October 16, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

AVCA to discuss five-year plan

At the Almaden Valley Community Association's September meeting, Councilmember Nancy Pyle announced her ideas for a long-range plan for Almaden Valley, District 10 and San Jose.

In light of her plan, it was thought to be a good idea to have a special meeting to gain input from community members. The meeting will be on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. with discussions from 7 - 8:15 p.m. at Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave. For more information visit www.avca-sj.org.

The brainstorming process on the five-year plan will produce a record of input to provide to Pyle. All are welcome to attend and give your valued opinion.

Prior to the meeting please review the plan and send comments to artb@netwiz.net. Copies will be provided. Any board position discussions will be held at the next meeting.

Please note the change in dates for November because of holidays. The dates are the third Monday, Nov. 17, rather than the usual second Monday, also at the Almaden Community Center.

Rudy Giuliani to headline Chamber’s 'Legends and Leaders'

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be the keynote speaker at the San Jose Silicon Valley (SJSV) Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Legends & Leaders event, the Chamber's premier business gala with an anticipated attendance of more than 1,000 business and community leaders.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel San Jose, 170 S. Market Street.
Giuliani has earned a reputation as America's mayor from his leadership following the Sept.11 attack. Even before then, Giuliani had developed a distinguished record. As chief executive officer of America's largest city, he cut crime by 56 percent, reformed welfare, and improved the city's quality of life. He has also been named Time Magazine's Person of the Year, won the Ronald Reagan Presidential Freedom Award and was knighted by the Queen of England. Giuliani will deliver his address on "Principled Leadership: In the Face of Change and Crisis."

Past keynote speakers have included Mexican President Vicente Fox (2007); Bob Newhart (2006); Magic Johnson (2005); Sen. Bob Dole (2004); Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003); and First Lady Barbara Bush (2002).

Demonstrating members' commitment to educational excellence, the Chamber will also present Excellence in Education awards to an outstanding principal, teacher and student. Funds raised through this event will also support education grants administered through the Chamber's Community Education Foundation. The Chamber will also be honoring those who have shown excellent leadership in the community.

The SJSV Chamber of Commerce is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in the Santa Clara Valley. Membership represents more than 2,000 private sector companies and non-profit organizations. The SJSV Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit business association, promotes pro-growth fiscal policies and financial investment in order to stimulate Silicon Valley's economy and create jobs.

CENTURY 21 champion helps JW House with donation

In partnership with the Miracle Mile Optimist Club of Campbell, the CENTURY 21 Champion Foundation donated $3,000 to the JW House near the Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 9 as they prepare for the grand opening later this month.

Both the CENTURY 21 Champion Foundation and the Miracle Mile Optimist Club share the same vision of supporting their local community charities that make a difference in the lives of young people and their families. The JW House is an ongoing project that provides a guesthouse on or near hospital grounds, welcoming and supporting families of patients, away from home, being treated for illness. JW House also organizes and supports a network of volunteers that will support families of patients undergoing treatment away from home.

“After hearing the story of a young man, JW Knapen, who dreamed of a place like this while battling cancer, I could not help but feel touched. It’s so wonderful to see such a place of comfort and respite for these families to go to while a loved one undergoes challenging medical treatment,“ says Elise Erwin, secretary of the CENTURY 21 Champion Foundation.

On Oct. 24, the JW House will have its official grand opening celebration from 2-4:30 p.m. Located near the Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital at 3850 Homestead Road, the newly constructed house is tastefully furnished and decorated throughout by the efforts of many community volunteers. For more information, visit www.jwhouse.org to see the story behind the development of this house.

The Miracle Mile Optimist Club of Campbell is a local chapter of Optimist International that conducts positive service programs for children in communities throughout the world. You can visit www.optimist.org for more information.

Century 21 Champion is one of the largest independently owned Century 21 offices in northern California, and was ranked in the top 21 offices nationwide in the Century 21 System. With two locations in San Jose and Cupertino, you can visit their Web site at www.Century21champion.com.

Chamber to hold breakfast celebrating 2008-09 season

The San Jose Silicon Valley (SJSV) Chamber of Commerce recently announced plans to hold a “See What Sharks Eat for Breakfast,” a special event to salute the San Jose Sharks and honor worthy community organizations with “Spirit of Santa Clara Valley” grant awards issued by the chamber’s Community Education Foundation.

The event is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 22 from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. at the Fourth Street Summit Center, 88 South Fourth Street.

This year marks the second annual breakfast, welcoming the 2008-2009 Sharks team and celebrating the new season. Attendees will mix and mingle with the Sharks players, coaches, and executives as well as other members of the local business community. Meet the new Sharks coach Todd McLellan and hear about his coaching style and what to expect from the newest players on the team.

The SJSV Chamber of Commerce is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in the Santa Clara Valley. Membership represents more than 2,000 private sector companies and nonprofit organizations. SJSV Valley Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit business association, promotes pro-growth fiscal policies and financial investment in order to stimulate Silicon Valley’s economy and create jobs.