Helping humanity
By Maggie Beidelman
With the sudden onslaught of warm weather, it is the perfect time to be outdoors. However, instead of baking in the sun and risking harmful side effects, why not do something worthwhile like work to better the community?
On campus
* Colleges Against Cancer works to spread awareness about the disease and the work of the American Cancer Society, as well as helps contribute to the elimination of cancer as a disease.
Relay for Life is a nation-wide event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, which takes place from Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. until Sunday, May 21 at 10 a.m. For information on participating, volunteering or attending, contact Amanda Hiew at ahiew@scu.edu.
* In the past six years, over three million deserted pets died due to hurricanes throughout the U.S.
In the wake of recent natural disasters, Professor LaGuardia's Business Writing class is working with the Humane Society Silicon Valley to prepare disaster kits, which will go to new adopters at the Human Society Silicon Valley.
To raise money in order to buy necessary supplies for kits, a raffle will be held, and donations will be accepted. Raffle tickets will be sold from May 15 until May 26 in Benson Memorial Center.
Surrounding community
* The Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens needs volunteers to help maintain the Heritage Rose Garden on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. Enjoy flowers and the sun. For more information, visit www.grpg.org.
* Volunteer at Hospice of the Valley in bereavement support, patient and client care, fundraising, and office and administrative work. For more information, call (408) 947-1233.
* Help in Louise's Pantry or Gracie's Clothes Closet at Sacred Heart Community Service in downtown San Jose. Volunteers are always welcome, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call (408) 278-2171.
These are just a few of the worthy causes that exist at Santa Clara and in the surrounding the community. Don't be afraid to go out and be useful.
From staff reports. E-mail scene@thesantaclara.com
Things to do, places to see Maggie BeidelmanThe top ten lists: There's always a need for them, especially at this time of year when our brains are in meltdown.
So I'm not going to bore you with useless descriptions. Here are the top ten places to go before break.
Read the list, pack a camera and get out there.
1. Santa Cruz beaches
Bring: swimsuit, towel, sunblock and a flock of friends. Travel: (bus) Highway 17 Express from San Jose Diridon Station; (car) Take I-880 S to CA-17 S, and get off when you see the beach -- about a 45 min. drive. Eats: Stop at the Santa Cruz Diner on Ocean Street for a tasty meal.
2. Concerts at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, The Fillmore in San Francisco or The Independent in San Francisco
A myriad of bands, genres and shows are performed. Get tickets now before they're sold out!
3. HP Pavilion
From the San Jose Sharks to Madonna to monster truck rallies, there's always an interesting act going on here. Go to www.ticketmaster.com for a list of events and ticket information.
4. Pier 39 in San Francisco
Go ahead, do the tourist thing. Visit the Aquarium of the Bay, eat a bread bowl at Boudin Bakery and Cafe, and bark back at the fatty sea lions.
5. Palo Alto and Burlingame for shopping
Cute shops, great atmosphere. Take Caltrain, and get off at these city stops.
6. Paramount's Great America amusement park in Santa Clara (open Memorial Day weekend)
Soar through the air on thriller ride Top Gun, coast through Castaway Creek in Boomerang Bay and plunge down White Water Falls. Admission: $49.99 ($30 cheaper than Disneyland). Directions: Take the 101 N toward SF, take the Great America Parkway exit toward Bowers Avenue, merge onto Great America Parkway, end at 4701 Great America Parkway.
7. The San Francisco Zoo
Pay only $11 to see some spectacled bears, fishing cats and even a pink flamingo -- a real one.
8. Saratoga mountains
Take I-880 S, which becomes CA-17 S, then merge onto CA-85 N to Saratoga Avenue exit. Take this street to the hills, park, then hike, bike and explore!
9. Planet Granite
Get a foothold on 12,000 square feet of indoor rock climbing at this Santa Clara venue. Morning pass for $9 and day pass for $16, plus $5 shoe and harness rental.
Call (408) 727-2777 or visit www.planetgranite.com for more info.
10. Muir Woods
Drive for only about an hour and a half to reach this amazing national monument of huge redwood trees in Mill Valley, north of San Francisco. Entrance fee: $3.
There you have it. Ten things to do from now until June 15. Don't complain now that you have nowhere to go.
Contact Maggie Beidelman at (408) 551-1918 or mbeidelman@scu.edu.