Around The Glen

Party celebrates Thrift's move into its brand new Box

To show off its new interior, and to thank donors for their contributions, the Thrift Box hosted a grand reopening party last Saturday--even though the second-hand store at 1362 Lincoln Ave. never really closed.

At the party, the store presented a poster check to the Packard Children's Hospital and unveiled a surprise mission statement painted on the second floor balcony, saying "Together we are helping the children."

"I want people to equate the Thrift Box, the San Jose Auxiliary and the hospital," says Kim Haney, president of the volunteer operation that owns and operates the store. The Thrift Box donates its proceeds to Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University.

The second-hand store recently underwent a $500,000 remodel, adding a second level, an elevator and direct access to the back room. The construction also increased the main-level selling floor by 30 percent.

--Jessica Lyons

Local author catches the millennium bug

The countdown continues. Only 10 months until the new millennium--and the national upheaval that is sure to ensue. Willow Glen, however, has a secret weapon to help the community avoid the chaos of the Y2K bug--local author Don Sabatini.

Sabatini's new book, 3 Steps to Y2K Readiness For The Home and Family (Kindred Publishing, $19.95) isn't a doomsday sermon, nor does it exaggerate the severity of the bug. Broken into three sections, "Acquaint Yourself," "Educate Yourself" and "Prepare Yourself," 3 Steps is written in non-technical language to increase people's understanding of the millenium bug and to help them create a preparedness plan for self and family. The paperback also contains resources, contacts and checklists to help with preparedness plans.

For more information about 3 Steps, or to purchase the book, check out www.kindredpublishing.com.

--By Jessica Lyons

Musical Volunteer passes away at 90

Ray Ferrie, 90, was a man who loved music, golf and participating in rubber ducky races at Vasona Park to raise money for summer camps for kids. In the early morning hours of St. Patrick's Day, March 17, Ferrie died while an up-tempo tune by his favorite clarinet player and band leader Benny Goodman played quietly in the background.

Ferrie was a resident of Willow Glen for 48 years. He is survived by his son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Josephine.

At press time, the cause of death was not available.

Ferrie played with the Peninsula Banjo Band and the Peninsula Jazz Band. In his younger years, he traveled on luxury cruise ships, playing the guitar and ukulele. His true love was the organ, but banjos were easier to transport to the several senior centers where Ferrie frequently played.

Ferrie's memorial service was held on March 22, followed by a New-Orleans style procession of bass, reeds, drums and banjos to the St. Joseph's Mausoleum at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

--Jessica Lyons

Senior Wheels Program offers free wheelchairs

Nations' name changes

Sports Briefs

Willow Glen track, softball, tennis