December 16, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
December 16 – 26
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. A much beloved tradition since 1985, Dennis Nahat’s Nutcracker is a fully professional production with live orchestral accompaniment. Admission is $22 - $68 per person. For more information, call 288-2800 or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

December 17 – Friday
Celebrate the holidays Hawaiian-style and benefit local charities. “Hawaiian Holiday Magic” Hula Show will be at the Santa Clara University Mayer Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Ladies of Moani Ke ‘Ala O Ka Mailelauli’i and the Men of Ka Iho Makawalu A Ka Ua Kipu’upu’u, this show will benefit Toys for Tots, Second Harvest Food Bank, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center and Camp Okizu. Donate a toy or canned good and receive a free raffle ticket. For more information, call 227-7600 or 210-6705. Admission is $20 advance purchase, $25 at the door. Children 2 years and under are free.

December 17 – Friday
Foothill Presbyterian Church, 5301 McKee Road in San Jose, will host “Tapestry of Christmas” featuring the church’s “Glory Ringers” Handbell Choir, the Chancel and Children’s Choir, recorder Ensemble, and special guests, Voice of the Valley. Suggested donation of one canned goods item will benefit the “Lord’s Pantry.” For more information, call 258-8133.

December 17 - Friday
Come celebrate the holiday season at the East Valley Family YMCA, 1975 South White Road.  This Holiday Family Fun Night features free holiday arts and crafts, swimming, 40 foot rock climbing wall, photo with Santa, and entertainment for the entire family. Special guest performers will be the Evergreen Valley College Choir and the Cathedral of Faith Dance Group. Hours are 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Performances begin at 6:45 p.m. Contact Jennifer Hurwitz for more information at 715-6519.

December 19 – Sunday
The Los Gatos Methodist Church, 111 Church Street in Los Gatos, will present a Choral Music Concert and Christmas Cantata and Mass, featuring the US premiere of modern Swedish composer, Steve Dobrogosz. The performance begins at 4 p.m. for a suggested donation of $5 or more. Refreshments will be served, and caroling will follow the performance.

December 22 – Wednesday
A special one-act version of The Silicon Valley Ballet’s “Nutcracker” will be offered at 1:30 p.m. at reduced prices. This 1 hour and 15 minute “mini production” offers the perfect introduction to the ballet for children ages 4 to 9. Combine the show with a walk through Christmas In The Park and a visit to the Outdoor Ice Rink at the Circle of Palms (both just 2 blocks from the theatre) and you’ll have an all day fun event at Family Friendly Prices.
 
December 24 – Friday
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3151 Union Avenue, in San Jose, will host their Annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Festive carol singing, special music featuring the Chancel Choir and SPIRIT Handbell Ringers and Christmas message by Rev. Jack C. Longley, pastor. Everyone is welcome to attend.

THEATER
November 27 – January 2, 2005
Sandra Tsing Loh’s “Sugar Plum Fairy” brings her wickedly comedic performance detailing the angst of being 12, awkward and vying for the starring role in the ballet school’s ‘Nutcracker’ production to the San Jose Repertory Theatre. This production directed by David Schweizer. For tickets and additional information, call 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda in San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group,” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This grou newets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child.  We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out.” For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.  
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!
Le Tip International, a business leads networking group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1140 Hillsdale Aveue. For more information, call 298-9131.

CLASSES
January 3, 2005 – Monday
Two sections of “Life Stories” a 12-week life-in-review class, will be offered on Mondays at the Unitarian Fellowship of Los Gatos, 15980 Blossom Hill Road, beginning January 3, 2005. Morning sessions are from 10 a.m. until noon, and the afternoon women’s sessions are from 1 – 3 p.m. Taught by experienced teacher and counselor Sheila Dunec, this course offers adults an easy, enjoyable, and creative way to write about events of their lives. Registration for 12 weeks is $150. For more information, call 650-324-9937.

Ongoing
Fine Art Lesssons: Fine Art Classes in Watercolor, Oil and Soft Pastel with Gillian Lane Altieri, at the New Almaden Community Center, Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning and intermediate classes, all skill levels are invited. $20 per lesson or $60 per month (3-4 lessons).Call 268-2990 for information and materials lists.
The New Almaden Community Center will be hosting a weekly yoga class on Mon/Wed/Fri. at 6 a.m. and on Tues/Thurs. at 7 a.m. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats, however, there are a limited number of pads available. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week. Classes are appropriate for both beginner and intermediate levels.
ACE Tennis Academy offers tennis instruction for boys and girls ages 7-17, from beginner to tournament level players. Classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information and registration, phone 650-302-4250 or e-mail acetennis@sbcglobal.net.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Rd., Suite 230, (behind Red Lobster) is offering free consultation on newborn care to expectant parents. Get all your questions answered toward being best prepared for the arrival of your child. For a personal appointment, call Dr. Meena Sathappan at 274-9099.
Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Santa Teresa. Meetings are held in the San Jose Kaiser Family Health Center, Conference Room C, 3rd Floor, located at 276 International Circle. For more information call 800-660-1993.

FIFTY PLUS
December 11 – Saturday
Older Woman’s League (OWL) will host a Holiday Pot-Luck and Croning Celebration to honor women of age, wisdom and power from 9:30 a.m., to noon. This event will be held at Cypress Gardens, 3555 Judro in San Jose. The potluck is co-sponsored by the National Organization for Women and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. All are welcome. Call 292-1172 or 294-1073 for more information.

Ongoing:
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over still has openings in the following classes: Computer Fundamentals, e-mail A-Z, Managing Your Files, Photoshop Elements, CD Burning, Word Processing 1, Windows XP, Computer Security and Finding Things and People on the Web. To enroll in any of the course openings, contact Don House at 268-1703.
AARP Information Center needs volunteers to staff their office. Duties include helping seniors find various services and programs, and providing information on senior needs. The office is located at 840 Willow Street, Suite 300, at the corner of Bird and Willow Streets on bus route #25. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 278-1855.
The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
EMQ Children and Family Services is a non-profit agency serving children struggling with severe emotional issues. EMQ is seeking adult mentors to connect with youth ages 7 – 17 for two hours per week. Training is provided. Applicants must be a licensed driver. Interested volunteers should call 335-1857 or visit www.emq.org.
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to animals, has volunteer opportunities
for foster caregivers for kittens and cats and for petfaire workers for our Saturday PetClub events. For more information, visit www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org, or contact us through volunteer@safehavenforanimals.com or call 420-7233.
Child Abuse Prevention Center is seeking volunteers to join the Volunteer Case Aide program, which assists children and their families by providing services requested by county social workers. Call (650) 595-7640 for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS
December 18 - Saturday
The South Bay Blood Mobile will be at St. Timothy’s Curch, 5100 Camden, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information on becoming a donor, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www. BeADonor.com

December 28 – 31
The American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane, will be having their three-day, storewide 50% off sale. Located at the corner of Branham and Almaden Expreeeway, Discovery Shop offers a wide-variety of unique, gently used items that include clothing, fine plateware, furniture, toys and much more. Hours of operation are M-F from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call 265-5535. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Ongoing
Artopia Creative Arts Studio, at Almaden Plaza near Costco, offers fun projects for school-age children throughout winter break as well as numerous theme night activities. Wednesdays are Ladies Night, Saturdays are Couples’ Date Night, and Artopia also hosts a variety of school-aged activities during the week and on weekend days. For more information and fee structures, call 266-4130. Artopia is open 7 days a week.

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.