January 27, 2005

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER
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.

January 27 – 29
The Pioneer High School Glue Factory Players presents “The Odd Couple” with Steve Dini and Brian Adams. All performances will be staged at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave, in San Jose. Show dates are January 27 - 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, $5 for students. The box office opens each night at 6:30 p.m. and all walk ups are welcomed. For more information, call 978-8499. Proceeds from this production will benefit the Pioneer Drama Fire Restoration Fund.

January 28 – February 26
The Tabard Theatre Company presents “The Taffetas,” where harmony and crinoline take center stage in this jog down memory lane. Set in Muncie, Indiana, in the 1950’s, “The Taffetas” (reminiscent of “Forever Plaid”) follows the ambitions of four musical sisters determined to end up on The Ed Sullivan Show. This fun, lively musical review of ‘50s hits will be presented at two venues: From January 28 through February 5 at Joint Venture Churches, and from February 11 through February 26 at Bella Mia restaurant. For ticket prices and performance times, visit www.tabardtheatre.org or call 979-0231.

MUSIC
January 30 - Sunday
The San Jose Jazz Society’s Sunday Jazz Series presents 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. 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 Las Madres Adoptive Moms Group meets twice a month on Friday mornings for play dates and lunch.  Once per month we also have Mom’s Night Out, a family activity and a newsletter with stories written by members as well as informative articles and book reviews on adoption.  Visit www.lasmadres.org
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 24 – 29
Cantabile Youth Singers will be auditioning boys and girls, 6 years and older, for its Spring 2005 Season. Auditions will be by appointment only, with classes beginning in February. Singers are divided into four levels: Preparatory Singers, Intermediate Singers, Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble. All weekly rehearsals are in Los Altos at Foothill Congregational Church. For more information, call 650-424-1410.

January 29 & February 5
The Almaden Storm U10 Class 1 Boys’ Soccer will be holding tryouts for the 2005 season.  The expected tryout dates will be January 29th and February. Call Michael Beauchamp at 927-6601or Mike Reickerd at 268-7576 for additional information.

January 29 – 30
U15 girls comp team - called the Almaden Phoenix - tryouts will be at Pioneer High School at 3:00 p.m. both days. For more information, call Kent Grave, head coach, at 455-2196

February 6 - Saturday
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.

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 19 – April 13
Tai Chi Chuan Classes meet on Wednesdays, at the Los Gatos Recreation Center 123 E. Main Street, Room B in Los Gatos. Beginning classes are from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The fee is $94 for 11 classes. Call Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department at 354-8700 x221 or x225. For more information. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art that promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. Classes are appropriate for people of all ages.

Ongoing
Fine Art Lessons: 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 (Vinyasa Flow) at 7a.m. Monday thru Friday. This class is appropriate for beginner and intermediate levels. Mats are available. Join us at The New Almaden Community Center on Bertram Rd. Drop-ins welcome no pre-registration required. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week.
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:
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.

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
February 3 – Thursday
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Silicon Valley and Congregation Shir Hadash Men’s Club and Sisterhood jointly present “A Middle East Report” from the Consul General of Israel. David Akov, Consul General of Israel for the Pacific Northwest Region will be presenting a perspective on recent developments and the prospects for peace at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane in Los Gatos.

February 5 – Saturday
The SJSU men’s and women’s golf teams are hosting the 2005 Spartan GOLO Masters, a 72 hole major event at Mountain Charley’s in downtown Los Gatos The entry fee, which includes soft drinks, beer, appetizers, and prizes (not to mention a winners check), is only $50 when you register online ($60 at the door). The field will be limited to 120 players so contact Rachel Schwartz at rschwartz@ix.netcom. com to pre-register and guarantee your spot.

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.