Local Notebook
Exchange students to study in Italy
The Florence Sister County Commission is looking for San Jose State University (SJSU) students who would like to participate in a July cultural exchange program with the University of Florence in Florence, Italy. Most expenses, including housing and food, will be free for eligible qualifying students. Airfare and transportation are not included.
The application deadline is Wednesday, May 8. Three students will be selected to study in Florence.
The commission is also looking for individuals who would be interested in hosting three Italian students from the University of Florence in July. Housing and on-campus meals will be provided by SJSU.
For more information, call 408.924.5931 or visit study.abroad@sjsu.edu.
Free rent for seniors
San Jose's Atrium retirement community is offering a contest for residents to write tips on successful aging. All 59 Brookdale living communities in the United States, including the Atrium, are participating in the "Advice Worth Giving" contest.
Entries, which must be 75 words or less, can be written by family members or friends, but the information must come from entrants themselves. The prize is one year of free rent. Runners-up will win a catered dinner for six in the Atrium's private dining room. The best advice will also be compiled into a booklet on successful aging and given away at Brookdale retirement communities.
"Advice Worth Giving" contest forms are available at www.brookdaleliving.com or can be picked up at the Atrium of San Jose, 1009 Blossom River Way, San Jose. The entry deadline is July 31.
Renovated Houses
On April 20 and April 27, the Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley volunteer organization worked on renovating 38 housing units throughout Santa Clara County, including low-income houses and apartments. April 27 was declared National Day of Rebuilding by Rebuilding Together USA.
All repairs were done free of charge and involved homes in San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Gilroy and Los Gatos.
"We are committed to helping low-income homeowners maintain their housing, ensuring not just housing but a warm and safe home," says Beverley Jackson, executive director of Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley.
For more information, call 408.578.9519 or visit www.rebuildingtogether-sv.org.
Modified Airport Buses
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is replacing its Airport Flyer buses with newer models. The nine buses, which provide free daily service to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, will be slightly longer in length and will have a new look. They will be painted white, feature the VTA logo and carry blue display boards on the sides and rear of the vehicles with the familiar Airport Flyer logo. The new buses will also offer more capacity, with seats for 35 people, as well as luggage racks.
Passengers can board the Airport Flyer buses at the VTA Metro/Airport Light Rail Station or the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. The buses run daily, between 5:30 a.m. and midnight. For more information, call VTA Customer Service at 408.321.2300 or 408.321.2330 (TDD only).
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
