November 1, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

Nov. 6
Free Opera Preview - Singers from Opera San José and lecturer Larry Hancock will preview Massenet's Werther. Event time is noon, at the Beethoven Center, MLK Library, 4th and San Fernando in downtown San José. No reservations needed. More Information is available at www.sjoperaguild.org or 275-6199.

DANCE

Nov. 15 - 18
Ballet San Jose will present Dennis Nahat’s dance materpiece “Carmina Burana” in a fully-staged production designed by the late David Guthrie. Set to Carl Orff’s landmark musical score of 1937, Nahat’s highly theatrical interpretation of “Carmina Burana” features the entire company of 40 dancers, the 56-member Symphony Silicon Valley, 100-voice Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, and the 30-voice Cantabile Youth Singers. Due to the subject matter of this performance, “Carmina Burana” is suggested for mature audiences. Performances of “Carmina Burana” will be at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $25 - $82 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups.  Purchase through the Box Office by calling 288-2800. Tickets are also available online at www.balletsanjose.org

ART

Sept. 14 – Dec. 31
San Francisco’s Metreon, located at 101 4th Street, hosts the North American debut of Da Vinci – an Exhibition of Genius, celebrating the man who invented the forerunner to the tank, camera, and automobile, engineered bridges and cities, documented the intricacies of the human body, in addition to painting the most famous piece of art in the world. This stunning, interactive and experiential exhibition has taken 10 years to create, and includes 3D animations illuminating the genius behind the famous Vitruvian Man and the Last Supper. Come see the most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever assembled on the greatest creative mind of the Italian Renaissance.  Admission fees are Adult $19.50, Seniors (62+), $17.50 and kids aged 4-12 years are $15.50. For ticket information, visit davincithegenius.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Nov. 2
The Candy Buy Back returns to Braces for Pretty Faces! Your children can still enjoy the festivities of “Trick-or-Treating,” have healthier teeth, AND they can make a handsome cash award while they lend a helping hand to local charities, and supporting our troops overseas! How awesome is that! Your children and their friends (they do not need to be a patient of ours) can bring their treats to our office – 6489 Camden Avenue in San Jose from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. - We will pay $1. per pound for their candy. For every pound of candy that is received, a donation of $2 will be sent to a local charity that provides help to the needy. Once all the candy is collected it will be distributed across the U.S. and sent to our troops overseas. For more information, call our office at 997-7772.

Nov. 2
Join ArtHouse Kids, 1043 Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen for their annual Day of the Dead Gallery Show. Exhibited will be works from students, staff and local artists. The public is welcome to bring a photograph, memento or item to add to our community Dia De Los Muertos Alter. Hours are 7 – 10 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 975-9987.

Nov. 3
The Friends of the Almaden Library will hold their Fall Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the Almaden Library/Community Center at 6445 Camden Ave. All books, CDs, DVDs, and videos are "gently used". Donations from the community, and all proceeds are used to support various programs and services of the Almaden Branch Library. The final hour of the book sale features super bargain pricing - a shopping bag full of books and/or other materials sells for only $5, and the price applies to as many bags as you can fill during that hour.

Nov. 4
The 2nd Annual Children's Musical Theater Parents Auxiliary Fundraising Faire: Come on out to Studio A at CMT’s Rehearsal Hall, 1401 Parkmoor Avenue in San Jose from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind shopping and entertainment experience! Get your holiday shopping done AND give back to CMT. Vendors galore will be on hand with jewelry, candles, home decor items, cosmetics and fashion accessories. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the CMTSJPA’s costume scholarship fund. Win door prizes, enjoy refreshments and facepainting for the kids plus a live performance by some of our CMT performers. Admission is free. For more information contact Cyndi Diaz at cinderella1968@sbcglobal.net

Nov. 8
Mulberry School, 220 Belgatos Road in Los Gatos, will be hosting an Open House beginning at 7 p.m. Mulberry School is a private, parent-participation school for students Preschool through 5th grade with emphasis on social/emotional development, art, music, P.E., drama, etc. For more information, visit www.mulberry.org phone 358-9080 or contact kriss@mulberry.org

Nov. 9 - 10, 15 – 17
Leigh High School/Center Stage Theatre presents “The Miracle Worker.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. with the house opening at 6:45 p.m.  Tickets are $10 per person or 4/$35. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, email parent coordinator Carol Carey at PurpleHorn@aol.com.

Nov. 15 - 19
Santana Row’s “Light Up The Row” Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival: Santana Row celebrates its fifth anniversary with a favorite holiday tradition – the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday festival. Kick off the holiday season with live holiday entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and a special appearance by Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, not to mention the lighting of more than 500,000 twinkling lights adorning the neighborhood! Festivities take place throughout Santana Row from 6:30-9 p.m., with live music, choirs, carolers, hot chocolate sampling and activities for children and families. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on 11/15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Park Valencia, on Olin Avenue between Santana Row and Winchester Blvd. For more information, call 551-4611 or www.santanarow.com

CLASSES

Ongoing
Ceramics classes for adults.  Great news! Hands On Clay classes in Almaden is now accepting applications for its newly added morning classes. These small, relaxing classes are held on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:30-1 p.m.. Limited space might also be available for Tuesday and Thursday evening classes. The fee includes instructions, clay, glazes, use of tools, and kiln firings. For more information, call 679-0238. Space is limited to only four students for each class, so register today!

Art for Children and Youth - Children can explore the pleasures of drawing and paint in a home environment. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and from 5 - 6:30 p.m. starting on Sept. 17. Space is limited, as there will only be four students per class; so sign up early! Class materials and a light snack will be provided. For more info, call Nelly at 997-0027.

FIFTY PLUS

Ongoing 
AARP Willow Glen - Chapter 5193. Meetings are held every fourth Monday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m. There will be speakers on senior issues and refreshments are served. Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. For more information call 448-6400.

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
The Unicorn Thrift Shop in Almaden Valley has some opportunities for volunteers with a variety of skills. This shop is a major fundraiser for EMQ Children and Family Services. Training will be provided. We have a minimum of 7 hours per month of volunteer duty for membership. This retail store could use some reliable adults to join our organization. For further information call the store at 997-9188. The membership chairman is Jan Miller.
Do you enjoy working with children and have an interest in art?  The San Jose Museum of Art is currently recruiting volunters to join the Let's Look at Art Program.  As a volunteer docent you would bring art into classrooms and lead interactive discussions with the students.  Classroom visits are done according to your availability during school hours.  For more information phone 291-5393 or email Vol4LLAA@sjmusart.org.  No art experience is required.  Training session begins Oct. 17, 2007.

MISCELLANEOUS

Nov. 3 - 4
San Jose Reptile Show: San Jose’s South Hall will house over 75 vendors, 5,000 reptiles, live alligators, sale of reptiles and supplies at wholesale prices and more. Addmission is $6 - $9. For more information, call 916-691-7387 or visit www.upscalereptiles.com

Nov. 3 – 4
The Center for Spiritual Living is again hosting their annual, all handcrafted, holiday gift and craft faire. We invite you to join us for refreshments and shopping amongst our many artisans. Hours are 11/3  from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and on 11/4 from noon to 5 p.m. Location is 1195 Clark Street in San Jose (off Willow Street) For more information, call Diane at 365-4755 or 687-9892.Nov. 6

The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley (CFSV) Presents: Author/Historian Michael Zak speaking on the acclaimed history of the Republican Party from the civil rights perspective. Location – The American Legion Hall, 958 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. CFSV Members/Students/First-time visitors: no charge – Non-members; $10 Lecture at 7 p.m. doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit: www.theconservativeforum.com

Nov. 6 – Dec. 24
Start your Christmas shopping early and purchase heirloom quality, handmade lace covered Christmas ornaments. Vintage as well as contemporary handmade lace is used to cover these special, one-of-a-kind ornaments. Ornaments come in many sizes and range from $5 to over $50. All proceeds from this annual sale go towards the maintenance of the Lace Museum. Lace Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is located at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale with free parking.

Nov. 14
Hospice of the Valley hosts, “Getting Through the Holidays,” a special community workshop that offers emotional support and practical ideas for getting through the holiday season without a loved one. Adult members of bereaved families from the community are encouraged to attend this workshop from 7 - 9 p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, (near Hwy 85 and Samaritan Dr.) San Jose. A donation to Hospice of the Valley is appreciated. To RSVP call 559-5600 ext. 460. For information, visit www.hospicevalley.org.

Nov. 15
The Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley presents “Politics and People” speakers forum featuring Dolores Carr, DA Santa Clara County; Pat Dando, CEO SJ/SV Chamber of Commerce; and Patricia Mahan, Mayor, City of Santa Clara. This special event will be held at Eulipa Restaurant, 374 South First Street, San Jose at 7 p.m. Hear this expert panel discuss relevant issues, how they made it to the top in their fields and why they are so passionate about what they do. Admission is $5. Proceeds support the programs of The Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit SVrotaract.org.

Ongoing
Princeton Plaza Fair: ( Meridian, at Kooser and Blossom Hill) inside the Mervyn’s Plaza. Fairs will be held on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee and donuts for early bird shoppers. For more information, visit www.aplhazetaevents.com or call 761-6913.

MOMS Club of San Jose - Blossom Hill/Santa Teresa chapter: We are a playgroup that meets a few times per week for many fun, social activities. Our website is www.bayareamoms.org, Contact Victoria Meline for more information 888-5838.

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.