November 17, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

December 9 – 10
Symphony Silicon Valley will perform at 8 pm in the California Theater. The program "Staring" features principal artists as soloists and features Jon Nakamatsu on the piano. The music of Ravel, Vivaldi, and Beethoven fills the concert for the Symphony Silicon Valley now in its fifth season. Tickets range from $56-$76 and can be ordered from the box office at 408.286.2600. See the web site at www.symphonysiliconvalley.org for more information.

December 11 – Monday
27th Annual “You-Sing-It Messiah” at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose, at 7:30 p.m. Sing with the choir and a professional orchestra! Tickets: $20. For tickets and more information, call 408-286-2600 ext 23 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For information on the San Jose Symphony, visit: www.sanjosesymphonicchoir.org or 408-995-3318

December 11 - 12
The renowned a cappella ensemble Chanticleer returns to Stanford Lively Arts for its popular yuletide concert. A local tradition, the concert features brilliant renditions of Gregorian chant, medieval and Renaissance music, contemporary classics and traditional carols. All performances will be held in the Memorial Church at Stanford University. Performance time is 8 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $44 - $40. Half-price tickets are available for young people age 15 and under and discounts are available for students and groups. For tickets, call 650-725-ARTS (2787) or visit http://livelyarts.stanford.edu

THEATER

December 1 - 16
Directed by John A. Leslie, “The All Night Strut” is the latest offering from the Tabard Theater Company. Following on the heels of the Company’s critically-acclaimed season opener, “Mr. Pim Passes By,” this nostalgic romp into the swingin’ sounds of ’30’s and 40’s. Offering a musical journey through jitterbug to blues to gospel and big bands, it’s a foot-tappin’ evening for audiences of all ages. Opening night is 8 p.m. on December 1 with 14 performances running through December 16. For a complete listing of performance times, visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org. All Performances are at The Triton Museum Hall Pavilion, 1900 Don Avenue, in Santa Clara. Tickets are $22; Senior/Student discounts available. Seating limited. Reservations strongly recommended.  The Tabard Box Office can be reached at 679-2330.

December 15 - 17
The Aztlán Academy-San José will present J.H. Salazar’s “Nuestra Navidad” – A Family Christmas” at the Montgomery Theater, 271 South Market Street. Performances times are 12/15 & 16 at 8 p.m. and on 12/17 at 3 p.m. This performance will mark the 34th Anniversary of the Academy’s traditional family oriented Christmas program at the Montgomery Theater featuring Aztlán Dance Troupe, Conjunto Xitlali, Conjunto Atardecer, Mandinga and Kaisahan of San José Dance Company. Admission charges: $40- Sponsor, $20- General, $10- Children. Discount is available for groups of 10 or more. For general and ticket purchasing information, please call the Academy at 408/984-0342 or visit us at www.aztlanacademy.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 21 – January 15, 2007
The new exhibit, “Dragons and Fairies: Exploring Viet Nam through Folktales,” opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. “Dragons and Fairies” is designed to educate children ages 5-12 about the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It provides an opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of people living in modern and ancient Viet Nam. The Children’s Discover Museum is located at 180 Woz Way, in downtown San Jose, at the intersection of Woz Way and Auzerais Street. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Member’s only hour is Sunday 11 a.m. – noon.

November 17 – January 15, 2007
Ice skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities.  Beginning its 11th season, Downtown Ice has become a holiday tradition and one of the best skating experiences in the West.  The stunning rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is recognized as a San Jose holiday icon. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (subject to weather conditions) weeknights and noon to midnight on weekends and Dec. 17-31. Admission is 12 years and younger: $12, General $14. Prices include skate rentals and unlimited ice time. For more information, visit www.sjdowntown.com. Rink direct phone line is 291-0525.

November 24 – December 24
American Musical Theatre San Jose presents the world premiere of “Christmas Dreamland”, a show-stopping extravaganza for the entire family. This new holiday spectacular will be staged at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell at the Campbell Community Center.

November 24 – December 23
Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights™ opens for a third season at California’s only horticultural theme park with two new additions – a festive “Home for the Holidays” parade and special appearances by Snoopy from Knott’s Merry Farm! For an extended 18 select evenings through December 23, Bonfante Gardens will sparkle with millions of dazzling lights, an all-you-can-eat holiday feast, ice skating under the stars at Gilroy’s only ice skating venue, holiday themed rides and visits with Santa. New in 2006, guests will be treated to a spectacular, all-new “Home for the Holidays” parade at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

December 1 – 10
This holiday season, Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents the Broadway hit, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” playing at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose. CMT’s Mainstage production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features young performers ages 9 – 20, plus an overwhelmingly talented group of 45 alumni who chose to return to CMT for this anticipated production. Beauty and the Beast is directed and choreographed by CMT’s celebrated Artistic Director, Kevin R. Hauge. Tickets are now on sale - $20 adults, $14 children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CMTSJ web site at www.cmtsj.org or call 408-288-5437. 

December 2 - 16
Celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season with California Theatre Center (CTC)! CTC is producing two enchanting, hour long, Holiday shows produced especially for children of all ages to enjoy in December. Silicon Valley's very own professional repertory company devoted to performing for and educating young audiences reprises its perennial favorite, The Elves and the Shoemaker. And a new delightful musical, Madeline’s Christmas. Reservations are strongly recommended as these productions tend to sell out quickly! Call 408-245-2978 for tickets and more information.

December 3 – Sunday
Cirque De Magic at the Center for the Performing Arts: Magic is in the air and for a cause too! The popular family entertainer, Las Vegas magician, Simon Winthrop will conduct a show to raise funds for the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF). The money collected will go to the One World Family Fund of the organization. Admission : $25 - $100. For more information, call 800-455-0081 or http://events.artofliving.org Performance time is 6 p.m.

December 3 – Sunday
The San Jose Holiday Parade celebrates its 25th anniversary this year in the "Silver Season of Enchantment” The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. on Santa Clara Street in Downtown San José. The Parade route will proceed to Market Street and finishes at Christmas in the Park, in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For more information about the San Jose Holiday Parade, visit www.sanjoseholidayparade.com or (408) 793-4170.

December 3 – Sunday
The Mrs. Claus' Breakfast Nook: Guests will join Mrs. Claus at an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and visit with Snoopy, Curious George, the Storm Troopers and other parade characters and special guests that will be in attendance. After the breakfast, guests will enjoy the 25th Anniversary of the San Jose Holiday Parade live from exclusive bleacher seats. The Mrs. Claus' Breakfast Nook is presented by California Waste Solutions. The cost is $10 for children (12 and under) $15 for adults (13 and over) Admission includes the special breakfast, premiere parade bleacher seating, and special event memorabilia. All proceeds will benefit the San Jose Holiday Parade.  In addition, guests are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy to drop off to the United States Marine Corp's Toys for Tots Program as you enter the nook. For more information or to purchase your exclusive tickets, please call (408) 793-4170 or visit www.sanjoseholidayparade.com.

December 14 – 24
Ballet San Jose presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. Dennis Nahat’s “The Nutcracker”, has become a festive yearly tradition for thousands of children and families throughout the Bay Area. With its whimsical costumes and scenery, huge case of professional dancers and a battalion of mice, this spectacularly colorful production is fresh and new with each and every viewing. Don’t miss this treasured holiday classic. “The Nutcracker” will warm your heart like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. Admission : $25 - $78 Call 288-2800 or visit www.balletsanjose.org for tickets and more information.

December 15 – Saturday
The best ornaments on the tree are always the ones that are homemade! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for an afternoon filled with creativity and fun making holiday ornaments and wreaths to dress up your home for the holidays. All crafts will be created using the best supplier in the world – nature! Class hours are 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue. Fee is $5 members/ $10 non-members per child. This class is designed for ages 5 – 10 years, all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

CLASSES

December 5 – 7 & 12 - 14
ArtHouse Kids Holiday Workshops & Winter Classes: The ArtHouse is now taking registration for our "Creative Holiday Gifts" workshops for kids 5-12 years. Dates are 12/6,7,13 & 14. $30 per session. Also our "Little Picasso's Holiday Art for kids 2-4 years with a parent held 12/5, 6, 12 & 13, $20. per session. Our Winter classes begin in January for kids 2-15. 1043 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. www.arthousekids.com

December 9 – Saturday
Holiday Decorating Tips from Friends of Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens: Add a personal touch to your holidays this year with a festive wreath made from local, natural materials. A variety of supplies will be provided, including grapevine, greenery and other garden materials as well as the tools needed to put the wreaths together. Step-by-step instruction from Master Gardner Milli Wright will provide even beginners with impressive results they can take home with them. If you have tools and/or lights or ornaments that you would like to use, feel free to bring them along. Hours are 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fee is $15 members/$20 non-members – Classes held at the Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

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.

Eastside Neighborhood Center of Catholic Charities, 2150 Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose offers a variety of activities and services for seniors on an ongoing basis. These include Bingo, Free legal assistance, Senior club dancing, Senior Care Advocacy, Nutrition Programs, Nurse Screenings, Free Insurance Screenings, and more. Call for times and appointments. 251-0215.

The San Jose Widow/Widowers Club meets at 12:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month for lunch at the Cup & Saucer Restaurant, 1375 Blossom Hill Road in Princeton Plaza. They also meet for breakfast every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at Goodies Coffee Shop on the corner of Bascom and Apricot in Campbell. Call 408-275-6178 or 408-292-3406 for information.

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.

VOLUNTEERS

November 17 – December 11
“Gifts for Teens” needs gifts to fill holiday baskets and sport bags for 1000 needy San Jose teenagers.  Items needed include:  cosmetics, jewelry, games, sport bags, gift cards, apparel, candy, or money to purchase these items.  Gifts will be distributed through Sacred Heart Community Service (a non-denominational non-profit agency) and through the Bill Wilson Center.  Donations should be brought to the AAUW office at 1165 Minnesota Avenue in San Jose between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Gifts for Teens” is a volunteer program sponsored by the American Association of University Women, AAUW - San Jose and community volunteers. “Gifts for Teens” also needs help assembling the gifts Monday through Saturday, December 11 to December 16. If you have items to donate or can help assemble the gifts, contact Elaine Benoit at (408) 268-9654 or (408) 294-2430 or e-mail at ebenoit@pacbell.net

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is actively recruiting volunteers who are interested in fostering dogs or puppies. Canine foster parents provide short and long-term care for dogs or puppies who are either fearful of being in a shelter environment, too young to be adopted or need time to heal from an injury or illness. For more information visit www.hssv.org and click on adoption and then foster care or call 408-727-3383 ext. 834.

MISCELLANEOUS

December 2 – Saturday
The Villages Swing Band will be entertaining with a holiday dance at the Villages Auditorium from 7:30-10 p.m.. "Silver and Gold" is the evenings theme and semi-formal dress is requested. The cost is $8 per person. Visitors will be given admittance at the security gate for the dance.

December 2 – Saturday
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will be holding a same-sex Winter Ballroom Dance and Social at 7 p.m. Several social dances such as waltzes, swings, tangos and salsas will be featured at this semi-formal California-classy event. Before the event, two dance classes will teach the Nightclub Two-Step and the Salsa to all attendees. Additionally, quick and easy line dances will be taught throughout the evening. Admission is priced on a sliding scale from $5 to $15 for DeFrank Center members, and $15 for non-members. Please contact (408) 293-3040 x117 for more information or visit http://www.defrank.org/events/2006_12_02_ballroom-dance.html

December 2- 3 & 9 – 10
The Guglielmo family announces their 18th annual Holiday Gift Faire — taking place at the family winery in Morgan Hill, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Choose from dozens of professionally designed Holiday gift baskets - or be creative and put together your own unique basket from the large selection of tempting delights available. Our talented buying team promises many new and exciting gift ideas debuting this year. Many of the gifts can be shipped directly from the winery – saving you valuable Holiday shopping time! Event hours for all four days are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 779-2145 or visit www.guglielmowinery.com.

December 4 – Monday
Church on the Hill presents “ScreamFree Parenting Seminar: Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool.” Hal Edward Runkel, LMFT, is a former minister with two seminary degrees. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, relationship coach, and seminar leader, Runkel is author of the ground-breaking ScreamFree Living book series and founder of ScreamFree Living. ScreamFree Parenting is the principle-based approach that compels parents to focus, grow, and calm down. By staying both calm and connected with your kids, you begin to operate less out of your deepest fears and more out of your highest principles, revolutionizing your relationships in the process. The Parenting Seminar will be held at Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Drive, San Jose, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.  Childcare and dessert will be provided.  Tickets are available for $5 per person. Contact Lynette Furstenberg at 408-362-1780 to purchase tickets or for more information.

December 6 – 7
Come celebrate the talented student work at “Winter Sparkle”, the 10th annual Evergreen Valley College Student Jewelry Show and Sale Event hours are 12/6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 12/7 from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. on the Evergreen Valley College Campus in San Jose. Enjoy the Metal Arts exhibition, festive atmosphere and participate in a raffle each day at 4 p.m. that includes Jewelry and a Metal Arts Scholarship to benefit the Evergreen Valley College Jewelry Foundation.

December 8 – Friday
Evergreen Valley College will be hosting a Symposium on Immigrant Families “Addressing Challenges & Affirming Resiliency.”   Visit www.immigrantinfo.org  and register on-line, get more information about the program or print the registration form provided there for a conventional registration.

Ongoing
Humane Society Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings are the first Tuesday 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 or visit: www.hssv.org and click on Services and then Pet Loss. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The Hearing Loss Association of Silicon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Moose Lodge, 1580 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose. Meetings begin at 12:30 p.m. Our mission is to improve the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 229-1041 or visit www.hearingloss.org.

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.