Willow Glen resident and Realtor Michael Lehman is offering free piano lessons to first- and second-year piano students in Willow Glen.

Lehman is a classically trained pianist with more than 20 years of experience. He will hold the music lessons out of his home, for a half-hour per session. "I'm doing this to make a difference in the community and teach the importance of music appreciation," he said.

He also hopes to create some enthusiasm with other local Realtors to give back to Willow Glen. He said, "I believe arts will help our society with its imbalances." For more information about Lehman's piano lessons, call 408.209.9619 or email him at lehmanlands@aol.com.

—Amy Wicks

Book on gondoliers is
at Willow Glen Books

When planning a trip to Venice, a gondola ride is usually at the top of the list. But the romantic ride will never be the same for those who first read Free Gondola Ride by San Jose resident Kathleen Ann Gonzalez.

The book, which is available at Willow Glen Books and Lincoln Avenue Books, is a first-person narrative about how Gonzalez befriended gondoliers during a summer in Venice and got to know their friends, families and local gossip. The book's title comes from being offered free gondola rides countless times, which Gonzalez said "carried a price tag not in the usual currency."

The book is the only English publication in print focusing on Venice's gondoliers. Gonzalez said the book appeals to travelers through Venice who want to find their gondoliers or those looking to experience their own new adventures.

When she's not traveling, Gonzalez is a full-time high school English teacher in San Jose. For more information about Free Gondola Ride, visit www.freegondolaride.com.

—Amy Wicks

Krafty Kids started
after hobby is a hit

When Willow Glen resident Kristen Young left the world of high-tech sales in July, she decided to help children design butterfly wings and decorate birdhouses, as her profession.

Young recently started her own business, Krafty Kids, which brings children's craft parties into homes and mails craft kits all over the United States.

"I've always loved turning nothing into something," she said, adding that she loves taking flea market finds and fixing them up.

A mother of two young boys, she said she tries out new craft projects with them. She has also donated parties for functions at St. Christopher's School and given parties for her friends' children.

Her business is based out of her Willow Glen home, but she's hoping to raise money for a craft studio because it would be "a wonderful resource for Willow Glen."

Young created her business' website and is using her background in budgeting and sales to turn her favorite activity into a successful venture.

She said it's important to be realistic and take "baby steps" in expanding a fledgling business. But Young said assisting children with crafts is less demanding and more enjoyable than her previous career.

She said she envisions Krafty Kids will be similar to the pottery-painting studio Petroglyph.

To learn more about Krafty Kids, visit its website at www.kraftykids.net.

—Beth Walker