August 3, 2007

NewsBriefs

Sgt. Puthoff goes to Iraq

Army National Guard Sgt. Mike C. Puthoff, whose parents live in Willow Glen, has been mobilized and activated for a future deployment to an undisclosed overseas location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Puthoff is an infantryman normally assigned in Richmond, Calif. He is the son of Al and Debbie Puthoff of Willow Glen. He is a 2001 graduate of Willow Glen High School, San Jose.

Metropolitan Adult Education Program to host blood drive

Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP) Erikson Center will host a blood drive on Aug. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose in Rooms 3 and 6. MAEP’s CalWORKs students are sponsoring the event for the American Red Cross as a class project.

Blood donors should be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Additional factors may apply. Donors also need to show a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or a Red Cross blood donor card.

Every two seconds in America, somebody needs blood. Unfortunately the American Red Cross experiences blood shortages during the summer months. To schedule an appointment, e-mail blooddrive@metroed.net stating your name and donation time request or visit www.beadonor.com to make an online appointment (sponsor code: MAEP), or call (408) 723-4279.

MAEP, a unit of MetroED, provides educational opportunities in more than 40 locations throughout San Jose and Campbell. A combined total of about 20,000 adults are served annually in a variety of day and evening classes, including English as a Second Language, GED Preparation and Testing, Adult Basic Skills, Medical Assisting, Office Skills and more.

It is the largest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County, comprised of high school and adult career-technical, academic and community programs.

It annually provides more than 30,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley.

Our City Forests accepting intern applications

Our City Forest, a nonprofit urban forestry and environmental action organization serving the greater San Jose area, is accepting applications for 22 paid community service positions. These full-time positions offer an $8.50 per hour living allowance plus health insurance and education scholarship.

It’s an opportunity for anyone who has thought of joining the Peace Corps or VISTA but would rather stay close to home. All ages welcome and encouraged to apply. The program begins Oct. 1.

Successful applicants will receive specialized job training while serving their community. Activities include coaching neighborhood and school tree plantings, teaching tree care techniques to residents, recruiting community volunteers, mentoring youth, conducting tree care projects, teaching in classrooms and developing/publishing educational materials.

Interns will receive technical training in all aspects of urban forestry, community service and applicable computer software. Successful applicants must commit to completing 1,750 hours over 10 months, typically working five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday. The program begins Oct. 1 and ends Aug. 9, 2008.

To apply, e-mail resume with cover letter to Monica Nañez at mnanez@ourcityforest.org. Applicants must be 18 years of age but there is no upper age limit. All are encouraged to apply. All members receive:

- A $15,000 stipend for 10 months of service (living allowance valued at $8.50/hour)

- A $4,725 AmeriCorps education scholarship after completion of the program

- Health insurance

For additional information, visit www.ourcityforest.org.