The American Cancer Society, the largest private funder of cancer research in the United States, will kick off the local, annual 24-hour Relay for Life season from noon to midnight Apr. 18 at Notre Dame de Namur University library lawn, 1500 Ralston Ave., in Belmont.
Other Relays for Life will be held at the following San Mateo County locations:
* April 25, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Capuchino High School, 1501 Magnolia Ave., San Bruno.
* May 2-3, 2 p.m. to 8 a.m., South San Francisco High School, 400 B St., South San Francisco.
* May 16-17, 10 a.m. to 8 a.m., Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Ave., Redwood City.
* June 6-7, 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., Westmoor High School, 131 Westmoor Ave., Daly City.
* June 18-19, 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., Terra Nova High School, 1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, and Carlmont High School, 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont.
* July 25-26, 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. Central Park, 477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae, and Half Moon Bay High School Quad, 1 Lewis Foster Drive, Half Moon Bay.
* Aug. 1-2, 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., Central Park baseball field, 50 E. 5th Ave., San Mateo.
* Aug. 8-9, 11 a.m. to 8 a.m., Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park.
* Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City.
* Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Washington Park, 850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame.
To visit the website for each city, type: www.relayforlife.org and then add the city name plus CA, (for example: www.relayforlife.org/sanbrunoca). The only exceptions are the Notre Dame de Namur website: www.relayforlife.org/ndnuca and Burlingame High School website: www.relayforlife.org/burlingamehighschoolca.
“Relay takes place in over 5,000 communities in the U.S. and over 20 countries,” Katie Wilcox, Relay for Life, California Division, community manager, wrote in an email. “The event celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and helps people take measurable steps to fight back against this disease.”
At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.
Cancer survivors are invited to be guests of honor at all Relay For Life events and participate in the Survivors Lap, which starts the Relay. The public can also donate to Relay by buying an illuminated bag called luminaria, each of which has the name of someone who battled cancer. When night falls, the inspirational Luminaria Ceremony is held.
Go to www.relayforlife.org for the most up-to-date event information.
Paper-shredding party to be held in San Bruno to commemorate Earth Day
To commemorate Earth Day, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty (formerly Prudential California Realty) is hosting its ninth annual Paper Shredding Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18 at the firm’s back parking lot at 180 El Camino Real in San Bruno.
The event offers free shredding of your confidential documents and an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary hot dog, drink, and a bag of popcorn while watching your documents get gobbled up in one of two huge paper-shredding trucks on the premises.
Small business seminar for women planned in Redwood City
Congresswoman Jackie Speier is holding Ready, Set, SUCCEED: a Women’s Small Business Seminar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at the Sobrato Center, 350 Twin Dolphin Drive, in Redwood City.
Keynote speaker Jeanine Cotter, Luminalt co-founder and president — and mother of three children — will share her inspiring story of how she went from a lawyer to the head of San Francisco’s only woman-owned solar company, turning an idea into a $5.5 million business.
“The seminar is designed to give current and aspiring female business owners in the Bay Area some tools, advice, and resources for building their businesses,” said Speier in an email.
“California has the highest number of women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs are the fastest growing segment in the small business community. However, while women have made great strives to reach economic parity with man in the world of business, major challenges still persist. The goal of Ready, Set, SUCCEED is to help women overcome these challenges.
Workshops on kick-starting a small business, the benefits of crowd funding and micro-lending, building an online presence, and accessing markets will be offered at the seminar.
The United States has nearly 9.1 million women-owned businesses that generate $1.4 trillion in sales annually.
The economic impact of women business owners is significant and should be celebrated, supported and recognized because their success helps drive our economic growth.
Light snacks will be provided; however, lunch will not be served. Parking is available, and there is a SamTrans bus stop about a 10-minute walk from the building.
To register or for inquiries, call Speier’s District Office at 650-343-0300 or go to www.speier.house.gov.
Daly City-Colma Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Small Business Week
The Daly City-Colma Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Small Business Week (April 20-23) with its annual Business 2 Business Networking Extravaganza and Taste of Our Cities from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 23 at the Daly City Hall Rotunda, 333 90th St., in Daly City.
The event will feature business and restaurant exhibitors displaying their products and promotional items. Attendance at the event is free to the public.
Business and restaurant exhibitor applications are available on a first-come basis. Provide enough materials for at least 300 guests. Half a table costs $50; a whole table is $75.
For an application, questions, electricity, if needed, or to RSVP, call 650-755-3900 or email staff@dalycity-colmachamber.org or go to www.dalycity-colmachamber.org.
Bruno Duarte of Fresh Floral Creations to give lecture, demonstration
Bruno Duarte, of Fresh Floral Creations in Toronto, Canada, will give a lecture and demonstration from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 23 at Filoli, 86 Canada Road, in Woodside.
Duarte’s floral design is both sculptured and emotional as he blends organic materials and found objects together to create works of art — every leaf, every branch, every bloom is a piece of art unto itself. His floral gallery in Toronto is proof as it is often mistaken for an art gallery — his weekly window displays are created to showcase his artistry. All his designs are inspired by nature. To learn more about Duarte, go to http://flowersatoxford.com/bruno-duarte/.
The cost for this event is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.
Duarte will also present a hands-on workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 24 at Filoli.
In an intimate classroom setting, learn how to create floral art by practicing Duarte’s techniques using all that nature offers along with found objects. Create your own visually beautiful arrangement by combining blooms, branches, leaves and other lovely organic materials. The opportunity to studying with one of Canada’s well-known designers is very special.
The workshop fee is $165 for members; $200 for non-members, and includes all materials. Some floral design experience is required.
Register at www.filoli.org or call Filoli from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 650-364-8300, ext. 508.
The fee for non-members includes same-day admission to Filoli to visit the historic House and Garden, Café, Garden and Gift Shop, and art exhibit. Parking is free.
For more information regarding art exhibits, classes, events, talks, guided nature hikes, and tours of the House and Garden, go to www.filoli.org or call 650-364-8300, ext. 508.
2015 Congressional Art Competition being held in 14th district
Congresswoman Jackie Speier is inviting all high school students who live in the 14th district — including seventh- and eighth-grade students on campuses shared by high schools — to enter the 2015 Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute.
All artwork entries must be received by 5 p.m. April 24 at Speier’s district office at 155 Bovet Road, Suite 780, in San Mateo.
The artwork must be two-dimensional; cannot be larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep; cannot weigh more than 15 pounds, and must be original in concept, design and execution.
Participants, their parents and teachers will be invited to a reception at Speier’s district office when the first, second, or third place winners are announced.
The first place winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., for an honorary reception where members of Congress will recognize the finalists from all 50 states. The winning artwork will be displayed in the main corridor between the U.S. Capitol and the House office buildings for one year.
Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated in this great event that celebrates and encourages art.
For detailed guidelines and more information about the Congressional Art Competition, go to www.speier.house.gov or call the District Office at 650-342-0300.
‘Love Does’ author is featured speaker at gala, charity event
Bob Goff, best-selling author of “Love Does” will be the featured speaker at the sixth annual Gala and Charity Auction being held by Freedom House, a leading provider of shelter and services to survivors of human trafficking in Northern California, from 6 to 10 p.m. April 25.
The fundraiser, whose proceeds will benefit The Monarch for women in San Mateo County and The Nest for girls in Santa Clara County, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, in Foster City.
Jaida Im, Freedom House founder and executive director, will present the organization’s 2015 Guardian Award to the FBI’s San Francisco Division. Supervisory Special Agent Douglas Hunt and Bertram R. Fairries, assistant special agent in charge of Criminal Branch 2, will accept the honor in behalf of the division.
The event will also feature a recent survivor-graduate of the nonprofit’s aftercare program for women in San Mateo County who will share her personal journey with the audience. In addition, guests will enjoy silent and live auctions, and a gourmet dinner.
The ticket cost is $150 per person, $1,500 for a table of 10, and $50 per student. For tickets, go to www.FreedomHouseSF.org/Events or for more information, go to Gala@FreedomHouseSF.org.
The mission of Freedom House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is to bring hope, restoration and a new life to human-trafficking survivors by providing housing and long-term aftercare services.
Rebuilding Together Peninsula holding community home rehabilitation day
Rebuilding Together Peninsula is holding its 26th annual Rebuilding Day on April 25.
Throughout the Peninsula, more than 3,000 volunteers will revitalize and rehabilitate 50 homes for low-income homeowners and for 25 community centers that serve those in need by doing free repairs.
Projects may include painting; floor, window and heating system replacements; plumbing and electrical repairs; landscaping; general cleanup and possibly roof repair or replacement.
Volunteers are urged to practice sustainable construction by reducing energy, materials, waste, and water. Teams will insulate water heaters, change incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps, and provide window and door weather-stripping.
Sponsors, who provide financial support as well as a volunteer team that includes a team leader called a volunteer captain, also make a morning snack, water, and lunch available for their team. Although it is common for sponsors to provide project volunteers, it is not mandatory.
Sponsors also have the option of providing their own construction captain if they have an interested skilled volunteer. Rebuilding Together Peninsula, committed to offering a meaningful, well-organized experience, will identify your project and train and support your volunteers throughout the whole process.
At the end of the day, Rebuilding Together Peninsula holds a picnic celebration for all the volunteers. Sponsorship levels are available to meet the needs of every sponsor.
To learn more, become a sponsor, or volunteer, go to www.RebuildingTogetherPeninsula.org or call 650-366-6597.
HIP Housing to celebrate 35th anniversary
HIP Housing will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its unique and highly regarded Home Sharing Program by featuring Hasan Minhaj, the newest comedian correspondent on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, at its Annual Luncheon being held at 11:30 a.m. May 8.
The enjoyable event will take place at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, in Burlingame.
Minhaj, also an actor and writer whose master wit and ironic spins on relevant topics, joined the Emmy and Peabody award-winning Daily Show in November 2014. Also a 2014 Just for Laughs “New Face,” he was recently chosen by the Sundance Institute to create his own show and feature film at the renowned New Frontier Storytelling Lab.
In addition, Minhaj is a featured storyteller for “The Moth,” and has the web series, “The Truth with Hassan Minhaj.” He was host of the documentary special “Stand Up Planet” produced by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to use comedy to address social issues.
HIP Housing’s Home Sharing Program matches people who have room in their home with individuals who need an affordable place to live. By utilizing existing housing, the program — which interviews, screens and provides housing assistance to 2,000 people each year — offers an immediate and important option to help with the rising demand for affordable housing.
“We are so proud of our Home Sharing Program,” said Kate Comfort Harr, HIP Housing executive director, in a news release. “It’s one of the largest in the country and the only one of its kind in the Bay Area. For many people desperate to find housing, Home Sharing offers an innovative solution that is mutually beneficial to both home seekers and home providers.”
As a result of the current unprecedented housing crisis in San Mateo County, the demand for Home Sharing is greater than ever. For each person willing to rent a room, there are 10 people seeking a home sharing match. Currently one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, the San Mateo County Housing Indicators, released in December 2014, states that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Mateo County is a staggering $2,332 a month.
“While rents continue to rise, incomes for lower wage earners have stagnated and production of new affordable housing has ground to a halt,” Susie Huetteman, co-president of HIP Housing board of directors, said in an email statement. “Creative housing solutions like Home Sharing are part of what is needed to address our countywide housing crisis.”
Luncheon tickets cost $90 per person. For sponsorship levels, questions, and for tickets, go to http://hiphousing.org/. Tickets, subject to availability, can also be purchased at the door.
The luncheon proceeds benefit HIP Housing programs, which provide creative affordable housing solutions — impacting more than 3,000 individuals each year — in San Mateo County.
Boston Private Bank & Trust, Mills Peninsula Health Services, Pacific Gas & Electric, and San Mateo Credit Union are major sponsors of the event, which will benefit HIP Housing’s Home Sharing and Self-Sufficiency programs.
Maria Shriver to be keynote speaker at Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation luncheon
Emmy-winning journalist, producer and former California First Lady Maria Shriver will be the keynote speaker at the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation’s 14th annual Women’s Health Luncheon & Lecture on April 27 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 1800 Old Bayshore Highway, in Burlingame.
The program schedule is as follows:
* From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., registration and a Baubles & Bubbles raffle that features a specialty mimosa bar and raffle to win a gorgeous $9,000 Italian necklace donated by Kerns Fine Jewelry in Burlingame. Purchase a glass of mimosa for $50 and you will be automatically entered to win. Since only 300 glasses will be sold, you have a one in 300 chance to win.
* From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., luncheon and a conversation with Shriver, the mother of four children, who is also a six-time New York Times best-selling author, NBC News special anchor, founder of the Shriver Report, and an activist for social change and equality. She will be interviewed by Diane Dwyer, special project reporter for NBC Bay Area.
* 2:30 p.m. Book signing and sales.
The event proceeds support the Mills-Peninsula Women’s Center (www.mills-peninsula.org/women) and Breast Health programs in order to provide free mammograms and care for the uninsured and underserved women in our community, purchase state-of-the-art technologies, and teach women to manage both their own health and their families.
Carole Middleton, honorary chairwoman, and Zelda Levin are the presenting sponsors of the event. Peggy Bort Jones, Dayna Sumiyoshi, and Jason Ting are event chairs. John D. Loder, president of the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, will be the master of ceremonies.
Remaining tickets cost $200 per person for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch ballroom downstairs where there will be a live video feed of the lecture.
For tickets, go to www.mills-peninsula.org/foundation. For questions, call Karen Malekos-Smith, director of donor relations, at 650-696-5908 or email MalekoK@sutterhealth.org.
Social ballroom dancing classes offered in San Carlos
Social ballroom dancing, a six-week community service program for adult couples only that is taught by Judy and Bart Lewis, begins Tuesday nights starting April 28th at the San Carlos Youth Center, 1001 Cedar St., in San Carlos. Cost: $82 per couple; $91 for non-residents.
Friday night classes begin May 1st at Beresford Recreation Center, 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Cost: $82 per couple; $100 non-residents.
Learn the samba, rhumba, cha cha cha, mambo, tango, waltz, fox trot, swing, and more. Make up missed lessons at any location during the series.
For reservations and to learn about a Thursday night class in San Francisco, call 415-661-2746 or email letsdanc@pacbell.net.
Skyline College President’s Breakfast raises more than $130,000
The 15th annual Skyline College President’s Breakfast — hosted by President Regina Stanback Stroud, Ed.D., and the President’s Council on March 19 at the South San Francisco Conference Center — raised more than $130,000 in sponsorships and donations to benefit the President’s Innovation Fund.
This is the most money raised since the complimentary breakfasts began in 2001 as the primary fundraising event for the President’s Innovation Fund, which awards faculty and staff with seed money for creative programs and services.
“Donations to the fund have enabled Skyline College faculty and staff to develop many of the dynamic programs and services that continue to benefit students and our community today,” according to a news release.
“Our goal was $150,000 so if people want to still give they can,” said Stanback Stroud who announced the President’s Innovation Fund grant recipients for 2014-15. She also announced that Skyline College is one of 14 colleges in California that has been approved to offer a four-year degree in health science.
Guest speaker Damien Guzman, Skyline College alumnus and President’s Council member, talked about his own journey from being a struggling high school student to a successful corporate attorney in Silicon Valley. He also noted that his story of struggles and overcoming obstacles is not unique.
“For some of us, education is not a straight line through which one progresses from grade school to grad school, perhaps on a path cleared by family tradition or financial support,” Guzman said. “Rather, for some of us, the path is full of obstacles and pitfalls where one wrong stop often results in significant setbacks. This is where the President’s Innovation Fund really shines.”
Following Guzman’s remarks, a video, created by Bryan Kingston, was shown that featured interviews with students who have all benefited from the PIF-funded programs. The programs include the African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence (ASTEP), Center for Innovative Practices through Hip Hop Education & Research (CIPHER), Hermanos, Kababayan, and the Honors Transfer Program. The students’ stories are common to many other students who participated in other PIF programs over the years.
Will Minnich, chairman of the President’s Breakfast, and Greg Cochran, President’s Council member, welcomed nearly 350 people to the event.
Skyline College Spring Musical performers, under the direction of faculty members Jude Navari and Amber Steele, provided delightful entertainment from the Tony-award nominated Broadway musical “Grease” (their show times will be at 7:30 p.m. April 24-25 and at 2 p.m. April 26 at the Skyline College Theater in Building 1, 3300 College Drive, in San Bruno).
Dino Nomicos, Skyline College head baseball coach, and several student-athletes from his men’s baseball team greeted the guests upon arrival and invited them to take pictures if they wished to do so.
Teresa Proaño, President’s Council chairwoman, and Greg Cochran shared some insight into both the President’s Council and the PIF. They also announced that the third annual Success Summit will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the college’s Student and Community Center in Building 6, second floor.
The summit is designed to bring together business, civic, nonprofit and academic leaders to discuss innovative strategies for solving tough issues that affect San Mateo County businesses and residents.
Premier presenting sponsor Tom Bauer, vice chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District Auxiliary Services & Enterprise Operations, talked about the reasons why he and his team of classified and student staff are so supportive of the Innovation Fund. In 2013, they donated $25,000; in 2014, $35,000; and, this year, their gift was an amazing $50,000.
Bauer also shared with the audience a deeply personal and moving story of love and loss that taught him how a single action, at the right time and at the right place, can have a lasting and profound impact on an individual.
Associated Students of Skyline College and Pacific Gas & Electric Company were breakfast sponsors at the Dream Out Loud level; The Career Ladders Project, Skyline Shines Partner; and Kaiser Permanente, Innovative Patron.
Donations are always welcome. To donate, go to www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1031 (note “President’s Innovation Fund” in the comments box to direct the donation to the PIF).
Save the date for next year’s President’s Breakfast on March 17, 2016.
Daly City library and recreation services director gets $10,000 from board
The Daly City Public Library Associates’ board of directors presented a $10,000 check at its St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon held March 19 at the Colma Community Center to Joseph Curran, Daly City library and recreation services director, to fund a makerspace at the Serramonte Public Library.
A makerspace is a community-operated workspace where people with common interests can meet to share their resources and knowledge, such as in computers, machining, technology, science, digital art or electronic art. The participants may then work on projects, network, and build.
Curran, who thanked the board for the donation, shared how grants make a big difference in library services. He said that the funds would be used to help purchase software and equipment to be used for a sound lab, and more, at the makerspace. He would also like to create a music room, and digitize the history of Daly City this year.
Guest speaker Susan Hildreth, executive director of Peninsula Library System, spoke about “Who Needs Libraries Anymore?”
“The fact that you are all here today — it’s a no-brainer.” Hildreth explained the benefits of a makerspace. She also talked about how the traditional role of the public library is changing in the digital age. She focused on three major themes: the library as place, people, and platform.
“The library as place includes consideration of both physical and virtual space and how those spaces impact library services and user engagement,” Hildreth said.
“The library as people centers on building human capital and the library’s role in the deeply varied learning environment, both traditional and digital. The library as platform demonstrates the framework that the library can provide for individual and community discovery, creation and sharing.” Marie Villarosa, president, and San Mateo County Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, vice president, both on the DCPLA board of directors, welcomed about 130 people to the event. Dennis Fisicaro was head chef for the luncheon.
Guests also enjoyed music by bagpiper Joe Sheridan, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department; a corned beef and cabbage lunch; Irish songs by Teresa Proaño, of Duggan’s Serra Mortuary; and an Irish blessing by Patrick Sweetland, Daly City director of water and wastewater resources.
“The mission of the DCPLA is to raise funds to supplement public funding of our four Daly City libraries (Bayshore, John Daly, Serramonte, and Westlake),” said Susan Brissenden-Smith, DCPLA executive director.
Tom McGraw, First National Bank of Northern California president and CEO; Colma Councilwoman Helen Fisicaro; and Daly City Councilman Michael Guingona conducted a three-part Fund the Need to raise money for refurbishing the Children’s Room (goal: $10,000, raised $4,260); creating a Digital Media Lab (goal: $15,000, raised $1,200); and purchasing a 3D printer (goal: $5,000, raised $2,725).
Allied Waste Services, First National Bank of Northern California, Gellert Marketplace Shopping Center, Richard Miller and Priscilla Reagan Miller, and Serramonte Center were major contributors to the event.
To donate to one of the Fund the Needs, go to www.dcpla.org and click on “donate” for credit cards or make a check payable to DCPLA and mail to DCPLA, P.O. Box 3283, Daly City, Calif., 94015-3283. For details, call 650-224-2356.
If you have any news tips about our county communities, call or fax Carolyn Livengood at 650-355-5533 or e-mail her at carolynlivengood@sanbrunocable.com.
