March 3, 2004

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

MUSIC
March 5 - 11
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose presents “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Montgomery Theatre in downtown. Campy and full of fun, this quirky little musical is based on a 1960’s low-budget sci-fi horror movie about a nerdy Skid Row flower shop attendant who inadverdently creates a monster when he gives a plant a few drops of blood. The Mowtown inspired score includes songs like “Skid Row,” “Feed Me.” and “Suddenly Seymour.” For more information, call 288-5437, or visit www.cmtsj.org

March 6 - Saturday
Le Petit Trianon Theatre, 72 North Fifth Street, presents “Celebration of Russian Arts” featuring a performance 7 – 9 p.m. performance by the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet. This event includes a social reception, silent auction and a performance by the St. Petersburg-based quartet. Recommended donations are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Seniors/Students are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, call 299-5115.

March 6 – Saturday
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “A Classical Affair” beginning at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. The program will include music by Franz Joseph Haydn (1761) Symphony No. 6 in D Major ‘Le Matin’ Giovanni Bottesini (1850) Double Bass Concerto in B minor Franz Schubert (1816) Symphony No. 5 in B-flat minor. This performance features conductor David Amado, and soloist Bill Everett on the Double Bass. Tickets are $28 to $68 each. For more information, call (408) 286-2600 or visit the Ticketmaster Web site: www.symphonysiliconvalley.org.

March 6 - 7
The SCU Department of Music and the Center of Performing Arts presents “Opera Theatre” on March 6, at 8pm, with a matinee performance on March 7, 2004 at 2pm. The performance features stage and musical direction by Music Professor Nancy Wait Kromm, with additional staging by SCU music major Amanda Villegas and music department alumna Lori Schmidt. Students Veronika Olah and Joel Castro will provide lighting and set design. Philip Sokolov, from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, will make a special guest appearance as Count Almaviva in scenes from “The Marriage of Figaro”. Tickets to “Opera Theatre” range $5-$10. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, contact the Center of Performing Arts box office at 408-554-4015. On the web at www.scu.edu/cpa.

March 7 – Sunday
The San Jose Wind Symphony and Music/Artistic Director, Dr. Edward C. Harris present their third stop of  their season with “Passport to Music” , Basically British , with a visit to England’s composers such as Walton, Vaughan Williams and Elliot.  Deborah Kavasch will be guest narrator for “Facade Suite”.  Tickets are $17 for General and $14 for Senior and Students. Come and take this musical journey with us.  For more information about this concert or SJ Wind Symphony please visit our Web site at www.sjws.org or call 408 927- 7597.

THEATER
March 3 - 6
Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” will be presented by Santa Clara University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and the Center of Performing Arts at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre. Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member Elizabeth Dale will direct this American masterpiece. Single ticket prices for “A Streetcar Named Desire” range from $5 - $14. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets or more information, contact the Center of Performing Arts box office at 554-4015, or visit www.scu.edu/cpa.

March 6 – April 3
The West Valley Light Opera Association will open its second production of its 39th season, “A Chorus Line” at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Friutvale, Saratoga, on March 6 at 8 p.m. This well-know production is a celebration of the unsung heroes of the American Musical Theater – the chorus dancers – those highly trained performers who backup the stars and make them look good. A Chorus Line won nine Tony Awards. For reservations and information, call 268-3777. Pictured left to right are Brandon Bond, Donna Rapa-Olsen, Almaden resident Paul Buszkiewicz and Tami Puno.

DANCE
March 13 – Sunday
Ariel Dance Productions is looking for teen dancers to perform in “Pop Rocks and Ultra Sounds” Dance Concert on Aug. 15 at the Cubberley Theatre. Our dance concert will feature ballet, jazz, modern dance and hip-hop. Auditions will be held at the Ariel dance studio, 2385 S. Winchester Blvd, in Campbell from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For additional information, visit
info@arieldanceproductions.com or call 621-2790. Please RSVP by 3/10 if interested.

March 25 - 28
Ballet San Jose presents “Out of Africa,” Flemming Flindt’s world premiere, full-length production which draws on Karen Blixen’s tales of her years as mistress of a coffee plantation in the high hills of 1920s Kenya—about the elegant Kikuyu, about the hothouse colonial society centered in Nairobi with its intrigues, romances, and adventure;, and above all...about the mighty African landscape. Out Of Africa will be at the Center for the Performing Arts from March 25 through the 28. Tickets are $22 - $68 each. For additional information, call 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

March 28 – Sunday
The Abhinaya Dance Company presents “Shiva-The Cosmic Dancer”at the Louis B Meyer Theatre, University of Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, at 2 p.m. This spring concert will feature Abhinaya’s students of all ages, demonstrating different manifestations of Lord Shiva. The post - intermission segment will feature the next generation of Abhinaya dancers who will portray the varied paths that devotees pursue to attain Lord Shiva’s grace. Featured guest performer Dominique Delorme will be performing his own choreographic work called “Shiva Karanas”. For more information and tickets call Abhinaya Dance Company at 983-0491.

ART
March 6 – July 3
The San Jose Museum of Art presents “Domestic Odyssey” featuring works by a group of national and international artists who use household items – appliances and furniture – as touchstones for their work. See everyday items transformed into the whimsical, seductive and thought-provoking meditations on cultural, social and autobiographical issues. This new exhibit is located in the New Wing, Metro A, Skylight and South Galleries. For recorded information, call 294-2787.

MUSEUM
March 2 – August 15
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is opening their “Rare Books of the Rosicrucian Library” exhibit.  This exclusive exhibit will be available to the public through August 15, 2004 and will be free with a museum admission ticket.  The exhibit will feature the Rosicrucian Manifestos which were published in Strasburg, Germany and are comprised of three Rosicrucian documents:  the Fama Fraternitatis, the Confessio Fraternitatis, and the Nuptiae Chymicae (Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz), published in 1614, 1615 and 1616 respectively.  Together, they encompass the major works of the 17th century Rosicrucians.   
   The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States.  It is located at 1342 Naglee Avenue in San Jose. Entrance fees for the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum are $9 general, $7 for seniors and students with I.D., and $5 for children ages 5-10.  Children under 5 can visit the museum free of charge.  For more information visit www.egyptianmuseum.org or call (408) 947-3636.  

MEETINGS
March 30 – Tuesday
The S. Bay Civil War Round-Table will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Coco’s Restaurant, on Hamilton Avenue, in Campbell on Tuesday, March 30.  Coco’s is on Hamilton Ave. in Campbell ( X hwy 17) and we meet each last Tuesday of the month.  We’ll hear John Richards speak about the game of baseball during the Civil War. Come listen and talk baseball or about military history ; come listen for free, and receive our newsletter before joining.  Contact Bill Noyes at 408 - 3741541 for more information.

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 Bay Astrological Society holds meetings every second Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave. (between Hamilton and Minnesota) in San Jose. Admission $10 non-members, $5 members. Refreshments are served. For more information call (408)395-7082 or visit www.astrologyclub.org.
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
Ongoing:
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 March 6 at all three SeniorNet Centers in San Jose. A variety of classes will be offered at each center. In Willow Glen, register at the Willow Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, 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 6445 Camden Avenue in Almaden, and the 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
March 9 – Tuesday
Come out and help coach Special Olympics athletes while having fun in a sports program. Make new friends while you lend a helping hand. Coaches are needed for our year-round program to assist teaching 17 different sports. No experience is necessary to coach. Just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of humor. You must be 16 or older or accompanied by an adult. The volunteer orientation is from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Hoover Community Center on the corner of Park and Naglee. For more information, please check out our web site at www.sonc.org click Region Locator on the left, then click SV for Silicon Valley Region – that will take you to our local pages. Or call us at 408.392.0170

March 12 & 26
Crafters Who Care - Since this group began at the Evergreen Community Center one year ago, the Crafters
have donated over 400 handmade creations to needy children here in San Jose and around the world.  Sponsored by the Silver Creek Church, this group is a fun way for women to connect with each other while doing something worthwhile. Women who like to knit or crochet, and those who would like to learn are invited to join. Beginners are welcome! Crafters meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon in room 1 of the Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Road. Contact Dee Castagnoli at 238-7956 for more information, or if you have yarn you would like to donate!

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
March 8, 15, 22 & 29
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 p.m. The events will be cancelled if it’s raining or clouds cover most of the sky. 

March 12 – Friday
New at the Tech’s IMAX Theater: “NASCAR”: Put yourself in the driver’s seat and experience speeds of more than 200 mph through the magic of the IMAX Dome – an immersive experience you won’t soon forget! Uncover the science, technology and teamwork that make up North America’s most popular spectator sport. Featuring the most competitive and skilled race teams in the world, NASCAR: The IMAX Experience captures a sport that truly represents the fabric of America.

March 12 – Friday
Legend has it that St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland - but we are happy we have snakes here in the Guadalupe watershed! Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, meet some gopher snakes with the City of San Jose Rangers and learn why we love snakes! The workshop is designed for children five years of age and older and will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring Street in San Jose. The fee for the workshop is $5.00. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

March 12 – Friday
Congregation Beth David will join over 75,000 Jews across North America celebrating “Shabbat Across America/Canada” organized by the National Jewish Outreach Program. This years event, starting at 6 p.m. will include a kosher dinner followed by storytelling for the children or discussion sessions fro adults and teens, and will conclude with a traditional “Kabbalat Shabbat” evening service. The cost is $12 fro adults/teens, $6 children ages 6 – 12, and children under 6 years are free. For more information, call 257-3333 or register online at http://www.beth-david.org.

March 13 – Saturday
The Muslim Film Festival announces the premier of the Bay Area Muslim Film Festival held at UC Berkeley from 2 – 10 p.m. The MFF is an annual event that screens films by or about Muslims, reflecting the interesting and diverse Muslim culture and society. MFF seeks to help portray Muslim artists and their view, providing Muslims with a venue to share their work and their diverse traditions. For more information, visit MuslimFilmFestival.org. Additional dates will be available at Santa Clara University.

March 13 – Saturday
New at the Tech! Genetics: Technology With A Twist
Explore the forefront of emerging genetic technologies by taking on the roles of genetic counselor, scientist and even a policymaker. Understand the new opportunities genetic research has provided, and face personal and social choices that arise from the intimate knowledge of what we are made of. Sequence a gene, use microscopes to see real chromosomes, and engage in discussions about the ethical issues associated with developing genetic technologies. With new Tech Tags, visitors can even grow bacteria in our wet lab, post findings to their very own Web site, and track their experiment’s progress online days later.

March 13 – Saturday
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens from 1 – 2:30 p.m. for an afternoon with Judith M. Taylor, M.D. as she takes us on a walk through the past to discover the old gardens of California and the people behind them. A special focus of her book, “Tangible Memories - Californians and their Gardens 1800-1950”, are the gardens of Santa Clara County, including San Jose. This is a great opportunity to meet a local author and learn more about the gardens of yesteryear and how they came to be. The cost is $5 per person. This event will be held at the Garden Center, located at 715 Spring Street. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

March 14 – Sunday
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the 44th annual Irish Social Club’s Dinner Dance. It will be held at David’s Banquet Center, 5151 Stars and Stripes Drive, Santa Clara. No host cocktails will begin at 6:30 with dinner at 7:30. Traditional Irish Step Dancing and music by the fabulous contemporary Irish band, “Emerald” will highlight the evening. Tickets are $70 and can be ordered by calling Marilynn Gilmore, (408)264-4955.

March 16 – 17
Students in grades 6 – 12 are invited to participate in the 44th Annual Synopsis Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championships. Projects will be judged by Bay Area scientists and engineers. This event will be held at the McEnery Convention Center, Exhibit Hall #3. Last year, over 800 student from all over Santa Clara County competed for cash and prizes from local businesses, professional organizations and the U.S. Armed Forces. This event will be open to the public on March 17 from 5 – 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.science-fair.org

March 19 – 21
The 22nd Annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival offers a special San Jose edition at Camera 3 Cinemas in San Jose. The event will present more than 20 films and videos from six countries. For more information and tickets, call 415-865-1588 or visit www.naatanet.org/festival.

Ongoing
The Tech Museum presents 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.”

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.