Parents in the 2000 Willow Glen Las Madres playgroup are stepping up to help one of their own.

The group has planned an April 30 yard and bake sale to benefit 5-year-old Jonathan Seepersad, who was diagnosed a year ago with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects the adrenal glands. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1414 Lupton Ave.

Jonathan is undergoing chemotherapy and stem cell harvesting for a future stem cell transplant at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

Since being diagnosed, Jonathan has been in and out of the hospital. His mother, Gabrielle, has taken a leave of absence from her job, and his father, Walter, is juggling his work and caring for Jonathan. The family is originally from Trinidad and their only family is an aunt living in the area. Jonathan also has a 2 ¹/2-year-old sister, Arielle.

"As a playgroup, we realized there are so many costs incurred by cancer other than medical," Las Madres playgroup mother Rita Heine said. "There are meals outside the home, long-distance phone calls to Trinidad, along with flying up family members to help, and loss of income for Gabrielle. We are hoping that our yard sale will help relieve some of the pressure for Gabrielle and Walter."

Safer streets are
just a curb away

North Willow Glen residents will have easier and safer access to shops and restaurants by the end of April. Following suggestions from residents and help from San Jose District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager, the city is adding a crosswalk across Willow Street between Delmas and Shepherd avenues. This improvement will make it easier for pedestrians to safely access stores like Walgreens and Scott's Video.

The city plans to extend the red curb on Willow Street, east of Delmas Avenue. The red curb extension will also make the corner safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Motorists turning left onto Willow Street from Delmas Avenue will have a clearer view of oncoming traffic.

AAUW fundraiser
mixes art and food

The America Association of University Women's, San Jose branch is having an "Art in the Parking Lot" event.

The organization, headquartered in Willow Glen at 1165 Minnesota Ave., invites the community to enjoy a hamburger or hot dog and a beverage while viewing arts and crafts that will be available for purchase on May 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All the proceeds from the event benefit San Jose AAUW's local scholarships. The scholarship awards go to women who live in San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara and Milpitas. Women returning to college after an absence are encouraged to apply.

Anyone interested in donating art work should contact Rita Skillman at 408.268.6130. All donations are tax deductible.