September 8, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

September 9 – Saturday
The Tully Community Branch Library, 880 Tully Road, presents the Eddie Gale Jazz Concert at 12 p.m. For more information, call 808-3030.
September 11 – Monday
September 11 Tribute: A lone piper from The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Pipes and Drums will play a tribute to the fallen Police and Firefighters of September 11 in front of the Stevens Creek County Fire Station, 20215 Stevens Creek Blvd. in Cupertino, at 3 p.m.

DANCE

September 16 – Saturday
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Danza at the Center for the Performing Arts: Ballet Folklorico Mexico brings the magic of dances from their roots that capture and symbolize the beauty of the Latin culture. Come to enjoy a journey filled with color, passion and traditions of Mexico. Performance time is 7 p.m. Admission is $15 - $35. Call 510-475-7388 or visit www.folklormexicano.com for more information.

THEATER

September 23 – October 14
Saratoga Drama Group presents “Bye, Bye Birdie” at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Considered on of the captivating musicals of modern times, “Bye, Bye Birdie” follows rock heartthrob Conrad Birdie on the verge of his induction into the Army. When his publicity-minded agent decides to send Birdie off with a kiss from a member of his fan club – on the Ed Sullivan show – things begin to go awry. Classic songs from the production include “What Did I Ever See In Him?”, “Spanish Rose” and “Kids.” For tickets and information, call 266-4734. Directed by Tim Harris, music by Charles Strouse, choreography by Kayvon Kordestani.

ART

September 1 – 30
Monsieur Beans of Willow Glen, 1383 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose will be hosting local photographer Jeff Moody and his exhibit, “Our California”, for the month of September. Moody’s 15 original works feature a wide variety of styles and subjects, from the rugged coastal vistas of Big Sur and Marin to the sand dunes of Death Valley National Park. A reception for the artist will be held on Friday, September 8 from 7 – 9 p.m. and will be open to the public.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

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. 

September 11 – Monday
Members of the The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Pipes and Drums band will be participating in the Patriot’s Day Memorial Celebration in San Jose. The celebration will feature a police and firefighters mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral at 11:30 a.m. and a 1 p.m. Memorial Parade from the cathedral to Fire Station #1 on Market Street. The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Pipes and Drums band consists of volunteers from the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department, and was founded in September 2001. It now has 40 members and is under the leadership of Pipe Major Jay Tuttle. For more information on the band, visit http://www.lenihan.org/lgpb

September 17 - Sunday
San Jose Bird Mart at Parkside Hall: Bring the family for a day of fun, food, and lots of birds. Come see a live Harris Hawk up close and personal. This event features live birds, seed, treats, cages, custom aviaries, unique toys, Manzanita, orchids, plants and specialty gifts. Admission is $6. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.SanJoseBirdMart.com

September 22 – Friday
Stargazing Night at Rancho Cañada Del Oro Open Space Preserve - Perfect for those who love the night sky; join the Open Space Authority at the preserve on clear, dark nights when the land will be open just for you. The preserve is located in the western foothills of Santa Clara County (just south of Calero County Park.) Don’t forget your telescopes or blankets, and head out to a place where city lights are left far behind. Free. For more information call 224-7476, or visit www.openspaceauthority.org

September 23 – Saturday
The City of San Jose will be hosting the Mayor’s High School Parent Summit at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summit will offer informative workshops for parents to explore college and career opportunities for their future graduate. There will be an Education Resource Fair to peruse while talking with counselors and the Mayor about how to become even more engaged in high school education. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.

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

September 20 – Wednesday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens “Pond Ecology” workshop presented by Dan Henoch, Water Garden Designer, Brookside Garden. This workshop will cover the many aspects of maintaining a water garden balance in an ecosystem, as well as providing literature on pond care, informative product knowledge and more.
Brookside Garden’s award-winning designs have been featured in Sunset Magazine, Evening Magazine and on Henry's Garden. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue at the GRP&G Visitor Ed. Center. Space is limited. For reservations and more information, contact Kary Houle at education@grpg.org or 298-7657. Refunds are for program cancellation or space constraints only. Workshop times are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the cost is $5.00/members, $10.00/non-members.

September 30 – Saturday
Lupus Foundation of Northern California - Lupus Education Class: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily afflicts women. It is life-long and can be life threatening. It is not contagious and affects nearly 40,000 people in the Bay Area. Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, 900 Kiely Blvd., Bldg K, Room 2B, will be hosting this class. Topics include: Treatment methods, Coping with Lupus, and how to relate to family and physicians. Presented by two healkthcare professionals or educators, this course will include a Q&A session and a chance for attendees to share their personal experiences. Registrations deadline is 9/27, fees are $20 per person, or $35 for two persons attending together. Financial hardship discount available. Box lunch and materials included. Register with the Lupus Foundation of Northern California at 954-8600 or e-mail development@balf.org. More information is available at www.balf.org

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.

VOLUNTEERS

September 21 & 28
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 the above dates. Please 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.

September 10 – Sunday
Antique Autos in History Park: Sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San Jose, this free event includes antique cars, fire engines, motorcycles, boats and early day gas engines.  Come to History Park at the south end of Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Road to enjoy a day of music, food, trolley rides and crafts.  Hours are noon to 5 p.m..  For more information visit www.scvmtfc.org.  

September 12 – Tuesday
Back by for the second year in a row is the wildly popular group of "old broads" called "Mass Confusion," as they call themselves, who sing and play instruments and generally do a lot of cutting up.  These ten ladies, who have performed together for 34 year, will be performing at the first meeting of the San Jose Woman's Club. The meeting location is at the Clubhouse, 75 south 11th Street in San Jose, and begins with the 11:30a.m. Social hour followed by a luncheon and the musical program.  The cost is $20 and is open to the public.  Call 269-2395 for reservations.

September 15 & 16
E-Waste Recycling Event: This event, benefiting the Almaden Valley Counseling Service, will be held in the Office Max/Rite Aide parking lot, 1130 Blossom Hill Road, in San Jose from noon to 4 p.m. on 9/15 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 9/16. What we accept:  Computers (CPUs) Monitors, VCRs, Printers, Fax Machines, Stereo Components, Telephones, Microwaves, TVs, Mice, Keyboards, Radio, DVD’s, Speakers. Just drive in and drop-off your unwanted items.

September 15 – Friday
Single professionals of all ages are invited to meet new friends who appreciate fine art and fine wines. This social mixer will be held from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Sonya Paz Fine Art Gallery, 1793 Lafayette St. #110, Santa Clara. The cost is $30 at the door and includes all wine tasting, from boutique wineries; accompanied by appetizers to cleanse the palate. This event is sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals, a non-profit organization, and WineSingles.com, America’s premiere website for single wine afficionados. For more information, call 415/507-9962 or visit www.ThePartyHotline.com.

September 16 – Saturday
The San Jose Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Eta Omega Chapter are sponsoring an Electronic Waste Recycling Event at Evergreen Valley United Methodist Church, 3520 San Felipe Road in San Jose from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a free event. Simply drive through and drop off your unwanted items. Computers, appliances, telephones, entertainment items and misc. electronics accepted. Broken or worn – okay. No refrigerators or stoves please.

September 20 – Wednesday
The Improv Comedy Theater, 62 South Second Street in San Jose will be hosting a comedy night benefiting EHC LifeBuilders “A Night of Laughs to Build Lives.” The EHC LifeBuilders’ second annual Comedy Night will feature comedian Kenny Kane and other special guests. The event will also include a raffle and a silent auction, with prizes such as art displays, dinner and theater packages, and spa treatments. Proceeds benefit EHC LifeBuilders’ programs ending homelessness. Tickets are $45 includes show and 2 drinks, 18 and older with valid ID. For more information, visit laughs@ehclifebuilders.org or call 539-2121.

September 21 – Thursday
Breaking Bread Together: An Interfaith Reunion: Organized by SouthBay Interfaith, this peaceful gathering will feature many South Bay religious communities and organizations including Catholic, Interfaith, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim and protestant groups. These communities will gather together to pray, break bread, and celebrate the unique opportunities Silicon Valley offers to get to know each other better as people of faith. Event hours are 6 – 7 p.m. at the Circle of Palms, 170 Market Street, San Jose. For more information, visit www.SouthBayInterfaith.org.

September 23 – 24
The eighth annual Holistic Arts Fair will be held at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave. in San Jose from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Fair is a great opportunity to discover today’s leading trends in the visionary arts, holistic health, human potential, spiritual and psychic awareness, and future alternatives. Those attending can receive readings, healings and guidance on the spiritual path. Admission is free to all exhibits and events, and parking is free behind the center and on Hicks Ave. The Fair is produced by the Holistic Arts Fair Association, a non-profit educational organization. Some proceeds will be donated to charities. Over 50 exhibitors will offer products and services covering the full range of today's holistic alternatives. For more information call 448-6726, or visit our web site at http://www.california.com/ ~eameece/haf.htm.

September 24 – Sunday
3rd Annual Blues Bash: a musical jam to support the arts: Join the Triton from 1 – 5 p.m. for live blues music, a silent art auction, and a barbeque dinner in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Proceeds from the event support the Triton Museum’s art and education programs. Call for 247-3754 for ticket reservations and information. The Triton Museum is located at 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara.

Ongoing
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 fro 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.

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.