May 6, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
May 15 – Saturday
The acclaimed Oakland Interfaith Gospel Ensemble, under the direction of Terrance Kelly, will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Almaden Adventure in the Arts concert series at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue. Tickets are $15 General and $8 Students. Child care will be provided. For more information. Call 268-0243.

May 16 – Sunday
The California Youth Symphony (CYS), under the direction of Maestro Leo Eylar, will presents a special performance at the Flint Center in Cupertino, beginning at 2:30 p.m. A highlight of the May program will be the performances of the two winners of the CYS Senior Soloist Competition.  Timothy Van, 18,  of San Jose is a senior at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View.  He will perform Zigeunerweisen for violin by Pablo de Sarasate.  Yonatan (Yoni) Kahn, 17, also of San Jose is a senior at Lynbrook High School and will perform the Schoeck Concerto for Horn.  The May program will also include “The Three Cornered Hat” by De Falla and “Pictures at an Exhibition”  by Moussorgsky/Ravel.

THEATER
May 8 – June 6
The San Jose Repertory Theatre will present the West Coast premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s hilarious and engaging comedy of divorce, dating and footwear “Bad Dates” directed by SJRT Artistic Director Timothy Near and starring Broadway’s favorite, Carol Halstead. Rebeck’s play centers on a plucky New Yorker (by way of Texas) Haley (Halstead) who has spent years as a divorced mother and restaurateur. She resolves to re-enter the dating world, only to get caught up in an escalating series of dating disasters, culminating in a hysterical run-in with the Romanian mob. For tickets and additional information, call 367-7255.

May 14-15
“The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman and the Teutonic Theatre Company, explores what happens to an American town when something unexpected, unconscionable and unforgivable rips it apart and thrusts it into the national media spotlight? The 1998 hate-motivated murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay 21-year-old university student, gained wide attention for its unmitigated brutality. Performances at EVC will be on Thursday May 6 and 13, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 7, 8, 14 & 15 the performance will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theater at Roble RD 312. For tickets and information, call 223-6778

May 14 – 23
CMT presents its Mainstage production of ”Once on This Island”, at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, the production focuses on the life of Timoune, (Danelle Medeiros) an island girl whose life is spared in a deadly storm. Tucker Mulcahy is Agwe, the god of water, and Almaden resident Eric Krop Morocco is Daniel, the romantic male lead. Directed by Kevin R. Hauge. For ticket information, contact the Box Office at 288-5437 x10, or visit www.cmtsj.org .or email, tickets@cmtsj.org.

DANCE
May 6 – 9
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley closes its 2003-04 Season with a program of four very different dances by four American choreographers. The program will feature the Company premieres of Martha Graham’s, “Frontier”, Lew Christensen’s “Vivaldi Concerto Grosso”, and “Hallelujah Junction” from New York City Ballet’s artistic director Peter Martins. Also on the bill is the reprise of Dennis Nahat’s popular swing ballet, “Go Daddy-O!” All performances will be at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call 288-2800.

ART
May 1 -2
Open Studios: Four Friends.  Like a mini art fair, four painters will present their artwork for sale at Almaden artist Cindy Blain’s home and garden, 6026 Monteverde Drive, (near Coleman and Redmond), from 11 a.m – 5 p.m.  An etching press is set up in Blain’s studio to show how monotypes are made. Children welcome. For more information, call 268-5959, or visit www.cindyblain. com.

MEETINGS
May 9 – Sunday
All interested folks are invited to the meetings of the South Bay Astrological Society, second Sundays at 1:30 PM, at Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave. (between Hamilton and Minnesota) in San Jose. This month’s meeting will be held on May 9th. Our speaker will be astrologer Duncan Nanney, and the topic will be “Pluto: the last card to play.”
Admission $10 non-members, $5 members. Refreshments are served. For more information call 395-7082 or visit www.astrologyclub.org.

May 11 – 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.

May 12 – 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

May 15 – Saturday
The Coyote Valley Specific Plan will be holding a Task Force & Community Workshop #2 to discuss land use and urban concepts for the Coyote Valley area at the Southside Community Center, 5585 Cottle Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP by May 7th to Sal Yakubu or Susan Walsh at 277-4576. Background materials are available at http://www.sanjoseca. gov/coyotevalley.

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:
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
May 10 - Monday
Fifty Plus Lecture Series held at the AVAC Poolside Café at 8 p.m. Our topic for May will be “Wellness Through Understanding Overweight, Diabetes, Hypertension.”

May 10 & 11
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.

May 12 - Wednesday
Feng Shui Workshop Lecture Series beginning at 2 p.m. in the AVAC Aerobics Room. Our Keynote Speaker will be Consultant, Trainer, and Author, Linda Lenore speaking to members and guests about this 4000 year old philosophy/science/art This discussion will examine the relationship between people and their lives and their environment. Please join us in welcoming Linda.

May 12 - 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.

May 15 - Saturday
Los Alamitos Creek Trail Walk. Meet Mary Ann at Greystone Lane at 8:15 a.m. to walk toward Almaden Lake. All levels of ability are welcome. After the walk we’ll go to a nearby coffee shop for a bit of rest and relaxation. Bring water and a friend.

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.

CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENTS
May 8 – Saturday
“The Frog Prince,” the timeless tale by the Grimm Brothers, will play at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 East Remington Drive, (just off El Camino Real)  on May 1 and 8 at 11a.m. California Theatre Center has adapted this timeless classic in a new way by using elements of Bunraku puppet theatre.  Tickets prices are $11-12. For tickets or more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

May 8 – Saturday
Almaden Quicksilver Park and Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Road, is featuring the program “Mountain Lions Demystified” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Learn how to share park lands with one of our more mysterious wild neighbors, the mountain lion.  Meet inside the McAbee entrance to the Almaden Quicksilver Park.  Call Almaden Mining Museum for more information at 323-1107.

May 7 – 9
Branham HS, 1570 Branham Lane (@ Meridian Av.) will host their Sports Boosters Carnival. Event hours are Friday from 4-11 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets will be on sale by “The Rock” in front of the campus beginning May 3 through May 6 from 3 – 5 p.m. Purchase early and save 50 percent on your tickets. This family-oriented event will feature games, food, face painting, and donation (basket) drawings on May 8 in time for Mother’s day! Have fun and help support your local high school athletics! For more information, visit www.gobranham.com

May 8 – Saturday
The Second Annual Almaden Garden Walk offers the public a glimpse into the carefully crafted and cultivated sanctums of many Almaden area homes. This self-directed walking tour runs from 10 a.m. until noon. Tour maps and additional information will be available at the starting point, 1560 Puerto Vallarta Drive, near Camden Avenue and Coleman Road. This event is free to the public.

May 8 – Saturday
Dads and grandparents - help your kids and grandkids show appreciation for Mom! The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will be using dried petals from the Heritage Rose Garden to create Mother’s Day cards. There will also be a chance to take a tour of the rose garden and pick a special rose (from the over 3500 varieties!) to take home to Mom. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and is designed for children two years of age and older. This event will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring Street in San Jose. The fee is $5, and all children must be accompanied by an adult For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

May 10 - Monday
Star viewing at EVC’s Montgomery Hill Observatory. Come gaze at the 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. 

May 13 – Thursday
Barnes and Noble Almaden presents History Makers: Archeologists Dig Up Our Past featuring panel guests: Dr. Rebecca Allen, Dr. Russel Skowronek and Mark Hylkema. Moderated by History San Jose President Dave Crosson. This program begins at 7 p.m.

May 14 – Friday
Barnes and Noble Almaden’s special Children’s Program Histories and Mysteries Book Club will feature Katherine Patterson’s classic “Bridge to Terabitha” This program begins at 8 p.m. and is designed for children 8 years and older.

May 22 - Saturday
The Almaden Elementary School PTA will be hosting the school’s first Annual Old Time Carnival, a spectacular extravaganza of good food, family games, petting zoo, and musical entertainment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out with the entire family and join the fun. For additional information call Almaden Elementary School at 535-6207.

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.
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
May 7 – Friday
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday from May 7 through December 17 in San Pedro Square. This is the Market’s 12th season. For more information, visit www.sjdowntown.com or call 279-1775.

May 8 – Saturday
May is Veteran’s Appreciation Month! Join the Veterans Employment Committee of Santa Clara County for their 5th Annual Walk-A-Thon at Lake Cunningham, 2305 White Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. walks commence every 30 minutes with the last start time at 1:30 p.m. All donations will go towards funding the Bill Estes Memorial Veteran Scholarship Fund and the Ron Corbal Youth Scholarship. Prizes will be awarded to participants bringing in the most pledges. For more information, contact Linda Morgan at 928-3814 or visit vecsamnet.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.