Downtown Sunnyvale will be the site of the Thai Restaurant Association USA's Thai Cultural and Food Festival.

The event will bring together many aspects of Thai culture, people and cuisine. Between 40,000 and 50,000 people are expected to attend the one-day event. According to event organizer Jua Rattanaphun, president of the association, this year's event will showcase traditional Thai folk music, classical dance, Thai kickboxing, Thai arts and crafts, and a Miss Thai Food beauty contest.

Local Bay Area Thai restaurants will be on-hand to showcase Thai cuisine and provide cooking lessons and demonstrations.

Representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand will be available to provide information regarding travel to the country, and representatives of Thai International Airways will be available to discuss air transportation.

The festival will take place at Town & Country Village on Washington Avenue between Mathilda Boulevard and Taaffe Street Sept.13 from 10:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m.


Leadership classes for local students

High school students in Cupertino and Sunnyvale can delve into the world of leadership and careers through a "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" program.

Monthly sessions cover such fields as science and technology, health and medicine, and local government, as well as public safety.

Students also perform community services and do a group project designed to benefit the community and can earn five units of credit from the Fremont High School Union School District.

Tuition is $250 for the nine-month course.

For more information, call 408.777.3220 or email dorothys@cupertino.org.


Senior program offers wheelchairs for people who find it hard to walk

The Senior Mobility program makes power wheelchairs available to senior citizens and other disabled persons at no cost if they qualify.

The wheelchairs are provided to people who have difficulty walking and are at risk of falling and who meet the additional guidelines of the program.

Recipients must need the wheelchairs for in-home use. The program accepts Medicare but is not available for HMOs or nursing homes.

For more information, call 800.890.9265.