><b>Dog Day in the Park returns</b></p><p>One of my favorite annual events is the unique Dog Day in The Park coming this Sunday at our wonderful heart of the city, Pacheco Park. Put on by the heroic members of Los Ba&#241;os Volunteers for Animals. This fun day helps raise funds for the groups many activities that includes pet rescue, care of ill animals, inoculations, foster care and other needs of our growing population of animals with out homes. But the day does much more than raise funds, it is just great fun and gives us a chance to show off our precious dogs (on leashes and well-controlled of course) and let them have a lot of fun with the variety of games and judgings. Fear not that you will be hungry, as they will have a barbecue going and yummy food for sale. To add to the fun, which will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be a silent auction. The group is always in need of new volunteers, so consider joining this vital organization. For more information contact Melinda at 675-0800.</p><p><b>Charleston Harvest Carnival calls</b></p><p>I am a very nostalgic person, getting more so by the minute, so the Fall Carnival put on each year by Charleston Elementary School is a pure delight to me. This fun day for the whole family includes all the traditional treats of a cake walk, games, silent auction, raffle, food and BINGO. And the good thing is that it is Saturday, Yeah!</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy 33rd wedding anniversary to Mary and Amador Zabalbeascoa.</p><p>I am honored to share these sentiments along; Happy anniversary to Mom and Dad (Mark and Janelle Vierra) with love from Jocelyn and Avery. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad (Frankie and Laurie Vierra) with love from Ryann and Erin. </p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>A belated but incredibly special happy 89th birthday to Sally Paternain. I have known Sally since I first moved here and have always enjoyed her so much. Sally has always shown me special kindness, from the gift of a perfect peach, to a book left on my porch she thought I might enjoy or an especially sweet note 'just because.' Sally always seems so glad to still be alive and delights in the simplest of things, which is a true gift itself.</p><p>Oct. 17 is the birthday of a hard working, dedicated member of our community, Shirley Napolitano. I know this may not be a very happy birthday for Shirley, it has been a very hard year, but Los Ba&#241;os, her friends, and family are all grateful to have her. Shirley, I wish you peace and beauty.</p><p>Happy October birthday to Veronica Castillo, Eugene Bretz, Sanford Plank, Elias Reyes. Beverly Murray, Robert Sliger, and Frank Cardoza.</p><p><b>Take Back the Night next week</b></p><p>Come join us as we walk in solidarity against domestic violence on Oct. 22. We will walk from Pacheco Park across the arch and towards City Hall where we will listen to inspirational speakers. This night is a powerful experience that honors those lost to domestic violence and gives hope to those who are trying to break free from its terrible pattern. No one should live in fear of harm. With each step let us pray to put an end to this violence. Let there be Help, let there be Hope, let there be Healing.</p><p><b>Strike up the band</b></p><p>Here is a good opportunity to support our wonderful Los Ba&#241;os High School band and get a great meal for your family for just $25, what a deal! The meal includes a whole tri-tip, salad, beans and four rolls. The drive through will happen on Oct. 25 at the Los Ba&#241;os D.E.S. Hall located at 1155 I Street. Pick up is from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. For tickets call LBHS Band Foundation President Rebecca Rioux at 829-2965 or at orzfamily2122000@aol.com</p><p><b>Helping Joey</b></p><p>So happy to hear that Memorial Hospital of Los Ba&#241;os is trying to raise some funds to help out Joe Terranova, who is recovering from his injuries from his bad car accident. Joe has been a contractor there for quiet a few years and the staff thinks of him as one of them. They held a white elephant sale today, are having a bake sale on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m., and will hold a gift basket live auction on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. All events are taking place at the hospital. For more information call Kathy Carvalho ext. 237 or Shawn Garcia ext 242 at the main number 826-0591.</p><p><b>Without a voice </b> For about the last two weeks I have had to deal with something that to me is almost unbearable, being without a voice. Go ahead laugh, many people have. I know I am not known for being often at a loss for words, can't help it, my head percolates a lot of words. Oh the frustration to open your mouth and squeak, squeak. The doctor tells me it is viral and it will get better in time, so I am on the hot tea and smile routine. It is a lesson, indeed everything is a lesson if we use it. First of all you are by necessity forced to listen more, something we all need to do. With words hard to come by, you use them more carefully, something we should probably all do as well. Sometimes we talk so easily the words just pour out before we even think about it, and we think whoops, did I just say that out loud? You think more. With your mouth shut, your mind can open up more, a little mind expansion is always a good thing. Then there is the other way of thinking of no voice. What about those who can speak that are never heard? Imagine the frustration of having a problem, a concern, a solution, maybe the answer to world peace, but you can't get anyone to listen to you; of feeling you have no voice. It makes me realize how fundamental and important it is for us all to be heard. We need to have our own voice. Hopefully mine will find me again soon. Enjoy yours, and until next time, may all your news be good news.