Our busy take-out lifestyle has helped childhood obesity become epidemic, and I was shocked to hear the recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that cholesterol-fighting drugs be given to some young children. Luckily, DooF (food spelled backwards) the new PBS program that is all about helping kids to make healthier food choices will begin airing in 2009.

DooF-a-Palooza 2008:
Help raise funds for DooF while having family fun - A DooF-a-Palooza admission ticket includes hands-on activities, games, food, music, free stuff, and a silent auction for the adults.

The place to be with the kids this Saturday: Purchase Tickets and Information

Google Headquarters
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View
Saturday, July 12, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is an event held at cities across the country, including the Bay Area this summer, to promote awareness and raise funds for breast cancer programs including, research, screening and diagnosis, treatment, and various services.

Locally, Team Willow Glen was organized so its members could train together in preparation for the Avon Foundation’s walk in San Francisco July 12 and 13. They have scheduled training walks up to the last week before the event.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer starts at Chrissy Field in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin, then back to Chrissy Field to camp for the night. The second day is through San Francisco ending at Golden Gate Park.

You may have a personal reason for taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a sister, mother, best friend, or even yourself. Men are encouraged to join and participate for someone they know or themselves. Janet Fouts, team captain of Team Willow Glen, pointed out to me that it is important to remember that men get breast cancer too.

Team Willow Glen has local fundraising events from yard/garage sales to a wine pairing dinner. The wine pairing dinner will be held at Fusion restaurant May 18 with 50% of the proceeds going to the Avon Foundation on the behalf of Team Willow Glen. Information about the dinner here.

Even though the walk is not until July, you my want to consider joining Team Willow Glen now so you can participate in those training walks. Training walks begin (carpool) and meetings are held at Elva’s Coffee Stop, 2206 Lincoln Ave. Willow Glen.

You need not live nor work in Willow Glen to join the team.

For more information about Team Willow Glen, joining, donating, upcoming events, and training walks, check here.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
San Francisco
Saturday and Sunday, July 12 - 13

Mary Maroon and that guy.

I stopped by the Cupertino Bike Shop to ask about their upcoming bike swap meet. Mary Maroon (got-ta love her name) told me that the swap will be held in the rear parking lot behind the shop. I discovered that over 50 vendors will have great deals on new and used bikes and related items. Cupertino Bike Shop and ROMP will donate vendor space proceeds to help support off-road trails etc.

Cupertino Bike Shop - Sunday Apr 27 - 10493 S. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino California -10 Am - Admission is a mere $2.00 - Bring cash - no plastic or checks accepted at the swap meet. (408) 255-2217 

ROMP

VanderKitten  

I lost my dog several years ago, and it was the first time I had to go through such a devastating loss. Since then, in honor of his memory, I’ve fostered kittens and rescued cats from the streets. I’ve volunteered with large shelters and with small rescue groups, and have seen way too many things I wish I hadn’t seen: kittens being abandoned at a dumpster, animals being shoved in a box and left at the parking lot of a shelter, the aftermath of abuse.

But I have also met a lot of wonderful people who will never stop fighting on behalf of these animals, and a lot of these folks will be in front of San Jose City Hall (200 East Santa Clara Street) on Tuesday March 18th for a rally and candlelight vigil. The rally is to honor animal rescuers, animal control officers, shelter staff and volunteers for their dedication and service to animals. It is also to bring attention to low cost spay/neuter programs and to honor animals that have died and will die in shelters because there is not enough space, or homes to place them in. (Please keep in mind this is not a pro-AB1634 mandatory spay/neuter, or pro-TNR rally.)

The rally will begin at 6:30pm and the candlelight vigil will begin at 7:15pm. Folks are asked to bring a candle, a photo of a deceased pet, a poem, a song, or a story they’d like to share.

Please come on out to meet some of these wonderful people and to share your stories and memories of that special animal that changed your life.

***

By the way, do any of you recognize the black and white kitty in the photo above? That’s Charlie, one of Carol Chapman’s beloved kitties.

The 6th Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” will be held Wednesday, April 9th @ 4:00 p.m. Real men will dig out their high-heels to walk the walk and call awareness to the problem of sexual assault.

This year join:
Rob Davis, Police Chief, San Jose Police Department
Darryl Von Raesfeld, Fire Chief, San Jose Fire Department
Wayne Davis, Santa Clara County Director of Operations for AMR
Russ Hancock, President/CEO, Joint Venture Silicon Valley
Chris Johnson, Photographer
Dan Fenton, Chairman of the Board, Team San Jose – President and CEO, San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau
And the man next door.

Everyone has a good time at this event .  Women are welcome to walk with their men to lend support,  or Band-Aids®

2008 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes:
Registration and shoe selection open, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 4:00 p.m.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® walk to bring awareness, 5:00 p.m.
Post walk reception at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose,
5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Benefiting the YWCA’s Rape Crisis Center.

Sign Up Here  (Let them know if you need some new heels)

Coming from Canada, I’m use to seeing Girl Guide cookies every year. Heck, I use to be one (a Girl Guide, not a cookie) and always made my mom purchase them from me. We had two, count ‘em, two kinds to sell: Classic cookies (vanilla and chocolate, they come mixed in a box) in the summer and Chocolately Mint Cookies in the winter. Good times.

Well all this week, the Girl Scouts of Northern California are selling their cookies so look for them at your friendly neighbourhood hang out spots. They seem to go for about $3.50 a box.

I am completely overwhelmed by the choices, and need help deciding which one to buy. Thin Mints? Shortbread? Samo-wha???  I have no idea why we need so many different kinds here south of the border.

Which is your favorite Girl Scout cookie, and how do you like to eat them?

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than watching a bazillion rubber duckies race towards the finish line? Adopt a duck (or two or three) and maybe your duck will win you some fab prizes. All proceeds go to benefit the Tri-Cities community and is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Fremont.

What? 14th Annual Ducks For Bucks Benefit Race
Where? Boat Ramp at Fremont’s Lake Elizabeth/Central Park
When? Race begins at 1PM Saturday, April 26th 2008

Visit the Ducks 4 Bucks website to adopt your duck and to find out more information.

This morning I dropped off some new pajamas at the Fairmont Hotel.
The PJ ladies will be out front happy to take donations until 10am.

I’m feeling warm love. It started today when I bought some new pajamas. They were on sale, which was nice. I left the tags on and tied a pretty ribbon around them. This Thursday, Valentine’s Day, I’ll take the PJs to The Fairmont Hotel in exchange for some freshly baked heart-shaped cookies. The pajamas will make their way to someone in need of a warm cozy feeling. The Pajama Program event is billed as ‘Pajamas for Kids Drive’ though there is a need for all sizes.

The Bay Area chapter of the Pajama Program has its headquarters here in San Jose, and the employees of the Fairmont Hotel are generously giving their time to our community. Pull your car up curbside - drop off the brand new pajamas - get cookies and a warm heart

The Fairmont Hotel
Thursday - February 14
6am to 10am

The Pajama Program

This Saturday bring in your old electronic devices (computers, TVs, printers, copy & fax machines, telephones - including wireless, etc.) and help the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose.

Funds raised from your recycled electronics will be used to support Honors Night, which is an annual tribute to Children’s Musical Theater performers of the past and recognition of inspirational performers of today.

This is a free electronics-recycling event.

1401 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose
Saturday, November 17
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

For more info about the recycling benefit: 408.464.9999

To learn more about the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose check here.