April 15, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
April 10 – May 2
Opera San Jose presents “Die Fledermaus” at the Montgomery Theater. There’s nothing like a glass of good champagne to toast passing memories, and so the Waltz King’s masterpiece, Die Fledermaus will mark the close of 20 years of opera on the Montgomery stage. For tickets and show times, call 437-4450 or visit www.operasj.org.

THEATER
April 13 – May 2
“Thoroughly Modern Millie”, winner of six 2002 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is coming to the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown. Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film, this production takes audiences back to the height of the jazz age in New York City and the antics of “modern” Millie Dillmount. For tickets and show times, call 888-455-SHOW or visit www.amtsj.org.

April 23 - May 1
West Valley College Theater presents “M*A*SH” at the West Valley College Theater, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga (off Highway 85).  Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday & Saturday April 23, April 24th, April 30th , May 1st & Thursday April 29th.  Matinees are 2pm on Sunday April 25 & Saturday May 1st. For more information call 741-2048.

April 23 – May 8
Written by Samuel Taylor, “Sabrina Fair” is a sophisticated romantic comedy that explores the democracy of love. Set in Long Island, 1953, this classically crafted comedy of manners revolves around a bright young woman, her three attractive suitors and two divergent families, who grant us a glimpse into the culture of America’s aristocracy at the brink of social democracy. Performance times are Fridays at 8 p.m. and on Saturdays at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. All Performances will be held at the Tabard Theater on South Valley Christian Church campus, 590 Shawnee Lane, San Jose. Ticket prices are Adults $15; Seniors $12; Students $10. For Ticket reservations and Information: 408-979-0231 or visit www.tabardtheatre.org.

DANCE
April 23 – 25
“Silly Simon” was first presented by Royal Danish Ballet in October 1989 in Copenhagen, Denmark under the name, “Klods Hans”. It is based on a story by the same name from Hans Christian Andersen. “Silly Simon” is just one of five Andersen tales that has been used as source material for a children’s ballet by Lise la Cour. That entire collection of ballets has been purchased by Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley and will be presented in their children’s series over the next 3 seasons. All of the sets, costumes, and musical recordings for “Silly Simon” are from the original production in Denmark. The score is a commissioned work by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre. Silly Simon will be appearing at the San Jose Repertory Theater from April 23 – 25. For more information, call 288-2800.

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.

April 2 – 29
The Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society Exhibit “Touching Blue” will be at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company, 1383 Lincoln Avenue. The opening reception will be on Sunday April 4 from 1 – p.m. all of the participation artists will be present. For hours and directions, call 297-9777. For additional information on the SCVWS visit www.scvws.org

MUSEUM
March 2 – August 15
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is opening their “Rare Books of the Rosicrucian Library” exhibit.  This exclusive exhibit will be available to the public through August 15, 2004 and will be free with a museum admission ticket.  The exhibit will feature the Rosicrucian Manifestos which were published in Strasburg, Germany and are comprised of three Rosicrucian documents:  the Fama Fraternitatis, the Confessio Fraternitatis, and the Nuptiae Chymicae (Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz), published in 1614, 1615 and 1616 respectively.  Together, they encompass the major works of the 17th century Rosicrucians.   
   The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States.  It is located at 1343 Naglee Avenue in San Jose. Entrance fees for the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum are $9 general, $7 for seniors and students with I.D., and $5 for children ages 5-10.  Children under 5 can visit the museum free of charge.  For more information visit www.egyptianmuseum.org or call (408) 947-3636.

April 22 – Saturday
The Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House continues its Spring lecture series on with a talk by Julie Engelbrecht, scenic and costume designer for Opera San Jose – “Fashion and Folly in an era of Youth and Depression.”  The talk will be held at 6 p.m. in the Morgan Gallery next to the Ainsley House. Light refreshments will be provided.  Talks are free to members, $6 general admission. The Ainsley House will be open at 5 p.m. for house tours before the talk, and is located at 300 Grant Street. For more information, call 866-2119 or visit www.cityofcampbell.com.

MEETINGS
April 18 – Sunday
In honor of Easter, this month’s South Bay Astrological Society meeting will be held on the third Sunday of the month. Our speaker will be Glenn Perry, on “Journey to the Underworld: Sun-Pluto Aspects.” We’ll explore Pluto themes like self-destructiveness, demonic possession, sexual obsession, identity crises, passionate creativity, self-regeneration, the will to power, and the wounded hero-healer. When it comes to Sun-Pluto, fascinating stories abound! Glenn Perry, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist, is director of The Association for Psychological Astrology. He has written seven books, including Depth Analysis of the Natal Chart. Meeting admission is $10 for non-members, $5 for members. Refreshments are served. For more information call (408)395-7082 or visit www.astrologyclub.org.

April 20 - 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/.

April 20– 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.

April 20– 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.

April 21 – 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

April 21 – 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.

April 21– 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.

April 21 – Wednesday
Santa Clara Valley Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America host both day and evening meetings each month. Daytime meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month, at 10 a.m. at Westhope Presbyterian Church, 12850 Saratoga Avenue. Evening meetings are on the third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Sunny View Manor Lutheran Home Community Room, 22445 Cupertino Road. Call Kathy Benson at 578-5917 for more information.

April 21 – Wednesday
American Business Women’s Association Changing Times Chapter meets on the third Wednesday of each month 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.

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
April 17 - 18
Free health screenings that will help people know if they are at risk of a major health problem will be offered by The Health Trust’s Community Wellness program at the Open Air Health Fair at the San Jose Flea Market on Berryessa Road.
Medical professionals will check blood pressures, test cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and calculate body mass index used to diagnose obesity. All of the screenings, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. both days, plus additional health education activities for the whole family are free. There is no admission fee for the Flea Market. For more information on the Open Air Health Fair, call 453-1110 or check the website: www.sjfm.com.

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
The New Almaden Community Center will be hosting a weekly yoga class on Mon/Wed/Fri. at 6 a.m. and on Tues/Thurs. at 7 a.m. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats, however, there are a limited number of pads available. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week. Classes are appropriate for both beginner and intermediate levels.

FIFTY PLUS
April 17 – Saturday
Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness in cooperation with the Almaden Valley Athletic Club has scheduled a walk along the Los Alamitos Creek Trail. Meet at 8:30 a.m. Greystone Lane near the Bridge. This is a free activity. For more information, call 267-3700 ext: 4931 or (650) 843-1750 or visit www.50plus.org.

April 19 – Monday
Join Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness for our continuing monthly Health and Fitness Round Table. This stimulating discussion group meets at 8 p.m. at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club, 5400 Camden Avenue, San Jose. This month’s topic is “Diet and Aging.” This is a free seminar. Bring your Fitness, Health & Exercise Questions and please bring a friend. Information: 267-3700 ext: 4931 or www.50plus.org.

April 19 & 21
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.

April 20 – 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.

April 21 - 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.

April 21 – Wednesday
Almaden Valley Athletic Club Senior Wellness Activities presents a lecture by Claire Ledig Jenkins, MA, BS, RPh, “Live Healthy Longer” at 2 p.m. in the Aerobics Room. This presentation will outline how to regain youthful vigor by appropriate using supplements by eating the right foods. For more information call Mary Ann at 445-4931.

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
April 19 - Monday
Star viewing at EVC’s Montgomery Hill Observatory. Come gaze at the spring 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. 

April 17 – 18
Model trains and a real train on static display are the focus of a Spring Model Train Show and Open House, hosted by The South Bay Historical Railroad Society, at the historic Santa Clara Caltrain Depot. A donation of $3.50 for adults, and $1 for children under 18 years, or $8 for a family of four will be collected at the entrance to the depot. For more information, connect to the SBHRS website at www.sbhrs.org or telephone 243-3969.

April 17 – Saturday
Almaden Quicksilver Park, 21350 Almaden Road, New Almaden, will have an exhibit of the wildflowers of the Quicksilver Park at the New Room, Casa Grande from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. For more information call 323-1107.

April 17 – Saturday
Celebrate Earth Day at The Tech. Join us for a workshop from 1 – 3 p.m. on how the U.S. can transition from its dependence on oil to the use of clean energy in our cars, homes, industries, and government. Discuss the use of alternative fuels in motor vehicles, factors that have held up alternative fuel source development, and promising alternative sources for electricity generation. John Addison, an author, USCS Extension professor, and board member for the California Hydrogen Business Council, will lead the discussion. Free with paid museum gallery admission; registration begins in March 2004. Co-presented by The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Santa Cruz Extension.

April 17 – Saturday
San Jose celebrates the “Month of the Young Child” with the 2004 Outstanding Contributor to Child Care Award presented at the 16th Annual San Jose Children’s Faire at noon in downtown San Jose’s Discovery Meadows. A special reception will follow. The fair, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a free event with the theme, “Explorers—Get a Smart Start in Learning.”

April 18 – Sunday
Going Native Garden Tour. Visit home gardens that are water-wise, low maintenance, low on chemical use, bird and butterfly friendly, and attractive. A variety of home gardens landscaped with California native plants will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations throughout Santa Clara Valley, including San Jose, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. Free admission; registration required by mail by April 1, or through the web at www.GoingNativeGardenTour.com by April 10. This event is sponsored by Santa Clara Valley Water District, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, Mediterranean Garden Society, and Native Habitats. For more information, email info@GoingNativeGardenTour.com, or call 274-6965.

April 20 – Tuesday
In preparation for the Sweet Adelines International competition in October 2004, Mission Valley Chorus will be presenting a “Family Night” concert at Blackford High School, 3800 Blackford Street in San Jose at 8 p.m. Come to see high schoolers through octogenarians in the community coming together to help preserve the art form of barbershop singing and experience the joy of live a cappella performance.

April 24 – Saturday
The Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League is currently holding registration for the fall soccer season. Returning players can register either on-line at www.almadensoccer.org from April 5th to May 15th, or in person. New players must bring proof of age and register in person at Bret Harte Middle School on Saturday April 24th from 10am to 2pm. The cost is $110 per player

April 24 – Saturday
See Spring in full bloom at the Guadalupe Gardens annual spring gardening event, “Spring in Guadalupe Gardens,” which features plant sales, garden art, expert gardening advice and much more. This event will be held in Columbus Park in Guadalupe Gardens from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free to all. For more information, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org.

April 24 – Saturday
“Miss Nelson is Missing!”, a lively musical based on the popular book by Harry Allard and James Marshall, will play at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 East Remington Drive (just off El Camino Real) on Saturday morning, at 11am. Tickets are $11-12. For more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

Ongoing
New at the Tech! Genetics: Technology With A Twist
Explore the forefront of emerging genetic technologies by taking on the roles of genetic counselor, scientist and even a policymaker. Understand the new opportunities genetic research has provided, and face personal and social choices that arise from the intimate knowledge of what we are made of. Sequence a gene, use microscopes to see real chromosomes, and engage in discussions about the ethical issues associated with developing genetic technologies. With new Tech Tags, visitors can even grow bacteria in our wet lab, post findings to their very own web site, and track their experiment’s progress online days later.

April 5 – Monday
BUGS! Returns to IMAX!
Visit the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where predator meets prey. Witness the birth of hundreds of praying mantis and see a caterpillar emerging from a tiny egg to mature into a beautiful butterfly. Experience a world where life is measured in mere hours. Don’t miss this visually stunning IMAX film, narrated by distinguished actress Judi Dench.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
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.
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.
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
April 17 – 18
Prospect High School, 18900 Prospect Road in Saratoga, will be the venue for the 37th Annual Carvers and Woodturners Show sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Carvers, Chapter 1 of the California Carvers Guild and West Bay Woodturners. This annual show showcases a variety of activities including whittling contests, silent acutions, raffles, a country store and door prizes. Many talented artists will display their works for show and sale. Doors open at 10 a.m. For additional information, call Jerry Gin at 7378539 or Grant Allison at (650) 854-4348.

April 20 – Tuesday
The Women’s Conference is a power-packed day of workshops and sessions aimed at helping women develop new ideas and strategies to succeed in today’s business climate. This event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information or to register, visit www.careertrack.com or call 800-556-3009.

April 20 – Wednesday
The second workshop in the year-long Barnes and Noble “Get Published” workshop series will be held at the Barnes and Noble at 5353 Almaden Expressway from 7:30 – 9 p.m. This session’s topic will be “Polish and Submission,” including query letters, proposals and manuscript preparation. Local author Kymberli Brady will moderate the panelists, which will include Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of “Love Made of Heart,” Julie Davis Berry, Executive Editor, Times Community Newspapers, and Kat Meads, Writing Program Coordinator, UC Santa Cruz. For more information, contact Mike Koller at 979-0613.

April 25 – Sunday
The Lupus Foundation of Northern California tenth Annual 5K Run/Walk for Lupus will be held at West Valley College in Saratoga, beginning at 8 a.m. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate. Over $11,000 in prizes will be awarded to the 1st – 3rd place male and female winners in all age categories. All participants will receive a free T-shirt, goody bag with gift certificates and a strawberry shortcake breakfast. Entry Fees are $20 for registration before April 16 and $25 thereafter or on race day. For more information or to register call 954-8600 or visit www.balf.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.