February 22, 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.

Feb. 28
Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) presents Mi Coche / My Culture---Livin’ the Lowrider Lifestyle - an exhibition representing the diversity and heritage of South Bay culture.  This is a unique visual arts exhibition that will encompass the art, design, and the Chicano subclture of lowrider automobiles from their origins in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  This exhibit is sponsored in part by The Castellano Family Foundation. The exhibition at The Plaza is open to the public with free admission.  La Galería is open Monday through Fridays noon to 5 p.m. Weekends and after-hours are by appointment.

MUSIC

Mar. 15
The San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Classic: SJYS, under the artistic leadership of Maestro Yair Samet, announces its second concert of the season, “Spring Classic”, held at 2:30 p.m. at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose. This performance will feature two outstanding young musicians and winners of the San Jose Youth Symphony Young Artist Competition (YAC) – clarinetist Joseph T. Morris performing Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor and, pianist Angela Hwang performing Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 43. Advance tickets are available at http://www.sjys.org/concerts/tickets.html or at the box office before the concert. Admission is $15/Adults, $10/Students and Seniors, and $5 for children under 13. For further information, call 885-9220 or sjys@sjys.org.

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 .

DANCE

Mar. 15
Elements Dance Company Auditions: E.D.C. provides specialized training in Hip-Hop and Break Dance Styles as well as competition skills/performance Strength. Audition time for Junior and Teen teams (ages 11 years and older) is 10 a.m. – noon. Classes are available for children 5 – 10 years beginning Mar. 29 from 9 – 10 a.m. No audition is required for these classes. Location is Nancy Doize School of Dance, 3001 Ross Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Alisha Simms at 623-2163 or missalisha@hotmail.com

CHILDREN/FAMILY

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. 27 – Mar. 2
Celebrate the power of wishes with your favorite Disney princesses at the HP Pavilion. “Princess Wishes” is the latest Disney On Ice production to captivate audiences through artistic skating, high-energy music and glittering set design. With Tinkerbell as their guide, guests will join Disney favorites Jasmine, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White Ariel, Mulan and Sleeping Beauty as each has their fondest wish granted and dream come true. In the words of Cinderella “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Tickets are $16 - $65 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information and show times, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Feb. 28 – Mar. 2
CMT Rising Stars presents “School House Rock Live!” A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage! The Emmy-Award winning 1970’s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs lights up the stage instructing a whole new generation to “Unlock Your Adjectives” and “Do the Circulations.” “School House Rock Live!” promises to win audiences over with imagination and music using beloved “School House Rock” songs including “Just a Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly,” and “Conjunction Junction.” All performances staged at the Montgomery Theater. For more information, call 288-5437 or visit www.cmtsj.org

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.

Mar. 8
Celebrate Persian New Year!: Celebrate Norouz (Persian New Year) from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Vineland Branch library as we feature the festive Norouz holiday. There will be a Norouz song by a children's group, Ballet Afsaneh dance program with audience participation and Master Nejad and the Nejad Youth Orchestra. There will also be a children's parade, various holiday crafts and more. This event is co-sponsored by the Cambrian, Almaden and Vineland Branch Libraries with the generous support of the various Friends’ organizations at each library. This event will be held in Almaden's large community room.

Mar. 8
The Children’s Discovery Museum presents The Brian Waite Band performing at 1 and 2:30 p.m. as part of its “Green Week” festivities. Come dance, learn and laugh with the trio that has rocked its way into the hearts of both kids and parents around the world, as they lead a musical adventure to Earth's past and future. For more information on this and other “Green Week” activities, visit www.cdm.org/new after Mar. 1

CLASSES

Mar. 2
Mandarin Chinese Language classes: CSL, Mandarin Chinese as Second Language courses, will be offered every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m., beginning on Mar. 2. The curriculum includes four 10-week quarters.  Come and learn to speak, read, and write conversational Chinese. You'll learn Chinese pinyin (basic pronunciation) and simple Chinese sentence structures.  Learn from a native speaker who speaks perfect Beijing Mandarin.  Make new friends. Stand out from the crowd.  Build better relationships and be prepared before your travel aboard. A free informational session is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.  Lunch will be provided at 1pm.  The free session will be held at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, 95124.  For more information, call 979-1257 or visit www.friendshipagape.com/csl.

Mar. 15
Soil Science Course: The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens host a special 2-hour course with Brian Debasitis, founder of Mauby All Natural and soil consultant to the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden. This workshop, held from 1 a.m. to noon, will define what soil is, identify its major components, review common soil problems and explain how they affect your garden. Take a look at soil through a microscope to see the differences between healthy and unhealthy soils. Bring in your own soil samples to view under the microscope and get some expert advice on the best course of action to correct any problems. You will not only improve the health of your soil, but you will also improve the health of your lawn, garden and trees. At the same time, you’ll be helping clean up our air and water, chemical free!All classes take place at the Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave. in San Jose. Fees are $10/members, $15/non-members. Pre-registration is required. To register call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to lean more.

Ongoing
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. 

FIFTY-PLUS

Mar. 8
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the Cypress Learning Center located at 403 S. Cypress Ave. San Jose. Courses include Basic Digital Photography, Basic Digital Photo Editing, Greeting Cards, Windows XP, File Management and Computer Tips and Techniques. For more information, call (408)244-1353 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

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. 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.

Mar. 1
Drop Off and Go Green: Chaboya Middle School PTSA has partnered with ASL; a state authorized electronic waste recycler, to sponsor an electronics recycling opportunity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school parking lot, 3276 Cortona Road, San Jose. ASL employees will be on hand to assist you. Items accepted at drop off are: computers, computer monitors, laptops, keyboards, printers, cables/cords, power supplies, disk drives, zip drives, televisions, VCRs, DVD players stereo equipment, tape drives, cell phones and microwaves. Businesses can recycle their unwanted electronics by calling ASL at 468-0230. Ask for Heather and mention Chaboya Middle School for details on free pick-up.

Mar. 1 – May 17
Spring Walking Series at Guadalupe River Park & Gardens: Start the New Year out right by registering for a structured walking series from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. with Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. Step after step, you’ll become healthier through these group walks that will take place on the beautiful paved trails of the Guadalupe River Park. Whether you are an avid walker or new to a walking program, you will learn about proper equipment, walking technique, stretching and beneficial strength exercises for walkers while meeting others who enjoy walking. Fees are $50/members, $60/non-members. All participants must be 18 years or older. All classes will meet at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (408) 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more.

Mar. 7 - 9
Outrageous Outgrowns at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds: SCCF Pavilion Hall, 344 Tully Road in San Jose will host the Spring 2008 Outrageous Outgrowns event - the Bay Area's largest resale event for babies and kids of all ages (maternity and nursing, too!). All items are gently used and sold by individual families, but they are organized like a huge store, so you can easily find exactly what you need. All items are hand-checked for top quality. This is not a rummage sale! Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and parking is free. For more information, visit http://www.OutrageousOutgrowns.com or call 391-5909.

Mar. 8
The Evergreen High School Athletic Boosters present the 2nd annual Crab Feed fundraiser: This dinner and dancing extravaganza will be held from 5 – 10 p.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Hall, 5111 San Felipe Road in San Jose. Feast on all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, veggies and more while listening to the toe-tapping tunes of DJ “Sugar Ray.” This event also includes a silent auction, raffles, and no host beer and wine. All attendees must be over 21 years. Tickets are $50 each and are advance purchase only by calling Ruth Brennan at 930-1822. Proceeds from this event benefit the EVHS Athletic Department.

Mar. 13
Senior Living expert Paul Riempa to speak in Saratoga: Saratoga Retirement Community, an award-winning 37-acre Continuing Care Retirement Community located at 14500 Fruitvale Avenue, Bldg. 1000 in Saratoga, is hosting a free special luncheon event featuring Senior Living expert Paul Riepma at 11 a.m. Topics include some of the latest trends in senior health and housing, and how lifestyle impacts our health as we age. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by March 6 to 741-7194. For directions or for more information, also visit www.saratogaretirement.org.

Mar. 15
The Coyote Grange Hall is hosting a Multi-Family Flea Market. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 8140 Monterey Road, between Bailey and Metcalf. This is a fundraising event to benefit The Grange.

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.

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.