December 6, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

Dec. 7 – 9
Bethel Church of San Jose presents “The Light of Christmas.” This full stage musical production features the Voices of Bethel (a 100+ voice choir), the Bethel Orchestra, Kingdom Kids Choir, audience participation, dramas and choreography, and multimedia presentations. Staged at Bethel Church, 1201 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose. Show times are 12/7 at 8 p.m., 12 8 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on 12 9 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Dec. 9
The second concert of the San Jose Wind Symphony's 2007-2008 season (our 50th anniversary year) will be at 3 p.m. at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos, 14855 Oka Rd. in Los Gatos. Guest starring with us will be Camerata California, a group dedicated to medieval and Baroque music on ancient instruments -- recorder, crumhorn, sackbut, viol, rankett and shawm.  We will be playing music from the 1500s through the 1900s. Tickets are $15 - $17. For more information, visit www.sjws.org or call 927-7597.

Dec. 15
Sunnyvale Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, in Sunnyvale, presents the Christmas Jug Band – Join us for a holiday celebration Appalachian-style, during this one-night only performance. This hilarious show, featuring holiday novelty songs and raucous versions of more traditional tunes, is suitable for the whole family. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 students and seniors. For tickets and additional information, call 733-6611, or visit our website at: http://arts.inSunnyvale.com

Dec. 15
San Francisco Symphony presents “Peter and the Wolf. ”Don’t miss the San Francisco Symphony as they delight young and old alike with this classical favorite – Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, featuring a surprise celebrity narrator. Christmas carols and a traditional sing-along make this concert the perfect family event to usher in the holidays. Performance time is 2 p.m. at the California Theatre. Admission is $20 - $46. For tickets and additional information, call 415-864-6000 or visit www.sfsymphony.org

Ongoing
Ladyesong a Womans Vocal Ensemble, are seeking new singers. Must be able to sight read and available on Monday evenings for rehearsals. Founded in the winter of 1995 by director Mary Elizabeth Enmann, Ladyesong has been working toward sharing the gift of music and a commitment to the community in the South Bay Area. Ladyesong enjoys performing a variety of vocal music, both sacred and secular - from Gabrielli to Gershwin, from Dvorak to Doo Wop - and has provided music during local church services as well as concerts in community venues. Ladyesong's membership is diverse; from homemakers to business women to retirees, these women have bonded over their love of music and song.  Call Mary Elizabeth Enmann at 621-9812 for an audition. http://www.ladyesong.com/

THEATER

Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
For its holiday feature, the San Jose Rep will present “This Wonderful Life”, a visually stunning stage adaptation of the 1946 Frank Capra classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. In this theatrical twist, San Jose Rep’s associate director Kirsten Brandt directs actor Dan Hiatt, who plays all 35 characters in a one-man tour de force. Tickets are $15-$59 and can be purchased by calling 367-7255. Or visit www.SJRep.com. Student tickets are 50 percent off the regular ticket price. Student ID is required. Run time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Experience the wonder of the season during Gilroy Gardens Holidays Lights: Gilroy Gardens will be transformed this holiday season with millions of twinkling lights throughout the Park including themed rides and attractions that include holiday shopping, roasting chestnuts, and ice skating under the stars. Visit Santa’s Workshop, Snowflake Palace and guests will even enjoy a special visit from PEANUTS’ Snoopy direct from Knott’s Merry Farm !
Experience one of the most unique holiday experiences this season! For more information, operating schedule, or to purchase discount tickets visit www.gilroygardens.org/holidaylights or call (408) 840-7100.Pictured: Meet Snoopy from Knott's Merry Farm as you ice skate under the stars at the North Pole Ice Palace during Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights

Dec. 8
The Almaden Valley Counseling Service Auxiliary is sponsoring their annual Breakfast with Santa: This popular family friendly fundraiser will be held at the friendly fundraising event to be held at the Almaden Golf and Country Club. This year’s event will feature a delicious Breakfast Buffet and Pancake Station as guests enjoy caroling and children have individual pictures taken with Santa. There will also be a raffle. Event time is 9 – 11 a.m. and tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for children aged 2 – 10, $10 for children under 2 needing a highchair or wanting a photo w/ Santa. Reservations are required and seating is limited. To reserve your seat visit www.avcounseling.org (under Fundraising Events), or call (408) 997-0200. All proceeds will benefit the Almaden Valley Counseling Service.

CLASSES

Dec. 8
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for our annual holiday wreath adult workshop from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Made with natural materials, our wreaths are a beautiful and aromatic decoration. Join Master Gardener Milli Wright as we use greenery to create a personal gift for your home. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided to assemble your wreath. If you have lights, ornaments, or other specialty objects you would like to incorporate, please bring them along. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Fees are $15/members, $20 non-members. Pre-registration required by calling 298-7657.

Ongoing
No Winter sports? Let your kids explore the world of lines and colors as they learn about the greatest artists of all time. Classes start Dec 10 and will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5 p.m.  Classes are limited to four students per day, so sign up early!  For more Information call Nelly at 997-0027 or 607-7588.
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!

VOLUNTEERS

Dec. 13
Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Sign-up to greet, inform, and thank our wonderful donors at Santa Clara County area blood drives or make important deliveries as a volunteer driver.  Minimum commitment is only two 3-hour shifts per month.  Evening and weekend volunteer shifts available.  Orientation takes place at our San Jose Blood Center at 2731 North First Street. Advanced sign-up is required.  For more information, call Anne at 510-594-5165 or email blackstonea@usa.redcross.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dec. 8
Art Through Women's Eyes' 2nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Americana Ballroom, 707 Continental Circle in Mountain View. This event features works of arts and crafts from 15 South Bay artists including works in Acrylics, Glass, Ceramics, Jewelry, Oil, Photography, and Watercolor. Meet the artists in person, enjoy a truly unique exhibit, and purchase original pieces of art.  There will be raffles for donated art work and professional services all to benefit the Children's Shelter. On sale will also be holiday ornaments made by children, and the money raised from the sales will be donated to the Children's Shelter in San Jose.

Dec. 9
Santa Paws: Bring your four-legged friends (cats and dogs only) to Santana Row’s Park Valencia from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $25 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley.  Come early – registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 13
Canine Christmas Caroling in Willow Glen: Grab those blinky lights and reindeer antlers and join us in the parking lot of Washington Mutual Bank (1402 Lincoln Ave.) at 6:15 p.m.  We will then "Carol with our Canines" through the town of Willow Glen.  Join us for refreshments afterward near the Big Green Bus on Lincoln Avenue. We are suggesting a $5 per person donation for participating in the event to benefit SAFETYAROUNDDOGS.ORG. One dog per person. For more information, visit our websites alphadog@societydog.com or helpdog@societydog.com our “Yelp Line” is 671-3417

Dec. 13, 16
The Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House present “The Holly and the Ivy at the Ainsley House” from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Enjoy and elegant evening at the Ainsley House viewing the enchanting holiday décor and sampling refreshments at the Carriage House. Tickets are $10 and are available at the museum office or museum stores. For more information, call 866-2118.

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.

Come join The Humane Society Silicon Valley for our weekly “Meet and Treat!” every Wednesday at HSSV, 2530 Lafayette Street, in Santa Clara from 5 – 7 p.m. Not sure about adopting just yet? Come down and visit with animal guests outside their kennels. Play with canine companions throughout the shelter, or experience cuddly cats in your lap. And of course we have our adorable rabbits too. We will have tasty treats for people as well. For more information, call 727-3383 or visit www.hssv.org

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.

The Almaden Valley Al-Anon Family Groups meet every Friday from 10to 11:45 a.m. and on Sundays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 1198 Redmond Avenue, San Jose. Al-Anon helps families and friends learn what they can do about excessive drinking, alcoholism and its effects on the entire family. Meetings do not require appointments. There is no charge for attendance. For more information, call 379-1051 or visit the web site at http://www.ncwsa.org/scvafg/

12-Step Christian Program - Celebrate Recovery! Program held every Monday night at 7 p.m. at Generations Foursquare Church, 133 Bernal Road in San Jose. For more information, call 504-7687 or visit celebraterecovery@generationsfoursquare.org

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.