November 2, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

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.

Nov. 17
A Thanksgiving Celebration Concert: Evergreen Valley Church will be holding a praise celebration. This free concert will be held at The Point Church, 33695 Rose Terrasse Circle, San Jose. Join us as we come together to thank God for His abundant blessing as we join together to make a difference in our community. We are also having a food drive collection in conjunction with this event. Please bring your donation of canned fruit or vegetables, rice, beans or cereal to the event. We are working with the Evergreen School District and Vice Mayor Dave Cortese’s office to help families in need in the Evergreen area. Call 274-7422 with any questions.

Nov. 17 – Dec. 2
Opera San José continues its 2007–2008 season with Jules Massenet’s Werther. Eight performances are scheduled at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San José. The highly romantic Werther (1892) features a young man infatuated with a virtuous heroine instead of the typical courtesan. This ravishing opera features the hopes and dashed dreams of the quintessential romantic, a young poet named Werther, whose ardent passion for Charlotte is frustrated when he discovers that she is betrothed to another man. Ultimately, he finds that he cannot continue to live without her. In French with English supertitles, Conductors are David Rohrbaugh, Bryan J. Nies. Tickets are $66, $78 and $88 from the box office. Call 437-4450 or www.operasj.org to order or for additional performance information.

THEATER

Nov. 14 – Dec. 23
San Jose Stage Company presents the Tony-nominated comedy, “A Tuna Christmas” It’s the night before Christmas in Tuna, the third-smallest town in Texas. In this sequel to “Greater Tuna”, presented by San Jose Stage Company to sold-out houses last season, the beloved citizens of Tuna are trying to cope with seasonal traumas such as a disaster-prone little theatre production of “A Christmas Carol” and a yard-decorating contest that’s being sabotaged by a mysterious Christmas phantom. Directed by Randall King, “A Tuna Christmas” features Kevin Blackton and Tim Hendrixson. Previews begin at The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose, on Nov. 14-15, at 7:30 pm and on Nov. 16, at 8 pm, with a Gala Opening on Nov. 17, at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 - $45 and may be ordered by calling 283-7142 or online at www.sanjosestage. com.

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

Nov. 15 - 19
Santana Row’s “Light Up The Row” Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival: Santana Row celebrates its fifth anniversary with a favorite holiday tradition – the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday festival. Kick off the holiday season with live holiday entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and a special appearance by Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, not to mention the lighting of more than 500,000 twinkling lights adorning the neighborhood! Festivities take place throughout Santana Row from 6:30-9 p.m., with live music, choirs, carolers, hot chocolate sampling and activities for children and families. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on 11/15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Park Valencia, on Olin Avenue between Santana Row and Winchester Blvd. For more information, call 551-4611 or www.santanarow.com

Nov. 16
Uncover the mysteries of Animal Migration: Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and discover why salmon return to the Guadalupe River each fall. Get up close and personal with live butterflies as we learn about metamorphosis and why monarchs spend their winters on the West Coast. Make a butterfly magnet using chromatography. Workshop time is 3:30 – 5 p.m. at the Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Cost is $10/members, $15/non-members. For children ages 5 – 10. For more information and to sign up for an event please visit www.grpg.org, email education@grpg.org or call 298-7657. Pre-registration is required and children do not need to be accompanied by an adult.

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. 10
Attend a free seminar on the latest technology in Cellulite Treatment. Clarity Medical Spa introduces Mesotherapy without Needles. Traditional mesotherapy involves injections of medications that target vascular congestion and increase metabolism. There's new, proven technology to deliver the same medications without needles. No bruising. No pain. No downtime. Event time is 11 a.m. RSVP to 408-270-3877. This seminar will be held at Clarity Medical Spa, 3005 Silver Creek Rd. #158, San Jose. For more information, go to www.claritymedicalspa.com

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
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

Nov. 3
Silver Creek Elementary Rummage Sale: Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Silver Creek bus loading zone on the corner of Daniel Maloney Dr. and Silver Creek Valley Rd. Please come and support Silver Creek students!  All profits go toward our students' trip to France. Items for sale include: clothes, toys, kitchen appliances, mattresses, table saws, desk, table, etc.

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

Nov. 6
Join the students and faculty of Cedar Grove Elementary, as we display samples of our work at the Oakridge Apple Store at 6 p.m. Students will be on site to display and explain the projects they have created using our new computers in the lab and the mobile laptop cart.  Projects will include audio books recorded by the students, movies, web sites, writing done in Comic Life, music created and recorded by the students, and photo albums taken and arranged by students.  The students involved range from K – 6th grade.

Nov. 6 – Dec. 24
Start your Christmas shopping early and purchase heirloom quality, handmade lace covered Christmas ornaments. Vintage as well as contemporary handmade lace is used to cover these special, one-of-a-kind ornaments. Ornaments come in many sizes and range from $5 to over $50. All proceeds from this annual sale go towards the maintenance of the Lace Museum. Lace Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is located at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale with free parking.

Nov. 8
The American Association of University Women - San Jose invites people interested in exploring membership to an Open House from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at AAUW House, 1165 Minnesota Avenue (Willow Glen - park behind the House).  Meet members, hear about the community, state and national programs that advance equity for women and girls and interest groups that promote lifelong learning and fellowship at the San Jose Branch of AAUW. Membership in AAUW requires an Associate, Baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.  For more information contact Linda Goldberg, rich-linda@verizon.net, 408-353-1916.

Nov. 14
Hospice of the Valley hosts, “Getting Through the Holidays,” a special community workshop that offers emotional support and practical ideas for getting through the holiday season without a loved one. Adult members of bereaved families from the community are encouraged to attend this workshop from 7 - 9 p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, (near Hwy 85 and Samaritan Dr.) San Jose. A donation to Hospice of the Valley is appreciated. To RSVP call 559-5600 ext. 460. For information, visit www.hospicevalley.org.

Nov. 15
The Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley presents “Politics and People” speakers forum featuring Dolores Carr, DA Santa Clara County; Pat Dando, CEO SJ/SV Chamber of Commerce; and Patricia Mahan, Mayor, City of Santa Clara. This special event will be held at Eulipa Restaurant, 374 South First Street, San Jose at 7 p.m. Hear this expert panel discuss relevant issues, how they made it to the top in their fields and why they are so passionate about what they do. Admission is $5. Proceeds support the programs of The Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley. For more information, visit SVrotaract.org.

Nov. 22
2007 Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 5K run/walk and 10K run: This annual event is for all ages - kid fun run, too! Event proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, Santa Clara Family Health Foundation, and the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Confluence Meadow, Guadalupe River Park in downtown San Jose. For more information, visit http://www.svlg.net/events/TurkeyTrot2007

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.