Willow Glen Resident
News
News Briefs
Kevin Christman's efforts recognized
The Greater Gardner Coalition held its elections on Aug. 28, with vice-chairman Harvey Darnell chosen to succeed Kevin Christman as chairman.
Christman has served at the group's helm since 2002 and oversaw vast neighborhood improvements, including street repairs, anti-gang initiatives, the construction and opening of the Gardner Community Center, and park upgrades.
After moving to Gardner in 1999, Christman immediately became involved.
"Most people don't do that," coalition member Rudy Martinez said. "He stepped forward and dedicated himself to the community." Coalition member Ken Eklund praised Christman as a "great leader" who took the group to a "whole new level" in securing money and resources.
Reflecting on his tenure, Christman said he was particularly proud of the coalition's increased collective action and ability to weather the dot-com storm.
After passing the gavel to Darnell, Christman said the new chairman was inheriting "a fine paying job," drawing laughs from other members. Christman, however, remained serious.
Darnell would be paid, he said, not with money, but through seeing the neighborhood improve.
Willow Glen Yogurt
has team fundraiser
Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt will be dipping into its proceeds to help raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The yogurt shop at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street will donate 20 percent of all sales on Sept. 9 between 2 and 6 p.m. to help Team In Training participants Thom and Sarah De Griselles. The couple is training for the Oct. 15 Long Beach International City Bank Marathon through Team In Training, a nonprofit group that raises money for the society.
The event will include a raffle drawing and face painting.
The De Griselles have been raising money and training since May. They have raised approximately $2,500, with a target goal of $6,000. "We're not runners or anything," Thom De Griselles said, "but we have met people who really keep us going."
Their son has also inspired them. The 6-month-old was born with a high white blood cell count and stayed briefly in the hospital's pediatric unit, rooming with two teenage girls suffering from cancer. The images made a deep and lasting impression.
"My son ended up healthy," Sarah De Griselles said, "but not all parents are blessed like that."
To donate, call 408.294.3472.
Break bread under the Circle of Palms
SouthBay Interfaith invites people of all faiths to gather under the Circle of Palms, 170 South Market St., in downtown San Jose on Sept. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Organizers invite individuals from all religious communities, including Catholic, interfaith, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim and Protestant groups to join the gathering. Last year's success encouraged organizers to repeat the "Break Bread Together" event.
People will gather to break bread and celebrate the unique diversity of the valley. It will also be an opportunity to become acquainted with individuals of different faiths.
The event is sponsored by SouthBay Interfaith, a coalition of religious and interfaith groups, including Interfaith Space.
For more information, visit www.SouthBayInterfaith.org for a flier and list of all supporting and participating organizations.
