December 23, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
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.

January 11 - 23, 2005
American Musical Theater of San Jose opens the New Year with the multi-Tony Award winner, “Chicago,” in a limited two-week engagement at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This razzle-dazzle musical features award-winning choreography by Ann Reinking and lyrics from master Broadway composers John Kander and Fred Ebb. For love, betrayal, murder, and music and song, Chicago has it all. Tickets range from $45 - $72. For more information, call 453-7108 or visit www.amtsj.org.

MUSIC
January 24 – 29, 2005
Cantabile Youth Singers will be auditioning boys and girls, 6 years and older, for its Spring 2005 Season. Auditions will be by appointment only, with classes beginning in February. Singers are divided into four levels: Preparatory Singers, Intermediate Singers, Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble. All weekly rehearsals are in Los Altos at Foothill Congregational Church. For more information, call 650-424-1410.

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
January 8, 2005
Almaden SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the Almaden Winery Community Center,  5730 Chambertin Drive, just off Blossom Hill Road.  Registration for intermediate courses will be at 1:30 p.m. and registration for Computer Fundamentals will be at 3 p.m. All classes will be held at the Vineland Branch Library, 1540 Blossom Hill Road. For more information, log on http://www.snlcsj.org/ or call Don House at 268-1703.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS
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.

January 5 – 9 2005
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center will host the San Jose International Auto Show featuring hundreds of 2005 model vehicles and concept cars. This show will offer attendees the opportunity of an up-close look at the future of automotive design and the latest technological advancements. Show hours are 1/5 & 1/6 from noon to 10 p.m. 1/7 & 1/8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on 1/9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for individuals 13 years and older, $7 for students with I.D. For more information, visit www.sjautoshow.com

January 8, 2005 – Saturday
The Rev. Paul Smith-Telfer will speak about insights of humor in religion at 8:30 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the Almaden Valley United Church of Christ (Congregaitonal), 6581 Camden Avenue, San Jose. For more information, call 268-0243.

January 8, 2005 – Saturday
Does winter pruning make you feel overwhelmed? Not sure what to prune or how to do it? Join Tom Liggett and the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens to find out how to take care of your plants now to make them look good the rest of the year. This Pruning Workshop, held from 9 a.m. to noon, will start with a short, indoor presentation and then move on into the gardens for hands-on demonstrations, and will also include a discussion on how to properly sharpen shears, so bring them along. The workshop will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, 715 Spring Street. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. Cost is $12 for Friends’ members, $15 for non-membersFor more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 298-7657.

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.