May 20, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
May 20 – 23
Almaden Feed and Fuel, 18950 Almaden Road, presents live music every Friday through Sunday. This week’s entertainment features Karaoke on May 20, “Faultline” on May 21, “Radio Flyers” on May 22, and “JJ Hawg” on May 24. For more information and show times call 268-8950.

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 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.

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 22 – Saturday
Barnes and Noble Almaden 5353 Almaden Expressway presents Catherine Kitchco, author of the “Use It Up” cookbook, demonstrating many tasty recipes and possibilities that exist within your leftovers in the refrigerator! Join us at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of culinary delights!

May 25 – Tuesday
Barnes and Noble Almaden’s new Book Group: Savor The Classics, will discuss J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher In The Rye” at 7:30 p.m. This reading group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

May 26 – Wednesday
The Barnes and Noble Almaden History Reading Group meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. This session will discuss “Cathedral, Forge and Waterwheel” by Frances Gies. New Members are always welcome!

MEETINGS
May 25 – 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 25 – 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 26 – 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 21 - Friday
AVAC will be hosting a Journaling Class led by local author Kymberli Brady. The class will be held in the AVAC Conference Room from 1 – 3 p.m. Members and guests are welcome. Call Mary Ann at 445-4931fro more information. This is an ongoing class held on alternating Fridays.

May 26 - Wednesday
BridgePoint at Silver Creek, an independent, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s care community, will be a local host for the 11th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This offers seniors an opportunity to make or renew a commitment to physical fitness and smart health choices. Our theme this year is “Crossing the Bridge to Good Health”. BridgePoint will be hosting several fun activities throughout the day for persons of all physical abilities, from free health screenings, tips for healthy eating, and our first annual Silver Creek walk. Prizes will be awarded to participants who successfully complete various exercise challenges, and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Susanne Meier at 408-223-1312.

Ongoing:
Spaces are still available in the following Almaden SeniorNet classes: Word 1, Digital Photography, Quicken, E-Mail A-Z, Internet/e-mail, Fine-tuning and Troubleshooting XP and Computer Fundamentals. 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. Call Don House at 268-1703 for more information.
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 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 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.

May 24 - 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 28 – Friday
Hey kids and parents! Join The Barnes and Nobel Almaden Order of The Phoenix Harry Potter Book Club as we discuss chapters 9-13 of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J.K. Rowling. The Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter Book Club meets at 7 p.m. and is geared for children ages 8 and older.

May 29 - Saturday
Sanborn Park’s The Youth Science Institute Annual Insect Fair gives young and old alike the chance to explore the wonderful world of our insect neighbors! There are more insects on earth than all other creatures combined. Learn about adaptation and metamorphosis of these arthropods and enjoy the many hands-on activities, arts and crafts, face painting, food booths ad other fascinating exhibits and guest lecturers at this annual event. Insect Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and this event is free with a YSI Family Membership. Non-member suggested donations are $1 per child and $3 per adult. Park vehicle fees are $4 each. For more information call 356-4945 or visit www.ysi-ca.org.

May 29 – 30
The Annual Air and Space Show at NASA Ames Research Center will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Team in their first appearance in 16 years. This year’s event will also include some of the country’s best aerial performers; the Patriots L-39 jet team, the F-15 demo team and world renowned wing-walker Teresa Stokes. Fans can also get an up-close look at more than 30 premier aircraft. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $15 for children, $20 adults. Children under 4 years are free. For additional information visit www.airshownetwork. com.

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.