October 19, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

October 20 – Friday
Boyz II Men at the Campbell Heritage Theater: Introduced by Bell Biv Devoe’s Michael Bivins through Motown Records in 1991, this Philadelphia high school vocal group sky-rocketed to one of the most successful R&B vocal sensations in the early 90s. Characterized by their multiple lead arrangements and rich harmonies, Boyz II Men topped the charts with hits “One Sweet Day,”“Ill Make Love to You,” and “End of the Road.” Performing one night only. For tickets and additional information, call 866-2700 or visit wwwheritagetheatre.org

October 29 - Sunday
The second concert in the 2006-07 Steinway Society piano series will feature Sa Chen, Crystal Award (third prize) winner of the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.  Ms. Chen will perform at Le Petit Trianon Theatre in downtown San Jose at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30-$45; senior $25-$40; student $20-$35 To purchase tickets or for additional information, call the Le Petit Trianon Box Office at (408) 286-2600, extension 23; fax (408) 295-6518, or E-mail:steinwaysociety@ trianontheatre.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 13 – 31
Gyro’s 3D Scream Fest returns to the San Jose: They’re baaaaack – and bigger than ever. Gyro’s Scream Fest has returned and expanded into area’s largest haunted attraction to scare YOU! Join Evil Jack and his macabre minions as they take over the Convention Center’s South Hall. Scream your way through three haunted attractions, plus themed games in Evil Jack’s Arcade and soothe those hunger pains in the Cut-throat Café and take home something to remember (or scare away) your nightmares. Admission is $19.95. Visit www.gyrohaunts.com for additional information.

October 21 - Saturday
For the past 12 years, The San Jose Beautiful Daffodil Planting Program has added lasting beauty and color to the city’s open spaces. Now for the first time, the program that has provided bulbs free of charge to city residents is adding sample packets of California native onion bulbs! Eligible groups to receive free bulbs are: neighborhood associations, garden clubs, Adopt-a-Park groups, scout troops, school groups, San Jose Conservation Corps, and other volunteer groups. Bulbs must be used to beautify public spaces in the city of San Jose such as city parks, school grounds, libraries, youth centers, senior centers, even median strips. Private property and religious institutions are not eligible. Requests for bulbs are accepted via the following website: http://keepsjbeautiful.org/daffodil.html. Bulbs will be available for pickup on Saturday October 21 from the Kirk Community Center, 1601 Foxworthy Avenue (just east of Meridian), San Jose, 95118.

October 21 – Saturday
The new exhibit, “Dragons and Fairies: Exploring Viet Nam Through Folktales,” opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. “Dragons and Fairies” is designed to educate children ages 5-12 about the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It provides an opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of people living in modern and ancient Viet Nam. The Children’s Discover Museum is located at 180 Woz Way, in downtown San Jose, at the intersection of Woz Way and Auzerais Street. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Member’s only hour is Sunday 11 a.m. – noon.

October 21 – 22
Santa Teresa Catholic Parish is celebrating 40 years! And what a celebration it is going to be. Join the Santa Teresa community for a fun-filled festival happening at the Santa Teresa Catholic Church on the corner of Cahalan and Calero Avenues in San Jose. Enjoy arts and crafts, games in the kidfest area, wonderful food from all cultures with wine from local wineries, live entertainment, silent auction and much more! So, bring your family, friends and neighbors to help celebrate 40 years as a Parish with the Santa Teresa Festival. For more information please call (408) 629-7777.

October 21-22
Wash your beer steins and dust off those lederhosen, Campbell’s Oktoberfest is coming! Over 125 arts and crafts vendors will be offering their wares in downtown Campbell. There will also be plenty of German food and brew to tempt your palate, as Betty Deal would say, and destroy your diet. The kids will enjoy the “Kinderplatz” area which is designed just for them. In addition, there will be three stages of live entertainment featuring the popular Alpiners along with other talented local artists. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 10/21 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10/22. For more information, visit the Campbell Chamber of Commerce web site at www.campbellchamber.com

October 24 – 29
Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice presents “Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey” coming to the HP Pavilion. Everyone’s favorite mice are the tour guides on this globetrotting adventure that includes Disney favorites Lilo and Stitch, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, and marine guides Ariel and Sebastian, just to name a few. Directed by Disney skating veteran Patty Vincent and choreographed by Cindy Stuart, who has worked with Olympic silver medalist Rosalyn Sumners, this production promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Admission is $15 - $50. For tickets and additional information, call 998-8497 or purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com

October 27 – Friday
The Campbell Historical Museum, 51 North Central Avenue in Campbell, will offer its 4th annual “Spooky Halloween Night” evening of fun and recreation of old-fashioned Halloween games and activities from the 1920s and 30s. The event, designed for families, will include hot cider, apples to dunk, candy and treats for the youngsters, plus games and activities like “touch-feely” boxes and making trick-or-treat bags to prepare the children for the big Halloween night. The location has changed this year because of the closure of the Ainsley House due to the roofing project. Admission $5 per person; and children under 2 free. Event hours are 3 – 7 p.m. For information, call 866-2119 or visit through the City’s website: www.cityofcampbell.com/museum Costumes are permitted.

October 28 – Saturday
The 2006 Western Region Robotics Forum (WRRF) will be held in the Pioneer High School Main Gym. Students from twenty-four Northern California FIRST Robotics teams will be bringing their robots to compete at the WRRF California Robot Games. The Robot Games is free and open to the public. Qualifying Matches 9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m., Playoffs 1:00 –4:00 p.m. It promises to be as fun and exciting for the spectators as it will be for the student participants.

October 29 – Sunday
Haunt the Hollow: Trick-or-Treat through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, from 1 - 4 p.m.  Trick-or-treat stations throughout the Park & Zoo will provide a fun, safe and family-friendly experience for all. Admission includes trick-or-treating, all rides, play areas, the Zoo and puppet shows. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on this event day, and activities are included with regular admission of $6.00 per person. For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 277-4193 or visit www.hhpz.org. This scare free event is sponsored by 94.5 KBAY and The Mercury News.

October 31 – Tuesday
Children and parents can enjoy a safe and fun evening filled with games, bounce houses, candy-filled piñatas, a crawl through maze, a professional magician, a hands-on reptile house, a melodrama show, and lots of candy from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Drive, San Jose. For more information, call 265-9000 or go to www.churchonthehill.com and click on Fall Family Blast.   

CLASSES

Ongoing
“Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is accepting students for its Fall 2006 classes. These are small classes (4-6 students) taught by a teacher/artist. Class fees include instructions, all materials, use of tools, and kiln firings. Adult classes are held on Thursday evenings, and youth classes are on Sunday early afternoons. For more information or to register call 679-0238. Classes will be held in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery.

MISCELLANEOUS

October 20 – Friday
The Santa Clara County Division, of the California Retired Teachers Association, will meet for luncheon at the Three Flames restaurant, 1547 Meridian Avenue, at 11:30 a.m. Join us for good food, fellowship, and a special presentation by Ginny Johnson, Program Integration Manager for CRTA. Call Roger Evans (294-8346) for reservations.

October 20 - 22
A Convention of the Tattoo Arts at Parkside Hall. State of Grace Productions is proud to present “A Convention of the Tattoo Arts.” This is the second annual international tattoo convention in San Jose, CA. This event features live tattooing by professional tattooers from all over the world, tattoo contests and art displays. For more information, call 441-7770 or visit www.sanjosetattooconvention. com. Admission is $15 - $30.

October 20 – 22
Held at the Civic Auditorium, this “Postage Stamps for Collectors” show will include bourse and stamp exhibits. This is a venue where collectors may acquire material for their collections and/or exhibit their material. Show will include society meetings, and both US Post Office, and the Western Philatelic Libraries. Admission is free. For more information, call 445-2694 or visit www.filatelicfiesta.org

October 21 – Saturday
Halloween Fest Adoption Fair at Humane Society Silicon Valley! "Life without a pet is spooky!" Many kittens, cats, dogs, and rabbits available! Special adoption fees for pairs of cats and kittens. Pet starter kits at reduced prices for adopters. More information at www.HSSV.org. Location is 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara. For information, call (408) 727-3383.

The Health Trust Women’s Health Conference: The San Jose McEnery Convention Center is the site of this year’s conference event that will feature a full day of fun, education and inspiration. Designed for women of all ages, the conference includes workshops, exhibits, books, videos, entertainment, and free optional health screening for conference participants. The 2006 Special Guest Speaker is Academy Award Winning Actress Marlee Matlin. Admission is $75, the conference begins at 8 a.m. For more information, call 559-5584 or www.healthtrust.org

October 21 – Saturday
The Friends of the Almaden Library will hold their first major book sale since the opening of the new Library/Community Center. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the center.

October 25 – Wednesday
The Almaden Business Association is sponsoring a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross from 2 – 7 p.m. at 6445 Camden Avenue in San Jose. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.BeADonor.com Reference code: ALMADEN when registering.

October 26 – Thursday
Leland High School is holding a meeting at 7 p.m. to discuss the forming of an Alumni Association. The mission and goals of the organization will be discussed. Updates on current Leland HS programs and facilities will also be presented. For more information contact Iliad Rodriguez at Iliad_Rodriguez@sjusd.org, or Iliad_Rodriguez@yahoo.com, or leave a message at 408-535-6290.

October 28 – 29
The Tabard Theatre Company of San Jose will be holding auditions for a production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Various roles include a narrator, grandparents, parents, children and “Oompa-Loompas”. Willy Wonka will be played by Andrew Ceglio. All auditions are by appointment only. A packet with audition location and information about the production, rehearsals, etc. will be e-mailed to all who have appointments during the week before auditions. For more information, or to schedule audition time, call 979-0231 or send an e-mail to cathy@tabardtheatre.org. Performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will run from April 20 – May 5, 2 007 at the Historic Hoover Theatre in San Jose October 28 – Saturday
Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Ave., is presenting its Fall “Gently Used Book Sale,” from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adult and children's books, fiction and non fiction, and media are available.  Profits go to support library programs.

October 29 – Sunday
San Jose Scales of Justice Lions Club announces the 9th Annual Bini’s Style Spaghetti Dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. All you can eat Pasta, Gourmet Marinara Sauce with special herbs and spices, Italian Sausage, Garlic Bread, Fresh Tossed Green Salad and desert. Raffle prizes and silent auction. Adults $12.00 Children $6.00 (under 12) Located at the Cambrian Park United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Mike Irving at 227-8815.

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.