Feb 26, 2004

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

MUSIC
February 27 - 29
Almaden Feed and Fuel, 18950 Almaden Road, hosts live music each Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on Sundays from 3 – 7 p.m. This week features “Ol Brown Shoe” on the 27th, “Fast Lane” on the 28th and “Radio Flyers” on the 29th. For additional information, call 268-8950.

February 29 – Sunday
San José Chamber Orchestra presents “End of Times: Music of War and Peace”,
Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time with works by Mahler, Clausen and Berenholtz at the Petit Trianon, 72 North Fifth Street, San Jose. The concert begins at 7 p.m., with a pre-concert lecture starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 general and $25 senior/student. For more information, call (408)295-4416. 

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 - 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 ten 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.

THEATER
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 9 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.

February 27 – 29, 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 ten or more. For tickets or more information, contact the Center of Performing Arts box office at 554-4015, or visit www.scu.edu/cpa.

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.

MEETINGS
March 2 - Tuesday
Adelante Toastmasters meets each Tuesday at 7:15 – 8:30 a.m. at Hick’ry Pit Restaurant, 980 E Campbell Ave, (across from the Pruneyard), Campbell. For more information call Mary at 979-9499 or visit http://adelante.tripod.com/.

March 2 – Tuesday
Le Tip San Jose/Willow Glen Chapter meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s on 1140 Hillsdale Ave. San Jose. Call Dr. Manfred, 568-9900 to become part of a successful business network.

March 2 – Tuesday
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.

March 3 – Wednesday
South Valley Chapter of Leads Business Networking Group meets 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

March 3 – Wednesday
The San Jose Widows and Widowers Social Club meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m. for breakfast at Coco’s Restaurant, 330 East Hamilton Avenue in Campbell. For more information, call 275-6178 or 269-7126.

March 3 – Wednesday
American Business Women’s Association Changing Times Chapter meets 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.

March 4 – Thursday
The San Jose Widows and Widowers Social Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m. for lunch at Harry’s Hofbrau Restaurant, 390 Saratoga Avenue, followed by a brief meeting, then cards and games of your choice. For more information, call 275-6178 or 269-7126.

Ongoing:
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.  

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 1& 3
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.

March 2 – Tuesday
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.

March 3 - Wednesday
Bingo 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.

March 5 – Friday
AVAC will host local author Kymberli Brady’s popular Journaling Class in the Conference Room from 1 – 3 p.m.
Members and guests are welcome. For more information, please call Mary Ann at 445-4931.

March 6 – Saturday
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 Almaden, 6445 Camden Avenue, registration is 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 Willow Senior Center at 2175 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose and Cypress Senior Center, 403 S. Cypress Ave. in San Jose. Call Don House at 268-1703 for more information.

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:
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.
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.
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.

CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENTS
January 24 – March 5
Art of the Zodiac: Celebrating the Year of the Monkey, will be on display at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. The King Library will be the first institute in the United States to host this exhibition this year. This event is sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Taipei Cultural Center Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York and San Francisco. For more information contact Steven Groth at 808-2061.

February 28 – Saturday
Harry the Dirty Dog, based on Gene Zion’s popular children¹s book, will play at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre on Saturday morning, February 14, at 11:00am. Tickets are $11 advance purchase and $12 at the door. For more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

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 2 – Tuesday
Barnes and Noble Almaden hosts “Toddler Tuesday Morning Storytime,” a weekly read aloud session that begins at 10 a.m.

March 4 – Thursday
Bring the ‘jammies and get ready to cuddle up to a great story at Barnes and Noble Almaden’s Thursday night Pajamarama Storytime held at the store each week at 7 p.m.

Ongoing
Attention dog lovers! Join the canines of Society Dog for engaging walks and socialization. Walkers meet the second Saturday of each month at the Los Gatos Town Plaza at 10:00. Social hour begins at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings are “Bark in the Dark” nights. Meet at the Los Gatos Town Plaza at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday evening, and at Willow Glen Elementary School at 6:30 each Thursday evening. For more information call 671-3417 or visit www.Societydog.com.
New at the Tech! The Tech Museum of Innovation announces the opening of it new exhibit: 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.”

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
March 6 – Saturday
Almaden First Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints needs volunteers to assist in assembling ‘Personal hygiene emergency kits’ to be distributed world wide, free of charge, to areas of extreme disaster. Victims need hygiene supplies to maintain health and cleanliness. Combs, packaged toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and small stuffed animals for children have been contributed; more are welcome. Meet at 6625 Camden Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments provided. Call Nan Hunter for further details at 268-3151.

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
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 1 - Monday
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 pm. The events will be cancelled if it’s raining or clouds cover most of the sky. 

March 4 – Thursday
Simon Winchester, whose bestselling books include “Krakatoa” and “The Professor
and the Madman,” will speak at two free events sponsored by the Center for Literary Arts at SJSU. The Conversation /Public Q&A/Book Signing will be held at noon, in the Spartan Memorial Chapel at SJSU. Admission to this event is free. 7:30 p.m. there will be a Reading/Public Q&A/Book Signing session at the University Theatre (on San Fernando near 4th St.), SJSU. This is also a free event.

March 6 – Saturday
Paradise Found in San Jose! Tapestry Arts invites you to put on your best Hawaiian shirt and join them for an evening of tropical fun at the Park Plaza Hotel, 1355 North Fourth Street! This event runs from 6:30 to 10p.m. and includes a Live Auction, Silent Auction, Prize Spin Wheel, a no host Wine Bar, and a Fabulous Buffet. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will benefit Tapestry’s curriculum-based arts education program for children in local schools and art outreach to the community. Tickets are $25 each in advance, or $35 at the door. For more information, call 494-3590, or visit www.tapestryarts.org.
Ongoing
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 our new member hotline at 445-7015. Ask for President Glenda or membership chairs Beverly or Barbara.

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.