September 14, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER

September 23 – October 14
Saratoga Drama Group presents “Bye, Bye Birdie” at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Considered on of the captivating musicals of modern times, “Bye, Bye Birdie” follows rock heartthrob Conrad Birdie on the verge of his induction into the Army. When his publicity-minded agent decides to send Birdie off with a kiss from a member of his fan club – on the Ed Sullivan show – things begin to go awry. Classic songs from the production include “What Did I Ever See In Him?”, “Spanish Rose” and “Kids.” For tickets and information, call 266-4734. Directed by Tim Harris, music by Charles Strouse, choreography by Kayvon Kordestani.

DANCE

September 16 – Saturday
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Danza at the Center for the Performing Arts: Ballet Folklorico Mexico brings the magic of dances from their roots that capture and symbolize the beauty of the Latin culture. Come to enjoy a journey filled with color, passion and traditions of Mexico. Performance time is 7 p.m. Admission is $15 - $35. Call 510-475-7388 or visit www.folklormexicano.com for more information.

ART

September 1 – 30
Monsieur Beans of Willow Glen, 1383 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose will be hosting local photographer Jeff Moody and his exhibit, “Our California”, for the month of September. Moody’s 15 original works feature a wide variety of styles and subjects, from the rugged coastal vistas of Big Sur and Marin to the sand dunes of Death Valley National Park. A reception for the artist will be held on Friday, September 8 from 7 – 9 p.m. and will be open to the public.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

September 15 - 17
Holy Family Parish Festival: Now in its 27th year, the festival will feature the Joe Sharino Band on Friday from 7-10 p.m., Houserockers Band on Saturday from 7-10 p.m., and the Babiarz-Scott Band on Sunday from 12:30-2:00 p.m. with other live entertainment to be featured throughout the weekend. Open to the public, this community event will offer carnival rides for all ages, international food, beer, wine, margaritas, new games, a silent auction, bingo, and cherry bells for everyone¹s continued enjoyment. Holy Family is located at 4848 Pearl Avenue, Behind Oakridge Mall. For more information, visit www.holyfamilysanjose.org or call 265-4040.

September 17 - Sunday
San Jose Bird Mart at Parkside Hall: Bring the family for a day of fun, food, and lots of birds. Come see a live Harris Hawk up close and personal. This event features live birds, seed, treats, cages, custom aviaries, unique toys, Manzanita, orchids, plants and specialty gifts. Admission is $6. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.SanJoseBirdMart.com

September 22 – Friday
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

September 23 – Saturday
The City of San Jose will be hosting the Mayor’s High School Parent Summit at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summit will offer informative workshops for parents to explore college and career opportunities for their future graduate. There will be an Education Resource Fair to peruse while talking with counselors and the Mayor about how to become even more engaged in high school education. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.

Through September 23
Summer is almost over and it’s your Last Chance to check out Raging Waters.  Raging Waters is now open weekends through September 23.  Raging Waters has something for everyone, including over 20 rides and slides. Don’t miss your “Last Chance” Guest Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 10th. Prizes will be given out ever hour! For more information or discounts, check out www.rwsplash.com.  

CLASSES

September 20 – Wednesday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens “Pond Ecology” workshop presented by Dan Henoch, Water Garden Designer, Brookside Garden. This workshop will cover the many aspects of maintaining a water garden balance in an ecosystem, as well as providing literature on pond care, informative product knowledge and more.
Brookside Garden’s award-winning designs have been featured in Sunset Magazine, Evening Magazine and on Henry's Garden. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue at the GRP&G Visitor Ed. Center. Space is limited. For reservations and more information, contact Kary Houle at education@grpg.org or 298-7657. Refunds are for program cancellation or space constraints only. Workshop times are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the cost is $5.00/members, $10.00/non-members.

Ongoing
“Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is now accepting students for its Fall 2006 classes. These are small classes (4-6 students) taught by Avideh Yaghmai Samardar, an experienced elementary school teacher, artist and co-founder of the “Art through a Women’s Eyes” collective art group. Classes will be held in her Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery. For more information on the classes offered, visit avidehzworld@yahoo.com, or call 679-0238. Class fees cover all materials, tools, glazes and firings. Registration deadline is September 20.

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 (Windfield 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.

VOLUNTEERS

September 21 & 28
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 the above dates. Please 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.

MISCELLANEOUS

September 15 – Friday
The Santa Clara County Division, of the California Retired Teachers Association, will meet at 1 p.m. at Leininger Center in Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Road, San José. All retired educators are welcome. Enjoy delightful folk singing by the Wheatleys.

September 15 & 16
E-Waste Recycling Event: This event, benefiting the Almaden Valley Counseling Service, will be held in the Office Max/Rite Aide parking lot, 1130 Blossom Hill Road, in San Jose from noon to 4 p.m. on 9/15 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 9/16. What we accept:  Computers (CPUs) Monitors, VCRs, Printers, Fax Machines, Stereo Components, Telephones, Microwaves, TVs, Mice, Keyboards, Radio, DVD’s, Speakers. Just drive in and drop-off your unwanted items.

September 16 - Saturday
Emergency Preparedness Fair at Vista Park (Hyde Park & New Compton) 9 a.m. - noon.  Win a water bottle or Quake-hold.  Try your hand at grinding wheat or the earthquake table, get preparedness information.  See the San Jose Police Stealth car, crime unit, Fire engine (if emergencies allow).  Troop 255 Eagle Scout project.  Be Prepared!  (September is National Preparedness month.)

September 20 – Wednesday
The Improv Comedy Theater, 62 South Second Street in San Jose will be hosting a comedy night benefiting EHC LifeBuilders “A Night of Laughs to Build Lives.” The EHC LifeBuilders’ second annual Comedy Night will feature comedian Kenny Kane and other special guests. The event will also include a raffle and a silent auction, with prizes such as art displays, dinner and theater packages, and spa treatments. Proceeds benefit EHC LifeBuilders’ programs ending homelessness. Tickets are $45 includes show and 2 drinks, 18 and older with valid ID. For more information, visit laughs@ehclifebuilders.org or call 539-2121.

September 21 – Thursday
Rebuilding Together’s Annual Fundraising event, “Paint The Town” will be held at AP Stumps. This event features hors d’oeuvres, wine and a silent auction. Proceeds will help raise resources to assist very low-income seniors and disabled families in our community. Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on one of 55 packages featuring:  Golfing, Premium Wine & Tasting Parties, Dinner for six at a San Francisco Firehouse, Park City Vacation, Hawaii Condo Vacation, and much more. Event hours are 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per guest in advance, $85 at the door. To request tickets, call 578-9519.

September 21 – Thursday
Breaking Bread Together: An Interfaith Reunion: Organized by SouthBay Interfaith, this peaceful gathering will feature many South Bay religious communities and organizations including Catholic, Interfaith, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim and protestant groups. These communities will gather together to pray, break bread, and celebrate the unique opportunities Silicon Valley offers to get to know each other better as people of faith. Event hours are 6 – 7 p.m. at the Circle of Palms, 170 Market Street, San Jose. For more information, visit www.SouthBayInterfaith.org.

Ongoing
Pioneer High School Class of 1996 10 year Reunion will be held on September 23 at Dave & Busters in Milpitas at 8 p.m. For more information, contact Megan Lee at 621-3181 or email meganlee3@sbcglobal.net.

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.