Willow Glen Resident

Letters & Opinions

Old-fashioned fun returned to Willow Glen last weekend

By Moryt Milo

The end of September went out with a bang in Willow Glen. Founders Day and the Italian Family Festa drew the community to Lincoln Avenue, where residents reveled in good-old fashioned fun.

This time the various Willow Glen neighborhood associations got it right. After the collapse of last year's Founders Day due to a lack of sponsors and funding, the Willow Glen Business Association partnered with the Italian American Heritage Foundation and a host of local sponsors, including various media organizations. This year the groups were also able to benefit from a San Jose cultural grant.

The end result was a successful and exciting two-day event that brought back the popular Founders Day parade plus a whole lot more. There was a wealth of music that ranged from the ubiquitous Joe Sharino Band to the sounds of the Silicon Valley Accordion Society. There was bocce ball and there was a Kid's Korner. There was the signature grape-stomping at the Italian Family Festa and an arts and crafts display.

There was also a strong emphasis on the community's history. After all, it is called Founders Day.

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association was able to unveil its book, Touring Historic Willow Glen--10 Walking Tours. The book was created with the aid of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose. The newest edition has been years in the making.

The purpose according to Joan Bohnett, who helped put the book together, was simple: "To gain an appreciation of Willow Glen's history."

Founders Day weekend was the perfect coming out party for residents to appreciate their neighborhood's history. It was an opportune time to whet the curiosity of young families and veterans alike. The self-guided walking tour is a chance get reacquainted with a community that for a brief period of time (between 1927 and 1936) was its own city.

Willow Glen resident Jim Zetterquist, who also helped compile the book, said if people read the book they will become empowered to make the right choices about the future of their community. That is something residents of Willow Glen are adamant about. Events like Founders Day reiterate that importance and fuel neighborhood passion.

Last weekend was also a terrific example of what can be accomplished when neighborhood associations, city organizations and cultural foundations work together. The Italian American Heritage Foundation needed a new location. The Willow Glen Business Association needed a reliable and financially solvent partner, and the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association wanted to bring Founders Day back.

In the end, the successful collaboration of these groups benefited the Willow Glen business district, the public and the city at large. It turned into a winning combination for everyone. We hope this is just the beginning of a strong tradition.