Around Town: Saddle up and ride: fundraiser in Woodside Around Town: Saddle up and ride: fundraiser in Woodside (June 30, 2004)

The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT) will hold its 10th annual poker ride on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning at the Mounted Patrol Grounds, 521 Kings Mountain Road in Woodside.

Riders will take their horses through Huddart Park, gathering cards to make a poker hand on the way. Prizes will be donated from local restaurants, tack stores, equine services and equine artists. Entry fee is $40. Riders may also ask family or friends to sponsor their ride.

Last year's ride-a-thon raised $54,000, and the sponsors hope to raise $65,000 this year. Funds will be used to provide scholarships to the children who receive therapy at NCEFT.

There will be trail choices of 4, 7 or 11 miles. Call for starting times. For more information, call 851-2271, ext. 5, or e-mail Summer Lopez at slopez@nceft.org to sign up.

Nature artists compete for Gallagher Award

Local artists who celebrate open space are invited to enter landscape paintings in a contest and art sale sponsored by the Committee for Green Foothills and to be held October 30 at the Family Farm in Woodside.

Artists selected for the show are eligible for the Jane Gallagher Award, named for the late Portola Valley painter and CGF board member, who promoted open space in her art and her life.

Artists must live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Deadline for complete applications is July 14.

For information or applications, call Velma Gentzsch at 968-7243, e-mail Art@GreenFoothills.org, or visit www.GreenFoothils.org/Art.

Webb Ranch offers berries 'U-Pick'

The first year of "U-Pick" berry season at Webb Ranch off Alpine Road is drawing to a close. Boysenberries and raspberries are expected to be available until July 11, depending on the weather, said Gary Webb.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m., the event is proving popular among hardy souls willing to brave the brambles, and the event fills up fast, said Mr. Webb.

He recommends calling 854-5417 or sending an e-mail to The4webbz@aol.com to make a reservation.

The farm is located on Alpine Road, west of Interstate 280 and the Webb Ranch produce stand. Turn right at the Webb Ranch mailboxes to find the U-Pick lot.

There's a $2 entrance fee for everyone over the age of 5, and berries cost $1.50 per pound. Gloves and containers are available for sale, and hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and long sleeved shirts are recommended.

Additional information is available at www.webbranchfarm.com.

Cool benefit

"Make Room to Heal," a benefit for Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 4:30 p.m., at the Ice Oasis skating rink, 3140 Bay Road, Redwood City. More than 50 local amateur and professional performers will take part in the family-oriented skating exhibition.

Admission is a new, unwrapped toy for newborns or teens. There will also be an optional donation jar. For more information call 364-8090.

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