January 5, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

January 9 - Tuesday
The Nova Vista Symphony announces auditions for the following instruments: Principal flute, Utility/fourth horn, All strings.The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday nights in Campbell (with occasional Wednesday string rehearsals) and performs its concerts on Saturday nights, usually at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Typically the orchestra plays four major concerts each year, plus a children's concert and occasional other performances. Auditions for the positions listed above will be held starting on January 9, 2007. Contact the orchestra at personnel@novavista.org or call 530-0700 if interested in auditioning. Candidates will be asked to play an orchestral excerpt, which will be supplied in advance, and a short piece of their own choosing.

January 10 - Wednesday
Stanford Lively Arts presents The Juno Award-winning Gryphon Trio - one of the foremost chamber ensembles in North America. With a reputation for innovative interpretations, the acclaimed trio presents the U.S. premiere of Tears in Your Hand, by Stanford faculty member and esteemed composer Jonathan Berger in a program that also includes works by Haydn and Schubert. Post-performance discussion is free to the public. The performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University Tickets are $40/$36. 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

January 13 - Saturday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Stop The Violence Rally and Concert Featuring Ginuwine: This MLK Fashion Event and Benefit Concert will help raise money, awareness and support for violence prevention activities. Activities begin at 4 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium. Admission is $35 - $100. For more information, visit www.partiprogram.com

January 14 – Sunday
The San Jose Chanber Orchestra presents “Future Forecast” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 N 5th St San José featuring Anthony Quartuccio, conducting, oboist Jessica Pearlman, and cellist Mitch Wyman.
This performance also includes select members of the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra and will feature works by Janacek, Vaughan Williams and Pasculi. Premieres by Anica Galindo, Scott Perry and Dan Wyman. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with a pre-concert chat at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 - $5 each. For tickets or additional information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org.  

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 21 – January 15
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
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.

January 6 – 7
The Children’s Discovery Museum presents a celebration of “El Día De Los Tres Reyes Magos.” Event times are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on 1/6 and from noon – 5 p.m. on 1/7. Join us for a traditional Three Wise Kings party, complete with Rosca de Reyes bread,  papel picado crafts, lots of music and dance with community performers, and appearances by the Three Wise Kings.

January 15 – Monday
Join Santa Clara Valley Audubon naturalists and expert whale guides in observing the magnificent Gray Whale during the peak of its southern migration!  Participants also be likely to spot other sealife, including otters, sea lions, dolphins, and, of course, birds!  These 2-hour boating adventures are geared toward kids and their families and are the organization’s most popular Young Audubon excursion.  Space is limited, so call (408) 252-3740 for more details or to reserve your family's spot. The cost is $20/person for SCVAS members, $25/person for non-members; Scholarships available for families in need, All excursions depart from Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay

January 19 – Friday
Worms Workshop! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens from 3:30 – 5 p.m. and learn how these little recyclers view our garbage and how they help to save the environment, as well as looking at them in a whole different view under the microscope! The festivities will also include a yucky, worm inspired treat! This workshop is designed for children five years of age and older, and will be held at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Attendees must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $5 members/ $10 non-members per child. Reserve your spot by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

January 20 - Saturday
Youth Indoor Model Airplane Contest.  Moreland Community Center Gym, 1850 Fallbrook Ave. in San Jose.  Boys and girls 18 and under, build and fly a simple model airplane, enter the contest.  Prizes awarded through 5th place in 5 events. $5 entry fee includes cost of materials.  Fly any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information call Lou Young, 252-2145.

January 20 & 27
California Theatre Center (CTC) presents a lively stage adaptation of Beverly Cleary’s Newberry Award-winning story, “Dear Mr. Henshaw”, adapted for the stage and directed by CTC General Director, Gayle Cornelison. Many people have pen pals, but not very many people have pen pals who are famous authors!  Leigh Botts, an 11-year-old boy from California, has been writing letters to the well-known children¹s author Boyd Henshaw since the second grade. Mr. Henshaw encourages Leigh to keep a personal journal as a way to deal with all of the changes in his life, including his parents’ divorce. Along the way, Leigh also discovers his own strengths as a writer, and explores his own personal strengths and creative capabilities throughout the story.  By the end, Leigh has improved his relationship with his parents, done better in school, and has grown smarter and wiser through his correspondence with Mr. Henshaw. Dear Mr. Henshaw plays at 11 a.m. on 1/20 and 1/27 and at 7:30 p.m. on 1/27, at the Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive. Tickets are $11 in advance/$12 at the door. Call 245-2978 for reservations. For more information, visit www.ctcinc.org.

CLASSES

January 13 & 20
Learn the ABC’s of  Trap – Neuter - Return (TNR) for Homeless cats. Do you have stray cats in your neighborhood or at work? You can help improve their lives - learn to TNR. Free TNR Classes at San Jose Animal Care and Services (SJACS), 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose. Class hours are 1/13 from10am-12 p.m. or on 1/20 from 3 -5 p.m. RSVP to 877-729-7475 option 2, as space in the classroom is limited. Leave your name, phone number, and which day you would like to attend; please speak slowly.

January 23 - Tuesday
Become a Savvy Investor Using Online Databases: The Campbell Library is sponsoring a free workshop from 7 -8:30 p.m. in the Campbell Library Community Room, 77 Harrison Ave. in Campbell.  Learn how to find stock and industry reports and key information using Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage. Unique features on Morningstar stock reports will also be illustrated as well as how to use this information to scan potential investments. Q & A period to follow. Laptops welcome. This program is presented by Marion Michel and Vicky Powell, members of the Silicon Valley Chapter of BetterInvesting. For questions call the library at 866-1991.

January 28 – Sunday
Youth Indoor Model Airplane Building and Flying Class.  Kids 10 or older, learn to build, adjust and fly light weight, free flying, indoor model airplanes under the supervision of experts.  This is the first step toward competing in local, national and international contests, science projects or just fun flying.  Eight sessions, 4-6 p.m., in the Moreland Community Center Gym, 1850 Fallbrook Ave. in San Jose.  For information call Lou Young, 252-2145.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instructions at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue in San Jose. The school offers classes for pre-school  through teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.,  For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.

MISCELLANEOUS

December 26 – February 2
San Jose residents can set their Christmas trees out for curbside recycling collection by the City of San Jose. Natural and flocked (frosted) trees will be collected on the same day as garbage and recycling at single-family homes. Tree collection is done at no additional charge, but residents must remove tinsel, decorations, and the tree stand. Trees also must be cut into five-foot lengths and placed in the street about a foot from the curb - this keeps from obstructing the flow of storm water down the gutters. Residents in apartments and other multi-family complexes should check with their building management for proper set-out instructions. Otherwise, the same rules apply such as removing tinsel and decorations.

January 7 - Sunday
Wine tasting party for single at historic 1927 Gilroy Spanish mansion: Gilroy is more than just a destination for garlic at the first-ever wine-tasting party for singles of all ages, held from 1-3 p.m. at Adagio Winery, 4355 Monterey Hwy, in Gilroy. The winery is at the newly refurbished 1927 Spanish mansion, formerly known as the Old Curley Bldg. This 6600 square foot historical treasure, on 41 acres, features the wines of Rapazzini Winery, directly across the highway from Adagio. $10 at includes the wine tasting, accompanied by light appetizers. This party is sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals, a non-profit organization.   Anyone wishing more information may call 415-507-9962 or visit www.ThePartyHotline.com.

January 13 – Saturday
Branham High School’s Electronic Waste Recycling Day: Don't know what to do with that old monitor that Santa replaced with a flat screen?  Don't want to pay the disposal fee to get rid of your old TV or computer or dump the old microwave in the trash because you know it's full of toxic materials?  The answer is simple!  Bring your old electronic waste (E-waste) to the Branham High School parking from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eligible recyclable items include computers, monitors, TVs, microwaves, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, radios, fax machines, phones, etc. Just drive in, drop off, and we’ll unload everything for you; this service is being provided for free. Recycling proceeds will support the Recycling Club and the BHS Home and School Club. Contact Matt Zehner at 267-1020 x7253 or at mzehner@cuhsd.org for additional information.   

January 20 - Saturday
The 13th annual South Bay Scottish Society’s traditional Burns Supper will be held at the Orchard City Hall, Campbell Community Center, from 6:30-10 p,m. We will celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s immortal bard, Robert (Robbie) Burns, with songs, poetry, spirited toasts to the Lads and Lassies, ceilidh (“kay-lee”) dancing, a raffle, and music by John Taylor and Hamewith. There will also be a performance by champion highland dancers, Lauren and Madeline Cooper. The dinner will include the famous haggis, Beef Bridie, Neeps and Tatties, Veggies, salad, and a wee dram or two for the traditional toasts. Seating will be limited so reserve early.  Visit us online at www.southbayscots.org or call 406-2556 for more information. Cost: $30.00 for members and guests, $35.00 for non-members, $15.00 for children 12 and under, and $40.00 at the door. Reservations with a check made payable to South Bay Scottish Society can be mailed to Frank Cameron, 490 Cherry Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022.

January 22 & 29
Learn to Square Dance. Adult singles/couples (no partner required). Monday evenings. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dance free in January! Loyola Elementary School, 770 Berry Ave. (near Foothill Expy & Springer), Los Altos. www.bowsandbeaus.org. Keith: 867-7715 or Mary: 650-941-3419 Caller/Instructor: Keith Ferguson.

February 3 – Saturday
“Six Degrees of Celebration,” the 16th Annual Gala Benefit for the Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose will be held at Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second Street in Campbell from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets include live performance, dinner, and dancing to the music of Silicon Valley Houserockers, plus both silent and live auctions. Individual tickets are $150, Table sponsorships are $2,000 Black tie optional. For tickets call the Event Line at 288-5437 or email events@cmtsj.org.

February 3 – Saturday
Leigh High School Crab Fest 2007. Come on out to the Longhorn “Crab Shack” and help support the LHS Instrumental Music Program. Hours are 6 – 9 p.m. in the Leigh Cafeteria, 5210 Leigh Avenue, San Jose. Just $37.50 buys you all the fresh cracked Dungeness crab you can eat, or our mouth-watering 7 herb roasted chicken. Admission includes live jazz entertainment, a silent auction, door prizes and raffle. For more information, contact Eric or Jorey at 266-4670.

Ongoing
San Jose Flycasters meet the second Wednesday of the month at Senior Citizens Center at the NE corner of Payne Avenue and Saratoga Avenue intersection in San Jose. On January 10, Jack Dennis, renown fly fisher, will tie flies beginning at 6:15 p.m., and present a program on Streamer Fly Fishing at the meeting, 7:20 p.m. San Jose Flycasters is a non-profit organization promoting the sport of fly fishing, education on fisheries and habitat preservation and restoration. Free and open to the public. Jim at (408) 278-7077; online: www.flycasters.org.
Poetry Readings at Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, 7 p.m. Every Third Monday of the month.

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.