February 8, 2008

CALENDAR

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

ART

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. 26 – Feb. 24
The San Jose Repertory Theater presents Robert Clyman’s “Tranced”, a politically charged, fast paced thriller. Delve into the murky depths of international intrigue, mystery and persuasion as Clyman questions the very nature of truth and moral responsibility.  Directed by Barbara Damashek, “Tranced” features Kenya Brome, James Carpenter, Thom Rivera, and Stacy Ross. Tickets are $15 - $59 and are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office, 101 Paseo de San Antonio in San Jose or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 367-7255.

Feb. 6 – Mar. 2
In honor of its 25th Anniversary Season, San Jose Stage Company presents a revival production of David Mamet's comedic masterpiece, “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Mamet’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy sparkle with the rough but lyrical dialogue and universal themes that still resonate with today’s audiences. Performances run from Feb. 6 through Mar. 2. Previews of Glengarry Glen Ross begin at The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose, on Feb. 6 - 7, at 7:30 pm and on Feb. 8, at 8 pm, with a Gala Opening on Feb. 9, at 8 pm. For tickets and additional information, visit www.sanjosestage.com .

Ongoing
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.

DANCE

Feb. 15 - 24
Ballet San Jose presents Dennis Nahat’s version of one of the greatest romantic ballets ever written – “Swan Lake” - at the Center for the Performing Arts. This production features over 135 characters in opulent costumes and beautiful scenery from David Guthrie.   Danced to a live performance by Symphony Silicon Valley, the romantic tale follows Prince Siegfried as he attempts to rescue his beloved Princess Odette from the wicked Baron Von Rothbart who has cast a spell on the young beauty and turned her into this Queen of the Swans.  Nahat’s prologue highlights the villainous nature of Rothbart by delving into the source of his evil. Admission is $25-$82 (discounts for students, seniors, groups) To purchase tickets, call the box office at 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Feb. 9 – 17
Get “Fit For Learning”: Barnes & Noble Eastridge, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and Kaiser will be hosting a Fit For Learning Festival. Here, parents, children and their families will learn valuable information to help them make healthy choices in diet, exercise and in life. Events include: Physician and author Bindya Singh discussing different ways we can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 9. On Feb. 16, Healthy Choice Storytime featuring a “mystery guest” is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. The Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre’s family fun program will share information on nutrition, education, literacy and more. Live music at 4 p.m. will showcase children’s music favorite, David “Papa Hugs” Sharp. Through Feb. 17 a percentage of the sales at Barnes & Noble Eastridge, and at other Barnes & Noble stores throughout Santa Clara County, will be donated to the Fit For Learning Program at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Feb. 12 – May 1
"Planning for a Wedding?", a new exhibit for the Sunnyvale Lace Museum will feature exquisite bridal gowns from 1890 to 1950.  Walk down the aisle and see vintage and unique accessories, such as fans, shoes, gloves, hats and parasols in a fascinating look at history.  The gift shop also offers heirloom quality lace handkerchiefs and other items for the bride.  The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale. Parking is free.

Feb. 15
How many times will your heart beat during your lifetime? Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for the “Have a Heart” workshop from 3:30 – 5 p.m. as we “travel” inside your body and take a closer look at how this muscle functions and compare your heart to those of other animals. Make a Valentine’s craft to take home and show someone just how big and caring your heart is. Appropriate fro ages 5 -10 years. Fee is $8/Members, $15/non-members. All workshops take place at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required. To register call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

Feb. 29
Plant a Pizza! When the moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, that’s AMORE! What makes pizza taste so good? Freshly grown ingredients, of course! Participants aged 5 – 10 years can join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens from 3:30 – 5 p.m. as we learn about where those yummy ingredients come from. Plant basil, oregano, tomatoes and wheat to take home for your very own pizza herb garden. Grind wheat and sample fresh ingredients as we make mini pizzas for a delicious afternoon snack. Mmmm…after school class has never tasted so good! All workshops take place at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Fees are $8/members, $15/non-members and pre-registration is required. To register, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

CLASSES

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

Feb. 10 & 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.

Feb. 10
South Bay Astrological Society will meet at 1 p.m. at Divine Science Community Center. We offer astrological knowledge and fellowship, for beginners as well as professionals. The public is invited. Our lecture topic this month is "Mysteries of Ancient Astrology" with Don Cerow. General/$10; Members/$5; free to those who join at $25 a year. More info at http://www.southbayastrology.org

Feb. 13
Guadalupe Gardens Community Meeting: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is inviting public comment on a planning process currently underway to help define the future of Guadalupe Gardens. The meeting will be from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the GRPG Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. The planning process is designed to add detail to the existing Guadalupe Gardens Master Plan and to determine a strategy for implementing the next phase of development. Notes from an earlier Community Meeting, held November 2007, and the consultant’s preliminary design concepts are available for review at www.grpg.org . The consultant team will present the draft plan and take additional comments. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by calling 298-7657 or emailing the Friends’ at info@grpg.org

Feb. 16 – 17
The American Cancer Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane in San Jose announces its annual fundraising event. Collectibles, artwork, designer clothing, will be available for purchase. Hours are 2/16 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 2/17 noon – 4 p.m. For more information, call 265-5535. Event proceeds support cancer research.

Feb. 29
Junior League of San Jose hosts its Biennial Fashion Show, In Vogue, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Preview the hottest trends for modern families by top designers such as Azadeh, Tiffany & Co, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers and Anne Fontaine. Attendees have a chance to win an Apple iPhone, Nintendo Wii and more. Proceeds benefit programs for the children of San Jose including Children’s Discovery Museum, Bring Me A Book Foundation and Kids in the Kitchen. Fashion Show – 11 a.m., $85; Gala Dinner Fashion Show: 5:30 p.m. $165. For tickets, call 264-3058 or visit www.jlsj.org.

Ongoing
Delight your sweetie with a Singing Valentine! Bay Area Showcase Chorus is delivering Singing Valentines through out the Bay Area.  We will send one of our quartets to your loved one at home, at the office, restaurant or location of your choice. The quartet will sing two love songs, in your name, and present your sweetheart a personalized Valentine card, a sweet treat and flower.  We also have a phone delivery option. For more information, visit our Website: http://www.singharmony.org/valentines/ or phone 227-7461.

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.

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.