May 13, 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

May 22 - Saturday
The California Theater Center presents the adventure of Jack and the Beanstalk. Travel along with Jack as he acquires magic beans in trade for his beloved cow and encounters the evil giant and his wife at the top of the beanstalk.  Using his ingenuity, Jack retrieves not only the gold, but also the precious goose which lays the golden eggs for the people of his village and becomes a hero! This production plays at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 East Remington Drive, at 11a.m and 2 p.m. Tickets $11-12. For tickets or more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

DANCE
May 19 – Wednesday
The Hong Kong Ballet will showcase an exclusive 7:30 p.m. performance of their new ballet “Legend of the Great Archer” in San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts. Inspired by the classic Chinese folk tale, this original full-length ballet tells the story of the Archer God who was sent to Earth to help the Emperor extinguish the ten suns that were scorching the land. The performance sizzles with passion, jealousy, intrigue, and murder in a tragic tale of love and betrayal. This ballet was created by Hong Kong Ballet’s Artistic Director Stephen Jefferies to celebrate the Hong Kong Ballet’s 25th anniversary. It features an original score by award-winning composer Kuan Nai-chung and innovative multimedia stage effects.

ART
May – September
Art appreciation is on the move again in downtown San Jose! The San Jose Museum of Art commences its 2004 season of Art in Public Places Walking Tours. Beginning Monday, April 19, these free, 45-minute tours offer the local public an enjoyable lunch hour outdoors, or the opportunity for out-of-town art lovers to discover what San Jose has to offer. As the Museum itself is closed on Mondays, the Tours provide an excellent art-intensive alternative for both the general public and art enthusiasts alike. In spring and summer, San Jose Museum of Art docents lead tours of four different downtown art walks. All tours meet at the entrance to the Museum, in Fairmont Plaza. The four tours are offered on a rotating basis and run from April 19 through September 27, 2004. Please note: rain cancels tours and no tours are given on Memorial Day (May 31), July 5, or Labor Day (September 6). For 24 hr. information, call 294-2787 or visit www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org..

LITERARY
May 17 – Monday
Barnes and Noble Almaden presents Book Clubs for adults. Our next meeting, “Fictionally Speaking,” will discuss “How To be Good,” by Nick Hornby. This group meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m..

May 19 – Wednesday
Join local author Shana Moore for a discussion on her inspirational and humorous debut book, “Caffeinated Ponderings on Life, Laughter and Lattes” at Barnes and Noble Almaden, 5353 Almaden Expressway, at 7:30 p.m.

MEETINGS
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.

May 18 – 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 19 – Tuesday
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!

May 19 – 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

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 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.

May 15 – Saturday
The Computer Connection - classes for seniors over 50. SeniorNet computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration at all 3 SeniorNet centers in San Jose. The Almaden registration site has been changed to the Almaden Hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Blossom Hill Road in the Fellowship Hall at 1:30 p.m. for intermediate students and at 3:00 p.m. for beginning students. All Almaden classes will be held at the Vineland Branch Public Library on 1540 Blossom Hill Road. The other SeniorNet sites are Willow Senior Center at 2175 Lincoln Avenue and Cypress Senior Center, 403 S. Cypress Ave. in San Jose. Call Don House at 268-1703 for more information.

May 18 - Tuesday
AVAC will be hosting the AARP Safe Driving Class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Conference Room. “55 Alive” is an eight hour classroom refresher designed for drivers age 50 Plus. This class is limited to eight persons. The fee is $10 made payable to AARP. For more information, call MaryAnn Smith 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.
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 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. Come out with the entire family and join the fun.

May 15 - Saturday
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo celebrates International Migratory Bird Month with “The Big Journey” from 12 – 4 p.m. Come celebrate our feathered friends and their magnificent annual journeys. Family activities include: Birds of prey show, the “Earth Balloon” a unique opportunity to climb inside the Earth and see our home from the inside out, crafts and a scavenger hunt. This event is included with the regular admission of $5.50. For more information, please call 277-4193. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located inside Kelley Park at 1300 Senter Road.

May 15 – Saturday
The Cookie Mouse will be paying a special visit to Barnes and Noble Almaden, 5353 Almaden Expressway, at 4 p.m. Come one come all!

May 16 – 23
Come Sing with Us! Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose will assessing new singers, ages 6 and up, in advance of the Fall 2004 semester. We welcome singers at all levels, with an open entry level for all singers and a concert level for select singers. Rehearsal times and cost are specific to level. To schedule an informal “Come Sing with Us” audition or for more information, contact us at 979-9997 or visit us at http://vivaceyouthchorus.org    Rehearsal location: Stone Church of Willow Glen, 1108 Clark Way, San Jose.

May 17 - 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 21 – Friday
Barnes and Noble Almaden’s special Children’s Program – Young Scientists Club presentation of “The Earth Inside Out!” begins at 8 p.m. and is designed for children 8 years and older. Join us as we learn about earthquakes, volacnos and other geologic phenomena.

May 22 – Saturday
The California Theater Center presents the adventure of Jack and the Beanstalk. Travel along with Jack as he acquires magic beans in trade for his beloved cow and encounters the evil giant and his wife at the top of the beanstalk.  Using his ingenuity, Jack retrieves not only the gold, but also the precious goose which lays the golden eggs for the people of his village and becomes a hero! This production plays at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 East Remington Drive, on Saturday, May 22 at 11a.m and 2 p.m. Tickets $11-12. For tickets or more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

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.

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 16 – Sunday
The Italian American Heritage Foundation presents the 2004 IAHF Film Festa. This year’s selection will be “Ciao America” an independent production by two brothers from Boston; director Frank Ciota and writer Joseph Ciota. Shot entirely in Italy, Ciao America is the story of Lorenzo Primavera, an unsettled Italian American college graduate who travels
to Italy to coach an Italian team in Italy’s fledgling American Football league. While coaching, Lorenzo meets and falls in love with Paola Angelini, thus forcing him to face the same decision his immigrant grandfather faced some 70 years earlier, should I stay or should I go? The film shows at 2 p.m. After the film, the IAHF Cultural Center will host a social gathering at 4 p.m. followed by dinner from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. After dinner, will be a lecture by author Marco Zecchin starting at 5:30 p.m.. His recent book, “The Spirit of Northern Italy” is a photographic journal of his voyage to Italy. For more information and to make reservations contact the IAHF at 293-7122.

May 21 – Saturday
San Jose Unified School District will celebrate the reopening of the historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Avenue, with a gala celebration beginning at 6 p.m. A reception will follow at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by new age pianist/composer George Winston.


May 21 - 23
St. John Vianney Annual Fiesta 2004 will be a must-see event for the entire family! Come and experience our great food, carnival rides, game booths & live entertainment at 4600 Hyland Avenue. Admission is free! Event hours are 5 – 11 p.m. on May 21, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on May 22, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 23. Partake in out famous Sunday chicken BBQ (Adults $6.50, Children $3.50). For more information visit www.sjvsj.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.