Feb 3, 2004

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

MUSIC
February 1 – 22
Opera San Jose presents “The Pearl Fishers” at the Montgomery Theater. Known the world over for its moving tenor/baritone duet, “Au fond du temple,” the story is set on a tropical island in antiquity. Best friends find themselves, for a second time, divided by their love for the same woman. Taboos, passion and vengeance highlight Georges Bizet’s masterpiece. For additional information and show times, call 437-4450 or visit www.oprasj.org.

February 7 – Saturday
The Nuclear Whales Saxphone Orchestrea will perform at The Joint Venture Churches of Almaden Valley, 6581 Camden, as part of the Almaden Adventures in the Arts concert series. This six-piece orchestra offers a musical treat for the whole family, blending sophisticated musicianship with footloose choreography, ingenious special effects, and madcap comedy to delight everyone from the saxophone aficionado to the most dedicated “saxophobes.” Tickets are $15 general, and $ students. Call 268-0243 for additional information.

February 26-29
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose Rising Stars presents “Guys and Dolls” at the Montgomery Theatre in downtown. Considered one of the best musical comedies ever written, “Guys and Dolls” features such classics as “Luck Be A Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Bushel and A Peck.” For tickets and more information, call 288-5437, or visit www.cmtsj.org.

THEATER
January 23 – February 7
The Tabard Theatre Company presents The Dog Sitters, A show about pets and their people for kids and their grownups!
Directed by Cathy Spielberger Cassetta and written by Mary Chase, Performances times are Fridays at 8 p.m.and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. For ticket reservations and Information call 979-0231. All performances will be at South Valley Christian Church, 590 Shawnee Lane, San Jose.

January 31 – February 21
The Saratoga Drama Group presents “Gypsy,” directed by Leslie Hardy Tamel playing at The Saratoga Civic Theater, 1377 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. For tickets and more information, cal 882-5099 or visit www.saratogadramagroup.com.

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.

DANCE
February 5 – 8
Ballet San Jose presents “Coppelia” the full-length story ballet of a doll so life-like that she fools an entire village. Performances will be held at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts in downtown. Tickets range from $22-$68, and can be ordered by calling the box office at 288-2800, or online through TicketMaster or at
www.balletsanjose.org

February 7 - 8
“Images 2004” will be presented by Santa Clara University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and the Center of Performing Arts at 8 p.m. on Feb 7, and 2 p.m. on Feb. 8, in the Louis B. Mayer Theatre. This annual dance highlight features student and faculty choreography spanning an array of dance styles including jazz, modern, and classical ballet. Ticket prices range from $5-$14. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. For tickets or more information, contact the Center of Performing Arts box office at 408-554-4015. On the Web, visit www.scu.edu/cpa.

ART
February 2 – 29
Almaden artist Cindy Blain’s paintings will be on exhibit at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company, 1383 Lincoln Avenue, in downtown Willow Glen. “Coloratura Companions” presents Blain’s recent expressionistic and energetic figure paintings. The reception will be Sunday, February 15, from 1- 3 p.m.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
Evergreen Business Builders Networking Group meets every Tuesday for breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Evergreen Inn at the corner of White and Aborn Roads. Call or e-mail Dee Ramirez for additional details. (408) 531-9200, e-mail: pplexec@yahoo.com. This is a support group for business owners. The purpose of this club is to assist in the growth of business for each member. Business owners are welcome to attend.
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 Richard at 378-2225 if you plan to attend.

HEALTH
February 12 – Thursday
Over 70 dental offices throughout Santa Clara County will open their offices to provide free dental care to school-aged children as part of the “Dentists with a Heart 2004” event. If your organization is aware of children that otherwise do not have access to dental care, please call 408-283-6209 for scheduling information. For additional information about the program, contact either Valerie Stinnett (408-879-8422) or David Lees (408-879-8420) at The Health Trust.

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 on the 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
March 12-14
Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness presents the 21st Annual Fitness Weekend at Stanford University. This event includes a public forum session, Health Faire, Health Conference and Symposium, Awards and Recognition dinner, and a variety of athletic events for every fitness level. For information and registration, call 650-843-1750 or visit www.50plus.org.

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
February 7 & 14
Volunteers needed for Voter Registration Drive, working either door-to-door or storefronts, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to volunteer, contact Pattie Cortese at (408) 218-3963 or e-mail her at: pattiecortese@aol.com for location details and registration forms.

Ongoing:
Kaiser Santa Teresa has an array of volunteer opportunities available, with our greatest need being at the Information Desks. Weekday, weekend, and evening shifts are available. If you are 18 or older, please call 972-6233 or e-mail Debbe.Brewer@kp.org
Welcome Wagon #3 is a non-profit, diverse group of volunteers dedicated to charity, community and each other. Welcome Wagon offers 15+ activity groups of various interests for our members to enjoy. Twice yearly WW hosts charity events to raise funds, giving back to the community. WW #3 meets as a whole on the third Wednesday of each month for luncheons and programs to various restaurants in the area. New members are always welcome! For additional information, call or new member hotline at 445-7015. Ask for president Glenda or membership chairs Beverly or Barbara.
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
January 24 – March 5
Art of the Zodiac: Celebrating the Year of the Monkey, will be on display at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. The King Library will be the first institute in the United States to host this exhibition this year. This event is sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Taipei Cultural Center Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York and San Francisco. For more information contact Steven Groth at 808-2061.

February 6 – 8
The St. Christopher’s Ladies Guild will be hosting its 34th Annual Antique Show and Sale – a much-anticipated event in the Willow Glen Community. This show brings together select antique dealers from throughout California and Washington, showcasing an eclectic mix of fine antiques. The Melting Pot Café will cater this event. The show also features a flower market, handcrafts boutique and pantry offerings of specialty coffees and delicious desserts. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special lecture on Antiques Information will be held on Sunday from 1 – 3 p.m. All proceeds will benefit St. Christopher School, Parish, and Outreach Programs. Admission is $4.00 donation per person. The event will be held in Healy Hall at St. Christopher’s Church, 2274 Booksin Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Toni Saldivar at 978-8172.

February 7 – Saturday
Holy Spirit Parish will host a Crab Feed Dinner and Dance from 6 – 10 p.m. in the Holy Spirit School Gym, 1198 Redmond Avenue. The dinner menu includes fresh crab, pasta, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Live music by “Special Request” This fundraising event also includes a Silent Auction and a special drawing. The cost is $50 per person. For more information, call Pat Grow at 997-0733.

February 7 – Saturday
Harry the Dirty Dog, based on Gene Zion’s popular children¹s book, will play at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre on Saturday morning, February 7, at 11:00am. Tickets are $11 advance purchase and $12 at the door. For more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

February 9 & 23
Star viewing at EVC’s Montgomery Hill Observatory. Come gaze at the winter evening sky from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the new Montgomery Hill Observatory at Evergreen Valley College. Recommended for ages 10 and older. For reservations, please call (408) 270-6490 before 6:00 pm. The events will be cancelled if it’s raining or clouds cover most of the sky. (There will NOT be any star viewing on Feb. 16.)

February 14 & 21
Come enjoy classic old movies, presented just as they first appeared in the 1920’s! The Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Avenue, presents Silent Movie Nights, complete with accompanying organist Gene Turner and drinks and popcorn galore. On Feb. 14, see a special Valentine’s Day screening of “The Cruise of the Jasper B” starring Bob La Rocque at 7 p.m. The Feb. 21 feature will be the drama, “Tol’able David,” starring Richard Barthelmess. These fundraising events will benefit the DSC music and organ fund. Suggested donation is $6 at the door. For more information, call 293-3838.

February 14 – Saturday
The Angel Island Ferry hosts its Valentine’s Crab Cruise on the Bay! This year treat the ones you love to fresh-cooked Dungeness crab served to the spectacular vies of Tiburon, Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island. The boat departs from our downtown Tiburon dock at noon and returns at 1:15 p.m. Each ticket includes one fresh whole crab (plus fixins) French bread, salad, and choice of beverage. The cost is $39 per adult. Children 5-11 will enjoy a spaghetti lunch and get to design their own graham cracker, ginger bread house with all the trimmings. Child tickets are $20 each children under 4 are free. To book reservations, call Sonja at 415-435-2131, or visit www.angelislandferry.com.

February 14 – Saturday
The American Red Cross South Bay Mobile Blood Drive will be at Evergreen Valley High School’s Cougar Hall, 3300 Quimby Road from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Any Evergreen resident is urged to donate blood if you are healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and meet other donor requirements. To schedule an appointment, please log onto www.BeADonor.com (sponsor code is evergreen), or call Cynthia @ 510-744-3865.

February 14 – Saturday
Books Aloud presents its annual Valentine’s Benefit Ball, casino and silent auction from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Radisson Hotel in San Jose. This “Open Your Heart” ball includes a gourmet “surf and turf” dinner, lively auction, casino gaming and romantic dinner dancing. Tickets are $150 each; tables of eight are $1,000 each. Special room rates are available. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call Ron Westphal at 808-2613, or Mary Marty at 356-5663. Books Aloud is a non-profit organization that records books into audio format for those unable to read by conventional means, and has served thousands of permanently and temporarily disabled listeners across the United States.

February 14 – Saturday
The Italian American Cultual Center presents the Ballo del Dolce Cuore or “Sweetheart Ball” held at the IACC, 425 North Fourth Street in San Jose. Enjoy a special romantic evening of beautiful music, champagne, chocolate and roses hosted by master of ceremonies IAHF President Salvatore Caruso. This event features a gourmet dinner catered by Antonella’s Ristorante in San Jose and musical entertainment by “Pasquale.” Tickets are $75 each with all proceeds benefiting the Italian American Heritage Foundation’s renovation project. For tickets and more information, call 293-7122.

February 22 – Sunday
Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road in Saratoga, hosts the South Bay Mah Jongg Mavens Spring 2004 Tournament. This event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost to register is $25, which includes tournament play, welcoming coffee, and lunch. Checks should be payable to Congregation Beth David. For more information, contact Phyllis Zis at 257-5618.

Ongoing
New at the Tech! The Tech Museum of Innovation announces the opening of it new exhibit: Engineer It! Visitors of all ages will have a great time designing boats, buildings, bridges, windmills, and airplanes, and testing their performance in water tanks, earthquake simulators, and wind tunnels. Engineer It! is a highly interactive traveling exhibition that presents science as an open-ended discovery process; there are no write or wrong answers. Every station offers a fun and challenging activity where visitors are encouraged to “think it, build it, and test it.”
Attention dog lovers! Join the canines of Society Dog for engaging walks and socialization. Walkers meet the second Saturday of each month at the Los Gatos Town Plaza at 10:00. Social hour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thurday evenings are “Bark in the Dark” nights. Meet at the Los Gatos Town Plaza at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday evening, and at Willow Glen Elementary School at 6:30 each Thursday evening. For more information call 671-3417 or visit www.Societydog.com.

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.