January 25, 2008

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Jan. 29
Free Opera Preview of Verdi’s “Rigoletto”- Singers from Opera San José and lecturer Larry Hancock preview Verdi's Rigoletto. Event time is noon, at the Beethoven Center in MLK Library, 4th and San Fernando in downtown San José. No reservations needed. For more information, visit www.sjoperaguild.org or call 275-6199.

Feb. 2
The Beauty of the Taiwan Folk Song at the Montgomery Theater: Experience the beauty and simplicity of Taiwanese folk songs that have been around for generations. A group of Taiwanese professional classical musicians give a refined touch to a selection of folk songs making this concert a unique experience. For more information, call 867-3769 or 316-7310.

ART

Jan. 9 – Feb. 24
The Triton Museum, 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara, presents "David Ogle: Works on Paper - A Survey" Exhibition. Reception is Jan. 18 from 7 – 9 p.m. Museum hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., open until 9 p.m. Thursdays.

Jan. 12 – Mar. 2
History San José hosts “Becoming American: Teenagers & Immigration”, an exhibition of photographs from
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, featuring photographs by Barbara Beirne. This exhibit will be open to the public at History Park. Students from Andrew Hill High School, Downtown College Prep, Notre Dame High School, Oak Grove High School, Overfelt High School and Santa Teresa High School will also be exhibiting their first-hand experience with immigration expressed through their photography.  Their assignment, with their families’ permission, was to select a friend or peer to photograph and document their experience of immigration into the United States. Sometimes the subject matter was the student himself. Exhibition descriptions and tour schedules are available at www.sites.si.edu.

THEATER

Jan. 22 – Feb. 3
American Musical Theater San Jose presents “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Center for the Performing Arts: Nerdy floral assistant finds romance with the help of an enormous man-eating plant who was sent from outer space to take over the world. Not your average-sounding musical, but are all part of “Little Shop of Horrors,” the comedy classic that will have you singing along to the rock-n-roll doo-wop sounds of the 1960s. For tickets and additional information, call 1-888-455-SHOW or visit www.amtsj.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Jan. 25
The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens presents “The World Next Door.” Bring your imaginary passports for an afternoon of global travel as we explore the seven sister cities of San Jose. Join us as we discover the history and culture of these unique places around the world. Hear traditional stories, make crafts, listen to music, and sample breads from Russia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Japan, Taiwan, India and Ireland. Learn to play a new game and say hello and goodbye in another language. Time is 3:30 – 5 p.m. fees are $8/members and $15 non-members. Workshops take place at the Visitor and Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required - call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Appropriate for children 5 – 10 years. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

Jan. 26 – 27
2nd Annual Arlen Ness Bike Show & Parts Expo at the McEnery Convention Center: Over 225 bike show entries, national & local vendors will fill over 100,000 square feet. Arlen and Corey Ness, along with special guest Donnie Smith, will be at the show signing autographs and talking motorcycles. This year the Pro Class has turned in to the Premium Class, allowing more styles of motorcycles to participate in the show. There will be everything from old school to no school, from mild to wild. With everything this show has to offer, you are not going to want to miss this year’s Arlen Ness Bike Show & Parts Expo. Admission is $5 - $15. For more information, call 866-907-7790 or visit www.arlennessbikeshow.com

Feb. 2
Free Pretzels from Aunt Annie’s: Auntie Anne's, the chain known for its mouth-watering, freshly baked hand-rolled soft pretzels, is kicking off its 20th Birthday celebration this year with a “Free Pretzel Day.” Pretzel lovers are invited to stop into a local Auntie Anne’s store for one free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel – no strings attached! Event hours are 10 – 4 p.m. Visit www.auntieannes.com to find a store near you.

Ongoing
Eastridge Barnes and Noble offers a variety of story time activities for children and families to enjoy each week: On Mondays at 10:30 a.m. is “Toddler Time” for children 3 years and under. Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. is “Jamarama” pajama story time for all ages. Thursdays at 11 a.m. welcomes parents and children aged 3 – 5 years for “Preschool story time,” and every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. is a story time for the entire family. For more information, call our store at 270-9470.
 
CLASSES

Jan. 25
The nonprofit Katydids Square Dance Club is offering a 16-week beginner square dancing class. Get the fun, friendship and fitness of learning to square dance with the Katydids. Classes are 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays, beginning January 25, in the hall at the United Church of Christ, 400 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell.  The first two evenings are free, then $4 per person. No partner, experience or special clothing required. For more information, call Lloyd at 241-7567 or visit http://www.katydids.info/  

Feb. 2
Learn about grafting fruit trees at MetroED’s free workshop: Master Gardener Bader Kudsi will teach gardeners of all skill levels how to graft different varieties of fruit trees. The workshop will be held, rain or shine, in the World Garden Workshop at the Erikson Adult Center, 4849 Pearl Ave in San Jose. Course times are 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. To register call 723-6450 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask to have your name added to the February World Garden Workshop list, or email ritab@metroed.net. Sign-up early, space is limited.

Feb. 4
The Almaden Valley Counseling Service will be sponsoring a 7-week positive parenting class based on the STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) model. Classes are for the parents of preschool, school age and teenage children. Learn to understand yourself and your child; build self-esteem and responsibility; implement discipline vs. punishment and much more. Classes are held in the evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m., and our next session will start the week of Feb. 4, 2008. The cost is $110 for one parent or $165 for a couple. For more information, call AVCS at 997-0200, or visit our website for registration forms, www.avcounseling.org. Class location is 6529 Crown Blvd., Suite D, San Jose.

Feb. 9
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens presents the adult workshop “Recycled Art in the Garden.” This unique workshop on recycled art starts with an introduction to using “junk” materials and includes a presentation of how others have turned their trash into timeless treasures. Participants will use their own creativity to make something for the garden that will impress neighbors and encourage “green” practices. Some materials will be provided, but we encourage you to clean out your closets and garages – one person’s junk is another’s treasure. Give new life to land-fill destined items and have fun with your spring cleaning. Hours are 10 – 11:30 a.m., fees are $13/members, $20/non-members. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required by calling 298-7657 or at www.grpg.org.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instruction at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue, CA 95125. Beginning Jan. 26, the school offers classes for pre-school through teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.,  For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.
The Committee to Promote Square Dancing is sponsoring a square dance refresher class for experienced dancers: Fees are $2.50/seniors and youth, $5/adults.  Classes meet Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Camden Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, 95124. For more information, call 723-0315.
Pottery classes for all ages and all levels!  Start whenever you want.  Learn to throw on the potter's wheel or handbuild your clay creations at Black Leopard Clayware in Willow Glen.   4- and 8-week classes are held 2-4:30 and 6:30-9 pm Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 - Noon Saturday mornings.  Tuition includes clay, glazes, and firings, plus free open lab time for ongoing students.  Maximum class size of 4 guarantees individual coaching and rapid progress.   Want to try it out before committing?  BLC's 2-hour intro to clay is held every Friday evening from 6-8 pm. All classes are by pre-registration.  For more information and to register, call (408) 448-4597 or visit our website at www.bleopard.com. 

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
Are you looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity that is meaningful and fun?  The Role Model Program needs adult volunteers to inspire elementary and middle school students to succeed! Time commitment is just one hour a week for six weeks. The Role Model Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals, dreams, and learning that education can open the door to a successful future. To learn more contact The Role Model Program Model Program at 246-0433 or go on-line to www.therolemodelprogram.org. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Jan. 25 – 27
The Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, hosts the South Bay Home & Garden Show: Discover the newest, most innovative products for remodeling, decorating or landscaping your home at this annual event. Featuring over 300 exhibits, attendees can meet celebrity presenters Vern Yip, host of HGTV’s Deserving Design and Karl Lohnes, founding editor of Canada’s Style At Home magazine, who will offer practical tips on ways to add value to your home. Hours are 1/25, from noon – 8 p.m.; 1/26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 1/27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10/Adults, children 12 years and under are free. For more infromation including ticket purchasing, call 748-7000 or visit www.southbayhomeshow.com.

Jan. 26
The public is invited to the 2008 Silicon Valley Digital Clubhouse Vietnamese American Heritage Project.  Hosted by the Silicon Valley Digital Clubhouse, History San José and the Museum of the Boat People and the Republic of Vietnam, the kick off and reception of this project will be at History Park on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Empire Fire House Building. The youth of the Silicon Valley Digital Clubhouse Network will share with the public their digital stories and will invite community members to participate in the project.  All digital stories will be archived by History San José to sharing with schools, libraries and the community. 

Jan. 27 & Feb. 3, 10 and 17
Lawn Bowling competition at Willow Glen’s Frank Bramhall Park. Event time is 10 a.m., and the public is welcome to watch free of charge. Complimentary refreshments will be available. For more information, call Jerry at 499-5423.

Jan. 30
Society Dog presents Mardi Gras “Yappy” Hour at the Poor House Bistro, 91 S. Autumn in downtown San Jose.
This dog-lovers “yappy” hour event begins at 5:30 p.m. Followed by Ron Thompson & Friends Blues Band from 6:15 – 9 p.m. Cost is $15 PreFurred Members; $18 Basic Members and includes Food, One Drink Ticket & Mardi Gras festivities. This is a people-only event, no pets please. Space is limited, reservations required.Call 671-3417 for more information or email: www.alphadog@societydog.com. We will be creating photo nametags for this event. Send a jpg photo of your dog to alphadog@societydog.com

Feb. 2
The National League of American Pen Women, Santa Clara County Branch invites the public to celebrate nine women achievers in the arts--art, letters and music at their Mardi Gras Celebrity Luncheon. Ticket price includes fabulous buffet lunch by Elegant Events Catering, silent auction and raffle and "Art on Parade" program including music, comedy and more. A prize will be given for best costume and mask. Proceeds to benefit scholarships for local high school senior girls. Event time is 11 a.m. and the cost is $32. For reservations send check made out to NLAPW to ShaRon Haugen, 4156 Snowbank Ct., San Jose, Ca. 95135. For more information call 238-2340 or email haugends@sbcglobal.net.

Feb. 2
The Humane Society of Silicon Valley presents the Licks of Love Adoption Event. Held at the Happy Go Lucky Boutique in Valley Fair Mall, this event runs from 1 – 4 p.m. Attends will also enjoy local photography of animals for sale by our very own Youth Advisory Board, dessert catering from La Fondue, face painting and more! All proceeds benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley.

Ongoing
February is Spay/Neuter month: The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) and participating local veterinarians are offering 50 percent discounts on all spay/neuter surgeries during the month of February. This program is designed to encourage the public to sterilize their pets to prevent unwanted litters and overpopulation. Throughout the month, female cat spays are $62.50 and male cat neuters are just $37.50. Spay/neuter surgeries for dogs are priced by the animal’s weight and sex and range from $57.50 for a male dog under 30 pounds to $92.50 for a female dog weighing between 76 and 99 pounds. Prices include a brief pre-op exam, pre-anesthetic, anesthetic, spay/neuter surgery and hospitalization on the day of surgery. There are additional charges for animals in-heat, pregnant, cryptorchid and/or obese and all animals must be current on all vaccinations. For more information, visit www.hssv.org. Appointments can call 727-3383, ext. 828.

The Tabard Theatre Company announces auditions for “Pandemonium,” a world premiere production based on the story of Pandora’s Box, written and directed by Susannah Greenwood. All auditions are by appointment only beginning Feb. 2. No preparation is necessary, as auditions will consist of cold reading from the script and improv and/or movement, depending on the role. Rehearsals begin mid-March, 2008 and Performances run April 24 - May 10 with matinees on weekends and school shows at 11am on April 24 and May 8 at The Theatre on San Pedro Square, Downtown San Jose. The tabard is looking for a fun group of people from a diverse background of ethnicity, age, and theatre experience, with a willingness to explore these characters and authentically represent them from a cultural perspective. For more information or to make an audition appointment, contact Cathy Cassetta at 408-979-0231 or cathy@tabardtheatre. org. For additional information about Tabard, please visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org. Audition packets will be e-mailed the week before auditions. Packets will include audition location and directions.

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

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

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/

Get listed!

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, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by e-mail 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 Rd., Suite 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.