The Greater Gardner District in Willow Glen will host its annual Mexica New Year celebrations the second weekend in March.

The event will take place from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 11 and from noon to 3:30 p.m. on March 12.

The event will celebrate the year chicome tochtli, or seven rabbit.

Food, raffles, children's activities and arts and crafts will be part of the festivities.

Saturday's event will include a sunrise ceremony honoring elders; music, song and dance that will include representatives from the Ohlone, Washoe, Zunis and Mexicas; a Mexica-naming ceremony; and live music.

Sunday's event will include drumming, medicine warrior dances, Navajo hoop dancers and a keynote speaker at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Mitlalpilli at 408.576.7151 or 408.324.6215, or email at mitlalpilli@hotmail.com

Association looking
for board members

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association nominating committee seeks residents interested in becoming board members.

Board members attend the monthly association meeting and work to preserve and enhance the neighborhood by responding to residents' concerns, attending appropriate meetings and participating in neighborhood projects.

The nominating committee will present association members with a slate of recommended officers and directors for possible election.

Ballots will be mailed to all association members in good standing several weeks before the May general meeting. Results will be announced on the wgna.net website, through the media and in the next newsletter.

Names must be submitted by March 16. Nominations can be submitted by mail to P.O. Box 7706, San Jose, CA 95150, by phone at 408.294.9462 or by email at nominations@wgna.net.

Art teacher has show at Mission College

Willow Glen native Ray Tomasso will showcase his artwork at the Michael P. Vargas Art Gallery at Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara.

The exhibition, "Curious Object," is a combination of still life, self-portraits and landscapes, and will echo his theme of using toys to stand in for human emotions.

The exhibit will be on display from March 7 through the end of month.

Tomasso has been a part-time art instructor at Mission College for four years.

There will be a reception on March 9 from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 408.993.2216 or email raytomasso@earthlink.com.

Northern Italy comes
to Lincoln Avenue

The Willow Glen Elementary Parent Teacher Association plans its fifth annual "Night in Northern Italy" on March 26 at Vin Santo Ristorante, 1346 Lincoln Ave.

The casual open house will feature wine- tasting and appetizers. The event benefits arts education at Willow Glen Elementary.

Community members are invited to mingle with neighbors and enjoy the festive ambience, even if their children attend different schools.

The event will include live and silent auctions with items donated by area businesses. The evening will include door prizes and thank-you gifts for everyone.

The elementary school's PTA has supported academic and enrichment programs at the school since 1911. Last year's proceeds made it possible for the PTA to fund a part-time music teacher, said Alexandra Hoppe, PTA president.

Tickets cost $60 per person prior to March 19 and $70 thereafter. Tickets are limited. To reserve tickets, call 408.275. 9854 or email maryschorr@comcast.net.

Volunteers needed for
mentoring program

With the help of the community, Willow Glen High School students will receive extra educational support. The high school is implementing a one-on-one academic tutoring program that matches students with business and community mentors starting in March.

The program, Helping One Student to Succeed or HOSTS, targets students who need assistance in language arts. The program helps keep students who may be at risk of dropping out in school.

As part of the program, each student will meet for an hour, two times a week with one or more mentors. Mentors help students complete an individualized lesson that has been created by a teacher and addresses each student's specific learning needs. The lessons are aligned to state, district and school academic requirements. Mentors serve as role models. Their goal is to motivate, support and provide individual attention to students.

The tutoring program is funded through the 2006 school year through a grant from the Gene and Mickey Long Foundation.

The Willow Glen Foundation is still seeking funding for next year so it can continue at the high school level and introduce the program at the middle school.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ina Miller at 408.535.6330 ext. 607 or email at ina_miller@sjusd.org.