December 17, 2004

CALENDAR

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

HOLIDAY
HAPPENINGS
December 16 – 26
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. A much beloved tradition since 1985, Dennis Nahat’s Nutcracker is full professional production with live orchestral accompaniment. Admission is $22 - $68 per person. For more information, call 288-2800 or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

December 19 – Sunday
The Los Gatos Methodist Church, 111 Church Street in Los Gatos, will present a Choral Music Concert and Christmas Cantata and Mass, featuring the US premiere of modern Swedish composer, Steve Dobrogosz. The performance begins at 4 p.m. for a suggested donation of $5 or more. Refreshments will be served, and caroling will follow the performance.

December 22 – Wednesday
A special one-act version of The Silicon Valley Ballet’s “Nutcracker” will be offered at 1:30 p.m. at reduced prices. This 1 hour and 15 minute “mini production” offers the perfect introduction to the ballet for children ages 4 to 9. Combine the show with a walk through Christmas In The Park and a visit to the Outdoor Ice Rink at the Circle of Palms (both just 2 blocks from the theatre) and you’ll have an all day fun event at Family Friendly Prices.

December 24 – Friday
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3151 Union Avenue, in San Jose, will host their Annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Festive carol singing, special music featuring the Chancel Choir and SPIRIT Handbell Ringers and Christmas message by Rev. Jack C. Longley, Pastor. Everyone is welcome to attend.

MUSIC
January 24 – 29, 2005
Cantabile Youth Singers will be auditioning boys and girls, 6 years and older, for its Spring 2005 Season. Auditions will be by appointment only, with classes beginning in February. Singers are divided into four levels: Preparatory Singers, Intermediate Singers, Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble. All weekly rehearsals are in Los Altos at Foothill Congregational Church. For more information, call 650-424-1410.

THEATER
November 27 – January 2, 2005
Sandra Tsing Loh’s “Sugar Plum Fairy” brings her wickedly comedic performance detailing the angst of being twelve, awkward and vying for the starring role in the ballet school’s ‘Nutcracker’ production to the San Jose Repertory Theatre. This production directed by David Schweizer. For tickets and additional information, call 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.

January 11 - 23, 2005
American Musical Theater of San Jose opens the New Year with the multi-Tony Award winner, “Chicago,” in a limited two-week engagement at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This razzle-dazzle musical features award-winning choreography by Ann Reinking and lyrics from master Broadway composers John Kander and Fred Ebb. For love, betrayal, murder, and music and song, Chicago has it all. Tickets range from $45 - $72. For more information, call 453-7108 or visit www.amtsj.org.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda n San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This group meets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
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
January 19 – February 23, 2005
Hospice of the Valley offers a new “Art and Movement” grief support group for those experiencing grief and loss. This class combines art therapy and the gentle movements of T’ai Chi Chih geared specifically to the tasks of grief. Opened to all losses, the six week session begins January 19 through February 23, 2005 on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 8p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 7A, in San Jose No previous art or T’ai Chi Chih experience needed. In addition, there are ongoing loss-specific groups for adults and age-specific groups for children and teens. For information and pre-group interview, call 947.1233 or email request@hospicevalley.org or visit www.hospicevalley.org. For information on Tai Chi Chih, visit www.taichichih.org
Ongoing
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.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Road, Suite 230, (behind Red Lobster) 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:
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.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Volunteers Needed for Tax Preparation The City of San José’s, Office on Aging in conjunction with AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS and the Metropolitan Adult Education Program provides a free tax-training program that prepares volunteers to assist seniors and lower income clients with their tax returns. Training classes will be held from October 18 – December 15, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All classes will be at the Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Tracey Giglione at 277-4790.
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
December 18 - Saturday
The South Bay Blood Mobile will be at St. Timothy’s Curch, 5100 Camden, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information on becoming a donor, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www. BeADonor.com

December 28 – 31
The American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane, will be having their three-day, storewide 50% off sale. Located at the corner of Branham and Almaden Expreeeway, Discovery Shop offers a wide-variety of unique, gently used items that include clothing, fine plateware, furniture, toys and much more. Hours of operation are M-F from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call 265-5535. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

January 5 - 9 2005
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center will host the San Jose International Auto Show featuring hundreds of 2005 model vehicles and concept cars. This show will offer attendees the opportunity of an up-close look at the future of automotive design and the latest technological advancements. Show hours are 1/5 & 1/6 from noon to 10 p.m. 1/7 & 1/8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on 1/9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for individuals 13 years and older, $7 for students with I.D. For more information, visit www.sjautoshow.com

January 8, 2005 – Saturday
Does winter pruning make you feel overwhelmed? Not sure what to prune or how to do it? Join Tom Liggett and the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens to find out how to take care of your plants now to make them look good the rest of the year. This Pruning Workshop, held from 9 a.m. to noon, will start with a short, indoor presentation and then move on into the gardens for hands-on demonstrations, and will also include a discussion on how to properly sharpen shears, so bring them along. The workshop will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, 715 Spring Street. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. Cost is $12 for Friends’ members, $15 for non-membersFor more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 298-7657.

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.