Get ready to dine like you're in Northern Italy and benefit art and science a little closer to home. Willow Glen Elementary School is holding its third annual fundraiser at Vin Santo Ristorante on March 21.

Wine tasting and appetizers will be part of the fare at the event, which offers food, a silent auction, door prizes and thank-you gifts for all who attend.

Vin Santo Ristorante owners Greg and Susan Russi have donated the use of their establishment and food for the benefit the past three years. Volunteers will serve the appetizers and wine to guests.

A limited number of tickets are being sold. Reservations can be obtained or silent auction donations made by contacting Mary Schorr at mschorr@ix.netcom.com or calling 408.275.9854. Tickets cost $50 a person and are for adults only. After March 14, tickets will be sold for $60.

The open house runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Vin Santo Ristorante at 1346 Lincoln Ave., and the silent auction bids close at 6:30 p.m.

—Beth Walker

Pet shop accessories
give dogs a new look

Move over, pet shops, there's a new player in town. Gussied Up Dog Boutique at 310 Lincoln Ave. will have its grand opening on March 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store will be offering free treats and goodies to shoppers and their faithful companions.

Owner Kimberly Lipsett established the store after she was unable to find a collar she liked for her 1¹/2-year-old miniature Doberman pinscher, Gus.

"I went looking for an alternative to the Internet for finding cute collars and couldn't find anything," Lipsett said, "so a friend suggested I open a store," and that's exactly what she did, with a soft opening on Feb. 16.

The store sells ribbon and fur collars, leads and pet beauty products. The collars and accessories have a more customized look than those sold in chain pet shops.

The store is currently only focused on canine products, but cat lovers can start purring, Lipsett said; feline products are planned for the future.

For more information, call 408.279.2229.

—Moryt Milo

Season opens with an auction at the market

The Willow Glen Farmers Market will be selling more than fruits and vegetables when it opens for the season on April 3.

Willow Glen Elementary School will also be there holding its third annual silent auction and sale as part of the opening-day festivities.

The fundraiser will benefit two of the school's future goals: hiring a full-time music director and implementing an accelerated math computer program so teachers can teach math to students who have different skill levels in one classroom.

Organizer and Willow Glen Elementary School PTA president Andrea Wheeler is asking local businesses and individuals to donate what they can to the silent auction. Possible donation items include vacation rentals, handmade items, new or gently used items, services and special skills. Wheeler said that, to date, Willow Glen businesses have been stepping up and donating various goods and services to make the auction a success.

"We want to increase our fundraising abilities to do more at the school," Wheeler said.

The silent auction will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Willow Glen Elementary School cafeteria, 1425 Lincoln Ave. The farmers market is located on the school's front playground.

For more information or to donate to the auction, contact Andrea Wheeler at 408.297.2515.

—Amy Wicks