Magazine

European Cobblery, which has a shop in Los Altos, is run by several family members. Front, from left: Owners Paul Roth and wife Desiree Roth, along with son Brandon Roth. Middle: Daughters Jenny Pike and Stephanee Oberhauser. Back: Son-in-law Stephen Oberhauser, son-in-law Richard Corny and daughter Jessica Roth. Photo by Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier

In this ever-changing part of the world, it might come as a surprise that Los Altos is home to a number of businesses and professions passed on from one generation to the next and up to five generations (and counting).

Kanesha Baynard/Special to the Town Crier
Los Altos resident and author Kanesha Baynard often writes short notes to her children that are meant to inspire and empower them.

Being the parent of a college student has been a wonderful and enlightening transition. From the time our daughter was 11 years old, we knew she would focus her post-secondary options on something that involved creativity and the arts.

Last year, my husband and I commemorated our wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Europe. It was the perfect way to celebrate our marriage because we both love to travel. However, beyond that, we really don’t have much in common, and I truly marveled over how we’ve held together through 30 years of effervescent ups and tumultuous downs.

Christine Moore/Special to the Town Crier
Lamb shanks are a hit with Christine Moore’s family. She calls them “a special treat” for her kids.

By Christine Moore

Megan V. Winslow / Los Altos Town Crier

The Music Together toddler classes in Los Altos load kids up with bells to jingle and tunes to try, while encouraging parents to play along. Teacher Drew Wanderman, center in blue, teaches families to bring singing into everyday life.

 Life is like a year-round summer season for very young children and their parents, who stitch together multiweek programs and one-off library events like so many college electives.

Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier
For Carole Katz, from left, Joan Karlin and Karen Radwin, the carefully programmed summer camps that keep their grandchildren occupied and enriched lack the luxurious free time enjoyed by generations past.

The concept of summer vacation - like most everything - has changed dramatically over the years. While nowadays children’s summers can be nearly as busy as the school year, and involve many of the same activities, they often used to be full of long days with lots of free time.

Unless the children were working, that is.