October 20, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

October 22 – Saturday
Louis Bellson and the 18-piece Big Band return to the Silver Creek Valley Country Club! - Doors & No-Host Bar open at 3 p.m., Concert at 4 p.m. Sample our extensive selection of wines by the glass. Reserve your tickets today! 239-5888. Cost is $25.00

October 29 - Sunday
The second concert in the 2006-07 Steinway Society piano series will feature Sa Chen, Crystal Award (third prize) winner of the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.  Ms. Chen will perform at Le Petit Trianon Theatre in downtown San Jose at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30-$45; senior $25-$40; student $20-$35 To purchase tickets or for additional information, call the Le Petit Trianon Box Office at (408) 286-2600, extension 23; fax (408) 295-6518, or E-mail:steinwaysociety@trianontheatre.com.

November 5 – Sunday
You are invited to join the Mission Chamber Orchestra for a concert of spirited Italian music at Evergreen Valley High School, 3300 Quimby Road, San Jose. Enjoy Mendelssohn's Symphony no. 4, "Italian", Castelnuovo-Tedesco's poignant Guitar Concerto no. 1, and Nino Rota's Balli. Rising star Michael Bautista is the featured guitar soloist in this performance that is sure to leave you longing for a trip to the boot-shaped country. You will know Nino Rota from his film music (“Godfather,” “Juliet of the Spirits”). Viva l'italia! Concert begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general, $5 for children under 12.

ART

October 1 – 31
Monsieur Beans of Willow Glen, 1383 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose, presents an art exhibit of original paintings by Pauline J. Jensen. This showing will features 20 works including “Glass Walkways – Halfmoon Bay” and “Dreams of Travel” (water color) and “People of Korea.” (oil) An artist’s reception will be held on October 8 from 2 – 5 p.m. refreshments will be served.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 13 – 31
Gyro’s 3D Scream Fest returns to the San Jose: They’re baaaaack – and bigger than ever. Gyro’s Scream Fest has returned and expanded into area’s largest haunted attraction to scare YOU! Join Evil Jack and his macabre minions as they take over the Convention Center’s South Hall. Scream your way through three haunted attractions, plus themed games in Evil Jack’s Arcade and soothe those hunger pains in the Cut-throat Café and take home something to remember (or scare away) your nightmares. Admission is $19.95. Visit www.gyrohaunts.com for additional information.

October 28 – Saturday
The East Valley Family YMCA is again offering an imaginative Halloween experience – an evening for little goblins and their families to enjoy in an environment that’s both caring and safe. The holiday fun takes place from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at 1975 S. White Road in east San Jose. As a special treat this year, the haunted house will be open both Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. There is a $2 charge to enter the haunted house, and all proceeds support the East Valley Family YMCA Teen Program. For more information about “Halloween at the YMCA” festivities contact Jennifer Hurwitz at 715-6519 or log onto our web site at www.eastvalleyymca.org

October 27 – Friday
Alum Rock Youth Center’s Fright Fest, a Haunted House Festival, opens its doors to young children and adults for its third consecutive year. Come dressed in a scary ensemble for a chance at winning the costume contest. Watch a parade, enjoy music, munch on delicious food and participate in carnival games for a chance to win prizes. Prepare for a frightfully fun experience at the Fright Fest Haunted House. Located at 137 North White Road, Fest hours are 6:30 – 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person.

October 27 – Friday
The Campbell Historical Museum, 51 North Central Avenue in Campbell, will offer its 4th annual “Spooky Halloween Night” evening of fun and recreation of old-fashioned Halloween games and activities from the 1920s and 30s. The event, designed for families, will include hot cider, apples to dunk, candy and treats for the youngsters, plus games and activities like “touch-feely” boxes and making trick-or-treat bags to prepare the children for the big Halloween night. The location has changed this year because of the closure of the Ainsley House due to the roofing project. Admission $5 per person; and children under 2 free. Event hours are 3 – 7 p.m. For information, call 866-2119 or visit through the City’s website: www.cityofcampbell.com/museum Costumes are permitted.

October 27 - Friday
Leaves are not the only color to look for in fall – Monarch Butterflies are also making their way into California as part of their winter migration. The Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center is sponsoring a “Monarch Madness,” an afternoon of monarchology to play games, make crafts and plant seeds to learn more about these small, but very important creatures. This workshop is designed for children 5-10 years and will be held at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. Cost is $5 for Members/ $10 non-Members per child. Hours are 3:30 – 5 p.m. For more information visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle-Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

October 28 – Saturday
The 2006 Western Region Robotics Forum (WRRF) will be held in the Pioneer High School Main Gym. Students from twenty-four Northern California FIRST Robotics teams will be bringing their robots to compete at the WRRF California Robot Games. The Robot Games is free and open to the public. Qualifying Matches 9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m., Playoffs 1:00 –4:00 p.m. It promises to be as fun and exciting for the spectators as it will be for the student participants.

October 29 – Sunday
Haunt the Hollow: Trick-or-Treat through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, from 1 - 4 p.m.  Trick-or-treat stations throughout the Park & Zoo will provide a fun, safe and family-friendly experience for all. Admission includes trick-or-treating, all rides, play areas, the Zoo and puppet shows. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on this event day, and activities are included with regular admission of $6.00 per person. For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 277-4193 or visit www.hhpz.org. This scare free event is sponsored by 94.5 KBAY and The Mercury News.

October 31 – Tuesday
Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Road, hosts “Trunk or Treat” from 6 – 8 p.m. This safe and friendly activity features fun games, a bounce house, story time, and clowns. Everything is free – kids will trick or treat for candy and prizes from the trunks of well-decorated cars. Drinks and snacks provided, no scary costumes, please. Call 274-7422 or visit www.evcsj.com for more information.

October 31 – Tuesday
Children and parents can enjoy a safe and fun evening filled with games, bounce houses, candy-filled piñatas, a crawl through maze, a professional magician, a hands-on reptile house, a melodrama show, and lots of candy from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Drive, San Jose. For more information, call 265-9000 or go to www.churchonthehill.com and click on Fall Family Blast.   

November 4 – Saturday
Come to the Cedar Grove Elementary Craft Fair: Start your Holiday shopping early. Come and shop to find just the right unique gift for that someone special. Jewelry, Holiday crafts, Teen accessories, Candles, Wine charms, Stuffed animals, sewing projects and much more. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Held at East Valley Church, 2827 Flint Ave in San Jose. This event is sponsored by the Cedar Grove PTA to help support the teachers and the education of our children.

November 4 – Saturday
Bright Horizons, 6120 Liska Lane in San Jose, is holding its first ever Children's Resale Event from 9:00am-2:00pm. We will have a great selection of gently used clothing, furniture, toys, books and other merchandise on sale. The center will also be open for tours. Free face painting and fun jump! For more information, please contact Amira at (408)225-3276.

VOLUNTEERS

October 26 - Thursday
Hospice of the Valley Ambassador Volunteers Needed: Have you been searching for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where your skills, experience and personality are recognized and valued?  Please consider joining Hospice of the Valley's Ambassador Program where you will represent Hospice of the Valley by providing information, networking and hosting community events. Hospice of the Valley provides quality end-of-life care for adults and children facing life-limiting illnesses, bereavement support and education. To RSVP for the 10/26 volunteer training and for more information on all volunteer opportunities, contact the Director of Volunteer Services at (408) 559-5600, or email request@hospicevalley.org or visit www.hospicevalley.org

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

October 25 – Wednesday
Playwright Luis Valdez, widely regarded as the father of Chicano theatre, will speak at Evergreen Valley College as part of its President’s Speaker Series from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Montgomery Hall located in the Student Services Center. Valdez’s best known works are “Zoot Suit,” “La Bamba,” and “Corridos.” The focus of the President’s Speaker Series is on creating relationships between the community and the campus and on increasing student success. The community is invited to attend the free presentations.

October 28 – 29
The Tabard Theatre Company of San Jose will be holding auditions for a production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Various roles include a narrator, grandparents, parents, children and “Oompa-Loompas”. Willy Wonka will be played by Andrew Ceglio. All auditions are by appointment only. A packet with audition location and information about the production, rehearsals, etc. will be e-mailed to all who have appointments during the week before auditions. For more information, or to schedule audition time, call 979-0231 or send an e-mail to cathy@tabardtheatre.org. Performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will run from April 20 – May 5, 2 007 at the Historic Hoover Theatre in San Jose

October 31 – Tuesday
Positively Involved is happy to announce Drag-O-Rama II, a fundraising event to support the Neil A Christie Living Center to be held at Splash Bar and Grill, 65 Post St in Downtown San Jose. A $500 costume contest will be held at Midnight. Donation at the door will be $10 and will include a special raffle from the estate of Vena Las Vegas. The emcee will again be the ravishing Madame Steele with special guest Emcee Diamond John. Other performers scheduled to appear include: Nikki D’vine, Reana Diamonds, Anastasia Delite, The Delightful Davidá, Ronnie Grigsby, Weird Willie – Queen of De-Nial, and from the Imperial Royal Lion Monarchy, Alan Windz. Come support a great cause and have a ghoulishly great time!

November 3 – 4
The Sunnyvale Lace Museum is having its first big two day “estate style” sale in the museum at 552 S. Murphy St. in Sunnyvale. This will be a sale of items removed from the Museum collection and includes items donated from private estates. There will be a wide variety of items for sale including dishes, trays, and bowls, made of silver, cut glass, and porcelain. There will also be vintage necklaces, rings, clothing, collars, gloves, hankies, and fans. Expect to see linens such as pillow cases, tablecloths, place mats, and bed spreads. Besides the lace trimmed linens there will be lace insertion, edging, motifs, and much more. The sale hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m on Friday Nov. 3 and Sat. Nov. 4. Numbers will be given out at the door starting at 7 a.m. and the first 10 people will be invited in at 8 a.m. Please bring cash or checks only.

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

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.

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.