September 21, 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.

MUSIC

September 22 – October 1
Mission City Opera presents “The Magic Flute” performed on selected dates at the Mission City Center for the Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe Street in Santa Clara. This production will be presented in English with English and Chinese Supertitles. Suitable for the whole family, “The Magic Flute” is filled with imaginative and lively characters, and many of Mozart’s most recognizable melodies. For ticket and show time information, call 749-7607 or visit www.missioncityopera.org

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 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.

September 23-24
It’s a whole otter world at the Monterey Bay Aquarium during “Otter Days!” The weekend promises to be fun and educational for the whole family. The event dedicated to these threatened and engaging marine mammals and includes special auditorium presentations, children’s programs and activities and otter-related prizes – including a chance for families to win rarely offered behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium’s sea otter exhibit and health lab. Also, visitors who come dressed in a handmade iron-on otter t-shirt (free download at http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_aquarium/officialexplorer_tshirts.asp) will receive a special prize.
exhibits. Offer valid for a limited time only. Purchase tickets online at www.bonfantegardens.org or at the park after 3 p.m.

CLASSES

September 16 – October 28
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instructions at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue. The school offers pre-school/kindergarten through adult courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.

Ongoing
“Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is accepting students for its Fall 2006 classes. These are small classes (4-6 students) taught by an experienced elementary school teacher and artist. Class fees include instructions, all materials, use of tools, and kiln firings. For more information regarding children's, Mommy/Daddy and me, and adult classes, call 679-0238, or e-mail  avidezworld@yahoo.com. Classes will be held in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery.

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 28 - Thursday
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.

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.

September 23 – Saturday
Cat & Dog Adoption Fair at Metro Pooch Pet Boutique, 241B East Campbell Avenue in downtown Campbell. Come meet some of Humane Society Silicon Valley's charming canines and cuddly kitties. Event hours are 12:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.HSSV.org or call 727-3383.

September 23 – 24
The Eighth annual Holistic Arts Fair will be held at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave. in San Jose from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Fair is a great opportunity to discover today’s leading trends in the visionary arts, holistic health, human potential, spiritual and psychic awareness, and future alternatives. Those attending can receive readings, healings and guidance on the spiritual path. Admission is free to all exhibits and events, and parking is free behind the center and on Hicks Ave. The Fair is produced by the Holistic Arts Fair Association, a non-profit educational organization. Some proceeds will be donated to charities. Over 50 exhibitors will offer products and services covering the full range of today's holistic alternatives. For more information call 448-6726, or visit our web site at http://www.california.com/~eameece/haf.htm

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

September 24 – Sunday
3rd Annual Blues Bash: a musical jam to support the arts: Join the Triton from 1 – 5 p.m. for live blues music, a silent art auction, and a barbeque dinner in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Proceeds from the event support the Triton Museum’s art and education programs. Call for 247-3754 for ticket reservations and information. The Triton Museum is located at 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara.

September 28 – Thursday
Author and professional Homemaker, Lynn Bowen Walker, author of “Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker,” will be visiting the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 5353 Almaden Expressway at 7 p.m. to do a discussion and signing of her book. In “Queen of the Castle,” Walker offers advice from mothering to marriage, gardening to grilling, family vacations to flea markets, time management to Thanksgiving meals, chores and chocolate breaks, spiritual reminders and stress relievers, Walker presents "I've been there, sister" advice, recipes, ideas and funny stories for every woman who, like her, is not Homemaker of the Year.

September 30 – Saturday
Branham High School Class of 1976.  Our 30th Reunion is 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.

Ongoing
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.

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.

Humane Society of Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings: First Wednesday of each month 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Humane Society Silicon Valley, 2530 Lafayette St. Santa Clara. Facilitator: Adam Dorsay, M.A. For more information, call 450-1800.

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.