European-inspired Vineyard Estate in Heart of Los Gatos
This gorgeous more- than 4,160 square foot home is on over 1.43 acres. There are five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. About 450 world- class Merlot grapevines grace the hillside and perched on top of the slope is a romantic outbuilding, an art studio, an incredible vista from which the grounds can be surveyed, and the breathtaking north and east views of the mountains can be savored like a fine wine. The fabulous grounds also include a huge swimming pool and 12- person spa, a fire pit, a multitude of fruit trees, raised garden beds, a large chicken coop, a batting cage. The neighborhood is quietly secluded yet conveniently close to freeways, about five miles from the charming downtown Los Gatos boutique, cafes, restaurants, and less than 20 minutes to the San Jose Airport. Price: $ 4,199,000. Where: 100 Alerche Drive, Los Gatos. Website: www. 100Alerchedrive. com. Shown By Appointment Only. Listing Agents: Sereno Group, Lucy Wedemeyer, DRE# 00640875, 408- 891- 6861, lucy@ serenogroup. com; and Keith Andry, DRE# 01470138, 408- 891- 4151, keith@ serenogroup. com, www. lucyandkeith. com.
It did not take long for Bob Chapman’s alter ego to surface inside his 1936 wood-framed bungalow in San Jose’s Luna Park neighborhood.
The transformation took place the moment Alyssa Bastovan appeared for her weekly visit as part of Friends of Meals on Wheels.
Chapman, aka Bobby Dean, grabbed one of his microphones and slowly got out of his favorite recliner to start a karaoke machine. Wearing blue-and-white flannel pajamas, he began singing Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”
Chapman, 87 and blind, might no longer have the looks of a suave Las Vegas entertainer. But his personality has outgrown physical limitations as a first-rate crooner of pop classics.
“He has just blossomed since “Friends” like Alyssa have come into his life,” said Michele Lew, chief executive officer of the
Health Trust.
Friends from Meals on Wheels is an extension of the popular Meals on Wheels program that began in the 1950s to deliver food to homebound seniors. Visits from staff and volunteers have breathed life into the homes of some of Santa Clara County’s most vulnerable residents who often suffer loneliness and depression from a lack of social contact.
The situation has been exacerbated this year by the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic that has led to shelter-in-place orders.
As a result, seniors have become more isolated than ever to avoid contracting the deadly disease. But isolation has its own set of serious issues. Medical experts say it can lead to heart disease, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.
“When you’re just sitting around with nothing to do, you get to the point that nobody cares,” Chapman said. “Why should I even be living?”