Numerous offices and institutions will be closed for the holiday season. The Los Gatos Library and the Civic Center will be closed on Dec. 31­Jan. 1. The Neighborhood Center will also be closed on Dec. 31.

Monte Sereno hosts weight- loss challenge

Weight loss is the No. 1 priority on many people's lists of New Year's resolutions, and it is also the city of Monte Sereno's newest challenge to the community.

Mayor Erin Garner will be leading the first annual "Monte Sereno New Year's Blubber Buster Challenge" as part of a series of events in 2004 promoting health and wellness awareness.

Participants should first seek a health expert's advice in establishing a personal goal of how much weight would be healthy for them to lose in the first eight weeks of the year.

Open enrollment featuring a "weigh-in," waiver signing, optional photograph and setting of weight-loss goals will begin at city hall Jan. 2 and end Jan. 16.

The challenge will include weekly, evening walks and guest speakers on nutrition and physical fitness, followed by a "weigh-out" and "Monte Sereno Wellness Champion T-shirt" distribution to participants on March 1. For more information, call 408.354.7635.

Donate blood at St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church will be holding a blood drive on Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 219 Bean St. For more information, contact Karen Carr at 408.354-4061, ext. 17.