January 13, 2005

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER
January 11 - 23
American Musical Theater of San Jose opens the New Year with the multi-Tony Award winner, “Chicago,” in a limited two-week engagement at the Center for the Performing Arts. This razzle-dazzle musical features award-winning choreography by Ann Reinking and lyrics from master Broadway composers John Kander and Fred Ebb. For love, betrayal, murder, and music and song, Chicago has it all. Tickets range from $45 - $72. For more information, call 453-7108 or visit www.amtsj.org.

January 20 – February 5
Easy Street Theater Company, now housed in Adobe Hall, 1352 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, will kick off their 2005 season with the acclaimed musical “Man of La Mancha,” based on Cervantes’ ‘Don Quixote.” This production is directed by Becky Wilding with musical direction by David Herberg. Tickets are 435 general, $30 senoirs/students. For more information, call 236-2149, or visit www.easystreettheare.com.

MUSIC
January 15 – Saturday
Critically acclaimed organist Keith Thompson will be performing a recital at 7:30 p.m. at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden as part of the Almaden Adventure in the Arts series. Tickets are $15 general and $8 students. Child care will be provided. For more information, call 268-0243. Joint Venture Churches is located at 6581 Camden Avenue in San Jose.

January 15 - 16
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “The Continental” at the California Theater in downtown. The evening will feature conductor Paul Polivnick, and Soloist Ju-Young Baek on violin. Works will include Stravinsky’s “Song of the Nightingale,” Mendelssohn’s symphony No. 4 in A major, “Italian Symphoiny,” and Sibeius’ Violin Concerto in D minor. Performances are at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, call 286-2600, or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org.

January 16, 23 & 30
The San Jose Jazz Society kicks off its 2005 Sunday Jazz Series with performances by The Taylor Eigsti Trio on Jan.16, Tierney Sutton on Jan. 23, and Mimi Fox with Harvie Swartz on Jan. 30. All performances will be held at the Hyatt Sainte Claire in downtown from 3 – 5 p.m. Tickets for all performances are $12 for members and $17 for non members, except the Jan. 23 performance, which is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit www.sanjosejazz.org.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
Adlib Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 5 - 6:45 pm and the last Tuesday of the month from Noon to 1 p.m.  All meetings take place at 5600 Cottle Rd. Bldg. 50-B1.  For more information, contact Regan Eyerman at 264-4370 or at DREyerman@earthlink.net.  Cost is $65 for a 9 month term, (amount is pro-rated). Start the year right by improving communication, presentation, leadership, listening, evaluation and thinking skills.
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda in San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group,” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This grou newets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
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.  
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!
Le Tip International, a business leads networking group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1140 Hillsdale Aveue. For more information, call 298-9131.

CHILDREN & FAMILY
January 21 – Friday
Although the traditional New Years celebration in the United States is January 1st, in China they do not welcome in the New Year until February 9th this year! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for a creative and educational afternoon learning about Chinese New Year, the Woolen Mills China Town, that was located near Guadalupe Gardens, and creating traditional Chinese New Year crafts. A list of additional local Chinese New Year events and resources will be provided. This is a great way to learn more about San Jose history and celebrate Chinese culture in the Bay Area. The workshop is from 3 – 5 p.m. and designed for children five years of age and older and will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, 715 Spring Street in San Jose. The fee is $5.00, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

January 22 – Saturday
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley School, 40 North First Street in downtown San Jose, is accepting Professional Division Students ages 8 and up. Auditions are required, and will be held at the school at 2 p.m. Come ready to dance ballet. There is a $20 Processing fee. The school is also accepting Open Division Students age 4 to 8 years old. No audition or processing fee is required for the Open Division. The.Spring Semester, 2005 runs from February 1 through June 4, 2005. For more information call 2882820 x223 or visit www.balletsanjose.org

January 23 & February 6
Almaden Shock U13 girls Class 3 team is conducting tryouts from 11a.m. to 1p.m. at Pioneer High School, 1290 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose. Qualifying birthdates are from 8/1/92 to 7/31/93. For more information, contact David Conmy, at 930-4839, or email twotirednow@yahoo.com.

Ongoing
Artopia Creative Arts Studio, at Almaden Plaza near Costco, offers fun projects for school-age children throughout winter break as well as numerous theme night activities. Wednesdays are Ladies Night, Saturdays are Couples’ Date Night, and Artopia also hosts a variety of school-aged activities during the week and on weekend days. For more information and fee structures, call 266-4130. Artopia is open 7 days a week.

CLASSES
January 19 – February 23
Hospice of the Valley offers a new “Art and Movement” grief support group for those experiencing grief and loss. This class combines art therapy and the gentle movements of T’ai Chi Chih geared specifically to the tasks of grief. Opened to all losses, the six week session begins January 19 through February 23, 2005 on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 8p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 7A, in San Jose No previous art or T’ai Chi Chih experience needed. In addition, there are ongoing loss-specific groups for adults and age-specific groups for children and teens. For information and pre-group interview, call  947.1233 or email request@hospicevalley.org or visit www.hospicevalley.org. For information on Tai Chi Chih, visit www.taichichih.org

January 20 - Thursday
CakeWorks, 2891 South Bascom Avenue in Campbell will be offering four cake decorating courses. Each course is 2 weeks and classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 – 9 p.m. Additional specialty classes will also be available. Beginners through Advanced level decorators are welcome. For more information and class fees, call Julie at 377-6808, or visit www.cakeworks.com.

Ongoing
Fine Art Lesssons: Fine Art Classes in Watercolor, Oil and Soft Pastel with Gillian Lane Altieri, at the New Almaden Community Center, Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning and intermediate classes, all skill levels are invited. $20 per lesson or $60 per month (3-4 lessons).Call 268-2990 for information and materials lists.
The New Almaden Community Center will be hosting a weekly yoga class on Mon/Wed/Fri. at 6 a.m. and on Tues/Thurs. at 7 a.m. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats, however, there are a limited number of pads available. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week. Classes are appropriate for both beginner and intermediate levels.
ACE Tennis Academy offers tennis instruction for boys and girls ages 7-17, from beginner to tournament level players. Classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information and registration, phone 650-302-4250 or e-mail acetennis@sbcglobal.net.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Rd., Suite 230, (behind Red Lobster) is offering free consultation on newborn care to expectant parents. Get all your questions answered toward being best prepared for the arrival of your child. For a personal appointment, call Dr. Meena Sathappan at 274-9099.
Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Santa Teresa. Meetings are held in the San Jose Kaiser Family Health Center, Conference Room C, 3rd Floor, located at 276 International Circle. For more information call 800-660-1993

FIFTY PLUS
Ongoing:
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over still has openings in the following classes: Computer Fundamentals, e-mail A-Z, Managing Your Files, Photoshop Elements, CD Burning, Word Processing 1, Windows XP, Computer Security and Finding Things and People on the Web. To enroll in any of the course openings, contact Don House at 268-1703.
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.
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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
January 8 – February 16
Rose Garden Work Days every Wednesday & Saturday 9a.m. - noon
Groups are welcome! Assist Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens with garden maintenance and plant care in the Heritage Rose Garden. Volunteers can help on a weekly basis, or occasionally as their time allows. Free rose pruning clinics are held every Wednesday and Saturday.

January 22 – Saturday
KTEH Studios, 1585 Shallenberger Road in San Jose will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 2 – 4 p.m. This event will give the public an opportunity to learn more about volunteer opportunities. A behind-the-scenes tour of the studio will also be available. For additional information, call 795-5488.

Ongoing:
EMQ Children and Family Services is a non-profit agency serving children struggling with severe emotional issues. EMQ is seeking adult mentors to connect with youth ages 7 – 17 for two hours per week. Training is provided. Applicants must be a licensed driver. Interested volunteers should call 335-1857 or visit www.emq.org.
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to animals, has volunteer opportunities
for foster caregivers for kittens and cats and for petfaire workers for our Saturday PetClub events.
For more information, visit www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org, or contact us through volunteer@safehavenforanimals.com or call 420-7233.
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.

MISCELLANEOUS
January 22 – Saturday
The Italian American Heritage Foundation invites the public to attend a Winter Dinner Dance at the Italian American Heritage Cultural Center, 425 N. 4th Street in San Jose. This event, honoring the installation of the 2005 President Salvatore Caruso and the 2005 Officers and Directors, will feature a no host cocktail and social hour from 6 – 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by “Mack the Knife” dance band. Tickets are $27.50 per person, $10 for children 10 years and under. Children under 3 years are free. For more information and to make reservations, call 293-7122.

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.