Network Your Neighborhood

This Saturday morning, January 17, you’re invited to a fast-paced presentation that will tell you everything you need to know about how to start a Neighborhood Network.

Why should you create a Neighborhood Network? Last April a major news story reported that scientists believe there is a 99 percent chance that an earthquake with a magnitude of at least 6.7 will hit one or more of the major faults in California within the next 30 years. Will you be ready?

When a disaster occurs, Burlingame's police officers and firefighters will put a comprehensive emergency response plan into action. But there aren't enough safety workers to assist everyone. You and your neighbors will have a much better chance of survival if you do a little advance planning, such as getting to know who has medical skills in your neighborhood and what emergency supplies and tools are available. You'll also learn how to work with city emergency response personnel.

Neighborhood Networks help people get better acquainted and increase crime prevention because neighbors know who is and isn't supposed to be in the vicinity. And you'll find it's more fun living in your neighborhood when you know one another.

We'll provide "how to" handouts and give you free copies of colorful, eye-catching fliers with emergency tips that you can distribute in your neighborhood. (We are grateful to the Shinnyo-en Foundation for funding the design and printing of these fliers.)

Where: Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road
When: Saturday, January 17, 9 to 10:30 a.m. (Coffee and muffins provided.)
RSVP by Thursday, January 15, to me at terry@terrynagel.com; (650) 347-3576. You are welcome to invite others to attend.

For more information about the Neighborhood Network, please visit
http://www.terrynagel.com/Neighborhood_Networkpage586.htm.

Give Someone a Hand

President-elect Obama is urging people to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day next Monday, January 19, by making an ongoing commitment to help rebuild our communities. You can learn more on the Renew America Together site at http://usaservice.org/page/content/calltoservice/.

Just think how much good we could do if we each volunteered just one hour a week. If you’re looking for an organization to help, check out the Community Wish List for San Mateo County at www.communitywishlist.org, which lists 64 local nonprofits doing good work. Click on “Organization List” at the top to see all of the nonprofits, then click on each name to read about each organization’s mission and activities. Click on “Wish List Items” on the left to learn what types of items these organizations would like donated.

Many can also use volunteer help. For example, the Burlingame Historical Society is seeking people to file and catalog items; if you can help, leave a message at (650) 340-9960. CALL Primrose Center needs office help and volunteers to bag and deliver groceries; call (650) 342-2255. Shelter Network is looking for people to help staff six homeless shelter programs; call (650) 685-5880, ext. 15.

Music S.O.S.

From Music at Kohl Mansion comes disturbing news that the award-winning concert series and music in the schools program are in danger of extinction. A savior has pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations over the next three months. If you can help, please contact Music at Kohl at (650) 762-1130, or send a check to 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame 94010. Details about sponsorships opportunities are here: http://www.musicatkohl.org/Sponsors/index.html

Have Fun

“Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” – Auntie Mame

Take Mame’s advice: There are plenty of fun things to do in San Mateo County with your family and friends that are inexpensive or free.

Stroll the lush grounds of Filoli (http://www.filoli.org) in Woodside. Attend one of the monthly lectures on cutting-edge city planning topics at The Forum in Redwood City . See a production by Hillbarn Theater or Broadway by the Bay. Take the tour and sample goat cheese at Harley Farms, then have a bowl of artichoke soup at Duarte’s in Pescadero. Visit the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo. 

Right here in Burlingame, you can hike in beautiful Mills Canyon, practice your swing and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Burlingame Golf Center , see the world’s largest Pez dispenser at the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, zip around the track at GoKart Racer, play badminton with champs at Bay Badminton Center or dine at one of the many fine restaurants in town.

To Burn or Not to Burn

Wondering whether it’s legal to have a wood-burning fire? Check the Spare the Air Web site at http://www..sparetheair.org/ for advisories by noon each day, or call 1-877-4NO-BURN (1-877-466-2876).

New Feature!

Best-Kept Burlingame Secret: Mercy Center

Everyone knows about the stately Kohl Mansion, built on 40 wooded acres by capitalist Charles Frederick Kohl in what is now the northern hills of Burlingame. But did you know that the adjacent Mercy Center sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is internationally known for its pioneering work in spiritual direction, Taize prayer and East-West meditation. Many services are open to the public, including the profoundly moving Taize prayer held at 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month around the cross in the Chapel at Mercy Center.

The facility also offers 90 single-occupancy bedrooms to accommodate those attending conference or retreats and individuals seeking a time for reflection and spiritual direction. Each room has a desk and a comfortable chair, but no TV or phone. Rates are very reasonable and include three healthy meals a day. Conference facilities accommodate up to 250 people and include state-of-the-art multimedia equipment. Guests can access Mercy Center from the BART Intermodal Station in Millbrae via a free shuttle. For more information, call (650) 340-7405.

Calendar

Now – Registration has begun for spring classes at the Burlingame Recreation Center. You can register online at http://www.burlingame.org/Index.aspx?page=33

Thursday, January 15 – Deadline for applications for the Burlingame Beautification Commission. See http://www.burlingame.org/Index.aspx?page=895

Saturday, January 17 – 9 to 10:30 a.m., Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library. “Network Your Neighborhood” presentation on organizing your neighbors for emergency preparedness and crime prevention. (See above.)

Thursday, January 22 – 3 to 8 p.m. SamTrans Auditorium, 1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos. Public input and presentation by California High-Speed Rail Authority on environmental impacts of Peninsula portion of the project. Comments will be recorded throughout the meeting.

Thursday, January 29 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Canada College, Redwood City. Workshop by California Women Lead on “Preparing Women to Participate in Politics.” Cosponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Peninsula Library System and the county’s Commission on the Status of Women. $10 general/$5 student. For information, call Ruth Nagler at (650) 356-2128.

Friday, January 30 – Deadline for nominations to Burlingame Walk of Fame to honor those have made significant community contributions. Nominations must be made by a local nonprofit organization. Applications are available from the Recreation Center, or email recreation@burlingame.org.

Saturday, January 31 – 9 a.m., Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library. City Council’s annual goal-setting session.

Thursday, February 5 – 6 p.m. The Forum at Redwood City. Presentation on planning, architecture or urban design. $10. Visit http://www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/misc/morehottopics/forum.html for details.

Saturday, February 21 – 10 a.m. - noon. Work day at Mills Canyon. Bring water and wear hiking shoes. Meet at Arguello entrance.

Wednesday, February 25 – 6 p.m. Lane Room, Burlingame Public Library. City Council’s annual budget session.

February 27-March 1 – Daffodil Daydreams at Filoli. See http://www.filoli.org/special-events-and-exhibits/opening-event.html

April 1 – Deadline for Burlingame’s Best Business Landscaping Award. See http://www.burlingame.org/?page=8&recordid=1421&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

See you around town!