Richard Hassett with his dad Larry Hassett

When traveling north on Interstate 5, people often take Highway 45 into the little town of Colusa to play at the casino. Me? I detour there to shop at the Ace Hardware store. Yes, I do have a thing for hardware.

Today I paid a visit to a new hardware store closer to home. I loved it the moment I walked in. A rack of sun hats to the left, keys hanging to the right and garden tools straight ahead - lovely. I give Larry Hassett and his sons credit for starting up a new ’small’ business in this new age of big-box chains. The Ace at the corner of Lincoln and Curtner will be so handy.

Mr. Hassett is very happy with the number of neighbors who have come to visit his Willow Glen store. When I asked what products were selling the best, he mentioned garden supplies and that he was pleased with the popularity of the Weber Barbecue Grills. It should smell good in ‘The Glen’ this summer!!!

The Grand Opening is a Big 3-Day Event
May 16, 17, and 18
Doors Open 8am

Free Refreshments - and more.
Spin-to-Win
Grand Prize Drawings

Saturday 9am Ribbon Cutting - San Jose City Council member Mr. Oliverio

2253 Lincoln Ave
San Jose, Ca 95125
(Willow Glen)
408 - 267 - 0223

The Hassett family is not new to the hardware business. Together they have years of experience and the product knowledge to resolve a variety of household problems. They tell their story here.

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

We know about the Tesco efforts to open a ‘Fresh and Easy’ grocery store at Bird and Minnesota. Although I heard that there was a problem with the liquor license (the city doing their best to encourage new business?) things must be moving forward. This morning Tesco announced the opening of yet another ‘Fresh and Easy’ in San Jose. The second grocery, not far from Bird and Minnesota, will take over the soon to close Safeway at Almaden and Curtner.

It is interesting that both ‘Fresh and Easy’ stores will be located in the Willow Glen neighborhood.

When the temperature hits the upper 90s air-conditioned workplaces and homes will help us through the day and night. If your home does not have air-conditioning, electric fans may not do enough, something as simple as a trip to the shopping mall or the library would help. For some, one cool place to go is to a neighborhood Cooling Center.

This morning I stopped by the Willows Senior Center* to inquire about their ‘Cooling Center’. They were kind enough to let me check out Room 8. It has a good sized TV, computers, comfy looking seating, and coffee on the sideboard. When I asked the woman at the desk about meals, she let me know that they were not a cafeteria, so it looks as though a bag lunch, and dinner, from home would be required.

Phone ahead for information:  408-277-2741- check to see if the center in your area is open.

Some people are at greater risk than others to suffer from heat-related illness and may need to be closely watched for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Check regularly on:
People aged 65 or older
People who have a mental illness
Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
Infants and young children

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To protect a possible crime scene, early morning commuters using Lincoln Avenue through Willow Glen found their northbound route blocked at Minnesota Ave. and southbound drivers were directed to Brace Ave.

A body was found in the alleyway between Vinsanto Restaurant and The Thrift Box. Speaking with people on Lincoln Avenue the consensus seems to be the body was that of a homeless person. SJPD officer Malvini, parked at the scene, told me the cause of death would be released with the coroner’s report. I hope it was not foul play.

Smile You’re in Willow Glen

Throw away the work to be done
Let the music play on
(play on, play on)
Everybody sing, everybody dance
Lose yourself in wild romance
We’re going to party
– Lionel Richie

The 12th annual Willow Glen ‘Dancin’ on the Avenue’ is today Saturday, June 16th, 5 - 10pm. Dancing music will emanate from four stages. Food vendors including downtown Willow Glen restaurants will have food booths set up along Lincoln Avenue. Beer, wine, and soda will be on sale throughout the street. Alcohol sold (with a legal ID) until 9:30pm sharp. Last year Lincoln Avenue was closed to traffic from Willow St. to Minnesota Ave.

This clever guy keeps his van safe, as drivers on Hamilton Av. attempt to squeeze past the telephone pole to make the right turn onto Meridian Av., by surrounding it with carts.

I’m surprised the manager of the Safeway Store, directly across the street, approves of the carts doing a side job. What do you think, should I ask?

One source of elemental mercury exposure is from a broken thermometer. A small, one-time exposure is not likely to be toxic and cause problems, but why risk it.

A safe way to help protect the Bay from this toxin by taking part in the first first Regional Thermometer Exchange or call 1-888-BAYWISE (1-888-229-9473)

This Wednesday, May 16, bring in an old glass mercury fever thermometer and get a free digital thermometer at the Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave. 10:00am - 2:00pm
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According to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report the national average for self-serve regular gas, as of  3:01:05 AM this morning, was $2.685. Here in San José the best I found was at the ARCO on Meridian Ave. Unleaded is $3.11.

If you think you’ll fix ‘em by parking your car and taking Caltrain be prepared to pay 25 cents per zone more each way. Many commuters will need to budget for an additional $60 a month.

When I drive past the vacant building at Bird and Minnesota Avenues in Willow Glen, that was once an Albertsons, I can’t help but wonder what business will eventually occupy the space. I believe most Willow Glen residents would prefer a new grocery over another type of retail. I’m happy to report that our wish may come true.

Yesterday afternoon I stopped in at the Zanotto’s market on Naglee Ave. to pick up a few things and ask any employee, or anyone who looked to be a Zanotto’s family member, my question. My question is always the same, “So, do you think Zanotto’s will be opening in Willow Glen?”  The reply is always a version of, we don’t know.  Yesterday was different. Yesterday I was told that things are being worked out, and it would take approximately five months to get the store ready to open. Not a positively absolutely yes that Zanotto’s will takeover the old Albertsons, but close enough to start a shopping list for Thanksgiving.