October 16, 2008

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER

Oct. 10 – Nov. 1
The Tabard Theater open its 8th Season with “Antigone in the Oval Office”: Ancient Greece meets The West Wing as the Vice President is thrust into the Oval Office after the President’s sudden fall from power and faces national crises that become personal very quickly when his goddaughter Antigone challenges his wartime martial law. Warning: This timely translation may lead to heated discussions of parallels and pitfalls. This modern translation of Sophocles’ play by Ian C. Johnston, adapted by Ana-Catrina Buchser is based on a concept by Cathey Spielberger Cassetta. Driected by Buchser, this is the Tabard’s first production in its new home, Theater on San Pedor Square, 29, N. San Pedro Street, San Jose. Tickets are $22 , with discounts available for students/seniors. Reservations strongly recommended. Tabard Box Office: 679-2330 For more information visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Oct. 17
Holy Spirit Parish and Entertainment Events presents “Late Nite Catechism” by Vicki Quade & Maripat Donovan at 7:30 p.m. in the Del Biaggio Gym at Holy Spirit School. This hilarious professional production has gained nationwide acclaim.  General Admission Tickets are on sale in the Holy Spirit Parish office for $25 or may be purchased by visiting www.latenitecatechism.com.  For more information contact Carrie Rangel at carrie@asiliant.com or Marie Houret at mhouret@msn.com or call 997-5101.

Oct. 17
A Squash By Gosh! The fall and Halloween wouldn’t be the same without these famous squashes. Dig into the ooey gooey goodness of pumpkins as we learn about their origin, history, botany and so much more. Can you guess how many seeds are inside the pumpkin? Or how much it weighs? Join the Friends of the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens as we learn all about these wonderful vegetables. Workshop hours are 3:30 – 5 p.m. and fees are $10/members, $15/non-members. All workshops take place at the Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110. Pre-registration is required and parents need not be present during the workshop. This course is appropriate for children 5 – 10 years. To register call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org.

Oct. 18 – 19
Nothing says “Oktober” quite like downtown Campbell’s legendary Oktoberfest celebrating its 14th year in 2008. Arguably Campbell’s most popular outdoor festival, Oktoberfest attracts attendees from all over the bay area to sample the seasonal beers, scrumptious cuisine, live entertainment and over 100 arts and crafts booths. Attractions include the “official” Oktoberfest Spaten Beer, two stages sporting live entertainment, face painting and bounce houses for the kids, and even a lederhosen sighting or two. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 10/18 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10/19.

Oct. 25
Almaden Community Center 2nd annual Harvest Festival: Whether you have a passion for pumpkins or fetish for fright, the Almaden Community Center’s 2nd Annual Harvest Festival is the place to be.  The day has something for the entire family including food, games, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, craft fair and haunted house. Hours are 11a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Avenue, San Jose.

Oct. 31
Halloween at the Campbell History Museum: The 6th Annual “Spooky, Spooky Night” is scheduled in conjunction with the Downtown Campbell Trick or Treat night. There will be Halloween crafts, apple dunking, ghoulish mask making and a scavenger hunt in addition to goodies galore. Everything is free to Museum members but $5 for everyone else. Program will be from 12 to 6 p.m. Call 866-2119 for more information.

VOLUNTEERS

Hospice Volunteers Needed: Rewarding volunteer opportunities are available in patient and family services, grief support, fundraising, community outreach, office and administrative support with Hospice of the Valley. Hospice of the Valley provides quality end-of-life care services and programs for adults and children facing life-limiting illness. Volunteer training begins October/November 2008. The next one-day orientation is on Nov. 12. For volunteer information, and for a pre-interview, contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 408.559.5600, email request@hospicevalley.org or visit hospicevalley.org

Do you enjoy working with children?  Do you enjoy art?  Let’s Look at Art, an innovative museum program in which trained art docents bring an education field trip into the classroom, is currently seeking volunteers.  The times and dates of school visits are flexible.  No art experience is necessary.  Training will be provided, beginning Jan. 6, 2009.

Come join this group of community-minded people who enjoy sharing the joy and fascination of art with students. For more information, please call 291-5393 or e-mail vol4LLAA@sjmusart.org. 

CLASSES

Oct. 20
The Almaden Valley Counseling Service will begin its 7-week positive parenting class based on the STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) model weekly evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. Preschool Class will be held on Monday nights starting Oct. 20; school age class will be held on Wednesday nights starting October 22; teen class will be held on Thursday nights starting October 23. No classes will be held the week of Thanksgiving. The cost is $110 for one parent or $165 for a couple. Contact AVCS at: 997-0200 / staff@avcounseling.org Visit our website for registration form: www.avcounseling.org. Location: 6529 Crown Blvd., Suite D, San Jose.

Ongoing
On-going drawing and painting classes for adults and children of all ages. Classes structured according to personal abilities and skills. Students are taught on an individualized bases, giving each student the freedom to move at their own pace. Small classes and friendly learning environment.  For more information, please call 927-9884.

MISCELLANEOUS

Oct. 18
St. Stephen’s In-the-Field Church, 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose, will hold a gift faire from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items will include Holiday Flower arrangements, Ornaments, Latasia Jewelry, Tupperware, Lingerie Bags, Lavender Products, many Handcrafted items, items, Jewelry, Beauty aids, wine, and much more. Live entertainment rounds out this event. For more information, call the church at 629-1836.

Oct. 18-19
Autumn in the Rose Garden Home Tour: A 1930s Georgian house with a secret stairway. A historic Victorian with a mysterious chapel. A new home with every luxury. These three one-of-a-kind homes, plus an estate garden, will be featured Oct. 18-19 during the tour. Afterward, indulge yourself with a gourmet garden luncheon and browse through a boutique on a historic estate. The tour begins at 1262 University Avenue in San Jose. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets may be purchased fro $30 in advance at Casa Casa and Fleurish in the 1300 block of Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen, Flower Flour at 896 Willow Street, or Vintage and Vogue at  243 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell, or for $35 at the door. Optional lunch tickets are $13. Proceeds benefiting St. Martin of Tours School, San Jose. For more information, go to http://stmartinsj.org/rosegardenhomestour.php.

Oct. 19
Unwined Wine Bar & Shop will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Patio area from 2 – 6 p.m. (weather permitting) Join us for refreshments, disounts on wine and prize drawings. Unwined is located at 6946 Almaden Expressway in San Jose. For more information, visit www.unwinedshop.com or email us at info@unwinedshop.com.

Oct. 19
August Boeger Middle School’s 8th grade is hosting a Flea Market/BBQ to help raise funds for the annual 8th grade Washington DC trip.  Spaces are available the day of the event for $10.  Tables will be available to rent at the event as well!! Bring your gently used items or come out and find that special treasure while your kids jump in the jumper! Come out and join the fun while helping our students reach their goals!!  Event will be held in the parking lot, 1944 Flint Ave, San Jose. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Come early if you would like to get that perfect selling spot!!  Shop early for best selection of hundreds of items including baby clothes, games, tools, etc

Oct. 23
National Holistic Institute, a College of Massage Therapy, presents a unique, hands-on experience at its San Jose campus Open House. This free event is open to the public from 6 – 8 p.m. and will include spa demonstrations, Eastern and Western massage workshops, and an interactive science corner. Instructors and staff will be on hand to answer questions, and refreshments will be served. Location is 3031 Tisch Way, Suite 1 Plaza South in San Jose. For more information, visit www.nhi.edu or call 1-800-315-3552.

Nov. 1
The Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd., will be hosting a Hindi Poetry Reading from 2 – 3 p.m. RSVP is recommended by calling 268-9064.

Nov. 7 - 9
Oak Grove Eagles Class of 1988 Reunion Weekend: 11/7 Homecoming game 7p.m. at Oak Grove High School;  11/8 Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge 6 -10 p.m.  til closing, location is 99 E San Fernando St in downtown San Jose. 11/9 Sunday Brunch, location TBA. For more info www.oakgrove88.homestead.com

Ongoing
Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroup: Las Madres is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing ways for families with children ages 5 years old and younger to network and receive parenting support and education. Run entirely by volunteers, we warmly welcome mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and nannies to join. Playgroups arranged by children’s birth year and we currently have active playgroups for babies, toddlers and preschoolers born from 2003 through 2008. Most playgroups meet one or more times a week. Any person who supports Las Madres’ non-profit educational mission may join. Members start with a support-group only membership for $30 and may add playgroup(s) for $20. To join, go to www.lasmadres.org or call 1-877-LAS MADRES. There is a 30-day trial membership.



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.