August 25, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

August 27 - Sunday
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents works by Gershwin, Kapralova, and Boccherini at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose. Performance at 7 p.m. Pre-concert chat at 6:15 p.m. Barbara Day Turner, conductor, Sara Davis Buechner, pianist. Tickets are $30 - $45. For more information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

September 3 – Sunday
Vietnamese Traditional Opera: “Phung Nghi Dinh” at the Montgomery Theater: Vietnamese Traditional Opera “Phung Nghi Dinh” will be presented with a whole new perspective. All female characters will be played by male actors and all male characters will be played by female actresses. The whole cross gender performing will add more tastes to this juicy and well-known Vietnamese Traditional Opera play “Phung Nghi Dinh.” This Opera features prominent traditional performers from Viet Nam: Vu Luan, Tu Suong, Tram Anh, Binh Trang, Mai The Hiep, Calvin Hiep, and Le Tin. Admission is $30 - $45, performance time is 3 p.m. For more information, call 714-590-1360.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

August 27 – Sunday
The Viet Heritage Society (VHS) and the City of San Jose will present the first annual Heritage Day celebration at History Park San Jose in Kelley Park. This free, fun-filled day will give attendees the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the diverse rich cultures from around the globe while offering a myriad of delicious food and fun activities for all ages. From Taiko drumming, Aztec dancing, to Chinese acrobats, guests will be amazed by the talented performers. Renowned local chefs will also be on hand for food demonstrations and the whole family will enjoy the many activities and over 35 community booths. For more details on the Heritage Day celebration, visit: http://www.summerheritageday.org

September 3 - Sunday
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks at Great America Enjoy a fireworks extravaganza, free with park admission, high above the skies of Paramount’s Great America! For more information or to purchase discount tickets, visit www.pgathrills.com. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

September 9 – Saturday
"Club Impact" Student Game Night--to be held at the Almaden Community Center Gymnasium from 4-7pm.  A Kick-off event for Campus Bible Clubs, held weekly at Greystone, Simonds, and Williams Elementary Schools, and at Bret Harte and Castillero Middle Schools.  Come meet your club leaders and find out what Club Impact is all about.  Bring your family for high energy games and yummy snacks!  Club Impact is sponsored by South Hills Community Church.  For more information, contact Darlene at 268-1076.

September 10 – Sunday
San Jose Youth Ballet “Nutcracker 2006” auditions will be held at Dance Theatre International, 4075 Evergreen Village Square, Ste 260 San Jose. Auditions are open to girls and boys from age 7 to adult dancers and actors. All who audition receive a part. Parts vary depending on skill levels. Performances are held in December. Please visit www.sjyb.org for more information. 

Through September 23
Summer is almost over and it’s your Last Chance to check out Raging Waters.  Raging Waters is now open weekends through September 23.  Raging Waters has something for everyone, including over 20 rides and slides. Don’t miss your “Last Chance” Guest Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 10th. Prizes will be given out ever hour! For more information or discounts, check out www.rwsplash.com.  

Ongoing
Bonfante Gardens offers summer value and fun with 50% off adult general admission after 3 p.m. For just $19.50, guests of all ages can enjoy more than 40 rides and attractions including Bonfante's Splash Garden, six majestic gardens and educational exhibits. Offer valid for a limited time only. Purchase tickets online at www.bonfantegardens.org or at the park after 3 p.m.

CLASSES

August 2 - 30
San Jose's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library presents a Summer Dance Series. Learn how to dance and get healthy in a free five-week lunch-hour series. Attend one or all sessions. Instructors from local dance organizations and studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles - proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull! Audience participation is encouraged. Join us in Caret Plaza, just outside the east campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library. Each week will feature a different dance style in chronological order the classes are: Hip-Hop, Belly Dance, Salsa, Polynesian, and Line Dance. The series is hosted by King Library General Collections and sponsored by the Friends of the San Jose Public Library, San Jose State University Kinesiology Dept., Noho'ana Dance Company, and California Line Dance Association of America.

August 29 - Tuesday
Santa Clara Adult Education Creative Writing Workshop: Learn the elements of creative writing. Join this friendly and supportive class for weekly on-going sessions offered at two Santa Clara locations: Each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-Noon at Westmont, 1675 Scott Blvd. and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Valley Village, 390 North Winchester Blvd. Course fee is $3. Register at class or on-line at Santa Clara Adult Education: www.scae.org or call 423-3500.

September 2-3
MathEdge, which specializes in teaching problem solving skills and competitive math training, is offering free Mental Math Classes from 2-5pm. Teach easy ways to perform mental calculations such as 2-digit multiplication in seconds. Parents and students are invited to attend. Please sign up from www.mathedge.org if interested or call 725-2680 with questions.

September 6 – Wednesday
Composting with the Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens: Turn over those old leaves piling up in your yard this fall into a new compost pile! Master Composter, Phil Cornish, will cover items such as: what can be composted, the various composting methods available, and what to do with finished compost. The free workshop, co-sponsored by Santa Clara County Home Composting Program and Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. To sign up, contact the Education Coordinator at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657. Visit www.grpg.org for more information

Ongoing
Tai Chi Chuan classes at Hakone Gardens: Beginning/intermediate classes are ongoing and meet on Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:55 p.m., Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, close to downtown Saratoga. Fees are $96 for a consecutive 8-week series or $20 for a drop-in class. For more information, call Instructor at 295-9439 or email linda@xs.com. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art. It promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. This class is suitable for people of all ages.

FIFTY PLUS

Ongoing
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.

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

August 29 September 9
Vision Literacy needs tutor volunteers to help adults build their literacy skills. Tutor volunteer opportunities exist in community literacy, family literacy, substance abuse treatment programs and correctional facilities. Vision Literacy is conducting tutor volunteer orientations on the dates above. Call 262-1349 or email info@visionliteracy.org to register for one of these dates or for more information.

Ongoing
Odyssey Healthcare Hospice volunteers: The individuals who work with us to serve all people during the end of life’s journey encounter situations that are sad, to be sure. We also see much valor, humor, love, and unvanquished humanity. It's worth every minute! We need people to do the little things that bring encouragement to our patients and their families: visiting, reading aloud, writing letters, giving caregivers short periods of respite--and sometimes, just being an attentive listener. Please call Melanie at Odyssey Healthcare: 626-4868.

Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in someone's day.  Join a Volunteer community that shares your interest in helping others.  Greeting and assisting visitors, reading to children, conducting tours, or assisting in the Volunteer office are just a few of the opportunities available.  We are easily accessible via Hwy 85 and Light Rail, plus we offer Free Valet Parking.  Phone us at 972-6233 or visit our website at www.kpsantateresa.org for more information.

Volunteer with Hands On Bay Area and make a difference in your community! Each month, Hands On Bay Area offers over 100 community service projects across the Bay Area addressing issues such as: the environment, hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, family service, children and teens, seniors and people with disabilities. Catering to today's busy lifestyles, most projects take place outside of regular working hours at night or on weekends, do not require a long-term commitment, and are group-based. A brief one-time orientation is required. For more information go to www.handsonbayarea.org .

MISCELLANEOUS

August 5 – October 28
The Sunnyvale Lace Museum’s new exhibit, “Hooked on Crochet: will feature one-of-a-kind items from the turn of the 20th century to the present. Come see examples of adult and children clothing, bedspreads, tablecloths and other crochet items from a craft that was once one of American women's greatest past time. This is a free exhibit. The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale, with free parking.

August 12 – September 30
Through September 30, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum will offer a free audio tour guide. Sixty-nine minutes of museum highlights will be presented through an MP3 player allowing users to set their own pace with pause, stop and rewind functions. This English only tour provides special insight into the life and history surrounding artifacts. Includes rare Apis Bull Mummy, Tomb replica and Statue of Cleopatra VII.

August 28 – Monday
Silent and Live Auction to benefit Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. Event hours are from 3-7 p.m. Hosted at a private home, 3573 Meadowlands Lane, San Jose. Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $40.00 at the door. Ticket price includes wine, beverages, and wonderful appetizers. You may purchase tickets on our website: safehavenanimalsanctuary.org or write a check payable to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary and mail to: 5693 Morningside Drive, San Jose, CA, 95138. Auction items include: vacation home for a summer week in Tahoe; a B&B stay in Aptos; a B&B stay outside of Seattle; private airplane ride; custom designed jewelry; wine gift baskets; Avon gift basket; pet gift baskets; and many more items. For more information email auction@safehavenanimalsanctuary.org or call Yvonne Covello at 832-4010.

August 31 – Thursday
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will be presenting the Golden Globe-winning “Transamerica” (2005) on Community Movie Night at 6:15 p.m. in the DeFrank Center’s Grand Ballroom at 938 The Alameda in San Jose. Community Movie Night is an opportunity for all of the LGBT community and allies to come together and enjoy a good movie. A social event precedes the film featuring food and entertainment. Admission is free, donations are encouraged. Please contact Adult Services at 293-3040 x116 or visit http://www.defrank.org/events/community_movie_2006-8.html for more information.

September 2 – Saturday
Pet Awareness Day at Santana Row: Join Humane Society Silicon Valley to say goodbye to summer and welcome back-to-school time with your doggie best friend! Enjoy lemonade and let your dog enjoy doggie ice cream on us! Get valuable information about training classes, clicker training, and doggie day care. Hours are noon-4 p.m. at Park Valencia, Santana Row. For more information, call 727-3383.

September 8 – Friday
Single Professionals of all ages are invited to dress in their finest for the Black & White Summer Ball, from 8:30pm-1am, at David’s Restaurant, 5151 Stars & Stripes, Santa Clara.  The cost is $20 at the door, which includes dancing plus complimentary hors d’oeuvres the first hour. Dinner is also available for $50 (prepaid), which includes free admission to the Ball.  This event is co-sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals, a non-profit organization; and Singles Supper Club, the Silicon Valley’s premier dining club for single professionals. Anyone wishing more information may visit www.ThePartyHotline.com or call 650/327-4645. There is free parking.

Ongoing
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is offering discounted spay/neuter surgeries during the month of July to encourage the public to sterilize their cats to prevent unwanted litters of kittens. Throughout the month, female cat spays are $50 while male neuters are just $25. Appointments are still available and can be made by calling 727-3383 extension 827.

Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose offers a variety of activities and services on an ongoing basis. These include Bingo, Free legal assistance for seniors, Dancing, and Immigration Consultation. Call 251-0215 for more information and schedules.

Willow Glen/Pioneer High School Class of 1961 will hold its 45th reunion at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose on November 4, 2006. To secure your reservation, contact Donna O’Neil at 267-2487. Information about this event is posted on Classmates.com under Class of 1961.

Branham High School Class of 1976.  Our 30th Reunion is September 30 at Coyote Ranch.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Pam Poor at pamela.schuur@comcast.net to get on the mailing list and visit www.geocities/branham76 for updates.

Branham High School Class of 1986.  Our 20th Reunion is October 14, 2006 at the Wyndham Hotel.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Jennifer Bentson Vazquez at jcjenvaz@sbglobal.net to get on the mailing list and visit http://www.classencounters.com for more information.

Humane Society of Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings: First Wednesday 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.

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.