January 26, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

February 6 - Tuesday
Enjoy a free preview of Verdi’s Opera, “La traviata” at the San Jose Museum of Art. Preview time is 12 p.m. and will feature singers from Opera San Jose and a lecture by Larry Hancock. This event is sponsored by the San Jose Opera Guild and Opera San Jose. For more information, visit www.sjoperaguild.org or call 275-6199.

THEATER

January 26 – February 10
Renegade Theater Experiment presents Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus” at the historic Hoover Theater in San Jose. Penned by Shakespeare at just 26 years of age, “Titus Andronicus” is often thought of as his "Tarantino" play - -a youthful, populist gore-fest delighting in shock value. But it also remains a searing tragedy of the wages of sin. Join RTE for a startling modern-dress production of Shakespeare's darkest and goriest play as you have never seen it before! Tickets are $18.00 General Admission (Thursdays and Sundays) and $20.00 General Admission (Fridays and Saturdays). Students and teachers, seniors, and Theatre Bay Area members qualify for discount tickets ($13.00 Thu/Sun & $15.00 Fri/Sat) with valid ID. Tickets and season subscriptions are on sale at www.renegadetheatre.com.

January 30 – February 11
American Musical Theatre San Jose presents “Camelot”: British stage and film legend, Michael York stars in this magnificent new production of Lerner and Loewe’s timeless masterpiece, showing at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. King Arthur’s enchanted kingdom, Camelot, is a place where honor and chivalry reign. But can this idyllic land survive when Queen Guenevere falls in love with Sir Lancelot? The splendid, memorable score includes the romantic and haunting “If Ever I Would Leave You,” the captivating “How to Handle a Woman” and the majestic “Camelot.” For tickets ($13.75 - $73) and show times, call 888-455-7469, or visit www.amtsj.org.

January 31 – Wednesday
At San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock in San Jose, live performance art meets silent cinema in the West Coast Premier, El Automóvil Gris. El Automóvil Gris is a unique interpretation of the 1919 Mexican silent movie classic of the same name, by Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes, directed by Claudio Valdés, from Mexico City.  Using the Japanese Benshi-style of narrating silent films, this brilliantly entertaining theater company is a roller coaster ride of entertainment and artistry---multilingual subtitles, multi-media performance and multitalented actors. A perfect blend of entertainment and history, El Automóvil Gris ( The Grey Automobile), is based on the real-life bandits of The Grey Automobile Gang from Mexico City who robbed the homes of the wealthy.  The movie follows the gang, and films actual locations, giving it a documentary feel. The film is known for its shocking footage of the actual execution of the gang. Performance showings will be at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $10 adults, $5 seniors. There will be a special student showing at 10 a.m. on January 31 (recommended high school and above), tickets are $2 each, 1 adult chaperone per 10 students free, additional adults $5. For information or to purchase tickets, call 928-5563

ART

February 4 - Sunday
The Art Exhibit “Manuel Valencia: California’s Native Son” opens to the public at History Park in San Jose. Manuel Valencia was one of the earliest of the California artists of note.  After the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed his studio, Valencia moved his family from San Francisco to a home on Vine Street in San José. His passion for the spirit of the Californios is demonstrated in his work, which will open at the Leonard and David McKay Gallery inside the Pasetta House at History Park at Kelley Park in San José. This exhibit is on loan from the Hearst Gallery at St. Mary’s Collage in Moraga and contains over 25 paintings, as well as personal item lent by Valencia descendants Mary Lou Valencia Giller and Edwin Valencia, Jr. To learn more about Valencia’s life and art Curator Julie Armistead will lead a gallery tour at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Leonard and David McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House in History Park.

February 6 – April 30
The new exhibit, "Lacey Beginnings--Vintage Christening Gowns and Accessories" will be featured at the Sunnyvale Lace Museum, 552 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale.  This free exhibit showcases lace-trimmed christening gowns and accessories including bibs, booties, mitts, jewelry, feeding cups, and blankets from the 1800's to the present.  Cultural traditions are often carried on through lace and the examples in the exhibit can be traced back to the turn of the century.  Christening gowns, made especially for the ceremony of baptism, usually became family heirlooms and were used generation after generation.  Traditionally white to represent purity and innocence, the same gowns were used by both boys and girls and richly decorated with embroidery or lace.  All ages will enjoy viewing this informative exhibit.

Hours areTuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. parking is free.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

January 27 – 28
1st Annual Arlen Ness Bike Show & Parts Expo: Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, this show will be like no other you have ever attended. Arlen & Cory Ness invites you to be part of history for the ultimate California bike show with incredible bikes, great vendors, displays and fun. Meet some of the biggest names in custom bike building, so mark your calendars! Admission: $7-15. For more information, visit www.arlennessbikeshow.com

January 28 - Sunday
Have you noticed the fun fresh faces popping up at Children’s Discovery Museum? They are our newest friends, and they really know how to “Kick Start Eat Smart!” Based on healthy fruits and vegetables, each has a captivating personality all their own. Julienne was first on the scene at last summer’s Kick Start Eat Smart weekend. She’s tall, orange, and her green hair blows in the breeze as she runs along. Can you guess what she is? During the fall, we introduced Bart. He’s curvy, wears a ball cap and is oh, so sweet! Can you guess what fruit or vegetable character that might be next? Or better yet, come meet them for yourself at the Museum during the Kick Start Eat Smart weekend, or online at www.cdm.org/kickstart! Kick Start, Eat Smart hours are noon – 5 p.m. Kick Start Eat Smart is a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum.

February 3 & 10
“Rumpelstiltskin” will play at the Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive, at 11 a.m. Tickets $11-12. Presented by California Theatre Center, Silicon Valley¹s own professional theatre for youth and families.  For tickets or more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

February 11 – Sunday
Marquee Productions announces auditions for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Directed and Choreographed by Kevin R. Hauge and performing April 20 - 29, 2007 at the Montgomery Theater. Auditions are by appointment only, beginning at 1 p.m. Hopefuls should be prepared to sing and dance. Strong singers and dancers, character actors are sought for this benefit production. To make an appointment call: 288-5437 x 335
Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 7pm (dance), Monday, Feb. 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.marqueeproductions.org. The Marquee Production is a benefit for Children's Musical Theater San Jose. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” marks the company's third production and will feature and all adult cast.

Ongoing
Exchanged old cell phones for passes to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Now through February 28, bring in your old cell phones to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and they will give you one free admission pass in exchange.  One cell phone = one free pass. Cell Phones can be dropped off daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in exchange for the passes, or can be mailed to: Happy Hollow - Cell Phone Recycle Program 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA  95112 Tax receipts are available upon request. Limit 2 passes per person. 100% of funds raised through the program are donated to the Orangutan Conservancy, protecting one of the most critically endangered species on Earth. For more information, call 277-3065 or visit www.hhpz.org

CLASSES

January 28 – Sunday
Youth Indoor Model Airplane Building and Flying Class.  Kids 10 or older, learn to build, adjust and fly light weight, free flying, indoor model airplanes under the supervision of experts.  This is the first step toward competing in local, national and international contests, science projects or just fun flying.  Eight sessions, 4-6 p.m., in the Moreland Community Center Gym, 1850 Fallbrook Ave. in San Jose.  For information call Lou Young, 252-2145.

February 10 – March 17
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Healthy Living Classes co-sponsored by Kaiser Permanente San Jose: The first in this series, “Walking for Health” is a step-by-step course led by Fitness Professional Kristin Strellis that will lead participants through the paved trails of Guadalupe River Park. Learn how to stretch and exercise before and after walking and other helpful tips. Participants will also receive a “Choosing Health” book/DVD and pedometer generously donated from Kaiser Permanente San Jose. Time is 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fee is $25. Pre-registration is required and participants must be 18 years of age or older. All classes will begin at the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. For more information and to register, visit our website www.grpg.org, e-mail us at education@grpg.org, or call 298-7657.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instructions at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue in San Jose. 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.

FIFTY PLUS

February 1 – April 14
A free tax preparation program is available to assist seniors (ages 50-plus) and lower income clients with tax returns. Tax Aide volunteers will answer basic tax issues and assist clients with tax preparation. This year, all taxpayers regardless of income, can request a one-time telephone tax refund and receive an extra $30 - $60 on their return. This service is offered by the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Office on Aging/Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in conjunction with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To schedule an appointment or to find out more information about the program, please contact the RSVP Volunteer Tax-Aide Program at the Office on Aging at 979-7906. Participating locations include: Evergreen Library, 2635 Aborn Road, each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and The Eastside Neighborhood Center, 2159 Alum Rock Avenue, each Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ongoing
The Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Road in San Jose offers a variety of classes and special monthly events, as well as a Senior Nutrition Program. The Nutrition Program serves a delicious and well-balanced meal to seniors 60 and over every Monday – Friday at noon. The suggested donation is $2 per person. To make reservations at least one day in advance, but not more than two weeks in advance, call 270-1244. For more information of the Evergreen Community Center programs, call 270-2220.

Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose offers a variety of activities and services for seniors on an ongoing basis. These include Bingo, Free legal assistance, Senior club dancing, Senior Care Advocacy, Nutrition Programs, Nurse Screenings, Free Insurance Screenings, and more. Call for times and appointments. 251-0215.

MISCELLANEOUS

December 26 – February 2
San Jose residents can set their Christmas trees out for curbside recycling collection by the City of San Jose. Natural and flocked (frosted) trees will be collected on the same day as garbage and recycling at single-family homes. Tree collection is done at no additional charge, but residents must remove tinsel, decorations, and the tree stand. Trees also must be cut into five-foot lengths and placed in the street about a foot from the curb - this keeps from obstructing the flow of storm water down the gutters. Residents in apartments and other multi-family complexes should check with their building management for proper set-out instructions. Otherwise, the same rules apply such as removing tinsel and decorations.

January 28 & 31
The Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Avenue in San Jose, will be screening the spiritually-oriented documentary “2012 the Odyssey” a 2006 movie based on the Mayan Calendar featuring noted experts discussing how mankind can impact the world today. Show times are 1/28 at 1 p.m. and 1/31 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. For more information call 293-3838.

January 29 - Monday
Learn to Square Dance. Adult singles/couples (no partner required). Monday evenings. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dance free in January! Loyola Elementary School, 770 Berry Ave. (near Foothill Expy & Springer), Los Altos. www.bowsandbeaus.org. Keith: 867-7715 or Mary: 650-941-3419 Caller/Instructor: Keith Ferguson.

February 3 – Saturday
Chaboya Middle School PTA has joined hands with ASL, a State Authorized Electronic Waster Recycler, to recycle unwanted electronics and raise funds for our school!  The Chaboya's PTSA "Electronic Waste Collection Event" is FREE to the public to take advantage and dispose of their old electronics after the holidays.  You can   "drive-up and drop-off" Televisions, Monitors, Keyboards/Mice, DVD Players, Radios, Microwaves, Printers, Fax Machines, Telephones, PC Speakers, Stereo, Components, Computers (CPUs), and VCR Players.  The drop-off area is located in the parking lot at Chaboya Middle School, 3276 Cortona Drive, San Jose, Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

February 3 – Saturday
“Six Degrees of Celebration,” the 16th Annual Gala Benefit for the Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose will be held at Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second Street in Campbell from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets include live performance, dinner, and dancing to the music of Silicon Valley Houserockers, plus both silent and live auctions. Individual tickets are $150, Table sponsorships are $2,000 Black tie optional. For tickets call the Event Line at 288-5437 or email events@cmtsj.org.

February 3 – Saturday
The National League of American Pen Women Santa Clara County Branch will sponsor their annual Celebrity Luncheon honoring women in art, letters and music. This year’s theme is “Everything’s Coming up Roses” and the honorees are Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar, Norlyn Wade, Juliana Richmond, Lynn Bowen Walker, Carmen Rutlen, Ariel Smart, Anita Graves and Mary Linduska. The event will feature music, art and comedy by members as well as a buffet lunch catered by Elegant Events Catering, silent auction and raffle and a parade of hats. Proceeds raised will benefit the Pen Women’s annual scholarship awards for local high school seniors. The event will be held at First Congregational Church, 1980 Hamilton Ave. San Jose. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased by Monday, January 29, 2007. Call 238-2340 and email haugends@sbcglobal.net for more information.

February 3 – 4
The Santa Clara Convention Center hosts The February Wedding Faire. This is the largest Wedding Faire hosted at the SCCC. This event features 150 booths, fashion shows and wedding workshops. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 50,000 square feet of everything the bride-to-be needs to plan the perfect wedding. This one-stop resource should not be missed. Admission is $10 at the door or $8 in advance at www.wedding-faire.com

February 6 – Tuesday
The San Jose Woman's Club's meeting will feature Pamela Anderson Brule', president of Anderson Brule' Architects. Anderson Brule’ collaborated with the San Jose Public Library staff and the community to achieve a vision of spaces and experiences that transformed the traditional library into one that responds to today's diverse and sophisticated users. The event begins at 11:30a.m. with a social hour, then luncheon ($20) followed by the presentation by Mrs. Brule'. The San Jose Woman's Club historical clubhouse is the locale, at 75 South Eleventh Street.  Make reservations by calling 269-2395. This special event is open to the public.

February 10 – Saturday
Senator Elaine Alquist’s 10th Women’s Health Forum: Healthy Choices for Healthy Women: This free event, held at Wilcox High School, Mission City Center for Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe Street in Santa Clara, promises to be an educational forum for those interested in a healthier lifestyle. The forum will include free health screenings, a health fair featuring various community organizations, and speaker panels of health experts addressing important health topics such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, nutrition, and exercise. The keynote speaker Dr. Fernando Torres-Gil, a nationally renowned public policy and aging expert will discuss health, long-term care, and the politics of aging. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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.