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Local Notebook
Volunteers to run for arthritis cure
The Arthritis Foundation is recruiting walkers and runners for Joints in Motion, the Arthritis Foundation's marathon training program that raises funds to fight arthritis, the nation's number one cause of disability. People of all fitness levels are being recruited to join the team and train for the Humpy's Classic Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 18.
Once fundraising goals are met, members of the Joints in Motion Training Team receive free round-trip airfare and five nights' accommodation in Alaska; a comprehensive 20-week personal training program developed and monitored by expert coaches; race entry; educational clinics that cover proper shoe selection, injury prevention and nutrition; a pre-race team party; and official team gear.
In addition, team members will make a difference in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis by raising funds and participating in the marathon in honor of someone with arthritis. Participants will be responsible for raising $3,800 to support chapter programs and research.
Training for the Aug. 18 Humpy's Classic Marathon will begin March 30 and includes weekly group training sessions.
In 2001, more than 4,000 runners and walkers completed marathons as part of the foundation's Joints in Motion Training Team, raising more than $10 million to help prevent, control and cure arthritis and related disease.
Public informational meetings for those interested in learning more about the program are scheduled throughout the months of February, March and April. Meetings will be held in the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco, Peninsula and South Bay regions. For more information, contact joints in Motion staff at 415.356.1147 or visit www.jointsinmotion.org.
The foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases. For information, contact the foundation at 800.464.6240 or visit www.arthritis.org.
VTA sets meetings on light rail platform
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is scheduling informational public meetings about the Light Rail Station Platform Retrofit Project, with emphasis on the Downtown Transit Mall, Jan. 30, 8-10 a.m., and 4-6 p.m., at the Rush Cyber Cafe, 80 S. First St., between Santa Clara and San Fernando streets. The location is served by VTA Light Rail via the Santa Clara Station, and the VTA bus lines 22, 23, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 72, 73, 81, 82, 85, 180, 300, 304 and Highway 17 Express.
The project includes modifying the existing light rail station platforms along the Santa Teresa-Baypointe line. Fourteen-inch-high platforms are needed to accommodate new, low-floor light rail vehicles. The low-floor vehicles will eliminate the need for wheelchair lifts and provide a level boarding area, making it easier for all riders to board and exit.
For specific route and schedule information, call VTA customer service at 408.321.2300 or TDD only 321.2330.
Olympic torch relay
The city of San Jose is inviting the public to celebrate as the Olympic torch passes through the community Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts at Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard. The torch is expected to arrive at the celebration site at 11:20 a.m.
The program will feature an entertainment representative of San Jose's diverse community and include interactive displays by Coca-Cola and Chevrolet, presenting partners of the 2002 Olympic torch relay.
The Olympic torch will enter San Jose on Interstate 280 south off the McKee Road exit. Running will begin in front of Pala Middle School. From there, the torch will pass through East San Jose, winding its way toward downtown, past San Jose State University. The torch will then stop at the celebration site. For a more detailed route and a list of torch runners, contact Alice Chou Hause, director of public communications for the San Jose Sports Authority, at 408.288.2934, or email her at alice@sjsa.org.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
