April 8, 2005

CALENDAR

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

THEATER
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.

April 12 – 24
American Musical Theater of San Jose presents”Tapestry, A Musical Revue Based on the Life of Carol King;” A dazzling musical event celebrating the achievement and artistry of King’s musical career. Tapestry will be at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. From “Up on the Roof” to “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” King’s body of music comes to life in this high energy production, with six performers and five musicians. Tickets are $45 - $72. For information call 1-888-455-7469 or visit www.amtsj.orj.

MUSIC
April 23 – Saturday
Mission Chamber Orchestra concludes their Season of International Music Adventures, with fresh works by two American composers, a neoclassical concerto by Stravinsky, and works from abroad. Esteemed award-winning pianist Hans Boepple, Professor of Music at Santa Clara University and Chair of the Music Department, brings his mastery of the keyboard and power of interpretation to the Piano Concerto no. 4 of Beethoven. This concert begins at 8 p.m. at Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th Street, San Jose. Emily Ray will be conducting. Advanced purchase tickets are available online at www.missionchamber.org. Prices are $16 general, $13 seniors & students, $5 children under 12. Tickets at the dor are $18 general, $15 seniors & students, $5 children under 12. For more information, call 293-6060 or visit www.missionchamber.org

MEETINGS
April 10 – Sunday
The South Bay Astrological Society meets on the second Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m., at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave. in San Jose. This month’s speaker will be Robert Blaschke, founder of an astrology school in Oregon and a well-known lecturer worldwide. Robert will help us understand our relationships through astrology.Admission are $10 non-members, $5 members. Refreshments are served. For more information call 395-7082 or visit www.astrologyclub.org.

Ongoing:
Association of Republican Women meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Almaden Country Club, on Crown Blvd in San Jose. Mr. Keen Butcher is the scheduled speaker for the April 20 meeting. Mr. Butcher leads the local GOP efforts in voter registration, candidate development and political outreach. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. with a continental breakfast offered at 9:30 a.m. at a cost of $10 per person. For additional information, visit www.goarp.org.
The Santa Clara Co. Horsemen’s Association, founded in 1939, meets the third Friday of each month at its property located at 20350 McKean Road, San Jose. Increase your knowledge of horses and enjoy the kinship of fellow equestrians. 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
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 Avenue. For more information, call 298-9131.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
April 9 - Saturday
Santa Teresa’s historic Bernal Ranch, 260 Bernal Road hosts an afternoon of “Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games.” From 1 - 4:30 p.m., participants will play games from 100 years ago during fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Bernal Ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manilla Drive in San Jose, near Santa Teresa Hospital. Contact 226-5453 for more information.

April 15 – Friday
Kids - get ready for Earth Day with the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens! They will be reading some wisdom from Dr. Seuss, making litterbugs, green cleaning kits and more! So, if you come, they’ll guarantee all the fun! Reservations are required. The program will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring Street. For more information, or to reserve a spot, please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

April 23 – Saturday
“Young at Art” is the theme of the 17th Annual San Jose Children’s Faire held at Discovery Meadows in San Jose to celebrate the”Month of the Young Child.” The Children’s Faire features over 60 activity booths sponsored by organizations and businesses with services and/or products for families with young children. Each booth offers a free, hands-on activity for children aged 2-12, as well as child development resources for parents and caregivers. Family entertainment, special attractions, exhibits, and food are also offered. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the annual “Month of the Young Child” Second Harvest Food Bank drive. For more information, www.moyc-csj.org or call 808-2617. Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 24 – Sunday
Kids from the ages five to 15 can get hooked on fishing with South Bay Fishing in the City. The hands-on instructional event is from 8 a.m. to noon and all equipment is provided. Kids are required to be accompanied by a parent. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information, contact 355-2254. Hellyer County Park: 985 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose.

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.

HEALTH
April 19 - Tuesday
A Free Educational Seminar on Infertility: Presented by Fertility Physicians of Northern California in the Good Samaritan Hospital Auditorium, 2425 Samaritan Drive in San Jose. One in six couples struggle with having a baby. Having correct, expert information is the best way to overcome the challenge. Learn about the causes and treatments for infertility and meet key Fertility Physician team members, including the doctors, embryologists and financial consultants who can help you reach your dream of parenthood. Seminar attendees receive a free fertility consult.  To register call 866-575-5334. For more information, visit www.fpnc.com.

April 23 – Saturday
Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn will be hosting a Health and Wellness Resource Faire from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2175 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose. The faire is free to the public and will feature free screenings including Diabetes, Blood pressure evaluation, Body Mass Index test (BMI) and information about health and social services. Materials will be available in numerous languages. For more information, please call 282-8920.

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
Through April 15
IRS-certified volunteers will provide Tax-Aide assistance for persons with lower income. Free tax preparation is available for lower income clients, with preference given to those over 60 years of age. Tax counselors are available to assist clients in many languages. The Office on Aging can direct eligible older adults to the appropriate site. Languages spoken include: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Burmese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Tagalog, French, Hindi, Vietnamese, Polish, Armenian, and Persian. Call 277-4790 to locate a site that fits your needs. You may then contact that site and make an appointment. Be prepared to bring with you: last year’s tax returns, this year’s forms with mailing label and all income verifications (W2 or WP2 forms), interest/dividend information (1099’s) and total amount of Social Security or Disability payments for calculating credit.

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:
The Campbell Highland Games Association is seeking volunteers for all day on Friday and Saturday June 17-18 for the 27th Annual Campbell Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Gathering. The event is June 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Campbell Community Center, but the work starts now. High school and Church community service groups are also welcome. If you are interested, call 219-9264, or 629-9325.
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
April 2 – 28
The Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society’s exhibit “Blended Visions” will
be showing at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company, 1383 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose. The public reception will be on April 10 between 1 and 3 p.m. with all of the exhibiting artists in attendance.

April 5 – Tuesday
The Spa Los Gatos announces its 2nd Annual “April in Paris” Event kick-off Reception from 6 – 8 p.m. featuring food and beverages, mini-spa services, educational areas throughout the spa, and raffle prizes, all with a Parisian theme. The Spa has created two exclusive “Springtime in Paris” treatments available during the month of April. For each of these treatments purchased, $20 will benefit the Junior League’s Family Learning Center Project. Additionally, The Junior League will receive a portion of the ticket sales from the kick-off reception. For more information, call 354-5901 or visit wwwthespalosgatos.com.

April 22 – Friday
The Junior League of San Jose will host the 36th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos Street in San Jose. This event is designed to celebrate the important contributions made by volunteers in our community. The theme this year is “Celebrating Success in Voluntarism.” The Luncheon provides a showcase of the everyday successes of those inspirational volunteers who enlighten our community. Tickets are $28 and include a wonderful three-course lunch. For more information on the Luncheon or to purchase tickets, please call 264-3402 or visit www.jlsj.org

April 23 – Saturday
Project Safe Place presents Safe Place Community Outreach 2nd Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Cambrian Bowl, 14900 Camden Avenue in the Cambrian Park Plaza. From noon to 2 p.m. or 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Help keep kids safe in San Jose! An afternoon of bowling can turn into an opportunity to make new connections, for staff to bond together and to ensure that kids have access to immediate help and safety in San Jose. For more information visit www.billwilsoncenter.org.

April 23 - Saturday
Spring in Guadalupe Gardens Garden Festival and Plant Sale will take place from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in Columbus Park in Guadalupe Gardens, at the intersection of Spring and Taylor streets in San Jose. This event features plant sales, garden art, expert gardening advice, alternative energy information, and books on gardening and local history. Children of all ages can enjoy free entertaining and educational activities. There is no admission charge and plenty of free parking. Docent led tours of Guadalupe Gardens will be held throughout the day.  Short presentations, sponsored by SummerWinds Nursery and Watershed Watch, will cover; Gardening for Wildlife, IPM (Integrated Pest Management), and Organic Fertilizer. The Kid’s Korner will provide free, fun and educational activities for children. Every child can play the games, win prizes, and plant seeds, while learning about the important eco-system of the Guadalupe River, native wildlife, pollution prevention, and water conservation. For more information, call Friends of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, at 408-298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org

April 30 – Saturday
Join history buffs for Almaden Quicksilver County Park’s History Tour. From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., participants will step back in time and visit historic sights to experience what life was like back in the area’s mining heyday. Attendees should meet at the Quicksilver Mining Museum at 9.a.m. and bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, water and lunch. Call 323-1107 for reservations and information. Almaden Quicksilver County Park: 21785 Almaden Road, San Jose.


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.