March 31, 2005

Calendar of local events

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

DANCE
March 31 – April 3
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley “Spring Repertory”at the Center for the Performing Arts.
Dennis Nahat’s Cannonade is pure rapid-fire energy, as fast as the mortarfire that inspired its title. This classical ballet is danced to Johann Sebastian Bach’s Piano Concert No. 1 in D minor. Choreographer Michael Smuin’s Shinju is a Japanese ‘Romeo and Juliet style tragedy’ danced to a custom-composed score by renowned Japanese-American composer Paul Chihara with brilliantly creative costumes by Will Kim. This youthful, joyous work with its driving force delivers a powerhouse of a finale. (Includes partial nudity) Admission is $22 - $68. For additional information, call 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

THEATER
April 2 - 10
Lyric Theatre proudly presents something unique for Montgomery Theater audiences: the original version of “The Mikado,” perhaps the most popular and often quoted work in English music theater history. Come hear and see the entire operetta treated in a traditional Gilbertian style, but in a slightly different order as performed on the opening night of March 14, 1885. For additional information and show times, call 968-1455, or visit www.lyrictheatre.org.

April 7 – Thursday
History San Jose and The Mexican Heritage Plaza present “Between the Dirt and the Sky” an original children’s musical for the entire family, performed by the San Francisco Arts Education Project Event Players at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock in San Jose. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $6 for students, $25 for a family pass. For tickets call 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org This event is also sponsored by COMCAST.

April 8 – 23
The Tabard Theatre Company presents its third and final production of the 2004-2005 season, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”directed by Irene Trapp. “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” explores questions of race and cultural identity with a light hand that touches the heart and mind equally. Cultures collide as the premiere of “Gone with the Wind” and preparations for Ballyhoo, a lavish Jewish society ball, overshadow the impending threat of war. Set in 1939, Atlanta, this is the story of two Jewish families coming to an understanding of who they are told with great humor and insight. A portion of the concession proceeds from each production will benefit Jewish Family Services (www.jfss.org). All performances are at Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Avenue (near Almaden Expressway), in San Jose. For additional information, call the Tabard Box Office at 979-0231.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
Leads Club, the original business referral networking organization meets every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. on Hillsdale near Almaden Expressway.  For location details and more information, call Yvonne at 239-6385.
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.  For more information, visit www.lasmadres.org
The San Pedro Squares Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1001 East Capitol Epwy (near McLaughlin Rd. and Capitol Epwy); contact Kam Amin at 404-1855, or kbamin@kbamin.com for further information or check out our website at http://www.sanpedrosquares.org
Business Leads Unlimited (www.onlineblu.com/admin ) meets at 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday, at the Denny’s Restaurant on Blossom Hill Rd approximately one half mile east of Almaden Expy.
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.
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
Beginning March 11
The Tech Museum of Innovation presents its latest IMAX film, “Robots.” From the creators of “Ice Age” comes “Robots,” a clever and heartwarming animated feature that pushes the boundaries of animation. “Robots” introduces characters rich with the whimsy, heart and soul. Among the population of this incredible universe are Rodney, a young genius inventor who dreams of making the world a better place, and Cappy, an executive robot with whom Rodney is smitten. The voice cast includes Ewan McGregor, Mel Brooks, Halle Berry and Robin Williams.

Ongoing
Almaden Ladybugs Soccer Premier/Class 1, U17 Girls, Tryouts for State Cup and Spring/Fall season, every Tuesday and Thursday. Date of Birth after 7/31/88. Contact Roger Haupt 779-7697, Linda Urzi 723-0928. All practices held at Gunderson High School.     

CLASSES
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.
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
Through April 15
IRS-certified volunteers will provide Tax-Aide assistance for persons with lower income. Free tax preparation is available for lower income clients, with preference given to those over 60 years of age. Tax counselors are available to assist clients in many languages. The Office on Aging can direct eligible older adults to the appropriate site. Languages spoken include: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Burmese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Tagalog, French, Hindi, Vietnamese, Polish, Armenian, and Persian. Call 277-4790 to locate a site that fits your needs. You may then contact that site and make an appointment. Be prepared to bring with you: last year’s tax returns, this year’s forms with mailing label and all income verifications (W2 or WP2 forms), interest/dividend information (1099’s) and total amount of Social Security or Disability payments for calculating credit.

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.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, www.wcsv.org, seeks center volunteers and home care volunteers to care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. We also need volunteers to help with educational outreach, database/office management, landscaping, facilities planning and fundraising. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, has an active and enthusiastic corps of volunteers committed to welcoming and training new supporters.  Join us in giving a hand to our Silicon Valley wildlife. Email Patricia at volunteer@wcsv.org or call 929-WILD (9453) ext. 350 for orientation dates.

MISCELLANEOUS
April 2 – Saturday
Candlelight Dinner – La Rochelle Winery, 3000 Aborn Road, San Jose. A unique gourmet tradition! Each course prepared by Chef de Cuisine, David Page, is paired with the appropriate La Rochelle wine. Held in our Barrel Room this elegant eight course dinner begins at 6:30 pm with a tasting reception followed by dinner featuring Roast Loin of Colorado Lamb, Ragout of Spring Vegetables and Herbs de Provencale as the main entrée. Price is $97.00 per person. For complete menu, more information and reservations call 274-4000.

Ongoing
The Almaden Valley Women’s Club is currently seeking sponsors for The 29th Annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival held at Almaden Lake Park on Sunday September 25, 2005.The Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival sponsorship program enables corporations, small businesses, and individuals to support the community through the philanthropic activities of the Almaden Valley Women’s Club. Different levels of sponsorship are available. Information about the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival can be found at www.almadenartwinefestival.com. Interested sponsors please contact Ellen Hudson-Snyder at sponsors@almadenartwinefestival.com.

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.