January 11, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
 
January 13 - Saturday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Stop The Violence Rally and Concert Featuring Ginuwine: This MLK Fashion Event and Benefit Concert will help raise money, awareness and support for violence prevention activities. Activities begin at 4 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium. Admission is $35 - $100. For more information, visit www.partiprogram.com

January 14 – Sunday
The San Jose Chanber Orchestra presents “Future Forecast” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 N 5th St San José featuring Anthony Quartuccio, conducting, oboist Jessica Pearlman, and cellist Mitch Wyman.
This performance also includes select members of the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra and will feature works by Janacek, Vaughan Williams and Pasculi. Premieres by Anica Galindo, Scott Perry and Dan Wyman. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with a pre-concert chat at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 - $5 each. For tickets or additional information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org.  

January 18, 20-21
Symphony Silicon Valley features classical violinist and champion fiddler Mark O’Connor with his composition “Old Brass.” The concert also features Beethoven and Dvorak, led by renowned conductor Joseph Silverstein. The performances at the California Theater in downtown San Jose will be at 7:30 p.m. on 1/18, at 8 p.m. on 1/20 and at 2 p.m. on 1/21. Call the box office for tickets at 286-2600, or visit www.symphonysilicon valley.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 21 – January 15
The new exhibit, “Dragons and Fairies: Exploring Viet Nam through Folktales,” opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. “Dragons and Fairies” is designed to educate children ages 5-12 about the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It provides an opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of people living in modern and ancient Viet Nam. The Children’s Discover Museum is located at 180 Woz Way, in downtown San Jose, at the intersection of Woz Way and Auzerais Street. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Member’s only hour is Sunday 11 a.m. – noon.

November 17 – January 15
Ice skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities.  Beginning its 11th season, Downtown Ice has become a holiday tradition and one of the best skating experiences in the West.  The stunning rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is recognized as a San Jose holiday icon. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (subject to weather conditions) weeknights and noon to midnight on weekends and Dec. 17-31. Admission is 12 years and younger: $12, General $14. Prices include skate rentals and unlimited ice time. For more information, visit www.sjdowntown.com. Rink direct phone line is 291-0525.

January 15 – Monday
Join Santa Clara Valley Audubon naturalists and expert whale guides in observing the magnificent Gray Whale during the peak of its southern migration!  Participants also be likely to spot other sealife, including otters, sea lions, dolphins, and, of course, birds!  These 2-hour boating adventures are geared toward kids and their families and are the organization’s most popular Young Audubon excursion.  Space is limited, so call (408) 252-3740 for more details or to reserve your family's spot. The cost is $20/person for SCVAS members, $25/person for non-members; Scholarships available for families in need, All excursions depart from Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay

January 19 – Friday
Worms Workshop! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens from 3:30 – 5 p.m. and learn how these little recyclers view our garbage and how they help to save the environment, as well as looking at them in a whole different view under the microscope! The festivities will also include a yucky, worm inspired treat! This workshop is designed for children five years of age and older, and will be held at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Attendees must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $5 members/ $10 non-members per child. Reserve your spot by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

January 20 - Saturday
Youth Indoor Model Airplane Contest.  Moreland Community Center Gym, 1850 Fallbrook Ave. in San Jose.  Boys and girls 18 and under, build and fly a simple model airplane, enter the contest.  Prizes awarded through 5th place in 5 events. $5 entry fee includes cost of materials.  Fly any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information call Lou Young, 252-2145.

January 20 & 27
California Theatre Center (CTC) presents a lively stage adaptation of Beverly Cleary’s Newberry Award-winning story, “Dear Mr. Henshaw”, adapted for the stage and directed by CTC General Director, Gayle Cornelison. Many people have pen pals, but not very many people have pen pals who are famous authors!  Leigh Botts, an 11-year-old boy from California, has been writing letters to the well-known children¹s author Boyd Henshaw since the second grade. Mr. Henshaw encourages Leigh to keep a personal journal as a way to deal with all of the changes in his life, including his parents’ divorce. Along the way, Leigh also discovers his own strengths as a writer, and explores his own personal strengths and creative capabilities throughout the story.  By the end, Leigh has improved his relationship with his parents, done better in school, and has grown smarter and wiser through his correspondence with Mr. Henshaw. Dear Mr. Henshaw plays at 11 a.m. on 1/20 and 1/27 and at 7:30 p.m. on 1/27, at the Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive. Tickets are $11 in advance/$12 at the door. Call 245-2978 for reservations. For more information, visit www.ctcinc.org.

CLASSES

January 13 & 20
Learn the ABC’s of  Trap – Neuter - Return (TNR) for Homeless cats. Do you have stray cats in your neighborhood or at work? You can help improve their lives - learn to TNR. Free TNR Classes at San Jose Animal Care and Services (SJACS), 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose. Class hours are 1/13 from10am-12 p.m. or on 1/20 from 3 -5 p.m. RSVP to 877-729-7475 option 2, as space in the classroom is limited. Leave your name, phone number, and which day you would like to attend; please speak slowly.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instructions at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue in San Jose. The school offers classes for pre-school  through teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.,  For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.

Ever wanted to learn ceramics? “Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is now accepting students for Winter 2007. The fee for these small classes (4 students) includes instructions, all materials, use of tools, and kiln firings. The adult classes are held on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery. For more information or to register call (408) 679-0238 or e-mail avidehzworld@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUS

December 26 – February 2
San Jose residents can set their Christmas trees out for curbside recycling collection by the City of San Jose. Natural and flocked (frosted) trees will be collected on the same day as garbage and recycling at single-family homes. Tree collection is done at no additional charge, but residents must remove tinsel, decorations, and the tree stand. Trees also must be cut into five-foot lengths and placed in the street about a foot from the curb - this keeps from obstructing the flow of storm water down the gutters. Residents in apartments and other multi-family complexes should check with their building management for proper set-out instructions. Otherwise, the same rules apply such as removing tinsel and decorations.

January 11 – 15
San Jose International Auto Show returns to the McEnery Convention Center: Held in the Convention Center and South Hall, this annual display of nearly 400 new vehicles from more than 36 manufacturers features the latest offerings including the 2008 model year from the auto industry in over 200,000 square feet of exhibit space. Factory Concept cars, hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles, specialty vehicles, race cars and an additional 80,000 square feet of aftermarket accessories in South Hall. Admission is $5 - $9. For more information, visit www.sjautoshow.com

January 13 – Saturday
The Princeton Plaza Arts, Crafts, Antiques and Collectibles Shows, 1375 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose. Come on out and join the excitement. Great bargains, free admission and plenty of parking. Coffee and donuts for the early bird shoppers! Live entertainments by Mostly Celtic.

January 20 – Saturday
Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event at the Almaden Community Center (6445 Camden Avenue in San Jose) sponsored by The Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley partnering with Council Member Nancy Pyle and the District 10 Neighborhood Associations. We accept all computers and electronic equipment including: laptops, desktops, stereos, printers, faxes, cell phones, televisions and much more. Freezers, batteries or any items containing motor oil not accepted. For questions, call Steve Ramona at 573-8573. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

January 20 - Saturday
The 13th annual South Bay Scottish Society’s traditional Burns Supper will be held at the Orchard City Hall, Campbell Community Center, from 6:30-10 p,m. We will celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s immortal bard, Robert (Robbie) Burns, with songs, poetry, spirited toasts to the Lads and Lassies, ceilidh (“kay-lee”) dancing, a raffle, and music by John Taylor and Hamewith. There will also be a performance by champion highland dancers, Lauren and Madeline Cooper. The dinner will include the famous haggis, Beef Bridie, Neeps and Tatties, Veggies, salad, and a wee dram or two for the traditional toasts. Seating will be limited so reserve early.  Visit us online at www.southbayscots.org or call 406-2556 for more information. Cost: $30.00 for members and guests, $35.00 for non-members, $15.00 for children 12 and under, and $40.00 at the door. Reservations with a check made payable to South Bay Scottish Society can be mailed to Frank Cameron, 490 Cherry Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022.

January 27 – Saturday
Stanford Blood Drive at the PW Supermarket parking lot, 6938 Almaden Expwy at Via Valiente. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Margaret Guerrettaz of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Ongoing
The Almaden Valley Women’s Club is currently in need of and recruiting volunteers. The AVWC is a nonprofit organization established in 1965. Through our annual Almaden Art & Wine Festival, we donate 100% of proceeds back to the community in the form of grants to local schools, scholarships to high school seniors in the 95120 area, The Assistance League of San Jose, clothes for the homeless, as well as many other local charities. AVWC holds seven regular meetings, the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. There are no meetings in July or August. Members are required to attend 5 general meetings. Membership dues are nominal and assistance is available if needed. For more information, call Mia Burnham at 839-6071 or email Mia at burnhamfamily@sbcglobal.net or visit our website at WWW.ALMADENARTWINEFESTIVAL.COM.

San Jose Flycasters meet the second Wednesday of the month at Senior Citizens Center at the NE corner of Payne Avenue and Saratoga Avenue intersection in San Jose. On January 10, Jack Dennis, renown fly fisher, will tie flies beginning at 6:15 p.m., and present a program on Streamer Fly Fishing at the meeting, 7:20 p.m. San Jose Flycasters is a non-profit organization promoting the sport of fly fishing, education on fisheries and habitat preservation and restoration. Free and open to the public. Jim at (408) 278-7077; online: www.flycasters.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.