February 9, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

February 11 - Sunday
The San Jose Music Study Club is holding its annual Young Artist Award Auditions at De Anza College, Bldg. A. Rm. A-31 from 12 to 5:30 p.m. The most famous previous winner of this competition is San Jose’s own Jon Nakamatsu, who won this award in l987, and ten years later won the coveted Van Cliburn Piano Competition, and continues to perform all over the world. Auditions are open to Vocalists, Pianists, and Instrumentalists between the ages of 18 and 30. Applicants must live within the approximate area indicated by South: Monterey, North: Sacramento, East: Hwy 99, and West: Pacific Ocean. First, Second, and Third place winners will receive $1000, $800, and $600 respectively. Winners will present a concert at Le Petite Trianon in April. For more information and applications, contact Susan A, Zerweck, at 353-1769 or e-mail ralph_susan@juno.com

February 10 – 25
Opera San José opens its first production in 2007 with Giuseppe Verdi’s heartbreaking masterpiece, “La traviata”. Eight performances are scheduled at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José. Verdi’s 1853 opera (libretto by Francesco Maria Piave) is one of the best loved and most performed of all time. It is based on the life of a woman who was known throughout Paris when she died at 23 but who became internationally famous when her lover published a memoir of their relationship — La Dame aux camélias by Alexander Dumas. This is the tragic tale of the ultimate sacrifice for love. The story of La traviata (“the lost one”) was also told in the classic film “Camille” the lead role immortalized by Greta Garbo. La traviata is presented in Italian with English Supertitles. David Rohrbaugh and Michel Singher conducting. Tickets are $65, $75, and $85 and are available through the Opera San José box office at 437-4450 or by visiting www.operasj.org.

THEATER

January 27 – February 25
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio in San Jose, presents Eugene O’Neil’s Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiographical masterpiece, “Long Day’s Journey into Night”. Directed by Jonathan Moscone, this poignant piece is considered one of the most enduring works of American Theater. Set in the hot summer of 1912, “Long Day’s Journey into Night” follows The Tyrone family’s psychological journey into their pasts and personal demons as they battle themselves and each other over the course of the day. It is a story of heartache, love, regret and dreams. Tickets are $14 - $56. For more information on show times and availability, visit www.sjrep.com.

February 17 – Saturday
“Diva On Tour” at the Montgomery Theater – Written by Rodney James, “Diva On Tour” is a dramatic comedy with a musical surprise that follows the struggles and triumph of the “Pedway Family” and their busy body neighbors as they prepare for the concert of their superstar sister Gladys. This production features the soul-stirring voices of “The Best Intentions.” Performance time is 7:30 p.m. tickets are $25. For more information, call 510-758-7884 or visit www.divaontour.com

ART

Beginning 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

February 10 – Saturday
Boy Scouts Venture Crew #264 is having their Annual Ski trip fund raiser Spaghetti Dinner (spaghetti, garlic bread salad and drink) at the Grace Lutheran Church Hall, 2650 Aborn Road in San Jose from 4:30 – 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 each. Walk-ins are welcomed and tickets can be purchased at the door.

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.

February 17 – Saturday
Eastridge Mall, partnering with Sing Tao Newspaper and Sing Tao Radio AM 1400 and FW 96.1, is sponsor a Bay Area Community Celebration of the Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Pig. Also known as the Spring Festival, festivities will include two spring fashion shows, children talent dance performance, special discounts from selected retailers, as well as giveaway prizes. Event hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Eastridge Mall is located in San Jose between Capital Expressway and Tully Road. This event is free and opens to the public, and will take place at Eastridge’s Lower Level Center Court near Starbucks.

February 17 – Saturday
Healthy Heart Hike on the Boccardo Trail. Hikers will meet at the Youth Science Institute, Alum Rock Park at 10 a.m. to begin this aerobic hike up a moderately strenuous trail with a 1,400 foot elevation gain. This 6 mile round trip hike leads to a beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding mountains. So bring water and a snack and come join us! There is a $6/per car charge to park at Alum Rock Park. This hike will be rescheduled for Saturday, February 24th in case of heavy rain. For more information visit www.openspaceauthority.org, or call 224-7476

February 18 - Sunday
Vietnamese Spring Festival & Parade: The Vietnamese Cultural Festival and Parade celebrates the traditions and festivities of the Vietnamese culture through authentic food, lion dances, entertainment and a parade with local marching bands and a variety of floats and entries. This event will be held at the Civic Auditorium & Parkside Hall beginning at 10 a.m. For more information call 292-8283 or visit www.vsfsanjose.com

February 19 - 23
Week-long Winter Science Camp at Youth Science Institute! If you love our YSI summer camps or are curious to try something from our summer camp menu, check out our new Winter Science Camp Odyssey. Topics include physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, astronomy, and the wonderful world of animals and nature. Join us as we explore flight, magnetism, the chemistry of ice cream, and other messy mixtures. Held at Vasona Park in Los Gatos, this camp is geared for grades K- 4th. Call 356-4945 today for more information or to register or visit www.youthscience.org.

March 1 – 4
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose presents “Wizard of Oz.” Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Lion as CMT brings this timeless family classic to life. Based on the film, this colorful stage version includes your favorite Ozian songs including, “Follow the Yellow Brick, Road”, “If I Only Had A Brain”, and the “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. All performance staged at the Montgomery Theater. For show times and other information, call 288-KIDS or visit www.cmtsj.org. Admission is $16 – $19 per person.

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

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.

February 13, 20 & 27
Caring for Mom and Dad? – Don’t go it Alone - If you are helping your aging parent(s) retain their quality of life by offering physical, financial and mental support, you owe it to yourself to maintain the stability and balance of your own life. Process Therapy Institute of Los Gatos and Belmont Village Senior Living of San Jose are offering a new evening support group for adult children who are responsible for the day-to-day health and safety of their aging parents.  Learn to balance this new role and face the challenges with Mary Serrano, wife, mother, daughter, and MFT trainee – Don’t go it alone. All sessions are held at Belmont Village Senior Living, 500 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose from 7 – 9 p.m. Light refreshments are served. For specific questions contact Mary Serrano at Process Therapy Institute of Los Gatos, 358-2218 ext. 447 or mary@processes.org. RSVPs are suggested as space is limited; 984-4767

February 17 – Saturday
The Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP) is offering a new free-of-charge World Garden Workshop on “California Native Plants” at the Erikson Adult Center located at 4849 Pearl Ave, San Jose. Master Gardener Sharon McCray will lead the workshop held from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, in room 18, across from MetroED’s World Garden. The World Garden is located on the Southwestern edge of the Erikson Adult Center campus.  Look for the redwood trees and the greenhouse roof after entering the fenced parking lot on Minas Drive, off of Pearl Avenue. To register, call 723-6450 and ask to have your name added to the February World Garden Workshop list or email ritab@metroed.net.

Ongoing
Interested in learning German or refreshing your skills?  SouthBay 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 - teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9a.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. Our new semester has just begun; new students can join any time.

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.

The San Jose Widow/Widowers Club meets at 12:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month for lunch at the Cup & Saucer Restaurant, 1375 Blossom Hill Road in Princeton Plaza. They also meet for breakfast every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at Goodies Coffee Shop on the corner of Bascom and Apricot in Campbell. Call 408-275-6178 or 408-292-3406 for information.

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.

VOLUNTEERS

Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking volunteers who want to make a positive difference in someone's day. Your ability to be proactive in approaching our members and attentive in helping our visitors and members will make you a valued and key member of our healthcare community. Become a Volunteer at our medical center and start sharing your interest in helping others. We currently have day, evening, and weekend opportunities available for those 18 and over. For more information, all 972-6233 or www.kpsanjose.org

MISCELLANEOUS

February 1 – 13
Adopt A Rose For Valentine’s Day! Are you looking for something special to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Look no further! Nothing says “I love you,” like a beautiful rose, and we can give you roses with a unique twist! When you adopt a rose in the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden for a donation of $50.00, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will place an engraved plaque in front of the rose with your personal inscription – for one full year. A special gift card announcing your rose adoption will be attractively packaged with a small box of chocolates from Schurra's Candy Factory, a package of gourmet cookies and a gift certificate from Cafe Too! at the San Jose Museum of Art, and two tickets for a ride on the Children's Carousel at Arena Green. Gift packages will be available for pick-up, prior to Valentine's Day, at the GRP&G Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

February 14 – Wednesday
Poetry Center San José presents “Love’s Not Time’s Fool”, A Valentine’sNight’s Revel of wine, poetry and music with Nils Peterson and Sally Ashton. The choral setting for the evening’s selection, “The Kiss”, is orchestrated by Brent Heisinger, Emeritus Professor of Music from San José State University. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Le Petit Trianon Theatre, 72 North Fifth Street in San Jose. This Admission is $10 which includes a glass of wine to those 21 and over. This event is wheelchair accessible.

February 16 – Friday
The Santa Clara County Division, of the California Retired Teachers Association, will meet for luncheon at the Three Flames restaurant, 1547 Meridian Avenue, at 11:30 a.m. Join us for good food, fellowship, and barbershop music provided by the “Vintage Harmonies.” Call Roger Evans (294-8346) for reservations.

February 18 – Sunday
The Cupertino Coin Club's 2007 Coin Show will be held at Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose.  Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $2 for adults, children 17 and under are free. This show features over 35 coin dealers – attendees can buy, sell, or trade coins and other numismatic items. Other exhibits include jewelry and collectibles – plenty for the entire family to enjoy plus Free Coin Prize Drawings for children! There is plenty of free parking.

February 25 – Sunday
Vipassana (Insight) Meditation One-Day Retreat – Instruction and Practices on Vipassana and Metta meditations, led by Meditation Master Venerable Beelin Sayadaw, sitting and walking meditations, interviews, Dharma Talks, lunch provided, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, free, at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. RSVP to Tony at 408-732-3322 or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

February 25 – Sunday
Modern Bridal Faire at Parkside Hall: Meet with more than 150 of the bay area’s finest wedding professionals, view exquisite bridal fashions, and get inspired for your own wedding. The Modern Bridal Faire showcases incredible exhibits featuring florists caterers, cakes, photographers, videographers, music, and great honeymoon getaways. Doors open at 11 a.m. admission is $12. For more information, call 800-400-2099 or visit www.modernbridal.com

March 1 – Thursday
Unique Lives presents “Shirley MacLaine” at San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts. Join Renaissance woman Shirley MacLaine for an amazing journey of the spirit. From Hollywood secrets to the secrets of the Universe…there is never a dull moment with the legendary Shirley MacLaine. Event time is 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 1-877-882-8124 or visit www.uniquelives.com

Ongoing
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will be hosting Women’s Movie Night every third Thursday of the month. The evening starts with socializing at 6 p.m. followed by the movie at 7p.m. with LCD large-screen projection with digital quality. Bring your favorite snacks to enjoy during the movie and the socialization. Contact the DeFrank Center at 293-3040 for more information.

The South Bay Astrological Society meets at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave in San Jose. Come for refreshments and fellowship at 1 p.m.; Lecture starts at 1:30 p.m.. For more information call 512-1187 or visit www.southbayastrology.org. The February 11 meeting will feature "Astrology with Joyce Levine".

San Jose Flycasters meet the second Wednesday of the month at Senior Citizens Center at the NE corner of Payne Avenue and Saratoga Avenue intersection in San Jose. The February 14 meeting features a special presentation by Trapper Badovinac, which will include a demonstration on tying flies at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation, "A Fly Fishing Tour of Western Montana”, at 7:20 p.m. All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call Jim at 278-7077; online: www.flycasters.org. San Jose Flycasters is a non-profit organization promoting the sport of fly fishing, education on fisheries and habitat preservation and restoration.

Humane Society Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Humane Society Silicon Valley, 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara. Facilitator: Adam Dorsay, M.A. For more information, call 450-1800 or visit: www.hssv.org and click on Services and then Pet Loss. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The Hearing Loss Association of Silicon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Moose Lodge, 1580 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose. Meetings begin at 12:30 p.m. Our mission is to improve the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 229-1041 or visit www.hearingloss.org.

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.