The North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association has just made it easier for residents to get involved.

The association added a "Take Action" feature to its website in mid-July. That first action item on the list encourages neighbors to oppose Hometec Architecture's plans to build 10 homes on a 0.9-acre lot near the intersection of Delmas and Dorothy avenues.

The association opposes the plan because of its high density, which exceeds the city standard of eight units per acre.

The Take Action page lists contact information for the San Jose planners in charge of the project and sample letters from association president Ken Eklund and vice president Harvey Darnell outlining key points.

The site requests neighbors voice their concerns by Aug. 5, before the plan goes before the San Jose Planning Commission for rezoning approval on Aug 10.

The association's Take Action is located at action.northwillowglen.org.

Foundation looking
for helping hands

The Willow Glen Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the Willow Glen Middle and High schools, will elect a new vice president and secretary this September. The foundation is looking to fill committee positions in areas such as public relations and fundraising.

To encourage more parents to join, the organization is adding a "Call to Action" letter in packets that are sent out to all new parents of students at the two schools. It costs $50 to join the foundation. Those interested in joining the foundation or board can contact Carol Myers, chairwoman of the nominating committee, at tom@golfmyers.com.

Grand Prix roars
onto SJ streets

International champion car racing comes to downtown San Jose July 29 to 31. More than 100,000 people are expected to turn up at the inaugural Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix of San Jose, which has an 11-turn street track that is about1.6 miles in length.

The San Jose Grand Prix weekend is part of a week of activities that will include concerts and family events. The event kicks off officially on July 27 at Cinema San Pedro where the public can see the cars, meet a driver or try a simulator. Other fringe events include an historic stock car exhibition race on July 31, which will benefit the Canary Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the early detection and prevention of cancer, and Miss San José Grand Prix beauty contest final will take place at the entrance to Speedfest at McEnery Convention Center on July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.

For tickets or more information, visit www.sanjosegrandprix.com or call 408.998.8497.

Air district seeks council applications

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District board of directors needs interested citizens to fill positions on its advisory council.

This branch of the district advises and consults with the board of directors and the air pollution control officer on issues related to air quality.

Individuals selected for the portion will serve a two-year term. The members of the advisory council do not receive a salary but are reimbursed for expenses that relate to these duties on the council. The council meets six times a year

The 20-member advisory council is made up of a diverse group of individuals from various categories. These categories include public health agencies, private organizations active in environmental protection, general contractors, architects, organized labor, community planning and transportation.

Applications are requested for the public health agency category. The member appointed will complete an unexpired term that will end on Dec. 31, 2006. The board is also accepting applications in other categories currently filled to create a pool of interested candidates when terms expired.

For more information, a packet and application form contact James N. Corazza, deputy clerk of the boards, 939 Ellis St., San Francisco, Ca. 94109, or call 415.749.4962 or email jcorazza@baaqmd.gove. The deadline for applications is Aug. 22.

Curci's essay chosen
for Chicken Soup series

Lifelong Willow Glen resident Cookie Curci shares a personal tale in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul.

The book is the newest addition to the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series that began in 1993.

Curci's story, "The Treasured Gift," was accepted from among thousands of entries submitted for the new book. In it, Curci recounts the struggles of her immigrant grandmother in America.

Curci told the Willow Glen Resident that it was her family who helped her pursue a literary career. Curci called her late mother, Sarah, "my encyclopedia, my computer before computers were even invented. And Mom was always so full of encouragement."

The Chicken Soup series now has nearly 100 titles and has been translated into 35 languages.

David Keller selected to head Rotary Club

David Keller, stay-at-home father and Willow Glen Extra blogger, is wearing a new hat these days. Keller was selected president of the Campbell and San Jose West Rotary Club.

The local chapter includes Campbell and San Jose's Westgate, Burbank, Willow Glen, South Bascom and San Carlos business districts.

Keller is a Stanford University graduate who was a Rotarian in suburban Seattle before moving to the Bay Area. Father of a 6-year-old and an 18-month-old, Keller opted to quit his executive work to raise his family full-time.

The service organization also elected president-elect Derek Fujikawa, treasurer Phil Nielson, and secretary Marvin Bamburg, who also serves as treasurer for the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association.

The club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Eastfield-Ming Quong's Campbell Campus on Llewellyn Avenue. Members participate in community service activities and come from a variety of business backgrounds.

For membership information, call 408.287.8119 or visit the club online at www.rotarycsjw.org.

Pilates instructor
teaches in homes

Willow Glen resident Tammi Rose, a certified Pilates instructor who started the business Portable Pilates in her home, has moved her classes to the Willow Glen Baptist Church basement, 1292 Hicks Ave.

Pilates emphasizes strengthening the deep abdominal and spinal muscles.

Rose teaches a beginning class on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and intermediate classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The classes last an hour and focus on toning and lengthening of muscles. The classes are small and exercises are modified for specific needs.

Rose supplies everything the client needs for the class and will go to client homes in Willow Glen only for one-on-one instruction.

Rose charges $12 per class. For more information call 408.315.5564.