February 13, 2007

Community Calendar

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

MUSIC

February 24 – Saturday
San Jose Skate, 397 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose presents a night of rock music talent featuring Los-Angeles based “The Hanks” and other local bands including “One Last Moment”, “Single File” and more. Performance times begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $8. For more information, visit www.sanjoseskate.com

ART

Beginning February 4 - Sunday
The Art Exhibit “Manuel Valencia: California’s Native Son” opens to the public at History Park in San Jose. Manuel Valencia was one of the earliest of the California artists of note.  After the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed his studio, Valencia moved his family from San Francisco to a home on Vine Street in San José. His passion for the spirit of the Californios is demonstrated in his work, which will open at the Leonard and David McKay Gallery inside the Pasetta House at History Park at Kelley Park in San José. This exhibit is on loan from the Hearst Gallery at St. Mary’s Collage in Moraga and contains over 25 paintings, as well as personal item lent by Valencia descendants Mary Lou Valencia Giller and Edwin Valencia, Jr. To learn more about Valencia’s life and art Curator Julie Armistead will lead a gallery tour at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Leonard and David McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House in History Park.

February 6 – April 30
The new exhibit, “Lacey Beginnings—Vintage Christening Gowns and Accessories” will be featured at the Sunnyvale Lace Museum, 552 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale.  This free exhibit showcases lace-trimmed christening gowns and accessories including bibs, booties, mitts, jewelry, feeding cups, and blankets from the 1800’s to the present.  Cultural traditions are often carried on through lace and the examples in the exhibit can be traced back to the turn of the century.  Christening gowns, made especially for the ceremony of baptism, usually became family heirlooms and were used generation after generation.  Traditionally white to represent purity and innocence, the same gowns were used by both boys and girls and richly decorated with embroidery or lace.  All ages will enjoy viewing this informative exhibit.
Hours areTuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. parking is free.

THEATER

January 27 – February 25
San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio in San Jose, presents Eugene O’Neil’s Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiographical masterpiece, “Long Day’s Journey into Night”. Directed by Jonathan Moscone, this poignant piece is considered one of the most enduring works of American Theater. Set in the hot summer of 1912, “Long Day’s Journey into Night” follows The Tyrone family’s psychological journey into their pasts and personal demons as they battle themselves and each other over the course of the day. It is a story of heartache, love, regret and dreams. Tickets are $14 - $56. For more information on show times and availability, visit www.sjrep.com.

February 17 – Saturday
“Diva On Tour” at the Montgomery Theater – Written by Rodney James, “Diva On Tour” is a dramatic comedy with a musical surprise that follows the struggles and triumph of the “Pedway Family” and their busy body neighbors as they prepare for the concert of their superstar sister Gladys. This production features the soul-stirring voices of “The Best Intentions.” Performance time is 7:30 p.m. tickets are $25. For more information, call 510-758-7884 or visit www.divaontour.com

DANCE

February 15 - 18
Ballet San Jose celebrates Valentines’ weekend with a passionate program of dance that includes three premieres.  A revival of Dennis Nahat’s “life cycle” ballet, “Ontogeny” will be presented with the Bay Area premiere of Nahat’s “Le Style Classique” and the Company premiere of Lew Christensen’s “Il Distratto” in a mixed repertory program presented at The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.  Also on the program will be the West Coast premiere of the pas de deux that helped Yui Yonezawa win the Senior Woman’s Bronze Medal at the VIII USA International Ballet Competition last June. Yonezawa, who just joined Ballet San Jose in November, won wave reviews for her presentation of Ben Iida’s “September.”  Her partner for the piece will be Company Dancer, Maximo Califano.  Tickets are $25 - $78 and may be purchased through the CPA Box Office by calling 288-2800 or online at www.balletsanjose.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

February 1 – 28
Exchanged old cell phones for passes to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Now through February 28, bring in your old cell phones to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and they will give you one free admission pass in exchange.  One cell phone = one free pass. Cell Phones can be dropped off daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in exchange for the passes, or can be mailed to: Happy Hollow - Cell Phone Recycle Program 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA  95112 Tax receipts are available upon request. Limit 2 passes per person. 100% of funds raised through the program are donated to the Orangutan Conservancy, protecting one of the most critically endangered species on Earth. For more information, call 277-3065 or visit www.hhpz.org

February 17 – Saturday
Eastridge Mall, partnering with Sing Tao Newspaper and Sing Tao Radio AM 1400 and FW 96.1, is sponsor a Bay Area Community Celebration of the Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Pig. Also known as the Spring Festival, festivities will include two spring fashion shows, children talent dance performance, special discounts from selected retailers, as well as giveaway prizes. Event hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Eastridge Mall is located in San Jose between Capital Expressway and Tully Road. This event is free and opens to the public, and will take place at Eastridge’s Lower Level Center Court near Starbucks.

February 17 – Saturday
Healthy Heart Hike on the Boccardo Trail. Hikers will meet at the Youth Science Institute, Alum Rock Park at 10 a.m. to begin this aerobic hike up a moderately strenuous trail with a 1,400 foot elevation gain. This 6 mile round trip hike leads to a beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding mountains. So bring water and a snack and come join us! There is a $6/per car charge to park at Alum Rock Park. This hike will be rescheduled for Saturday, February 24th in case of heavy rain. For more information visit www.openspaceauthority.org, or call 224-7476

February 18 - Sunday
Vietnamese Spring Festival & Parade: The Vietnamese Cultural Festival and Parade celebrates the traditions and festivities of the Vietnamese culture through authentic food, lion dances, entertainment and a parade with local marching bands and a variety of floats and entries. This event will be held at the Civic Auditorium & Parkside Hall beginning at 10 a.m. For more information call 292-8283 or visit www.vsfsanjose.com

February 19 - 23
Week-long Winter Science Camp at Youth Science Institute! If you love our YSI summer camps or are curious to try something from our summer camp menu, check out our new Winter Science Camp Odyssey. Topics include physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, astronomy, and the wonderful world of animals and nature. Join us as we explore flight, magnetism, the chemistry of ice cream, and other messy mixtures. Held at Vasona Park in Los Gatos, this camp is geared for grades K- 4th. Call 356-4945 today for more information or to register or visit www.youthscience.org.

February 24 – Saturday
Friendship Agape Church, 5150 Camden Ave in San Jose (Between Kooser Rd and Hwy 85) will celebrate and observe the Chinese New Year (Year of the Boar) from 6 – 9 p.m. Come to enjoy the good food and fun games as well as enter in a free Raffle drawing for a great prize. RSVP by February 20 to 979-1257 or info@friendshipagape.com.

March 1 – 4
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose presents “Wizard of Oz.” Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Lion as CMT brings this timeless family classic to life. Based on the film, this colorful stage version includes your favorite Ozian songs including, “Follow the Yellow Brick, Road”, “If I Only Had A Brain”, and the “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. All performance staged at the Montgomery Theater. For show times and other information, call 288-KIDS or visit www.cmtsj.org. Admission is $16 – $19 per person.

March 8 – 10 & 15 - 17
Castillero Middle School Advanced Drama presents their spring production of “The Music Man Jr.” It’s the classic story of that music man and his 76 trombones, and all the wonderful, wonderful tunes he plays for every heart in town! Take a trip to River City, Iowa — without leaving Almaden Valley. You’ll be humming the tunes and tapping your feet as you watch the footloose con man set out to fleece a small town community. In the end though, he falls in love and learns a valuable lesson in moral responsibility from the town’s librarian. It’s fun for the whole family! All performances staged in the new Castillero Theater, located on campus at 6384 Leyland Park Drive n San Jose. Order your tickets now for the best seats. Admission: Adults $10 and children (12 and under) $6. Advanced ticket order forms may be picked up in the school office and the tickets will also be available at the door. To order, call CMS at 781-0607 to leave a message about getting tickets.

CLASSES

February 10 – March 17
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Healthy Living Classes co-sponsored by Kaiser Permanente San Jose: The first in this series, “Walking for Health” is a step-by-step course led by Fitness Professional Kristin Strellis that will lead participants through the paved trails of Guadalupe River Park. Learn how to stretch and exercise before and after walking and other helpful tips. Participants will also receive a “Choosing Health” book/DVD and pedometer generously donated from Kaiser Permanente San Jose. Time is 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fee is $25. Pre-registration is required and participants must be 18 years of age or older. All classes will begin at the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. For more information and to register, visit our website www.grpg.org, e-mail us at education@grpg.org, or call 298-7657.

February 17 – Saturday
The Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP) is offering a new free-of-charge World Garden Workshop on “California Native Plants” at the Erikson Adult Center located at 4849 Pearl Ave, San Jose. Master Gardener Sharon McCray will lead the workshop held from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, in room 18, across from MetroED’s World Garden. The World Garden is located on the Southwestern edge of the Erikson Adult Center campus.  Look for the redwood trees and the greenhouse roof after entering the fenced parking lot on Minas Drive, off of Pearl Avenue. To register, call 723-6450 and ask to have your name added to the February World Garden Workshop list or email ritab@metroed.net.

February 20 & 27
Caring for Mom and Dad? – Don’t go it Alone - If you are helping your aging parent(s) retain their quality of life by offering physical, financial and mental support, you owe it to yourself to maintain the stability and balance of your own life. Process Therapy Institute of Los Gatos and Belmont Village Senior Living of San Jose are offering a new evening support group for adult children who are responsible for the day-to-day health and safety of their aging parents.  Learn to balance this new role and face the challenges with Mary Serrano, wife, mother, daughter, and MFT trainee – Don’t go it alone. All sessions are held at Belmont Village Senior Living, 500 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose from 7 – 9 p.m. Light refreshments are served. For specific questions contact Mary Serrano at Process Therapy Institute of Los Gatos, 358-2218 ext. 447 or mary@processes.org. RSVPs are suggested as space is limited; 984-4767

FIFTY PLUS

February 1 – April 14
A free tax preparation program is available to assist seniors (ages 50-plus) and lower income clients with tax returns. Tax Aide volunteers will answer basic tax issues and assist clients with tax preparation. This year, all taxpayers regardless of income, can request a one-time telephone tax refund and receive an extra $30 - $60 on their return. This service is offered by the City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Office on Aging/Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in conjunction with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To schedule an appointment or to find out more information about the program, please contact the RSVP Volunteer Tax-Aide Program at the Office on Aging at 979-7906. Participating locations include: The Southside Senior Center, 5585 Cottle Road each Monday from 9a.m. – 4 p.m. and at the Seven Trees branch Library, 3597 Cas Drive each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS

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

February 18 – Sunday
The Cupertino Coin Club’s 2007 Coin Show will be held at Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose.  Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $2 for adults, children 17 and under are free. This show features over 35 coin dealers – attendees can buy, sell, or trade coins and other numismatic items. Other exhibits include jewelry and collectibles – plenty for the entire family to enjoy plus Free Coin Prize Drawings for children! There is plenty of free parking.

February 25 – Sunday
Vipassana (Insight) Meditation One-Day Retreat – Instruction and Practices on Vipassana and Metta meditations, led by Meditation Master Venerable Beelin Sayadaw, sitting and walking meditations, interviews, Dharma Talks, lunch provided, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, free, at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. RSVP to Tony at 408-732-3322 or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

February 25 – Sunday
Modern Bridal Faire at Parkside Hall: Meet with more than 150 of the bay area’s finest wedding professionals, view exquisite bridal fashions, and get inspired for your own wedding. The Modern Bridal Faire showcases incredible exhibits featuring florists caterers, cakes, photographers, videographers, music, and great honeymoon getaways. Doors open at 11 a.m. admission is $12. For more information, call 800-400-2099 or visit www.modernbridal.com

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.