August 10, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Aug. 16
Metro’s Music in the Park concert series presented by Dos Equis: Ten free outdoor concerts each Thursday – Aug. 16 will feature singer and actress Mandy Moore. Shows are 5:30 – 9:15 p.m. at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose. Food and Drink are available. Call 279-1775 or check www.sjdowntown.com for details.

Aug. 19
Peninsula Banjo Band Concert: This event provides family entertainment in a sing-along concert. Event held at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Los Gatos, 15980 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. For ticket information, call 358-1212 or go to www.uuflg.org.

Aug. 20
There are openings for experienced singers in the West Valley Masterworks Chorale, a college-based community choir which meets in the music building at West Valley College each Tuesday from 6 - 9:10 pm during the school year.  The Chorale, under the direction of conductor Lou De La Rosa, will celebrate its 30th Anniversary this season with a Gala Concert on Dec. 8, featuring New York City Opera soprano and former West Valley College alumna Eilana Lappalainen.   Auditions will be held by appointment beginning Aug. 20.  Interested singers should contact Lou De La Rosa at 741-4663, or lou_delarosa@westvalleychoirs.org. For more information, visit the West Valley College choir website, www.westvalleychoirs.org.

Aug. 26
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents “A Touch of Tango” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th Street, San Jose at 7 p.m. Barbara Day Turner, conductor. Featured artists: Anna Maria Mendieta, harp; Seth Asarnow, bandoneon. This program will include works by Mozart, Larsen, Furman, Ziegler, and Piazzolla. Ticketsa re $30 - $45. For more information ca;; 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

Aug. 28
Guglielmo Winery presents live a Bluegrass concert featuring “Bluegrass Etc.” A short break in their hectic touring schedule has allowed this dynamic band to make a one night “whistle stop” in Morgan Hill. Bluegrass Etc. performs a hard-hitting show of instrumental expertise, vocal precision and stage personality that never fails to entertain. The group is well known internationally and tours more than eighteen countries per year, performing more than 200 shows annually at festivals and in concert. Showtime is 7 – 9:30 p.m. admission is $17 per person, $15 for CBA or GWG members. You can find more info at their website: www.tricopolisrecords.com/bluegrassetc.htm For tickets contact Tim Edes at 779-5456 or 595-4882. For more information visit the California Bluegrass Association website at www.cbaontheweb.org.

Aug. 28
Free Opera Preview - Singers from Opera San José and lecturer Larry Hancock preview Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. 12 noon at the Beethoven Center in MLK Library, 4th and San Fernando in downtown San José. No reservations needed. Additional information at www.sjoperaguild.org or 275-6199.

DANCE

June 16 – Aug. 31
Youth Dance Company Auditions: Ladies and gentlemen with performance experience are requested to email their resume to DTIdance@sbcglobal.net and schedule an audition by Aug. 31. Accepted members are given a Performance Season, Choreography Opportunities, Cultural Events and Travel. Teachers and Choreographers are from national and international dance companies. www.DTIdance.com

Aug. 25
The Flamenco Society of San Jose will host a “Juerga” (Flamenco Jam Session) at the Historic Hoover Theater. This exciting performance features various artists and presents as a special guest, Koko’s dance company. This is a fun-filled event and audience participation is encouraged. This event includes aspiring students, as well as music and dance from other cultures. Admission is $14 general/$12 students and senior citizens. This promises to be a very special event that will take place at the new home for the society the Historic Hoover Theatre. Seating is limited so ticket purchases should be made very early. Come see and hear the wonderful singing and beautiful dance of great artists. To reserve tickets, call 510-792-8355. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on event date.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

July 4 – Sept. 29
Free Old-Fashioned Campfire Programs at Coyote Lake: Are you looking to get outdoors on a Saturday evening for a few hours? Well, Coyote Lake is hosting an "Old Fashioned Campfire Program" every Saturday night through the last Saturday in Sept. Park rangers conduct these programs at the Ranger Station from 8 - 9 p.m. Activities may include songs, night hikes, games, or crafts; while learning about park plants, wildlife, geology or history. Each program ends with "s'mores" and a story. There is a $6 vehicle entrance fee into the park. For more information, call Ranger Chris Crockett at 842-7800 or e-mail him at chris.crockett@prk.sccgov.org.

Aug. 13 – 17
The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will offer a week-long summer day camp for children ages 7-10 in San Jose’s Guadalupe River Park. Take a look back in time as we explore prehistoric beasts, uncover the lives of the Ohlone, Spanish and Chinese, and visit the Peralta Adobe. Take a trip inside a flower, dig up the dirt on worms, and do water tests on the Guadalupe River. The fee for camp is $200/child. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.grpg.org, or to register call 298-7657. Space is limited so sign-up today!

Aug. 25
“The Hipwaders” perform at the Children’s Discovery Museum. Back on their home turf, following shows at this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago, two-time Parents’ Choice award-winning children’s musicians The Hipwaders will pay a return visit – by popular demand – to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, for a special family concert at 12 noon. For more information, call 298-5437 or visit  www.cdm.org

Aug. 26
Children’ Discovery Museum presents Heritage Day: Viet Heritage Society, Children’s Discovery Museum, and Vision New America will host the second annual Heritage Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the richly diverse cultures and heritage of our community.  Old traditions will be intertwined with new customs and culture through fun-filled activities for children and families, cultural performances, and arts and crafts.  Come out to learn, play, and have fun with us.

CLASSES

Aug. 9 – Sept. 13
Sunset Yoga in the Park: Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and instructor Kristin Strellis for an evening of gentle yoga each Thursday, beginning August 9 from 6:15 - 7 p.m. This class is designed to improve your flexibility, balance and relaxation. All necessary equipment will be provided for your use. Please dress in comfortable clothing. This is an outdoor class that will be taught on the grass. Cost for registration is $30/members, $35/non-members. All programs start at the GRP& G Visitor Center, 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting education@grpg.org or call 298-7657.

FIFTY PLUS

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.

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
Hospice of the Valley has opportunities for volunteers with a variety of skills for patient and family services, community outreach, fundraising events and office support. Training is provided. For more information, call the Hospice of the Valley’s Director of Volunteer Services at 559-5600 or email request@hospicevalley.org.
Kaiser South Bay Hospice Programs is in need of volunteers. Sites are located in San Jose, Santa Clara and Redwood City. All volunteers are trained at no cost and participants are provided ongoing support and education. Volunteers go to patient and family homes providing helpful support in kind, caring ways. Requirements are approximately four hours per week. Call Steve Pankratz, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 342-6631 or 342-6699.

MISCELLANEOUS

Aug. 11 – 12
California Extreme at Parkside Hall: This promises to be the world’s largest pinball and video arcade collectors’ show featuring hundreds of games all on free play, tournaments, speakers, parts vendors, auctions, and an arcade film festival. Admission is $15 - $60. For more information, call 390-7467 or visit www.caextreme.org

Aug. 15, 20, 23 & 28
Guerilla Wanderers Productions premiers two new films at local cinemas: This local film company is premiering two new offerings that feature many San Jose locations! Films "Superhero" and "Boxed Up" will premier at Camera 7 at the Pruneyard Aug. 15, 20, & 23 at 7:30pm and Camera 12 downtown Aug. 28 at 7:30. Besides the two new films, other Bay Area, New York and LA filmmakers' work will be shown. Also, live music, Q & A by host Tim Sika and an after party. For presale tickets contact sales@guerillawanderers.com or call 832-6671.

Aug. 16
The Junior League of San Jose invites women who are interested in exploring membership to two open houses to be held during the month of August in San Jose. Junior League of San Jose members work with Bay Area organizations that foster positive early childhood development, and sponsor an annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon honoring community volunteers. New members can look forward to the upcoming Feb. 29, 2008 Fashion show fundraiser as a highlight of the 2007-08 League year. The final open house is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kirk- Farrington House in San Jose, 1615 Dry Creek Road. Email jlsjrecruiting@ yahoo.com, call the League office at 264-3058 or visit the website at www.jlsj.org for more information about joining the Junior League of San Jose.

Aug. 18
Interiors by Decorating Den and Comerica Bank invites you to a Free Interior Decorating Seminar. Come and learn about the latest design trends and inspirational makeovers and be eligible for Door Prizes,  Special Offers – and we even have chocolate! Event hours are 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Comerica Bank, 5601 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose. RSVP to Thora Tam, Owner/Operator of Interiors by Decorating Den at 223-7300 or thora_decdens@yahoo.com

Aug. 19
The Villages Golf and Country Club will be hosting a fundraising golf tournament at 1 p.m., followed by a walk-a-thon along Coyote Creek at 2 p.m., and a Hawaiian Luau Dinner and raffle at Evergreen Valley Church that evening. All proceeds raised on this day will go to support three outreach ministries to children from around the world and around the corner. Anyone wishing to play in the golf tournament, be one of our hole sponsors, walk in the walk-a-thon, or attend the dinner can contact the church office at 274-7422 or go to our website at www.EVCSJ.com.

Aug. 21
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will be hosting a teacher in-service for educators throughout the Bay Area on from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The in-service is designed to introduce teachers to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and the growing hobby of Geocaching, and provide practical applications of this technology in the classroom that meet California State Educational Standards. Teachers will also learn about the new Geochaching curriculum, “Do you know your way through San Jose?” that will be available in the fall for upper elementary grades, middle and high school students. The cost of the in-service is $35 and is payable upon registration. Visit www.grpg.org for more information or call 298-7657 to register.

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. For more information, call Kathrine Moss at 531-3047.

Sept. 15
Silver Creek High School Class of 1997 10 Year Reunion will be held at 6:30 pm at Agenda Lounge in downtown San Jose at 399 S. First Street . For more information, please visit http://silvercreek97.myevent. com/ or send correspondence to silvercreek97@gmail.com.

October 2007
Abraham Lincoln High School Class of 1967 – 68 40-year Reunion. Contact organizers Debbie (Brown) Rocha at pazrocha@aol.com or Sue (Correia) Dini at tapcrazysue@yahoo.com for more information.

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.