September 10, 2004

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC
September 18, 19, 21, 23,
25, 28 & Oct. 1, 3
The much-anticipated California Theater Debut Season of Opera San Jose opens with W.A. Mozart’s operatic masterwork, “The Marriage of Figaro.” The newly renovated 1,100-seat California Theater, 345 South San Carlos in San Jose, offers an intimate setting combining aesthetic beauty with state-of-the-art conveniences. Fro ticket information, call the box office at 427-4450 or visit www.operasj.org.

September 18 – Saturday
Barnes and Noble Almaden, 5353 Almaden Expressway, continues its musical offerings with “Grupo Germinal” as they celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with traditional Spanish folk music. Performance time is 7:30 p.m.

September 22 – Wednesday
The Celtic Society of Monterey Bay presents traditional Irish songstress, Niamh Parsons in concert at Espresso Garden, 814 Bascom Avenue in San Jose. Tickets are $15 General Admission. For reservations, call 847-6982.
September 25 – Saturday
Almaden Adventure in the Arts presents acclaimed Bluegrass quartet, “Highway One” performing at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue, in San Jose. Highway One is one of Northern California’s premier Bluegrass bands and has played to enthusiastic audiences since 1988. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $15 general, $8 for students. Child care will be provided. For more information, call 268-0243.

September 27 – Monday
Irish Rockers “Lunasa” will be performing for one night only at the San Jose Repertory Theater. Hailed as “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet,” by Irish Voice, Lunasa underscored the 2001 SJ Rep production of “By the Bog of Cats,” starring Holly Hunter and directed by Timothy Near. Now the quintet returns to San Jose fro their first concert in the imitate setting of The Repertory Theater. Performance time is 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.

ART
July 25 – October 11
Tokyo-based Artist, Yoshitomo Nara’s: Nothing Ever Happens will open at the San Jose Museum Of Art in downtown. This will be Nara’s first major solo museum exhibit in the united States and is accompanied by a 96-page catalogue with essays by pop icons including Billie Joe Armstrong of “Green Day,” author Dave Eggers and Debby Harry of “Blondie.” Nara’s deceptively simple paintings, drawings and sculptures invite viewers to reconnect with the defiant spirit that comes with youthful optimism and the belief that someday we may change the world. For more information, visit www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org or call recorded information at 294-2787.

August 28 – September 24
The Santa Clara Watercolor Society presents its 37th Annual Member Show, entitled “Conversation Pieces…Something to Talk About” in the Rose Shenson Gallery on the grounds of the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. The public is invited to attend the awards and artist reception on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 725-0383 or visit www.scvws.org.

THEATER
September 4 – October 3
George Bernard Shaw’s “Major Barbara,” an inspiring tale of big hearts and uncompromising ideals, will open the 2004 - 2005 Season of the San Jose Repertory Theater. Directed by Timothy Near, this classis tale tackles the thorny issues of religion, war, politics and social justice – themes as relevant now as when Shaw wrote it nearly a century ago. For tickets and additional information, call the box office at 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.

September 21 - 26
American Musical Theater of San Jose presents the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, “RENT,” for a limited one-week engagement at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown. Inspired by Puccini’s operatic masterwork, “La Boheme,” “RENT” is a joyous, breathtaking and often bittersweet musical that celebrates a community of artists as they struggle with the soaring hopes and tough realities of today’s world. For tickets and information, call 1-888-455-7469, or visit www.amtsj.org.

MEETINGS
Business Leads Unlimited meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s 1015 Blossom Hill Road. Please contact Richard at 378-2225 if you plan to attend.
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!
The San Pedro Squares Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1001 East Capitol Epwy (near McLaughlin Rd. and Capitol Epwy). For more information, contact Kam Amin 404-1855, or
kbamin@kbamin.com. Or check out our website at http://sanpedro.freetoasthost.org.
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.
South Valley Chapter of Leads Business Networking Group meets for lunch on Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Call or email Renee to get location details. 210-7361 or rdaggett@adminbooks.com
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.

CLASSES
Ongoing
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.
Join City of San Jose Recreation Leader Bobby Nguyen at the Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Road, for free Breakdancing classes! Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 270-2220.

HEALTH
September 13 – November 3
The Stanford Living Strong, Living Well Program designed for cancer patients and survivors will be held at the East Valley YMCA from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for eight weeks. The goal of this program is to help adult participants build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve function ability. There is no fee for this program, but class size is limited so advance registration is required, Call Joyce Hanna at 650-725-5014 to register.

September 16 – Thursday
Sigma-Tau Pharmaceticals, Inc. is sponsoring a free conference on living with dialysis. This event discusses new techniques, tips, and trends from local renal professionals, local officials, and local dialysis patients by having them hear first hand their experiences. This event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel, 1350 N. First Street, in San Jose. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit peoplefirst@duffey.com

Ongoing:
The New Almaden Community Center will be hosting a weekly yoga class on Mon/Wed/Fri. at 6 a.m. and on Tues/Thurs. at 7 a.m. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats, however, there are a limited number of pads available. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week. Classes are appropriate for both beginner and intermediate levels.
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.
Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program is looking for persons over age 60 who are willing to give love and attention to children with special needs in the community. Participants must be on a limited retirement income to qualify, be in good physical health and be able to work four hours a day, five days a week. Foster grandparents receive a small non-taxable stipend and other benefits. Contact Susan Alberto at 325-5206.
Senior Adults Legal Assistance program at Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Ave. handles cases in Legal Assistance, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare. First and third Thurs. of each month (60 years or older – free). By appointment only at 251-0215.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is offered free to assist the elderly with Medicare problems and help with Health Insurance. Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Ave. Call 251-0215 for more information.
Fifty Plus Gentle Yoga Class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at St. Francis Church at the corner of Pine and Newport in Willow Glen. Everyone is welcome, no yoga experience is necessary, no pretzel poses! This class is perfect for increasing flexibility, building strength, and reducing injuries. For more information call Yoga Instructor Arika Larson at 947-7685.
San Jose Widows/Widowers Social Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month at ll:15 AM at Harry’s Hofbrau,390 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, for lunch and a brief meeting, followed by cards and games. The Club also meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Carrows Restaurant, 330 E. Hamilton Ave. in Campbell for breakfast. For more information, call 269-7126 or 275-6l78.
TGA (To Get Acquainted) is a Senior Tuesday Night Ballroom Dancing Club that meets every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Senior Center, corner of Fremont and Monroe, Santa Clara. Dance lessons are included with paid admission from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Live Band $4 - DJ $3. Refreshments, no partners needed.
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.
The Older Women’s League (OWL) of Santa Clara County invites you to join them at the Cypress Gardens Community Room located at 3555 Judro Way, San Jose for a monthly meeting. The organization focuses on key issues affecting mid-life and older woman such as: economic security, national health care, affordable/appropriate housing, ending abuse/violence against women, etc. They meet the second Saturday of the month at 9:45 a.m.
Fifty-Plus Fitness Association meets the third Sunday of every month at 9 a.m. at Quicksilver Park, in Almaden Valley for a hike. Call 266-8404 for more information.

CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENTS
September 18 - October 16
Saratoga Drama Group presents Irving Berlin’s classic musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” based on the life of wild west legend, Annie Oakley. All performances will be held at the Saratoga Civic Theater. For more information, call the box office at 264-3110 or visit www.saratogadramagroup.com.

September 18 – Saturday
Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn will be hosting her “Stranger Danger” Camp and Safety Resource Faire at Ruskin School, 1401 Turlock Lane in San Jose, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event brings together local CHP Fire and Police departments and the office of Emergency Services amongst others to offer resources to the community of public safety.

September 18 – Saturday
The YMCA will be hosting its Family Fun and Wellness Open House at 11 YMCA branches throughout the San Jose area. This event will offer both children and adults alike a taste of fun and a chance to learn about health and fitness programs. Bounces houses, registration information, healthy snacks and free demonstrations are just some of the many features available at this annual event. For information on a participating branch near you, call 288-9622.

September 19 - Sunday
The Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club, will host an Antique Auto Show in History Park (Kelley Park), 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. Park hours are noon to 5 pm. Come see the 75 to 100 antique autos, antique motorcycles, antique bicycles, early day gas engines, antique fire equipment, antique trolleys and historic buildings.Enjoy a ride on an historic trolley. Music will be provided by a Bay area Dixieland band and food provided by Peggy Sue’s and O’Briens. Admission to the Park is free. Public parking is available for a nominal fee at the two city parking lots adjacent to History Park. For additional information contact History Park at 287-2290 or visit www.scvmtfc.org.

September 25 - Saturday
Come to the Reid-Hillview Airport Day from 8a.m. - 3p.m. This free event features Bi-plane rides, helicopter rides, Breakfast snacks, aircrafts on display, face painting, a kid’s area, food booths, raffles, law enforcement demos and more. For more information call 313-6263

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
September 18 – Saturday
The 20th Anniversary California Coastal Cleanup Day will take place at various locations throughout the northern California area from 9 am to noon. Local sites include creeks, beaches, lakes and shorelines. To find your local organizer and cleanup site, call 800-262-7848, or visit www.coastforyou,org.

September 24 – Friday
The “Crafters Who Care,” a local volunteer knit and crochet group based at The Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Road, will be hosting their fall kickoff from 10 a.m. to noon. Come and learn how this group of creative volunteers helps to brighten the days of many needy children in the San Jose area, through their hand-made creations. For more information, call Dee Castagnoli at 238-7956.

Ongoing:
Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is looking for volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children/youth who have been placed in the foster care system. To find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child, call (408) 573-5618 or e-mail vickie@cadvocates.org.
EMQ Children and Family Services is a non-profit agency serving children struggling with severe emotional issues. EMQ is seeking adult mentors to connect with youth ages 7 – 17 for two hours per week. Training is provided. Applicants must be a licensed driver. Interested volunteers should call 335-1857 or visit www.emq.org.
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to animals, has volunteer opportunities
for foster caregivers for kittens and cats and for petfaire workers for our Saturday PetClub events. For more information, visit www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org, or contact us through volunteer@safehavenforanimals.com or call 420-7233.
Sacred Heart Community Service needs volunteers to assist in our Self-Sufficiency Programs, including Youth and Adult Education, JobLink and Embracing Families. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. For more information contact the Volunteer Office at 278-2171 or visit www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org.
Child Abuse Prevention Center is seeking volunteers to join the Volunteer Case Aide program, which assists children and their families by providing services requested by county social workers. Call (650) 595-7640 for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS
September 18 – Saturday
The Willow Glen High School class of 1964 Reunion will be at the Hayes Mansion and Conference Center, 200 Edenvale Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event features a cocktail reception, food stations and dancing. For more information, call 259-7672 or email WillowGlen64@yahoo.com

September 18 – Saturday
Campbell High School’s Class of 1954 Reunion will be at the San Jose Hyatt Hotel, 1740 First Street from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cost is $75 per person. For more information, call Toots (Liz) Kirk Plett at 377-3094 or tootsie35@aol.com.

September 21 – Tuesday
The National Organization for Women presents the dramatization “Daisy Juliette Gordon Low.” The entertaining story of the founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the African American Center, located on Julian at 6th Street in San Jose.

September 25 – Saturday
The Italian American Heritage Foundation invites you to attend “A Night in Italy,” held at the Italian American Cultural Center, 425 North Fourth Street in San Jose. This event will feature live music by “The Sicilian Band,” Tarantella dancing with authentic costumes, opportunity drawings and a 5-course dinner. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 293-7122, or visit www.iahfsj.org.

September 25 – 26
The 6th Annual Holistic Arts Fair will be held at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Avenue in Willow Glen. This even offers the opportunity to explore today’s leading trends in visionary arts, holistic health, human potential, and spiritual and psychic awareness. Attendees can receive readings, healings and guidance on the spiritual path. Over 50 exhibitors will offer products and services covering the full range of holistic alternatives. For more information, call 448-6726.

October 10 – Sunday
Save the date! The 11th Annual Almaden Times Classic 10K/2 mile run will begin at 9 a.m. The race will begin at Leland High School, and includes both a 10K and 2 mile run. Prizes will be awarded in 9 age categories and a special family entrance rate is available. For more information, call 997-0200 or visit www.av@avcounseling.org. Online registration is available at www.active.com, or see future Almaden Times issues for registration materials.

Ongoing
Welcome Wagon #3 is a non-profit, diverse group of volunteers dedicated to charity, community and each other. Welcome Wagon offers 15+ activity groups of various interests for our members to enjoy. Twice yearly WW hosts charity events to raise funds, giving back to the community. WW #3 meets as a whole on the third Wednesday of each month for luncheons and programs to various restaurants in the area. New members are always welcome! For additional information, call our new member hotline at 445-7015. Ask for President Glenda or membership chairs Beverly or Barbara.

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.