March 9, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

March 11 – Sunday
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents “The Seasons” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose, with Barbara Day Turner, conductor and featuring violinists Nora Chastain and Cynthia Baehr. The performance will feature works by Vivaldi and Piazzolla. Pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30/$35. For more information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

March 16 & 18
The Santa Clara Chorale returns to the Santa Clara Mission on March 16 with “Songs of the Heart, Land, and Spirit,” showcasing Benjamin Britten’s classic and cherished work “Rejoice in the Lamb”. A repeat performance will take place at the Los Gatos Methodist Church on March 18 at 4 p.m. The program will also include lesser known but quality works by Parker, Churchill, and more, including additional works by Britten himself. Tickets ranges from $5 to $20 and can be purchased by phone at 369-1289, via the web at www.scc.org or at the door on the day of the shows.

THEATER

March 17 – 18
Stanford Lively Arts’ presentation of the Aquila Theatre Company travels the road of Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous pilgrims in two performances of “The Canterbury Tales” at Stanford’s Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Performance times are 3/17 at 8 p.m. and on 3/18 at 2:30 p.m. Made up of both British and American artists, the Aquila Theatre Company incorporates the theatrical techniques of both cultures to produce innovative and universally accessible interpretations of classical dramas without diminishing their essence. Tickets are $44/$40 for adults. Half-price tickets are available for young people age 15 and under and discounts are available for students and groups. For tickets and more information about this and other Stanford Lively Arts performances, contact the Stanford Ticket Office, located at Tresidder Memorial Union, at 650-725-ARTS (2787), or visit Lively Arts online at http://livelyarts.stanford.edu.

DANCE

March 23 - Friday
Ballet San Jose will present a free Community Outreach program at 1:30 p.m. at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Boulevard in downtown San Jose. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this fun and informative one-hour presentation.

ART

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

March 9 – 18
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose presents “Evita ” at the Montgomery Theater. Argentina’s controversial First Lady is the subject of this dynamic musical masterpiece written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Told through a compelling score that fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop and jazz influences, Evita creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself. Admission is $16 - $19. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 288-KIDS or visit www.cmtsj.org

March 21 - Wednesday
The Pruneyard’s Camera 7, 1875 South Bascom in Campbell presents its “Diaper Days” film program catering exclusively to moms, dads and their kids. The special screenings are twice a month and feature first-run films. Diaper Days screenings are the first and third Wednesday of each month. Bring your baby bjorns and infant carriers; changing tables and baby-safe lights and sound levels provided. Showings are at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are only $6.75, with kids 4 and under admitted free.

March 30 – April 30
In celebration of the life of César Chávez, the Mexican Heritage Plaza will be hosting a month-long schedule of events - The César Chávez Festival de Bellas Artes . Coordinated with Chávez Family Vision of San José, these events will involve the active participation of Chávez family members, including César’s sister, Rita Chávez Medina.  She will Co-Chair the event with District 5 Councilmember Nora Campos and San José Mayor Chuck Reed. These events begin with The 6th Annual Commemorative Breakfast held on 3/30 in the Pavilion (indoor/outdoor) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza from 8 - 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 at the door or call 928-5563. On 3/31 the Annual César Chávez March will commence at 10 a.m. at Mexican Heritage Plaza and will end by returning to the Plaza, culminating with a concert at noon. For additional information on the planned events, call 408 928 5563 or visit www.mhcviva.org

Ongoing
Youth Science Institute is taking registrations now for their Summer Science Camps! Designed for children ages 3 ½ to 14, there are over 35 camps to choose from. Camps include Bugology, Mighty Forest, Science Sleuths and Wild Wonders, just to name a few. Children enjoy the wonders of science and the natural world with hands-on projects, experiments, crafts, hikes and games. Camp fees range from $130 to $205 per week. Camps start the week of June 18th and run through August 17th at each of YSI’s Science and Nature Centers, located at Alum Rock Park in San Jose, Sanborn Park in Saratoga and Vasona Park in Los Gatos. Scholarships are available at the YSI Centers in Alum Rock and Sanborn. Classes fill up quickly, so call 356-4945 today for more information or to register.

CLASSES

March 13 – Tuesday
Parents Helping Parents is partnering with several other Bay Area non-profits to present a learning disabilities resource event for parents and professionals. “Navigating Learning Disabilities” will be presented from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Parents Place Resource Center, 200 Channing Avenue in Palo Alto. Event Keynote speaker is Carol Zepecki, Ed.D., Director of Student Services, Palo Alto USD. This event will also feature a student panel sharing experiences and success stories,  a learning disability simulation designed to increase awareness of the experiences of children with learning disabilities; a book fair, Parents Booth, vendor exhibits, and assistive technology demonstrations. Sponsored by Parents Place, Parents Helping Parents, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, WestEd and First 5 Santa Clara County. Admission is $25 - Scholarships available.  Register at www.parentsplaceonline.org.

March 23 & 31
Power Thinking and Law of Attraction Seminar – The Secrets Out! At this half-day seminar held at 301 Piercy Road in San Jose you will learn how attract what you desire by using your natural attraction energy and the power of your subconscious mind. Accelerate your success. Discover how to have unstoppable confidence. Seminar hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $97. For complete seminar details visit http://www.MikeAguilera.com/power_thinking.htm or contact Mike Aguilera (408) 972-1985 - email: mike@MikeAguilera.com

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
Attention recently retired or semi retired men! Sons in retirement (SIRS) meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, 444 West Alma in San Jose for lunch. Join us for good food, great speakers and the chance to meet new friends. SIRS has many activities including bowling, golf computer clubs. SIRS has no initiation fees or dues. If you are interested come to one of the Branch 94 luncheons or call Ron Bianco at 267-0386
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

March 24 – Saturday
Volunteer with Santa Clara County Open Space Authority to remove invasive plants. Project hours are 10 a.m. -3 p.m.  Lunch included. Email mchamberlin@openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 362-9569 for more information.

Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, www.wcsv.org, seeks Center and home care volunteers to care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. Volunteer opportunities include:  animal care, board work, construction, database/office management, educational outreach, event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, graphic design, landscaping/gardening, volunteer coordinator. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, has an active and enthusiastic corps of volunteers committed to welcoming and training new supporters.  Join us in caring for local wildlife.  Email Patricia Abreu at patricia@wcsv.org or call (408) 929-WILD (9453) for orientation dates.

MISCELLANEOUS

March 10 – Saturday
Ballet San Jose Presents “The Blue Suede Shoes Gala” held from 6 p.m. to Midnight in the Imperial Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose. Put on your Dancing Shoes and join us for an elegant evening of Dining, Dancing and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Live music provided by Wayne Foster Entertainment of Beverly Hills - back by popular demand. Admission is $275 per person, Donor tables of 10-$2,500, and Sponsor tables of 10-$3,500 are available. This event includes a Cocktail Reception, Dinner and Dancing as well as both Live and Silent Auctions. To purchase tickets, contact Gala Reservations at 288-2820 x 240. Black Tie or Elvis Era Attire. For additional information visit www.balletsanjose.org

March 10 – Saturday
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Denim to Diamonds, with a James Bond-inspired twist, Diamonds are Forever. Guests begin the evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Tech Museum for a champagne reception and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner and awards presentation/live auction at Parkside Hall. The evening ends back at the Tech with the Casino Royale, desserts, and dancing to the music of the Fabulous CruiseTones. Admission is $300 – 1,000. For more information call 650-470-6000 or visit www.ronaldhouse.net

March 10 -11
The Warehouse Sale at the McEnery Convention Center: Don’t miss your chance to buy high-end designer jeans for men and women at bargain basement prices – up to 80% off! Our racks are filled with Diesel, True Religion, Genetic Denim, Monarch, 575 Denim, Blue Cult, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Chip & Pepper, Antik Denim, Earnest Sewn, Sacred Blue, Taverniti, J & Company and lots more. We also carry hoodies, sweats, and tees by 2B Free, Monarchy, Grail, Ed Hardy, and more! Admission: Free with RSVP or $3 at door. Event hours for both days are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.thewarehousesale.com

March 12 – Sunday
Daylight Savings Time arrives early! Remember to “spring forward” by advancing your clocks ahead one hour beginning at 2 a.m. The new date is in response to the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act, which includes advancing Daylight Saving Time, beginning this year, from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March to encourage energy savings. The extra hour of daylight is expected to reduce the use of lights and small appliances, which can account for up to 25 percent of a typical homeowner's power consumption.

March 21 - 22
Carolyn See, author of seven novels, including “Golden Days” and “There Will Never Be Another You,” will be featured in three events in the Major Authors Series presented by the SJSU Center for Literary Arts: On 3/21, See will visit Mt. Pleasant High School, 1750 So. White Road, San Jose.at 3:15 p.m. On 3/22 there will be a noon Conversation with the Author followed by public Q&A at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (event co-sponsor), 4th St.and San Fernando, Rooms 225-229. The day concludes with a 7:30 p.m. Reading and book signing. All events are free and open to the public.

March 23 – Friday
Presentation High School in Willow Glen announces its 41st Annual Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show, “On Location” held at the Santa Clara Marriott - California Ballroom. Featured on the runway will be members of Presentation High School’s Class of 2007, faculty, parents, board members, alumnae, and senior boys from area high schools. They will be modeling the latest fashions from top name area retailers. The luncheon show begins at 11:30 a.m. and tickets are $85.00 per person. Dinner festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $150.00 per person, which include dancing to the sounds provided by King Raffi. For additional information, please contact the Presentation High School Development Office at 408-264-5110, x 2428 or visit the school's website, www.pres-net.com. Last year’s Fashion Show contributed $122,000 to the school’s scholarship fund.

March 24 – 25
The Junior League of San Jose hosts its bi-annual Rummage Sale, “The Greatest Garage Sale on Earth” at Pavilion Building located in the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Hours are 3/24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on 3/25 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon. Shop for over 33,000 square feet of great bargains including children’s toys, furniture, clothing, electronics, women’s and men’s clothing, sporting goods and much more. Attend the Community Health Fair on 3/24 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon. Admission is free. Cash, Visa and Mastercard accepted. ATM available on site. Parking is $8. For more information, call 264-3402 or visit www.jlsj.org.

March 25 - Sunday
The Society for California Archaeology presents Archaeology Public Day. Immerse yourself in exciting activities and museum displays for all ages to learn about the diversity of California's cultures and their past. Free admission. Presented for the Society for California Archaeology's annual meeting by the Archaeological Research Facility (UC-Berkeley) and the Presidio Archaeology Lab (Presidio Trust) Event hours are 2 – 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel Conference Center, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. For more information, visit http://www.scahome.org

March 28 - Wednesday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens present “San Jose Trail Connections” by Yves Zsutty, Program Manager – City Wide Trail System from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the GRP&G Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Whether you want to take your bike to work everyday or go for a leisurely stroll, the trail you use and its connections to other trails really makes the difference to your experience. Come find out about the current trail system in San Jose, the challenges being faced in expanding trail connections, and what the future holds. The fee is $5.00/Friends’ members, $8.00/non-members. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting Kary Houle at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657. Refunds for events will only be made if the event is cancelled or if there is a waiting list. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

Ongoing
The Ranch Golf Club Restaurant hosts Friday Night Dinners from 5 – 9 p.m. The Dinners are a la carte and reservations are recommended. On March 17, The Ranch will serve up a special St. Patrick’s Day dinner. For more information, call Kathrine Moss at 531-3047.

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. The March 11 meeting will feature a presentation and discussion - "Chiron and Pluto: Centaur and upstart planet wannabees" - by Zane Stein. Stein will present his research and ground breaking ideas on the ways in which Chiron and the "centaur" space objects are related to Pluto and the newly-classified "minor planets". 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.

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. 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.