June 22, 2006

NEWS BRIEFS

Local artists hold exhibit to benefit Next Door Solutions for Domestic Violence

Several South Bay artists, most of whom are from Almaden, are banding together to hold an art exhibit this weekend, with portions of the sales from the show being donated to Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence.

The Art through Women's Eyes exhibit and reception will be held on Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 21334 Tollgate Road, off Big Basin Way in Saratoga.

At this exhibit the latest works by a group of local South Bay women artists will be represented: Jeanne Carbone Lewis, Sheri Chakamian, Anna Coulter, Roya Farzan, Ann Johnson, Renée Kauffmann, Haleh Mahbod, Priya Pattathil, Nilou Rahimi, Niloufar Rouhani, Ida Samardar, Dokhie Faye Shehabi, Haleh Sherkat and Avidéh Yaghmai-Samardar.

On display will be works in acrylics, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, oil, photography and watercolor. The artists will be there to greet visitors who are invited to enjoy a truly unique exhibit, and purchase original pieces of art.

The group, called Art Through Women's Eyes, continually strives to promote emerging women artists through its shows and Web site. Portion of the sales from this show will benefit Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence (www.nextdoor.org ), a local agency that for over 30 years has helped those whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence.

To view samples from the exhibit, visit www.artthroughwomenseyes.com/galleries.php.

Almaden Valley Counseling Service to hold parenting classes this summer

The Almaden Valley Counseling Service will hold age-appropriate Positive Parenting Classes throughout the summer based on the STEP model.

Are you ready to STEP up to the challenge of parenting? If the answer is YES, join a seven-week class based on the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) model. You will learn:

* How to build self-esteem and responsibility
* How to talk so children will listen and listen so children will talk
* How to implement discipline versus punishment
* How to resolve conflicts so everyone wins

Classes for parents of pre-school aged children will be held on Tuesdays June 20 through Aug. 8 (no class July 4); classes for parents of school-age children will be held Wednesdays June 21 through Aug. 2; and classes for parents of teens will be held Thursdays June 22 through Aug. 3.

If you would like more information or to register call the Almaden Valley Counseling Service (408) 997-0200 or email the AVCS at staff@avcounseling.org