News Briefs

Chamber honors Judy Coulter

Judy Coulter, the co-owner of Mail Boxes, Etc. on Big Basin Way, has been named the businessperson of the year by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.

Coulter and her husband Don have owned the Mail Boxes packing and shipping operation since 1990. In addition to tending shop, Judy Coulter works as a teacher's aide at Argonaut School. She also works with battered women, runaway teens and kidney patients at El Camino Hospital and the local Career Closet Work Force program.

The Coulters have been active in a domestic violence victim-assistance program, as well. The program, locally organized by business owner Carl Orr, involves collecting old cell phones and reprogramming them with key emergency numbers for victims.

The Chamber plans to honor Judy Coulter at its annual dinner on Feb. 9 at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Call the Chamber at 408.867.0753.

City employees get increase

The city of Saratoga recently adjusted its payroll plan to allow employees to contribute more each year to retirement accounts, in accordance with a new law that allows the general public to do the same, effective Jan.1, 2002.

Under the federal Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, employees will be allowed to contribute up to $11,000 a year by 2006. Maximum contribution levels will increase by $1,000 every year.

Career days set for West Valley

West Valley College will hold a series of programs on career opportunities in fields such as fashion design, business, media and health care technologies.

The free sessions are to be held Jan. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Parking will be free in lots 3 and 4 during the sessions. Call 408.741.2098 for more information.

The Cupertino-based Career Action Center will also be holding career workshops beginning in early January. The nonprofit center at 10420 Bubb Road will first host a free introductory session on Jan. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Weekly workshops begin the following Monday. Call 408.343.2711.

Photos: Eucalyptus tree and planting daffodils

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