September 12, 2008

It’s not too late to enter the Almaden Times Classic

You still have 11 days to get your Almaden Times Classic entry in before the price goes up.

The 10K/2-mile run-walk will again start and end at Leland High School, 6677 Camden Ave. on Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. It runs through a paved creek trail and some residential streets that will allow runners and walkers to appreciate the beauty of Almaden.

Those entrants registering by Sept. 23 pay only $25 each for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. Families of up to four members, consisting of adults and children, are $60. The fees go up after Sept. 23 to $30 for adults, $15 for children and $70 for families. Registration fees are not refundable. Separate entries are required for each family member.

There are 10 age divisions. Gift certificates will be handed out to the four overall winners and each of the top three in each division will win an award. Each participating child will receive a ribbon. The entry fees include a T-shirt, goodie bags, food and drinks. Random prizes will be given based on race numbers.

Each year the number of racers increases and so does the need for volunteers. It takes more than 70 volunteers to put on the race. Race officials are always looking for new volunteers, this year particularly, it appears that many of the usual participants are out of town. Students are welcome and will receive community service hours. Anyone in the community can volunteer to work from 7 to 11 a.m. on the day of the race. Those interested should call the AVCS at (408) 997-0200.

The race is one of five events the AVCS holds to raise funds to provide its counseling services, parenting and divorce classes, education outreach and anger management classes. The other events are Santa’s Breakfast, and the Biennial Snow Ball and Home Tour and the new Casino Night.

Its mission is to provide access to affordable mental heath counseling services to everyone in the community. AVCS is a community-based, nonprofit counseling agency committed to meeting the mental health concerns of all ages with an emphasis on youth. AVCS offers a full range of counseling services, which supports and promotes personal growth, positive family relationships and emotional well being.

Its services include short- and long-term counseling for children, adolescents, individual adults, couples and families. Fees are based on a sliding scale and are determined by income. Counselors conduct outreach and intervention on school campuses, providing regularly scheduled and emergency services to 19 South San Jose schools.

For more information, visit www.AVcounseling.org and click on fundraising events or call (408) 997-0200. To register online go to www.active.com or fill out the entry form on page 29 and mail it in.