July 14, 2005

NEWS BRIEFS

Gather ‘round for a Hot Christmas BBQ, ho-down

Do-si-do among candy canes and hay bales at the Hot Christmas BBQ, an evening of food and fun on Saturday, July 23 to benefit San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. So, get “boot-scootin” partner, ‘cuz there’s a Hot Christmas BBQ!

Hot Christmas, now in its sixth year at Coyote Ranch, is a fund-raiser for Christmas in the Park, an annual outdoor holiday exhibit in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The Hot Christmas BBQ and round-up kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes a western-style barbecue dinner with all the fine fixings, hayrides on the chuck wagon under the stars and barn dancing. Plus, a chance to ride away with a saddle full of loot and bottles of wine during the Wild West Silent Auction and Ring Toss Corral.

“All proceeds from the event help maintain Christmas in the Park’s more than 60-animated displays,” said Eddie Owen, board president of Christmas in the Park. “As the exhibit enters its 26th year, we look for the community’s support in keeping the joy and magic alive this holiday season,” added Owen.

Tickets for the Hot Christmas BBQ are $50 for ladies and gents and $25 for the little buckaroos,12 and under. To reserve your space, call (408) 793-4170 by Tuesday, July 19.

Christmas in the Park, Inc., is a volunteer nonprofit organization partnered with the city of San Jose’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. A 30-member board of directors is responsible for the direction and development of Christmas in the Park with more than 257,000 volunteer hours invested annually. For more information or to volunteer with Christmas in the Park, call the Christmas in the Park hotline at (408) 995-NOEL (6635). www.christmasinthepark.com.

Tropicana Smoothies, Juices & More celebrates grand opening at Oakridge with free ice cream this Sunday

To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, not to mention their grand opening, Tropicana Smoothies, Juices & More is offering free ice cream to customers at their new Oakridge location this Sunday. Come join in on the fun at the ice cream social with free Swensens Ice Cream, freshly made Tropicana Smoothies, face painting, balloon twisters and lots of great prizes and giveaways. Guests of all ages welcome from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 17. The store is located between Target and Borders at Westfield Oakridge Shopping Center on Blossom Hill Road.

Save the date: Aug. 8

First Annual Sicilian Golf Festival

The Sons of Sicily, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, are launching their First Annual Sicilian Golf Festival. This wonderful day of golf, contests, hearty food and laughs will be held on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club.

Foursomes and individual players are welcome at $135 per player. This price includes green fees, tee prizes, shared cart, lunch and dinner. The format is a four-person, modified scramble. 

Awards will be given for the low gross team score, longest drive, closest to the pin, best putter, and more, including $10,000 for a Hole in One! Individuals as well as teams are welcome. There will also be a special presentation of awards to those students who have been recipients of the Sons of Sicily Scholarship program.
Not a golfer? You can also purchase just the dinner ticket for $35 and join the Sons for a delicious dinner, tournament awards presentation, Sons of Sicily 2005 Scholarship presentations, and an exciting raffle immediately following the tournament at the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis banquet hall.

The S.O.S. Club is also seeking sponsors and or prizes for this event. Any prizes or sponsorships that are donated will directly benefit The Sons of Sicily’s scholarship programs.

As a nonprofit organization, the Sons of Sicily provides youth scholarships for member’s families and contributes to numerous charitable organizations. The various levels of sponsorship packages can be viewed at: www.sonsofsicily.golfreg.com.

This tournament is expected to fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot today! For more information, contact Evergreen resident Vince Falcone at (408) 292-2221 or via e-mail at vince@falconecoins.com.