August 3, 2004

Food, frolic and fun Thursdays at Willow Glen Elementary 

What do schoolyard lawns, balmy weather, families and great music have in common? Music in the Glen! The Willow Glen and Willow Glen Sunrisers Kiwanis clubs have been busy organizing this free annual event in Willow Glen for the third year. Every Thursday evening a different band plays for the community. It started July 8 and ends Thursday, Aug. 5.  

Music in the Glen has been entertaining between 800 and 1,000 people on Thursday nights at Willow Glen Elementary School. The bands play for those who want to dance and for those who want to listen. Even more important, it’s a family affair with kids, dogs and adults dancing and eating and just having a great time in Northern California’s wonderful weather. 

On July 29, Flashback played a variety of 60s and 70s music to large crowd of dancers and listeners. It was a fun night, while some hard workers were mellowing out, children were playing, Mike Rubino “the Popsicle Man” was mingling passing out Popsicle sticks and the Kiwanis clubs were busy selling hot dogs, polish dogs, hot pretzels, popcorn and sodas. And the band played on. Families and retirees were arriving all evening, some bringing their own picnic dinners. 

Thursday, Aug. 5 marks the final concert, and it’s s a special treat with Joe Sharino playing, so get there early before too many people can swipe all the good spaces. 

The concerts are free, but attendees can purchase food from the two Kiwanis Clubs. They in turn donate all the profits back to the community and to charities that are struggling during these slow economic times. 

The clubs divide the net proceeds in half, with one half helping the Willow Glen Parent Teacher Student Association and the other divided among eight different children’s charitable organizations including the YMCA and Sacred Heart.

The amount collected at the first four concerts held up to now varies, but Larry Shoemaker, president of the Willow Glen Kiwanis Club notes that each week’s net exceeds $300 per week. He hopes the final week will be even more profitable.  

The funds for attracting the bands were provided by local Willow Glen businesses whose owners want to give back to their community. Food supplies were also donated by local vendors. As a result, all proceeds from the food can be donated to the charities. 

Most of the people try to get to the concerts early to pick out good spots. The concerts run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the school located at Minnesota and Lincoln avenues. There’s plenty of parking.  

“It’s a really mellow time,” said Shoemaker. “People really enjoy this kind of entertainment, there are lots of families with babies and young children. While most people come early for a good spot, a number of people hang out after the show,” he added.  

So if you have a hankering to hear Joe Sharino—and his band of renown—come out to Willow Glen Elementary School on Aug. 5, bring a picnic or buy dinner there and enjoy your neighbors, friends and a gorgeous evening with great music while you’re helping children.