March 25, 2005

CALENDAR

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

DANCE
March 31 – April 3
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley “Spring Repertory”at the Center for the Performing Arts. Dennis Nahat’s Cannonade is pure rapid-fire energy, as fast as the mortarfire that inspired its title. This classical ballet is danced to Johann Sebastian Bach’s Piano Concert No. 1 in D minor. Choreographer Michael Smuin’s Shinju is a Japanese ‘Romeo and Juliet style tragedy’ danced to a custom-composed score by renowned Japanese-American composer Paul Chihara with brilliantly creative costumes by Will Kim. This youthful, joyous work with its driving force delivers a powerhouse of a finale. (Includes partial nudity) Admission is $22 - $68. For additional information, call 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

THEATER
March 12 – April 9
West Valley light Opera Association will open its second production of its 40th Season, “Smokey Joe’s Café” at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale in Saratoga at 8 p.m. on March 12 with a Champagne Gala and continue performances on weekends through April 9. This musical brings to the stage songs from the 50’s and 60’s with the music and lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. For reservations and information, call 268-3777, or visit www.wvlo.org.

April 2 - 10
Lyric Theatre proudly presents something unique for Montgomery Theater audiences: the original version of “The Mikado,” perhaps the most popular and often quoted work in English music theater history. Come hear and see the entire operetta treated in a traditional Gilbertian style, but in a slightly different order as performed on the opening night of March 14, 1885. For additional information and show times, call 968-1455, or visit www.lyrictheatre.org.

April 7 – Thursday
History San Jose and The Mexican Heritage Plaza present “Between the Dirt and the Sky” an original children’s musical for the entire family, performed by the San Francisco Arts Education Project Event Players at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock in San Jose. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $6 for students, $25 for a family pass. For tickets call 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org This event is also sponsored by COMCAST.

April 8 – 23
The Tabard Theatre Company presents its third and final production of the 2004-2005 season, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”directed by Irene Trapp. “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” explores questions of race and cultural identity with a light hand that touches the heart and mind equally. Cultures collide as the premiere of “Gone with the Wind” and preparations for Ballyhoo, a lavish Jewish society ball, overshadow the impending threat of war. Set in 1939, Atlanta, this is the story of two Jewish families coming to an understanding of who they are told with great humor and insight. A portion of the concession proceeds from each production will benefit Jewish Family Services (www.jfss.org). All performances are at Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Avenue (near Almaden Expressway), in San Jose. For additional information, call the Tabard Box Office at 979-0231.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
The Las Madres Adoptive Moms Group meets twice a month on Friday mornings for play dates and lunch.  Once per month we also have Mom’s Night Out, a family activity and a newsletter with stories written by members as well as informative articles and book reviews on adoption.  For more information, visit www.lasmadres.org
The San Pedro Squares Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1001 East Capitol Epwy (near McLaughlin Rd. and Capitol Epwy); contact Kam Amin at 404-1855, or kbamin@kbamin.com for further information or check out our website at http://www.sanpedrosquares.org
Business Leads Unlimited (www.onlineblu.com/admin ) meets at 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday, at the Denny’s Restaurant on Blossom Hill Rd approximately one half mile east of Almaden Expy.
Adlib Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 5 - 6:45 pm and the last Tuesday of the month from Noon to 1 p.m.  All meetings take place at 5600 Cottle Rd. Bldg. 50-B1.  For more information, contact Regan Eyerman at 264-4370 or at DREyerman@earthlink.net.  Cost is $65 for a 9 month term, (amount is pro-rated). Start the year right by improving communication, presentation, leadership, listening, evaluation and thinking skills.
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda in San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group,” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This group meets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child.  We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out.” For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.  
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!
Le Tip International, a business leads networking group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1140 Hillsdale Aveue. For more information, call 298-9131.

CLASSES
April 11 - Monday
Are you tired of raveling and unraveling your hose or is your current irrigation system failing? Join Derek McKee, Principal, Beals Alliance, Inc and the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens in this introductory irrigation class to save time and money, while keeping your plants adequately hydrated all year long. The class will include information on irrigation basics, irrigation materials, system set-up, design and layout, use zones and water conservation and controllers and operations. The workshop will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring Street in San Jose. The fee is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 50 West San Fernando Street, Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95113. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. Refunds for the 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 contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

Ongoing
Fine Art Lesssons: Fine Art Classes in Watercolor, Oil and Soft Pastel with Gillian Lane Altieri, at the New Almaden Community Center, Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning and intermediate classes, all skill levels are invited. $20 per lesson or $60 per month (3-4 lessons).Call 268-2990 for information and materials lists.
ACE Tennis Academy offers tennis instruction for boys and girls ages 7-17, from beginner to tournament level players. Classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information and registration, phone 650-302-4250 or e-mail acetennis@sbcglobal.net.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Rd., Suite 230, (behind Red Lobster) is offering free consultation on newborn care to expectant parents. Get all your questions answered toward being best prepared for the arrival of your child. For a personal appointment, call Dr. Meena Sathappan at 274-9099.
Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Santa Teresa. Meetings are held in the San Jose Kaiser Family Health Center, Conference Room C, 3rd Floor, located at 276 International Circle. For more information call 800-660-1993

FIFTY PLUS
Ongoing:
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.
The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, www.wcsv.org, seeks center volunteers and home care volunteers to care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. We also need volunteers to help with educational outreach, database/office management, landscaping, facilities planning and fundraising. 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 giving a hand to our Silicon Valley wildlife. Email Patricia at volunteer@wcsv.org or call 929-WILD (9453) ext. 350 for orientation dates.

MISCELLANEOUS
March 31 – Thursday
The Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock in San Jose, presents Cesar E. Chavez: His Life and Work. Registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. commemorative program begins at 8:15 a.m. Guest Host is Ysabel Duron of KRON4 and Guest Speakers include Rudy & Lydia Chavez Medina with a Special Performance by Conjunto Libertad. Tickets are on sale now at the San Jose Stage Company for $25 per person. Call 283-7142 for more information.

March 31 – Thursday
Introducing the new Evergreen Heritage Room at Evergreen Valley College: Preserving Evergreen’s Past, Recording the Present, Envisioning the Future. The new Library/Educational Technology Center at Evergreen Valley College will provide a permanent home to make the collection accessible to the public. Our local history will now be visible to all those who call Evergreen home. The opening celebration , held from 4 – 6 p.m. will feature light refreshments and free parking. For more information, contact Vicki Atherton at 274-7900 ext 6503 or Victoria.Atherton@evc.edu.

April 2 – Saturday
Candlelight Dinner – La Rochelle Winery, 3000 Aborn Road, San Jose. A unique gourmet tradition! Each course prepared by Chef de Cuisine, David Page, is paired with the appropriate La Rochelle wine. Held in our Barrel Room this elegant eight course dinner begins at 6:30 pm with a tasting reception followed by dinner featuring Roast Loin of Colorado Lamb, Ragout of Spring Vegetables and Herbs de Provencale as the main entrée. Price is $97.00 per person. For complete menu, more information and reservations call 274-4000.

April 2 – Saturday
FreeLearn to Fly Seminar: Dare to dream….Learn to Fly. Find out how by attending this free seminar from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.. Learn what it takes to become a pilot, tour our first class fleet of airplanes, and take your first flight lesson. Call for more information – 729-5100 or visit our website: www.tradewindsaviation.com.

April 9, 21, 23 & 30
Leadership Public Schools-East Side San Jose a small free college preparatory in East San Jose is now enrolling its 9th and 10th grade classes for this Fall.  We offer -a small school w/ small classes -College Preparatory curriculum -A four-year leadership program - Tutoring support before and after school. Please come to one of our Information Sessions. Thursday info sessions are 7-8 p.m. and Saturday info sessions are 10:30-11:30 a.m. All sessions are held at 1750 S. White Rd, in San Jose. For additional information call 937-2709 or visit www.leadps.org.


HAVE AN ITEM FOR OUR CALENDAR?
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, Fifty Plus, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by email 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 Road, Ste. 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.