Short Takes Short Takes (February 09, 2005)

What becomes of the brokenhearted?

Valentine's Day is almost here, and if, rather than turning lightly to thoughts of love, you're turning darkly to thoughts of heartbreak, loneliness and despair, the Healing Hearts Hotline is here for you.

Counselors from the Family Service Agency of San Mateo County will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, February 14 at 403-4300 (ex. 4612 for English speakers and ex. 4903 for Spanish speakers).

For those who have overcome heartache, or are fortunate enough to have never experienced it, the San Mateo County Clerk's Office is offering long-stemmed roses, longer hours and commemorative wedding certificates to all of those who choose to tie the knot on Valentine's Day.

Ceremonies can be broadcast over the Internet, and as a wedding gift, a DVD will be made for the happy couple, says County Clerk Warren Slocum. Reservations are recommended; call (650) 363-4403.
Working for Washington

With a dream of sending 20 sixth- and seventh-graders on a rare trip to a leadership conference in Washington, D.C., students and staff at Belle Haven Elementary School have been going all out to find funds.

So far, they've raised $1,300 through bake sales and $3,000 in cash donations, program coordinator Patricia Watkins says. That means there's $14,000 to go.

More fundraising is planned, including a walk-a-thon at the school on Wednesday, February 9, with half of those proceeds going toward tsunami relief.

The Washington trip could have lasting benefits, Ms. Watkins says: the students hope to bring their leadership lessons home and establish a student council at the school. To contribute, call teacher Ronda White at 329-2898.
Quote of the week

"I refuse to watch any show where they make people eat bugs." -- a discerning Menlo Park resident, on his reality TV viewing habits.

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