October 19, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Oct. 25, 27-28
Symphony Silicon Valley presents George Cleve and Seymour Lipkin. Cleve will be conducting Brahms’ symphony No. 3 in F major, and Lipkin will be performing Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Performance times are 10/25 at 7:30 p.m.; 10/27 at 8 p.m.; and 10/28 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose. Call the box office at 286-2600 for tickets.

Nov. 6
Free Opera Preview - Singers from Opera San José and lecturer Larry Hancock will preview Massenet's Werther. Event time is noon, at the Beethoven Center, MLK Library, 4th and San Fernando in downtown San José. No reservations needed. More Information is available at www.sjoperaguild.org or 275-6199.

DANCE

Oct. 26 – 27
Celebrating their fifth season, sjDANCEco will present their fall concert, “The Best of sjDANCEco,” at the San Jose Repertory Theatre. The 8 p.m. performance features three of the Company’s most acclaimed pieces during the past five seasons. including “Birthing the Ascension,” “RAW” and “Courting Medieval.” The performance will also include José Limón's masterwork, “Mazurkas,” and two Company premieres, “Quietus,” by Dominic Duong, and Gary Masters’ “Diablo Opus.”

ART

Sept. 14 – Dec. 31
San Francisco’s Metreon, located at 101 4th Street, hosts the North American debut of Da Vinci – an Exhibition of Genius, celebrating the man who invented the forerunner to the tank, camera, and automobile, engineered bridges and cities, documented the intricacies of the human body, in addition to painting the most famous piece of art in the world. This stunning, interactive and experiential exhibition has taken 10 years to create, and includes 3D animations illuminating the genius behind the famous Vitruvian Man and the Last Supper. Come see the most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever assembled on the greatest creative mind of the Italian Renaissance.  Admission fees are Adult $19.50, Seniors (62+), $17.50 and kids aged 4-12 years are $15.50. For ticket information, visit davincithegenius.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Sept. 27 – Jan. 26, 2008
Body Worlds 2 & the Three Pound Gem at The Tech: Body Worlds 2 features more than 200 authentic human specimens preserved through Plastination, including whole bodies, individual organs, and transparent body slices. The exhibit offers visitors an in-depth view of the intricately designed human body, comparative anatomy showing wellness and disease, and the mysterious world of the brain. Admission is $8 - $22. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Last entry 7:30 p.m. For more information on this must-see exhibit, visit www.thetech.org

Oct. 26
Things that go bump in the night - why not explore the world of bats, cats, owls, and spiders! Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens as we discover the special adaptations these animals have for survival, and even meet a live native tarantula and toad! You can transform a miniature pumpkin into your favorite fall creature to decorate your home. At night these creatures may seem spooky, but once we shed some light on them, we will see just how amazing they are. Hours are 3:30 to 5 p.m. appropriate for ages 5 – 10 years. Programs will take place at the Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. To reserve your spot, call 298-7657 or visit our website. Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $7 members/ $10 non-members Pre-registration required.

Oct. 27
Children’s Discovery Museum presents “Family Lunada.” Join us from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for an evening of music and fun, based on the Mexican custom of gathering informally at the time of the full moon for entertainment and relaxation with family and friends. For details about this evening’s line up, go online http://www.cdm.org/lunadas And share your talent at our open mic!

Oct. 28
Bethel Church presents “The Devil's Dance” a free music and dance event for high school (14 and older) and college students. The Devil's Dance is a pre-Halloween event in a safe gang-free, drug and alcohol-free venue for young people. For more information, call 200-8965. Location - Bethel Gymnasium Building,1201 S. Winchester Blvd. Event hours are 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 28
Haunt the Hollow - and History Park. Trick or Treat at Kelley Park: Kids will be able to trick-or-treat throughout Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the History Park in a fun, safe, family friendly environment while celebrating one of the year’s most exciting holidays. Event hours are from 1 - 6 p.m. Kids will be able to enjoy trolley car rides, puppet shows, play areas and zoo, which have become a mainstay for families of San José. Stations will be set up throughout Happy Hollow Park & Zoo from 1 – 4 p.m. and at the historic homes in History Park from 3 – 6 p.m. This event is included with the regular admission of $6 per person and is free to Happy Hollow and to History San José members. This scare-free event is sponsored by 94.5 KBAY and The San Jose Mercury News. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on this event day. For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 277 4193 or visit www.hhpz.org.

Oct. 30
Girls For A Change Girl Summit: Each year 1,000+ teen girls gather with 300+ professional women for the most powerful and respected girl conference e in the country: The GFC Girls Summit. Together girls gain the self-esteem, skills and resources it takes to change the world! Throughout the day, girls are inspired by speakers, musicians, dancers, social change workshops and – most importantly –each other. Held at the San José McEnery Convention Center, 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.girlsforachange.org

Oct. 31
Trunk or Treat: Everything is free at this Halloween festival for children sponsored and hosted by Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Road Children will walk from car to car and trick or treat from trunks in the parking lot for plenty of candy and treats. Each car will be decorated and provide a free game to the kids from the people of Evergreen Valley Church. Event is being held on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Road. Call 274-7422 with any questions.

Oct. 31
Gilroy Premium Outlets hosts 7th Annual Halloween Spooktacular: Bring your costumed children trick-or-treating from 4 to 6 p.m. Free glow necklaces will be distributed to the first 1,000 children who stop by the Information Center located in Building C.  Free trick-or-treat bags will also be provided to the first 1,000 children.  Candy and treats will be given out by participating merchants who will be identified with a flyer posted to the door.

Ongoing
Eastridge Barnes and Noble offers a variety of story time activities for children and families to enjoy each week: On Mondays at 10:30 a.m. is “Toddler Time” for children 3 years and under. Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. is “Jamarama” pajama story time for all ages. Thursdays at 11 a.m. welcomes parents and children aged 3 – 5 years for “Preschool story time,” and every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. is a story time for the entire family. For more information, call our store at 270-9470.

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles announced the new schedule of topics for its popular free multicultural arts program for elementary school children. “Kids Create,” aimed at children ages 5 to 11, explores different cultural traditions through stories and hands-on art projects. “Kids Create” is free to children; accompanying adults pay museum admission. The program runs from 2:00-3:00pm the first Sunday of each month. Reservations are required. For more information call 408-971-0323 x14 or visit www.sjquiltmuseum.org/events. The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is located at 520 South First Street in downtown San Jose.

CLASSES

Nov. 3
Learn to Manage Pests at MetroED Workshop: Learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP) new free-of-charge World Garden Workshop at the Erikson Adult Center located at 4849 Pearl Ave, San Jose. Home gardeners will learn about pest management including: small and large mammals, beneficial and destructive insects, pathogens and weed control/abatement. Ray will also share practical cultural methods to prevent problems in the garden. Session time is from 10 a.m. to noon in room 18. To register,call 723-6450 and ask to have your name added to the November World Garden Workshop list, or email ritab@metroed.net. Sign-up early, space is limited.

VOLUNTEERS

Nov. 8
American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation: Come to the volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. - noon.  Learn to meet, greet, and inform donors at Santa Clara County area blood drives or make deliveries as a volunteer driver. Minimum commitment is only two 3-hour shifts per month.  Evening and weekend volunteer shifts are available. Orientation takes place at our San Jose Blood Center, 2731 North First Street. Advanced sign-up required.  For more information, call Anne at 510-594-5165 or email blackstonea@usa.redcross.org
Crafters Who Care meets the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at the Evergreen Community Center from 10-12 p.m.
We are a group of ladies who use our crocheting, knitting, or sewing talents to make blankets for Project Linus and other charities. For more information, contact Erma Linn at ermadlinn@msn.com or 274-7517.

Ongoing
Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking volunteers. For as little as four hours a week you can make a difference in someone's life, as well as your own. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and take pride in knowing you are providing a community service. Gain retail and business experience volunteering in our newly remodeled Keepsake Gift Shop. We also have positions in the hospital or medical offices. We offer day, evening and weekend opportunities for those 18 and over. For more information go to our website at www.kpsanjose.org or call Teri at 972-7409.

Do you enjoy working with children and have an interest in art?  The San Jose Museum of Art is currently recruiting volunters to join the Let's Look at Art Program.  As a volunteer docent you would bring art into classrooms and lead interactive discussions with the students.  Classroom visits are done according to your availability during school hours.  For more information, phone 291-5393 or email Vol4LLAA@sjmusart.org.  No art experience is required.  Training session begins Oct. 17, 2007.

MISCELLANEOUS

Oct. 11 – 31
Get ready for the fright of your life! Gyro’s Scream Fest Haunted House comes to Westfield’s Oakridge Mall. From Oct. 11 – 31, America’s Premiere Haunted House will be just around the corner. Open Thurs. – Sat. admission is $19.95. This year’s featured attractions include Rob Zombie’s “The Devil’s Playground,” “Evil Jack’s Madhouse” and “Fortress” For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.3dfearfactory.com.

Oct. 26-28
A Convention of the Tattoo Arts: State of Grace Productions is proud to present “A Convention of the Tattoo Arts” at South Hall. This event features live tattooing by professional artists from all over the world, tattoo contests and art displays. Admission is $20. For information, visit www.stateofgracetattoo.com

Nov. 3 - 4
San Jose Reptile Show: San Jose’s South Hall will house over 75 vendors, 5,000 reptiles, live alligators, sale of reptiles and supplies at wholesale prices and more. Addmission is $6 - $9. For more information, call 916-691-7387 or visit www.upscalereptiles.com

Nov. 6
The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley (CFSV) Presents: Author/Historian Michael Zak speaking on the acclaimed history of the Republican Party from the civil rights perspective. Location – The American Legion Hall, 958 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. CFSV Members/Students/First-time visitors: no charge – Non-members; $10 Lecture at 7 p.m. doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit: www.theconservativeforum.com

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.