November 14, 2008

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Downtown Ice skating rink open

Ice skating under the stars and twinkling palm trees returned to downtown San Jose Friday, Nov. 14.

Families can enjoy ice skating under the palm trees in downtown San Jose.

Weather permitting, the rink will be open daily through Jan. 11. For most of November and early December, the rink is generally open 5-10 p.m. weeknights, 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday, noon-midnight on Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Admission of $15 for adults and $13 for children 12-under includes skate rental and unlimited time on the ice.

The rink is located in the Circle of Palms, across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez and next to the San Jose Museum of Art, off Market Street, in downtown San Jose. The rink forms inner and outer circles around the 32 palms in the plaza. This is Downtown Ice’s 13th season overall and fifth season in this permanent, seasonal location.

Several promotions give the more than 40,000 skaters expected an opportunity to skate with family or friends and at a discount:

- Sharkie, the San Jose Sharks’ mascot, welcomes skaters to the rink at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 23.

- Print and bring the Early Bird Skate Pass to the rink for one free children’s admission with the purchase of one adult admission. Offer valid Nov. 17-20 and Nov. 24-26. Visit www.sjdowntown.com/images/ICEarlybirdpass.jpg.

- Give the gift of Downtown Ice. Gift certificates are available at the ice rink or at SJDA, 28 N. First St., 10th floor.

- Look for 2-for-1 ads in the El Observador and Silicon Valley Community Newspapers. One child skates free with one adult paid admission: (two kids and two adults per ad).

- $2 off one admission with valid VTA, light rail or bus pass (offer may not be used with any other discounts).

- $2 off with Discover Downtown Card (limit two people). See www.sjdowntown.com for information.

- $2 off for showing San Jose Museum of Art membership card (limit four people).

- $2 off for each Sharks ticket holder.

Some restrictions apply. For details, visit www.sjdowntown.com or call (408) 291-0525.

Grand opening Nov. 28: On Friday, Nov. 28, the grand opening ceremony featuring Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Council-member Sam Liccardo will occur at 5 p.m. just before the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Christmas in the Park.

American Ice Theatre’s Dance on Ice workshop returns: Beginning Nov. 16, American Ice Theatre’s (AIT) six-session children’s workshop gives beginning and intermediate skaters the chance to “dance on ice” at Downtown Ice. The workshop ends with a final performance Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. after which the AIT ensemble will perform “Fusion” – a combination of dance and technology. For more information about Fusion and how to register for the Dance on Ice workshop, visit www.americanicetheatre.org or call Jodi Porter at (650) 714-4263.

Special hours
- Nov. 27, Thanksgiving: 2 p.m. – midnight
- Nov. 28, Day after Thanksgiving: noon – midnight
- Dec. 7, San Jose Holiday Parade: 11 a.m.-midnight
- Dec. 25, Christmas: 2 p.m. – midnight
- Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve: noon - 10 p.m.
- Jan. 1, New Year’s Day: 2 p.m. - midnight

Note: Times subject to severe weather conditions.

For more information: Web site: www.sjdowntown.com. Rink phone: (408) 291-0525

Grace Church of Evergreen will be hosting a Thansgiving luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 23 and a craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 22.

A community service to celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is specially celebrated this year as three Christian congregations sponsor a community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a potluck luncheon.

All are invited to share in this Thanksgiving event as Grace Lutheran, Evergreen Presbyter-ian and Great Commission Baptist Chur-ches come together to lead a worship service with special choir music, messages and a surprise for children to fit the day and season.

The luncheon to follow is a potluck and those attending are asked to bring a dish to share as a sign of God’s bountiful care. Persons may call Grace Church at 274-1200 to advise what they are bringing or come to surprise.

Annual winter craft fair

The Grace of Evergreen Annual Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Grace Church, 2650 Aborn Road (at Kettmann).

Artisans of all kinds gather to display and sell their unique seasonal wares including jewelry and Christmas decorations. Craft vendors come from near and far as do the clientele seeking that spectacular one-of-a-kind item for a special person. Seasonal baked goods are also available for sale. Boy Scout Troop 264 will be selling items to support their troop. Lunch will be available for a nominal fee. For further details call Grace Church of Evergreen, 2650 Aborn Road, 274-1200.

Christmas boutique

St. Francis of Assisi, A Catholic Community in Evergreen, located at 5111 San Felipe Road, will be having its Annual Christmas Boutique - 2008, Saturday, Nov. 29, 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas ornaments, one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade nativity sets along with many children’s books and gifts will be displayed inside of the Memorial Garden Room. Stop by for a cup of coffee, bring your neighbors and friends and spend a quiet and convenient time shopping together in our beautiful garden. Enjoy viewing the interesting garden art including the history of Evergreen on the four arbor pillars of the Memorial Garden and the statue of St. Francis & the Leper by Brother Joe Aspell. There is plenty of parking, just off San Felipe Road.

Father John Sandersfeld, wants to offer Evergreen’s Christian Community an opportunity to select items for seasonal celebrations, devotions, novenas and sacraments, and to provide Christian materials for all ages. The small parish gift shop has many books to enrich youth programs, family support material and faith programs. The gift shop also helps families to use religious books, bibles and Christian items needed by other congregations within the Evergreen neighborhoods.