January 18, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

January 18 – 21
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “Mark O’Conner’s Auld Bass at the California Theatre in San Jose. Mark O'Connor, one of the brightest musical talents of this generation, performs his own Auld Brass fiddle concerto, melding spectacular Texas fiddlin' and jazz violin with the classical tradition. Admission is $36 - $72. For more information, visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

January 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

THEATER

January 26 – February 10
Renegade Theater Experiment presents Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus” at the historic Hoover Theater in San Jose. Penned by Shakespeare at just 26 years of age, “Titus Andronicus” is often thought of as his "Tarantino" play - -a youthful, populist gore-fest delighting in shock value. But it also remains a searing tragedy of the wages of sin. Join RTE for a startling modern-dress production of Shakespeare's darkest and goriest play as you have never seen it before! Tickets are $18.00 General Admission (Thursdays and Sundays) and $20.00 General Admission (Fridays and Saturdays). Students and teachers, seniors, and Theatre Bay Area members qualify for discount tickets ($13.00 Thu/Sun & $15.00 Fri/Sat) with valid ID. Tickets and season subscriptions are on sale at www.renegadetheatre.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

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.

January 27th – Saturday
Almaden Country School, 6835 Trinidad Drive, San Jose, will have their first Open House from 10 am to noon.  The Open House will be a chance for all families to come visit our preschool through 8th grade school, talk to teachers, and have a personal tour by an Almaden Country School Middle School student. Come learn more about how the school helps discover the gifts in every child through a rigorous curriculum and broad enrichment classes including science, drama, French, art, PE and music.  Almaden Country School is celebrating 25 years in the Almaden Valley and we welcome you to come learn more about our school community as we look ahead to our next 25 years.  Call 997-0424 for more information.

January 27 -28
Have you noticed the fun fresh faces popping up at Children’s Discovery Museum? They are our newest friends, and they really know how to “Kick Start Eat Smart!” Based on healthy fruits and vegetables, each has a captivating personality all their own. Julienne was first on the scene at last summer’s Kick Start Eat Smart weekend. She’s tall, orange, and her green hair blows in the breeze as she runs along. Can you guess what she is? During the fall, we introduced Bart. He’s curvy, wears a ball cap and is oh, so sweet! Can you guess what fruit or vegetable character that might be next? Or better yet, come meet them for yourself at the Museum during the Kick Start Eat Smart weekend, or online at www.cdm.org/kickstart! Kick Start, Eat Smart hours are 1/27 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1/28 from noon – 5 p.m. Kick Start Eat Smart is a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum.

Ongoing
Exchanged old cell phones for passes to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Now through February 28, bring in your old cell phones to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and they will give you one free admission pass in exchange.  One cell phone = one free pass. Cell Phones can be dropped off daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in exchange for the passes, or can be mailed to: Happy Hollow - Cell Phone Recycle Program 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA  95112 Tax receipts are available upon request. Limit 2 passes per person. 100% of funds raised through the program are donated to the Orangutan Conservancy, protecting one of the most critically endangered species on Earth. For more information, call 277-3065 or visit www.hhpz.org

CLASSES

January 20 - Saturday
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

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 24 – Wednesday
The Evergreen High School Speech and Debate team will face off against the Leland High School team in an exciting and unique exhibition event. During the program, Students will entertain the audience by showcasing their nationally recognized talents and performing individual events in oratory, persuasion, extemporaneous speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate. The program will be held in the EVHS Theater, 3300 Quimby Road, San Jose and will begin at 6:45 p.m. with door opening at 6:30 p.m.. Refreshments will be available during break. Please arrive early as seating capacity is limited and is first come, first serve. The suggested entrance donation is $3 per person (although higher amounts are both appreciated and welcomed!) All proceeds benefit the speech and debate team Parking at the school is free.

January 27 – Saturday
Stanford Blood Drive at the PW Supermarket parking lot, 6938 Almaden Expwy at Via Valiente. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 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. 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.

Humane Society Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Humane Society Silicon Valley, 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara. Facilitator: Adam Dorsay, M.A. For more information, call 450-1800 or visit: www.hssv.org and click on Services and then Pet Loss. Meetings are free and open to the public.

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.