August 17, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

August 27 - Sunday
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents works by Gershwin, Kapralova, and Boccherini at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose. Performance at 7 p.m. Pre-concert chat at 6:15 p.m. Barbara Day Turner, conductor, Sara Davis Buechner, pianist. Tickets are $30 - $45. For more information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

August 12 – September 30
Through September 30, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum will offer a free audio tour guide. Sixty-nine minutes of museum highlights will be presented through an MP3 player allowing users to set their own pace with pause, stop and rewind functions. This English only tour provides special insight into the life and history surrounding artifacts. Includes rare Apis Bull Mummy, Tomb replica and Statue of Cleopatra VII.

August 18 - Friday
Arena Green Adventures on Autumn Street across from the HP Pavilion: Climb aboard an ostrich, shimmy to the top of the rope structure, have “tea” in the playhouse and explore a great section of the Guadalupe River Park! Pack a lunch, bring your aged 10 and under children or grandchildren, or arrange to meet your playgroup at the park for a great summer adventure! Each child will be given one free ride on the Children’s Carousel as a special treat. Free Gift for the first 100 children who attend! Stay for the Puppeteers from the Water District and their wacky, water conservation puppet show. Show times are: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The conservation puppet theater with “Hoots McDrip” teaches young people valuable lessons about caring for water and the environment. No reservations are required to attend. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or call 298-7657.

Ongoing
Bonfante Gardens offers summer value and fun with 50% off adult general admission after 3 p.m. For just $19.50, guests of all ages can enjoy more than 40 rides and attractions including Bonfante's Splash Garden, six majestic gardens and educational exhibits. Offer valid for a limited time only. Purchase tickets online at www.bonfantegardens.org or at the park after 3 p.m.

CLASSES

August 2 - 30
San Jose's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library presents a Summer Dance Series. Learn how to dance and get healthy in a free five-week lunch-hour series. Attend one or all sessions. Instructors from local dance organizations and studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles - proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull! Audience participation is encouraged. Join us in Caret Plaza, just outside the east campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library. Each week will feature a different dance style in chronological order the classes are: Hip-Hop, Belly Dance, Salsa, Polynesian, and Line Dance. The series is hosted by King Library General Collections and sponsored by the Friends of the San Jose Public Library, San Jose State University Kinesiology Dept., Noho'ana Dance Company, and California Line Dance Association of America.

August 29 - Tuesday
Santa Clara Adult Education Creative Writing Workshop: Learn the elements of creative writing. Join this friendly and supportive class for weekly on-going sessions offered at two Santa Clara locations: Each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-Noon at Westmont, 1675 Scott Blvd. and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Valley Village, 390 North Winchester Blvd. Course fee is $3. Register at class or on-line at Santa Clara Adult Education: www.scae.org or call 423-3500.

Ongoing
Calling all Stroller Moms! by Strollecize(R) Certified Instuctor. A stroller fitness program designed for parents to help them get back in shape, get stronger, and keep healthy lifestyle. Parents will learn how to use the stroller as a resistance apparatus-fitness tool. Join us for a total body workout with your baby on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m. in Almaden Lake Park (Winfield entrance.) First class is Free! More info? Contact me at andrea@strollercize.com or 417-4555. Visit: www.strollercize.com

Tai Chi Chuan classes at Hakone Gardens: Beginning/intermediate classes are ongoing and meet on Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:55 p.m., Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, close to downtown Saratoga. Fees are $96 for a consecutive 8-week series or $20 for a drop-in class. For more information, call Instructor at 295-9439 or email linda@xs.com. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art. It promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. This class is suitable for people of all ages.

FIFTY PLUS

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.

VOLUNTEERS

August 24, 29, Sept. 9
Vision Literacy needs tutor volunteers to help adults build their literacy skills. Tutor volunteer opportunities exist in community literacy, family literacy, substance abuse treatment programs and correctional facilities. Vision Literacy is conducting tutor volunteer orientations on the dates above. Call 262-1349 or email info@visionliteracy.org to register for one of these dates or for more information.

Ongoing
Odyssey Healthcare Hospice volunteers: The individuals who work with us to serve all people during the end of life’s journey encounter situations that are sad, to be sure. We also see much valor, humor, love, and unvanquished humanity. It's worth every minute! We need people to do the little things that bring encouragement to our patients and their families: visiting, reading aloud, writing letters, giving caregivers short periods of respite--and sometimes, just being an attentive listener. Please call Melanie at Odyssey Healthcare: 626-4868.
Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in someone's day.  Join a Volunteer community that shares your interest in helping others.  Greeting and assisting visitors, reading to children, conducting tours, or assisting in the Volunteer office are just a few of the opportunities available.  We are easily accessible via Hwy 85 and Light Rail, plus we offer Free Valet Parking.  Phone us at 972-6233 or visit our website at www.kpsantateresa.org for more information.

Volunteer with Hands On Bay Area and make a difference in your community! Each month, Hands On Bay Area offers over 100 community service projects across the Bay Area addressing issues such as: the environment, hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, family service, children and teens, seniors and people with disabilities. Catering to today's busy lifestyles, most projects take place outside of regular working hours at night or on weekends, do not require a long-term commitment, and are group-based. A brief one-time orientation is required. For more information go to www.handsonbayarea.org .

MISCELLANEOUS

August 5 – October 28
The Sunnyvale Lace Museum’s new exhibit, “Hooked on Crochet: will feature one-of-a-kind items from the turn of the 20th century to the present. Come see examples of adult and children clothing, bedspreads, tablecloths and other crochet items from a craft that was once one of American women's greatest past time. This is a free exhibit. The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale, with free parking.

August 18-19
Barnes & Noble Eastridge and the Silicon Valley Arts Council presents a performance by the San Jose Chamber Players, at 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble. The San Jose Chamber Players are a group from Symphony Silicon Valley, and include principal cellist Peter Gelfand. On August 19, children’s singer-songwriter David Sharpe will perform at the store at 12:30 p.m. Sharpe will be performing songs from his new and yet-to-be-released album, “All the Things you Dream.” The performance are in conjunction with the three-day fundraising book fair held August 18 – 20. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the SVAC.

August 19 – Saturday
Stanford Hospital will be holding a Blood Drive in the PW Market parking lot, 6938 Almaden Expressway, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For appointments, call 621-1790. Walk-ins are also welcome. Sponsored by Margaret Guerrettaz of Coldwell Banker.

August 19 – Saturday
Humane Society Silicon Valley's 4th Annual Walk 'N Wag Walk-A-Thon fundraiser will take place at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in Kelley Park. Event hours are 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Some 500 animal lovers are expected to participate in the walk-a-thon to help raise money for the shelter. All animal lovers are encouraged to walk the course in honor of their pets. The registration fee for Walk ’N Wag is $25 and includes a t-shirt, mouse pad and other tail-wagging surprises. Registered participants are encouraged to obtain pledges to walk an interactive course with their dog. Along the way, they experience engaging presentations on animal behavior, dog training, agility, and more. To register or make a donation, visit www.hssv.org and click on Walk ’N Wag, or call Barbara Vitcosky, manager of special events at 727-3383, ext. 879

August 26 – Saturday
Stargazing Night at Rancho Cañada Del Oro Open Space Preserve - Perfect for those who love the night sky; join the Open Space Authority at the preserve on clear, dark nights when the land will be open just for you. The preserve is located in the western foothills of Santa Clara County (just south of Calero County Park.) Don’t forget your telescopes or blankets, and head out to a place where city lights are left far behind. Free. For more information call 224-7476, or visit www.openspaceauthority.org

August 28 – Monday
Silent and Live Auction to benefit Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. Event hours are from 3-7 p.m. Hosted at a private home, 3573 Meadowlands Lane, San Jose. Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $40.00 at the door. Ticket price includes wine, beverages, and wonderful appetizers. You may purchase tickets on our website: safehavenanimalsanctuary.org or write a check payable to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary and mail to: 5693 Morningside Drive, San Jose, CA, 95138. Auction items include: vacation home for a summer week in Tahoe; a B&B stay in Aptos; a B&B stay outside of Seattle; private airplane ride; custom designed jewelry; wine gift baskets; Avon gift basket; pet gift baskets; and many more items. For more information email auction@safehavenanimalsanctuary.org or call Yvonne Covello at 832-4010.

Ongoing
Branham High School Class of 1976.  Our 30th Reunion is September 30 at Coyote Ranch.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Pam Poor at pamela.schuur@comcast.net to get on the mailing list and visit www.geocities/branham76 for updates.

Willow Glen/Pioneer High School Class of 1961 will hold its 45th reunion at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose on November 4, 2006. To secure your reservation, contact Donna O’Neil at 267-2487. Information about this event is posted on Classmates.com under Class of 1961.

Branham High School Class of 1986.  Our 20th Reunion is October 14, 2006 at the Wyndham Hotel.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Jennifer Bentson Vazquez at jcjenvaz@sbglobal.net to get on the mailing list and visit http://www.classencounters.com for more information.

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.