After playing in a jam band at her 40th high school reunion, Cindy Stone was asked to join the local rock band Le Strange. She wasn't sure she was up to the challenge, but husband Walt and their boys persuaded her to try. See the group play Sept. 25. at Music in Skypark.
Scotts Valley Patch: What is your occupation?
Cindy Stone: When I am asked for my business card, I hand over two different cards explaining the yin and yang of Cindy Stone. One card identifies me as the music coordinator and pianist at San Agustin Catholic Church. The other card identifies me as the keyboard player for Le Strange.
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Patch: Where were you born?
Stone: I was born in San Jose, California.
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Patch: Where were you educated?
Stone: All of the schools were in San Jose: Willow Glen Elementary, Edwin Markham Jr. High, Willow Glen High School and San Jose State University.
Patch: How long have you lived in Scotts Valley?
Stone: Walt and I moved to Scotts Valley in February, 1981.
Patch: What brought you to the area?
Stone: San Jose was becoming too congested and crowded for us. Scotts Valley was small and friendly and reminded both of us of our environments growing up. Also, the commute to our jobs in Santa Clara Valley was convenient.
Patch: What is something you are known for?
Stone: Most people would say that I am welcoming and hospitable. I like to connect people. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Tipping Point, I would be a “Connector.”
Patch: What is your latest project?
Stone: Two and one-half years ago, I joined a Rock ‘n Roll band called Le Strange. Learning rock band keyboard techniques and performance has been a project! We were voted Fave Band in the Press Banner’s 2011 Faves and Raves, and we’re looking forward to rockin’ Scotts Valley at Music in the Park on Sept. 25.
Patch: Book you last read?
Stone: I was fascinated by Temple Grandin’s Animals in Translation, Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. We have an American Bulldog, and the book has helped me understand her behavior!
Patch: Newspaper or magazine you read regularly?
Stone: I read the Scotts Valley Banner each Friday and scan the daily Sentinel.
Patch: Movie you could watch again and again?
Stone: Any old Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly or Shirley Temple movie.
Patch: Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Stone: I love to read, especially non-fiction.
Patch: What is one of your most gratifying accomplishments?
Stone: Walt and I have been married 36 years, and we are very proud of our two sons, Oliver and Elliot. Striving to live God’s plan is a very gratifying accomplishment!
Patch: What is your greatest indulgence?
Stone: I have a newly acquired appreciation for dark chocolate; Mackenzie’s makes the best dark chocolate peppermint.
Patch: One of your most memorable vacations?
Stone: We love going to Cabo San Lucas. It feels like home away from home.
Patch: What is a goal you are chasing after?
Stone: I would like to unlock the key of music theory.
Patch: What do you like most about life in Scotts Valley?
Stone: I love the people and the sense of community in Scotts Valley.