Around The Glen

Willow Glen Cares benefit is a success

Organizers for Willow Glen Cares, a benefit dinner for the Leukemia Society held on May 7, declared the event a success. Kathy Nobis, who worked with Jeff Michel of the White Dove Cafe in putting the night together, said that 170 people participated. The dinner raised $7,500 for leukemia research and education.

"It was exciting to see other businesses say they want to participate next year," said Nobis.

Tim Casey, of Tim Casey Construction, paid for the music entertainment for the night and said that he would like to do it again next year. The Leukemia Society will be a repeat beneficiary.

Organizing such a dinner was a first for both Nobis and Michel. Nobis already knows what will change when the event rolls around next time.

"It will be bigger," promises Nobis. "This was great for a first-time event. It can only get better."

--Michele Leung

City announces phase 2 of streetlight project

The city of San Jose is about to kick off phase two of its street-lighting project. Street Lights Citywide 2000 Phase B includes the improvement, replacement and installation of streetlights in 36 areas, including six streetlights in Willow Glen. Citywide 2000 is an effort by the city to eliminate a backlogged list of residents' requests for better lighting in their neighborhoods.

The backlogged items go as far back as Oct. 13, 1999. The total for the lighting improvements costs is $406,810. The San Jose Public Works Department plans to start the projects in May and finish in December.

Streets designated for improvements include Camino Ricardo between Glen Eyrie Avenue and Willow Street; Iris Court between Minnesota and Nevada avenues; Newport Avenue south of Minnesota Avenue; Husted Avenue between Richland and Lincoln avenues; Prevost Street between Whitehurst Court and Dorothy Avenue; and Glen Eyrie Avenue east of Carolyn Avenue.

Four of the Willow Glen lighting improvements are already getting under way. Construction for improvements on Willow Glen Way, Cross Way, Telfer Avenue and Broadway Avenue are expected to begin in May.

--Chantal Lamers

Historic homes open for viewing

In a move similar to Willow Glen's Lifestyles Home Tour, five homeowners near the San Jose Country Club are opening their homes for the East Foothills of San Jose 2000 Home Tour. Proceeds for the June 3 benefit will be donated to the Foothill Christian Preschool. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Glenites can tour expansive grounds, impressive architecture, and check out views of the valley--all trademarks of the east foothills.

The five homes include a 1926 Spanish bungalow that features an African mask collection and African American art collection. A 1928 English Tudor, a registered historical county site, will also be featured on the tour, as will a 1929 Spanish home overlooking the San Jose Country Club. The 2,800-square-foot home has a Mediterranean theme throughout. A contemporary French home that overlooks the valley and 1926 Spanish-style home that was built from a kit purchased from the Montgomery Ward catalog are also on the home tour.

For information, call event organizer Maureen Riley-Behlen at 254.2969, or email her at mjbehlen@pacbell.net.

--Chantal Lamers

Write globally, but act locally

For proof of how the internet lends itself to new opportunities, look no further than the San Jose Children's Musical Theater mainstage production of Our Tree. This new musical about Summer Woods, a troubled teenager, was put together from ideas that came from young people around the world on the theater's website. SJCMT performers and other kids contributed and worked on-line with playwright Tegan McLane and his composers, who live in Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

Our Tree runs May 26-28 at the Montgomery Theater. Call 408.288.KIDS for times and ticket prices.

--Michele Leung

Music Achievers to perform in SJ

Spotlight on Us (Extreme Jam 2000) benefits the Spotlight Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the talents of young Filipino-American musicians and entertainers in the Bay Area. The concert will be held at the Civic Auditorium in downtown San Jose on May 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45. Call 650.991.9542 for more information.

--Michele Leung

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