October 22, 2004

CALENDAR

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

HARVEST
HAPPENINGS
October 1 – 31
Frightfest 2004 is coming to Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo! This event will feature the debut of Shouka’s Night Time Splashtime Show. Frightfest happens each Friday, from 4 – 10 p.m., each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the month of October. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/marineworld.

October 15 – 31
Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos once again hosts The Haunted Forest, a variety of spooky sights to thrill the whole family. For the brave at heart, the Raglan Castle Walking Tour is a guided trek through the haunted forest that includes a witch’s house, the lair of the spider queen, a mysterious castle and graveyard, and a host of spooky characters to thrill and chill. Spooky Hollow give children 11 yrs and younger a haunt of their own, featuring the new Trick-or-Treat Street attraction. And of course there is the Wildcat Railroad, an age appropriate dark journey through the park. Children should dress for the weather, wear sneakers and bring a flashlight. Admission is $10 for the Raglan Tour, $4.50 for Spooky Hollow and Trick-or-Treat Street. Hours are 7 – 10 p.m. nightly, except Mondays Parking is $4.

October 29 – Friday
Fright Fest Haunted House Festival at the Alum Rock Youth Center, 137 North White Road in San Jose. This event features a haunted house, costume contest, music, prizes, food and carnival games. Admission is $4 without costume, $3 with costume, children under 3 yrs free. Hours are 6 – 10 p.m. For more information call 251-5757.

October 31 – Sunday
Free Harvest Carnival! Willow Glen’s 15th Annual Harvest Carnival will be held at Willow Glen Baptist Church at the corner of Hicks and Minnesota from 5-8 p.m. Families are invited to come and enjoy pony rides, a giant slide, a bounce house, crafts, games, a photo booth and lots of candy!! This event is free and open to all. For more information call 280-0611 or visit WGBC.net.

October 31 – Sunday
Celebrate Halloween with some real creatures of the night at “Boo at the Zoo.” From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the San Francisco Zoo will present its 6th annual Boo at the Zoo, a special daytime Halloween event for little ghosts and goblins. Costumed kids can visit trick-or-treat stations around the park and event try the “Haunted Nature Trail,” featuring close up encounters w/ live animals. The Zoo asks that trick-or-treaters not wear masks, as they can frighten the animals. For more information, call 415-753-7080, or visit www.sfzoo.org.

October 31 – Sunday
Haunt the Hollow - Halloween Event. Trick-or-Treat in Happy Hollow Park & Zoo on Sunday, from 2 - 5 p.m. Trick-or-treat stations throughout the Park & Zoo will provide a fun, safe and family friendly experience for all.
Happy Hollow will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on this event day. This event is included with regular admission of $5.50 per person. For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 408-277-4193.

MUSIC
October 28 – Thursday
The San Jose State University School of Music and Dance presents Aaron Lington, SJSU’s coordinator of jazz studies, in a recital at 7:30 p.m. in the SJSU Concert Hall. The Program, ‘The Two Faces of the Baritone Saxophone,” will feature works in both classical and jazz styles. Admission to this recital is free and open to the public. For more information, call 924-4673.

October 29 – Friday
The SJSU Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band Concert will be held in the SJSU Concert Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature the Wind Ensemble performing new works with the featured trumpet soloist, Kale Cumings in Stephen Michael Gryc’s “Evensong” The Symphonic Band will perform “Angel Band,” “October,” “Night Dances,” and “Shepherd’s Hey.” Tickets are $7 general, $5 for students. For more information, call 924-4673.

October 29 – Friday
The Santa Clara Chorale presents their season opening concert, “Great Choruses from the Stage.” Come join the Chorale for an evening at the opera as they perform favorite opera choruses from the oratorios of Handel, Mendelssohn, and Haydn and from the operas of Verdi, Rossini, and Offenbach. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real on the Santa Clara University Campus. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 369-1289. Prices are $18 for general admission; $12 for student/senior admission. For more information, contact the Santa Clara Chorale at 369-1289 or www.scc.org.

THEATER
November 6 – December 4
The West Valley Light Opera Association’s 40th Season will open with “Big River” at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale, on Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. with a champagne gala. Weekend performances will continue through December 4. This tony-award winning musical is based on Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn.” This production is directed by Becky W. Brownson. For reservations and additional information, call 268-3777 or visit www.wvlo.org.

MEETINGS
November 1 – Monday
The annual San Jose Consortium “College Night” hosted by the East Side Union High School District will be held in the Evergreen Valley High School gymnasium, 3300 Quimby Road from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Over 100 colleges and universities are expected to send representatives. For more information, contact Jim DeDeigo at 347-5040.

Ongoing:
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.
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!
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.

CLASSES
Ongoing
Evergreen Village Square (Ruby at Aborn) offers a wide variety of performing arts classes for all ages. All elementary age classes are on Saturday afternoons and run for approximately 12 weeks per session. Adult and teen 12-week acting workshops are held on Friday evenings. For more information or to enroll, call 230-7873.
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.
Eastside Neighborhood Canter of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Avenue, hosts several free senior assistance programs and social activities throughout the week. For more information and a list of offerings, call 251-0215.
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.
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a Saturday German Language School, offers German language instructions at their new location at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue. The school offers pre-school/kindergarten through adult courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon. For more information visit www.sbds.org or call 266-5100. Please note that no information is available during weekdays at the school location.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics,2060 Aborn Road, Suite 230, is offering free consultation on newborn care to expectant parents. Get all your questions answered towards being best prepared for the arrival of your child ! For a personal appointment, call Dr. Meena Sathappan at 274-9099.
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:
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over still has openings in the following classes: Computer Fundamentals, e-mail A-Z, Managing Your Files, Photoshop Elements, CD Burning, Word Processing 1, Windows XP, Computer Security and Finding Things and People on the Web. To enroll in any of the course openings, contact Don House at 268-1703.
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.
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.

CHILDREN/FAMILY EVENTS
October 23 & 30
Take a trip back through time to the early days of “moving pictures” at the Divine Science Community Center’s Festival of Silent Movies. Films screen at 7:30 p.m. and the admission fee of $6 or $10 for two includes popcorn & a beverage. The Community Center is located at 1540 Hicks Avenue in San Jose. for a schedule and additional information call 293-3838.

October 23 – 24
Monterey Bay Aquarium is celebrating their 20th Anniversary weekend with free Sunday Admission for children and special activities. Saturday is “Shark Day” featuring a special presentation at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by Peter Benchley, author of “Jaws” and renowned underwater photographer, David Doubilet, as well as appearances by the Monterey Jazz Festival’s All Star Combo at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. On Sunday it’s one big Birthday Bash with children’s entertainment, a guest appearance by comedian and actor, George Lopez, and birthday cake at 12:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.mbayaqu.org.

October 24 – Sunday
The Civic Auditorium will host the San Jose Firefighter Burn Foundation Benefit, a family-oriented event featuring magic and variety acts. Admission is $35 per family. For more information, call 376-3424

October 23 - Saturday
The Laurelwood Harvest Festival, 4280 Partridge Drive, will be held from 3- 6 p.m.. This family event features Carnival booths, games and food. All proceeds will help benefit the Laurelwood school and students.

October 26 – November 7
American Musical Theater of San Jose presents Cathy Rigby as “Peter Pan.” Rigby, whose name as become synonymous with Peter Pan, has played the part on Broadway, on a National Tour and in an Emmy Award winning A&E Special. In her farewell performance as the “boy who wouldn’t grow up, Rigby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, will take flight in the 100th Anniversary of this immortal James M. Barrie tale. All performances will be at The Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. For tickets and additional information, call 1-888-455-7469, or visit www.amtsj.org.

October 30 – Saturday
Aztlan Academy San Jose, Inc. presents “Fiesta Mexicana XXXII” at the Montgomery Theater beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $6 - $12 per person. For more information, call 984-0342, or visit www.aztlanacademy.org.

November 6 – 7
The San Jose Reptile Show & Sale will be at Parkside Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. 35 professional reptile breeders and educational groups will be on hand to answer questions and show their reptiles. Admission is $7 - $13 general, children ages 6 – 12 years are $4 each.

November 14 – Saturday
Los Mestizos Folklorico Dance Group presents “Fiesta Folklorica” for one night only at the Montgomery Theatre, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.00 prior to the event and $15.00 on the day of the event. Experience a night full of Mexican Culture, Music and Dance as adult and child dancers perform various regional dances of Mexico. All proceeds from this event go back into the group funds to help sponsor activities and instructional lessons. For more information visit, www.losmestizos.org.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
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.
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
October 23 - Saturday
All church Yard Sale! Evergreen Valley United Methodist Church, 3520 San Felipe Road, will host a yard sale from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Used and new items backed goods and crafts. For more information, call June Potter at 270-1148.

October 28 – Thursday
Martha Alderson, M.A., author of “Blockbuster Plots: Pure & Simple”, and Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D., author of “Becoming Whole: Writing Your Healing Story”, will help fiction and memoir writers create consistent character plot lines at this free clinic held at Borders Book Store, Westfield Shoppingtown, Oakridge. Event hours are from 7 – 9 p.m. Alderson will also be available to sign books. For more information, visit www.BlockBusterPlots.com or call Borders at 363-6900.

October 30 – Saturday
Diana Cornelius, author of “A L.I.F.E. Blueprint: Spirituality Designed for the Non-Religious,” will be presenting a free lecture from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at PlaneTree Health Library, located at Mission Oaks, 1581 Los Gatos-Almaden Road in Los Gatos. Reservation are recommended by calling 358-5667 or visit www.planetreesanjose.org.

November 6 – Saturday
Cedar Grove Elementary, 2702 Sugar Plum, will be holding its 2nd Annual Craft Fair to raise funds to purchase a school sign. Sponsored by the PTA, this event includes raffles, bake sale and more. Come start your holiday shopping from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ongoing
Montgomery Hill Observatory at Evergreen Valley College will be offering star gazing each Wednesday evening, weather permitting. This activity is recommended for children ages 10 years and older. For reservations, call 270-6490 before 6 p.m. Star gazing will be cancelled if clouds cover most of the sky or if systems upgrades are in progress.

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.