March 6, 2008

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

Mar. 9
The San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents “Music for strings by Corigliano, Schnittke and Nielsen” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose. Eric Kujawsky is the featured guest conductor. Tickets are $30 - 45 and can be purchased by calling (408)295-4416 or visit  www.sjco.org.

Mar. 15
The San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Classic: SJYS, under the artistic leadership of Maestro Yair Samet, announces its second concert of the season, “Spring Classic”, held at 2:30 p.m. at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose. This performance will feature two outstanding young musicians and winners of the San Jose Youth Symphony Young Artist Competition (YAC) – clarinetist Joseph T. Morris performing Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor and, pianist Angela Hwang performing Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 43. Advance tickets are available at http://www.sjys.org/concerts/tickets.html or at the box office before the concert. Admission is $15/Adults, $10/Students and Seniors, and $5 for children under 13. For further information, call 885-9220 or sjys@sjys.org.

THEATER

Feb. 27 – Mar. 9
Cinequest Film Festival returns to San Jose! The Cinequest Film Festival is a discovery festival of films and technology forums that was recently named the Top 10 festival in the world by the Ultimate film Festival Survival Guide. This year’s event features a number of Maverick Spirit events featuring presentations at San Jose’s California Theater by such acclaimed artists as Danny Glover, Michael Keaton, John Leguizamo. For more event information, visit www.cinequest.org or call 295-3378. Ticket prices vary by event.

Mar. 4 – 16
American Musical Theater San Jose presents “Cabaret” at the Center for the Performing Arts. Winner of 12 Tony Awards combined for the original and revival productions, “Cabaret” is the stunning musical tale of the Nazi-era Kit Kat Klub - a decadent refuge from the political turmoil of the outside world. The cabaret’s gleefully lecherous emcee greets patrons “Wilkommen” and offers social commentary between numbers by English expatriate and party girl Sally Bowles. Resistant to the ominous changes around her, Bowles continues to believe that life is a cabaret. For tickets and performance information, call 1-888-455-7469 or visit www.amtsj.org.

DANCE

Mar. 15
Elements Dance Company Auditions: E.D.C. provides specialized training in Hip-Hop and Break Dance Styles as well as competition skills/performance Strength. Audition time for Junior and Teen teams (ages 11 years and older) is 10 a.m. – noon. Classes are available for children 5 – 10 years beginning Mar. 29 from 9 – 10 a.m. No audition is required for these classes. Location is Nancy Doize School of Dance, 3001 Ross Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Alisha Simms at 623-2163 or missalisha@hotmail.com

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Mar. 7 - 16
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents Jekyll & Hyde: An evocative tale of the epic battle between good and evil, “Jekyll & Hyde” is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart. A musical theater phenomenon, “Jekyll & Hyde” combines the thrills and excitement of such classics as “Sweeney Todd” and “Phantom of the Opera”, and a lush, romantic pop score that includes the hit songs “This Is the Moment” and “Someone Like You.” This production is staged at the Montgomery Theater. For ticket and show time information, visit www.cmtsj.org or call 288-5437.

Mar. 8
Celebrate Persian New Year! Celebrate Norouz (Persian New Year) from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Vineland Branch library as we feature the festive Norouz holiday. There will be a Norouz song by a children's group, Ballet Afsaneh dance program with audience participation and Master Nejad and the Nejad Youth Orchestra. There will also be a children's parade, various holiday crafts and more. This event is co-sponsored by the Cambrian, Almaden and Vineland Branch Libraries with the generous support of the various Friends’ organizations at each library. This event will be held in Almaden's large community room.

Mar. 8
The Children’s Discovery Museum presents The Brian Waite Band performing at 1 and 2:30 p.m. as part of its “Green Week” festivities. Come dance, learn and laugh with the trio that has rocked its way into the hearts of both kids and parents around the world, as they lead a musical adventure to Earth's past and future. For more information on this and other “Green Week” activities, visit www.cdm.org/new after Mar. 1

CLASSES

Mar. 2
Mandarin Chinese Language classes: CSL, Mandarin Chinese as Second Language courses, will be offered every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m., beginning on Mar. 2. The curriculum includes four 10-week quarters.  Come and learn to speak, read, and write conversational Chinese. You'll learn Chinese pinyin (basic pronunciation) and simple Chinese sentence structures.  Learn from a native speaker who speaks perfect Beijing Mandarin.  Make new friends. Stand out from the crowd.  Build better relationships and be prepared before your travel aboard. A free informational session is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.  Lunch will be provided at 1pm.  The free session will be held at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, 95124.  For more information, call 979-1257 or visit www.friendshipagape.com/csl.

Mar. 6 – Apr. 24
Almaden Valley Counseling Service presents “Cooperative Parenting and Divorce - How to Parent as a Team when you are No Longer a Couple” Almaden Valley Counseling Service is expanding their Parent Education program to include this vital course. Cooperative Parenting These classes are for parents who are either divorced or in the process of divorcing and focus on reducing parental conflict and address the factors that influence children’s post-divorce adjustment.. Courses are eight weeks from 7:15 – 9:15 p.m., fees are $145 and limited to one parent from a co-parenting family. Contact AVCS at 997-0200 / staff@avcounseling.org for more information.

Mar. 15
Soil Science Course: The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens host a special 2-hour course with Brian Debasitis, founder of Mauby All Natural and soil consultant to the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden. This workshop, held from 1 a.m. to noon, will define what soil is, identify its major components, review common soil problems and explain how they affect your garden. Take a look at soil through a microscope to see the differences between healthy and unhealthy soils. Bring in your own soil samples to view under the microscope and get some expert advice on the best course of action to correct any problems. You will not only improve the health of your soil, but you will also improve the health of your lawn, garden and trees. At the same time, you’ll be helping clean up our air and water, chemical free!All classes take place at the Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave. in San Jose. Fees are $10/members, $15/non-members. Pre-registration is required. To register call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to lean more.

Ongoing
The Committee to Promote Square Dancing is sponsoring a square dance refresher class for experienced dancers: Fees are $2.50/seniors and youth, $5/adults.  Classes meet Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Camden Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, 95124. For more information, call 723-0315.

FIFTY-PLUS

Mar. 8
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the Almaden Community Center located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Registration for intermediate courses begins at 10:30 a.m. Registration for Computer Fundamentals at noon. Please note time changes. Courses include Basic Digital Photography, Basic Digital Photo Editing, Greeting Cards, Windows XP, File Management and Computer Tips and Techniques. All classes will be held at the Almaden Community Center. For more information call Don House at (408)268-1703 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Feb. 26 – May 20
Divorce Recovery Workshops & Divorce Care 4 Kids: Calvary Church in Los Gatos is offering a Tuesday evening Divorce Recovery Workshop from 7 – 8:30 p.m. These sessions are here to help you heal from divorce and begin again. Learn why relationships go wrong, how to manage conflict, heal emotionally, and grow healthy relationships. Anyone who is divorced, separated or hurting from a major, non-marriage relationship break-up is welcome to attend. DivorceCare4Kids (ages 5-12) is also available to help your children deal with the unique issues they face in a divorce. Cost is $20 for the adult program. DivorceCare4Kids is $20 for one child and $30 for two or more children. For more information, visit our website at www.calvarylg.com/divorcerecovery or call the church office at 408.356.5126.

Mar. 1
The Leland High School Blue and Gold Auction at the San Jose Marriott:  This community-wide fundraising event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight with proceeds benefiting LHS technology, sports and facilities upgrades. Enjoy an evening of silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing.  The auction items include vacation packages, spa and special event packages and wonderful hand-picked items. Check out the website for a more complete listing of auction items.   To download a ticket reservation form or to find out more information about the auction, go to www.lelandblueandgold.com.  Reserve your tickets now and help Leland High School fulfill the wishes of the staff, students and parents.

Mar. 1 – May 17
Spring Walking Series at Guadalupe River Park & Gardens: Start the New Year out right by registering for a structured walking series from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. with Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. Step after step, you’ll become healthier through these group walks that will take place on the beautiful paved trails of the Guadalupe River Park. Whether you are an avid walker or new to a walking program, you will learn about proper equipment, walking technique, stretching and beneficial strength exercises for walkers while meeting others who enjoy walking. Fees are $50/members, $60/non-members. All participants must be 18 years or older. All classes will meet at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (408) 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more.

Mar. 7 - 9
Outrageous Outgrowns at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds: SCCF Pavilion Hall, 344 Tully Road in San Jose will host the Spring 2008 Outrageous Outgrowns event - the Bay Area's largest resale event for babies and kids of all ages (maternity and nursing, too!). All items are gently used and sold by individual families, but they are organized like a huge store, so you can easily find exactly what you need. All items are hand-checked for top quality. This is not a rummage sale! Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and parking is free. For more information, visit http://www.OutrageousOutgrowns.com or call 391-5909.

Mar. 8
The second annual District 10 free recycling event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Avenue in San Jose.  This event is sponsored by The Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley, District 10 neighborhood associations and Councilwoman Nancy Pyle. All computer and electronic equipment will be accepted, including: desktops, laptops, monitors, televisions, printers, copy and fax machines, stereos, DVD players and telephones. For more information, call Steve Ramona at 943-9943

Mar. 14
The Santa Clara County Division, of the California Retired Teachers Association, will meet at 1 p.m., at Leininger Center in Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Road in San Jose All retired educators are welcome. Come and enjoy renewing friendships, great refreshments, and a surprise entertainment lineup.

Mar. 14
St. Timothy’s Lutheran School’s monthly Principal’s Coffee will feature Wayne Peterson and Joanne McDonough of Thrivent Financial, at 8:45 a.m. presenting “Saving for College” for parents seeking strategies to plan ahead for their children’s college years. St. Timothy’s Lutheran School and Church, is located at 5100 Camden Avenue in San Jose, CA. For more information or to attend, call 265-0244.

Mar. 14
Crown Royal Latin Kings of Comedy: Host Paul Rodriguez has been making audiences laugh for two decades. The star of over 30 films, countless television series and many live performances, millions of concert goers from coast to coast make up the Paul’s solid fan base. His royal court includes Frank Lucero, commonly known for his performance on “Loco Comedy Jam”, Manny Maldonado, whose TV credits include “B.E.T.’s Comic View, and the recently added comedian and writer Gene Pompa, who has made various appearances on “Late Night Show with Conan O’Brien” and “In Living Color.” Perfromance time is 8 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium. Admission is $32.50 - $38.50. For more information, visit www.lathamentertainment.com

Mar. 15
Mulberry School, 220 Belgaots Road in Los Gatos (right off of Blossom Hill Road), is hosting an Ewaste Collection event from 9a.m. – 4p.m. Proceeds from this event benefit the Mulberry Schools Activities fund.

Mar. 18
Relay For Life of Almaden is holding its March monthly meeting at Legends Pizza Co. 5965 Almaden Expressway.
The Leadership Committee meeting starts at 6 p.m. and the Team Captain Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. The Relay For Life of Almaden event is scheduled for the weekend of June 28-29 at Leland High School. For more information email AlmadenRelayForLife@yahoo.com.

Ongoing
Humane Society Silicon Valley will stay open later to accommodate the public during the spring/summer months. Beginning on Monday, Mar. 10, our Adoptions Program will be open from 11:30 a.m.- 8:30p.m. Monday through Friday with the last appointment/walk in taken at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, we will be open from 10a.m.-7p.m. with the last weekend appointment/walk in taken at 6p.m.

MOMS Club of San Jose - Blossom Hill/Santa Teresa chapter: We are a playgroup that meets a few times per week for many fun, social activities. Our website is www.bayareamoms.org, Contact Victoria Meline for more information 888-5838.

The Almaden Valley Al-Anon Family Groups meet every Friday from 10to 11:45 a.m. and on Sundays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 1198 Redmond Avenue, San Jose. Al-Anon helps families and friends learn what they can do about excessive drinking, alcoholism and its effects on the entire family. Meetings do not require appointments. There is no charge for attendance. For more information, call 379-1051 or visit the web site at http://www.ncwsa.org/scvafg/

12-Step Christian Program - Celebrate Recovery! Program held every Monday night at 7 p.m. at Generations Foursquare Church, 133 Bernal Road in San Jose. For more information, call 504-7687 or visit celebraterecovery@generationsfoursquare.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.