Jan 3, 2004

CALENDAR
Unless otherwise noted all phone numbers are in the 408 area code.

MUSIC
January 9 – Friday
Organist David Hegarty will offer a pops organ recital at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Almaden Adventures in the Arts concert series at Joint Ventures Churches of Almaden, 6581Canden Avenue. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and the suggested donation is $15 general and $8 student. One of the nation’s leading organists, Hegerty is senior staff organist of San Francisco’s Castro Theatre and appears regularly at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and Stanford Theatre. Concertgoers are invited to come early to enjoy potluck soup at 6:30 p.m. For details, call 268-0243.

January 11 – Sunday
The San Jose Opera Guild announces its Winter Party! This Champagne Brunch will be held at 11 a.m. at the Plumed Horse, 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. The cost of the brunch is $55 per person, and will include Petit Filet Mignon with Wild Mushroom Omelet or Oven roasted Atlantic Salmon Filet with mixed greens, mango and orange segments Salad and
Grand Marnier Soufflé Dessert. Opera San Jose Singers will perform following brunch. For further information call Elliot Swanson at 408 867-1225.

January 11 – Sunday
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association presents guitarist Richard Smith and cellist Julie Adams, who will offer a variety of music from classical to bluegrass and pop standards. This concert will be held at Los Gatos High School stage. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the performance begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $20 general, $5 students. For more information, call Ray Strong at 377-1106 or Lea Frey at 356-5698.

January 11 – Sunday
San Jose Symphony Brass Quintet Plus One will be the featured performers at the San Jose Museum of Art’s Musicians a’ la Carte Winter Classical Music Series held at the museum at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $5 for SJMA members and $10 for non-members. To purchase tickets, call 291-5386.

January 11, 18 & 25– Sunday
The San Jose Jazz Society continues with its 16th Annual Sunday Concert Series at the Theatre on San Pedro Square with Dennis Wilson and Jamie Davis on January 11, followed by Taylor Eigsti on January 18, and “Primary Colors” featuring Nate Pruitt on January 25.. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. All concerts begin at 5 p.m.. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 288-7557 x2328.

January 31 – Saturday
James Dooley will perform Hummel’s Trumpet concerto in E flat for Symphony Silicon Valley’s January 31 concert held at the Center For the Performing Arts. The guest conductor is Mallory Thompson. Tickets are from $28 to $68 each. For more information call 286-2600 or visit the website at www.symphonysiliconvalley.org.

THEATER
January 14 – Wednesday
Zigzag Railroad Theatre Company announces: A Musical Theater Production Workshop of “We the People” for children ages 9 to 16. Walk-in registration is from 2:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Foothill Intermediate School, 1966 Flint Avenue in San Jose. (East of Raging Waters, between Tully and Marten Ave.) Parents must register their children in person. The Workshop begins January 20, and rehearses Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Performances are March 26 and 27. A $50 fee is due at registration. For more information call (408) 978-3016 or visit our website at www.zzrtc.org.

January 30 – February 22
The San Jose Repertory Theatre presents the SITI Company’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” playing from opening night on January 24, through February 22. According to the production’s internationally acclaimed director, Anne Bogart, the interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless classic was inspired by John Steinbeck’s “Grape of Wrath.” “In the context of the depression era, dust bowl struggle offers an arena in which the magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream becomes even more special,” explained Bogart. Tickets for this production are available by calling 367-7255 or online at www.sjrep.com and www.tickets.com. Ticket prices range from $18 to $52 each.

ART
January 6 – 31
The Internationally acclaimed California Society of Printmakers, one of the oldest art organizations in the West presents the 90th Anniversary Members’ Exhibition at Works Gallery/San Jose, 30 North Third Street in downtown. Over 100 prints will be displayed with entries created by CPS members from all over the world. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. with evening hours on Thursdays until 7 p.m. Works Gallery/San Jose is dedicated to providing a venue for contemporary art in San Jose. For more information, call 295-8378.

CLASSES
Ongoing
Bellydancing with Vashti. Classes will be held Fridays Dance Arts Academy, 5725 Winfield, #4. Beginning classes at 5:30 p.m. and Intermediate/Advanced (Gypsy) at 6:30. Call 831-459-7293 or www.bellydanceodyssey.com for more information

MUSEUM
January 8 – Thursday
The San Jose Museum of Art presents a special evening of poetry and music with American poets Robert Bly and Nils Peterson. The program begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door - $12 general admission and $7 for SJMA and SJPC members. For more information, call 294-2787.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child.  We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out”. For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.  

San Jose ADD Self-Help Association will hold ADD self-help meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at “The School of Choice,” 3800 Bradford Avenue, San Jose, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Jeffrey at 978-3149.

South Valley Chapter of Leads Business Networking Group meets every Wednesday for lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Call or email Renee to get location details. 210-7361 or rdaggett@adminbooks.com
Santa Clara Valley Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America host both day and evening meetings each month. Daytime meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month, at 10 a.m. at Westhope Presbyterian Church, 12850 Saratoga Avenue. Evening meetings are on the third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Sunny View Manor
Lutheran Home Community Room, 22445 Cupertino Road. Call Kathy Benson at 578-5917 for more information.

American Business Women’s Association Changing Times Chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 2885 Lakeside Drive, Santa Clara. Program and dinner are $25 and reservations are required. For meeting times and additional information contact Bonnie George-Orsley 221-6606.

Concerned Birth Parents Club (CUB) features speakers and group support for parents who relinquished a child to adoption, adult adoptees, and others touched by adoption. The group meets every second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at 290 N. San Tomas Aquino Rd. (Retirement Inn), Campbell. 378-9623.

Le Tip Meeting Willow Glen Chapter meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s on 1049 E. Capital Expressway, San Jose. Call Dr. Manfred, 568-9900 to become part of a successful business network.

Search-Finders is a non-profit volunteer search and support organization comprised of adult adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents searching for relatives or lost loved ones. It meets every second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Pro Image Studios, 1856 Camden Avenue, San Jose. 356-6711.

Business Leads Unlimited meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s 1015 Blossom Hill Road. Please contact Major at 293-0564 or Richard at 378-2225 if you plan to attend.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Evergreen Yoga-Tai Chi, announces ongoing classes. The classes will be held at the Creekside Cabana Club. Tues. & Thurs. mornings, 9 - 10 am and on Wed. and Fri. evenings at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The first class is FREE. For other fees and information, call Jane at 315-1179.

“Better Health Workshops” presented by Dr. Binh of Story Chiropractic, will be held at BridgePoint at Sliver Creek. These bi-monthly Friday sessions are from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., and will include discussions on osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other issues. Free spinal exams are available. For more information, call Carol Eldridge at 223-1312.

Drop-in Energy Tune-ups for Reiki and Pranic Healing. The community is cordially invited to renew and rejuvenate at Reiki and Pranic Healing sessions held every second Tuesday of the month between 7 and 9 p.m. through the Spirit of Touch Energy Center based at BridgePoint at Silver Creek, 4855 San Felipe Road. All donations received for the 15-minute treatments will benefit the Samuel Matthew Welton Special Needs Trust. Contact Sherry Tittle at 238-8097 for more information.

Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Teresa Kaiser, Bldg. 3, Conference rm. 2 5755 Cottle Road. For more information call 800-660-1993

FIFTY PLUS
Ongoing:
Bingo every Wednesday from 1:15-3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave. The cost is $5.00 for the first pack and $2.00 for each additional pack. Sales of Bingo cards will begin at 11:00 a.m. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Cash prizes of $50-$99 will be awarded for each of the 12 games. For more information, call (408) 448-6400.

AARP Information Center needs volunteers to staff their office. Duties include helping seniors find various services and programs, and providing information on senior needs. The office is located at 840 Willow Street, Suite 300, at the corner of Bird and Willow Streets on bus route #25. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 278-1855.

Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program is looking for persons over age 60 who are willing to give love and attention to children with special needs in the community. Participants must be on a limited retirement income to qualify, be in good physical health and be able to work four hours a day, five days a week. Foster grandparents receive a small non-taxable stipend and other benefits. Contact Susan Alberto at 325-5206.

The Computer Connection - classes for seniors over 50. Registration for computer classes will be on Jan. 3 at all three SeniorNet Centers in San Jose. A variety of classes will be offered at each center. In Almaden, 6445 Camden Avenue, registration is from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Computer Fundamentals students will register from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The other two SeniorNet sites are Willow Senior Center at 2175 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose and Cypress Senior Center, 403 S. Cypress Ave. in San Jose. Call Don House at 268-1703 for more information.

Senior Adults Legal Assistance program at Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Ave. handles cases in Legal Assistance, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare. First and third Thurs. of each month (60 years or older – free). By appointment only at 251-0215.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is offered free to assist the elderly with Medicare problems and help with Health Insurance. Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Ave. Call 251-0215 for more information.

Fifty Plus Gentle Yoga Class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at St. Francis Church at the corner of Pine and Newport in Willow Glen. Everyone is welcome, no yoga experience is necessary, no pretzel poses! This class is perfect for increasing flexibility, building strength, and reducing injuries. For more information call Yoga Instructor Arika Larson at 947-7685.

San Jose Widows/Widowers Social Club meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for bingo, and every third Thursday for potluck dinner. Meetings are held at Calvin Presbyterian Church on the corner of Meridian and Fruitdale. For further information call 269-7126 or 275-6178.

TGA (To Get Acquainted) is a Senior Tuesday Night Ballroom Dancing Club that meets every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Senior Center, corner of Fremont and Monroe, Santa Clara. Dance lessons are included with paid admission from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Live Band $4 - DJ $3. Refreshments, no partners needed.
The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

The Older Women’s League (OWL) of Santa Clara County invites you to join them at the Cypress Gardens Community Room located at 3555 Judro Way, San Jose for a monthly meeting. The organization focuses on key issues affecting mid-life and older woman such as: economic security, national health care, affordable/appropriate housing, ending abuse/violence against women, etc. They meet the second Saturday of the month at 9:45 a.m.
Fifty-Plus Fitness Association meets the third Sunday of every month at 9 a.m. at Quicksilver Park, in Almaden Valley for a hike. Call 266-8404 for more information.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is looking for volunteers to mentor and speak up for abused and neglected children/youth who have been placed in the foster care system. To find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child, call (408) 416-0400 or e-mail info@cadvocates.org.

The Restorative Justice Program is currently seeking community members who enjoy working with youth and wish to reduce juvenile crime and violence by becoming a NAB member. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Rosalinda Lara at (408) 929-1080 ext. 326.

Sacred Heart Community Service needs volunteers to assist in our Self-Sufficiency Programs, including Youth and Adult Education, JobLink and Embracing Families. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. For more information contact the Volunteer Office at 278-2171 or visit www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org.

Friends of Evergreen Library is a volunteer group meeting on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Road. For more information, call Dr. Rod Cryer at 531-9933 or by email at ev.sjpl@ci.sj.ca.us.

Child Abuse Prevention Center is seeking volunteers to join the Volunteer Case Aide program, which assists children and their families by providing services requested by county social workers. Call (650) 595-7640 for more information.
Friends of Santa Teresa Branch Library is a volunteer group benefiting both visitors and staff of the Library through fundraising activities. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. For more information, call 281-1879.

MISCELLANEOUS
December 26 – February 6
The Tech Museum presents a new IMAX film, Young Black Stallion. Teams of top filmmakers join forces for this exciting new installment of a family favorite that has captured the imaginations of millions of readers and moviegoers. Disney’s first dramatic adventure made expressly for the giant screen is a magnificent and thrilling tale that is a prequel to the 1979 motion picture “The Black Stallion.” For more information, visit our website at www.thetech.org or call (408) 294-TECH.

January 1 – 31
The National Arbor Day Foundation will be giving away five free Crapemyrtle trees to each person who joins the organization during the month of January. These free gifts are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between the February 1 and May 31 planting season. Members will also receive a subscription to the bimonthly Arbor Day publication and The Tree Book planting guide. To receive your free trees, send a $10 membership contribution to Five Crapemyrtles, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410.

Through January 24
San Jose Police Activities League 2004 Pony Baseball registration is going on now! Register before January 10 and receive a $5 discount on your fees. League play begins in March/April. Manager/Coach positions are still available. Registration hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Jose PAL Stadium, 680 South 34th Street in San Jose. Bring a copy of birth certificate. For more information, call Officer Rene Retuta, or Officer Louie Hill at 272—9725.

January 10 – Saturday
The Willow Glen Little League will have sign-ups for the 2004 season from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints on Cherry Avenue at Minnesota. For more details visit the website at www.wgll.org

January 10 & 24
San Jose PAL Pony Baseball sponsors Cleats Day. Cash and carry rubber cleats available as low as $35 each. Metal cleats as low as $45 each. Come to PAL Stadium, 680 South 34th Street in San Jose to register and get your cleats. For more information, call Officer Rene Retuta, or Officer Louie Hill at 272—9725.

January 16 – Friday
The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Bay Area! Don’t miss the chance to see the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters when they take to the court against the New York Nationals at the HP Pavilion. This event starts at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets call 998-TIXS. Prices start at $12.

January 24 – Saturday
The Children’s Discovery Museum hosts author Kelee Katillac at a workshop designed to teach kids and their parents how to design a personal space thet suits their unique personality. Katillac will also sign copies of her book, “Kid’s Scared Spaces: Rooms for Believing and Belonging.” Workshops are at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Space is limited, so call 298-5437 ext. 259 for reservations. Drop-ins will be accommodated on a space-available basis. The cost of the workshop is $5.

January 24 – Saturday
Visit Scotland for the night at the South Bay Scottish Society’s 10th Annual Robert Burns Supper and Ceilidh Dance. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, on the corner of Church and Franklin in Mountain View. Entertainment includes Scots fiddler John Taylor and his band, Hamewith, Singer Peter Daldry, and storyteller Tom Cuthbertson. Enjoy the Haggis, hear Burns’ songs and poetry and share in a spirited toast to the Lassies. Bring a friend and your dancing shoes. Reservations are required. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Children 12 and under are $15. Call 492-1446 to reserve your spot. For additional information on this event, visit www.southbayscots.org

HAVE AN ITEM FOR OUR CALENDAR?
We are seeking calendar items pertaining to the south bay communities we cover in our seven monthly community newspapers: Blossom Valley, Cambrian, Campbell, Evergreen, Santa Teresa, Willow Glen, Fifty Plus, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by email or fax several weeks before the event. Send an email to candy@timesmediainc.com or fax to Candy Richter at 494-7078. Photos should be sent digitally as jpegs or mailed to Calendar, Times Newspapers, 1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107, San Jose, CA 95122. Due to the large volume of items received calendar requests left on voice mail cannot be used. Space is limited.