July 6, 2007

NewsBriefs

Almaden Branch Library to hold party releasing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”

San José Public Library is planning a party! It will host a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Release Party from 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 20 at Almaden Library and Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave., in anticipation of the release of the final volume in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

To help local fans through the last couple of hours of nail-biting impatience before the book is released at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, the library has planned fun activities recalling the characters and world of Hogwarts to keep fans entertained.

When the clock strikes midnight, library customers-who are among the first 400 to have both reserved the standard print edition of the seventh book – and designated Almaden Library as their pickup point - will be able to check out their copy and immediately begin uncovering the answers to all the burning questions that have tantalized them from the beginning; chief among them:

Who will live and who will die?

Does Harry kill Voldemort?

Do Ron and Hermione get together?

All disbelief is suspended as participants enter at "Gate 9 3/4" and the world of Hogwarts takes over. Partygoers will have several activities to choose from, including crafts (e.g., make a wand, necklace or wizard's hat) and "classes" (e.g., potions, tea-leaf reading and History of Hogwarts trivia). A parched throat will be soothed by a stop at the Leaky Cauldron for a glass of "Butter Beer" or "Bug Juice." As the evening draws to a close, participants will gather in the Community Room to see if the Goblet of Fire chooses them as a prize winner and to listen 'til midnight to favorite passages read from earlier Harry Potter stories.

Participants are welcome and encouraged to come in costume, but it is not a requirement. Anyone 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult; drop-offs are not permitted. Those who are eligible to check out their reserve copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" must have addressed all potential blocks on their library card account by 11:30 p.m. Fine or fee payments will be accepted by credit card only. No other library services will be available that evening.

As with many library events, the success of the evening will depend in part on the services of community volunteers. Teen volunteers may ask for community service credit. Those who are interested in participating or want more information about the event may call (408) 808-2183.

National Night Out set for Aug. 7

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, neighborhoods throughout San Jose are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 24th Annual National Night Out. “ National Night Out will involve over 10,000 communities from all 50 States, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 34 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness; generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 6 to10 p.m. on Aug. 7, residents in neighborhoods throughout San Jose and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout San Jose will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, barbeques and informal gatherings.

Last year approximately 60 San Jose neighborhoods showed their support for National Night Out by enjoying an evening with their neighbors and local police officers.

To include your neighborhood in this years event, please register on-line at www.sjpd.org or contact the San Jose Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (408) 277-4133. Join us on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and Give Crime and Drugs A Going Away Party.

Kirk Senior program expands

The Kirk Community Center’s Senior Nutrition program, Kirk Café, is expanding its program from four to five days per week including Friday meal service starting on Friday, July 6.

Great meals are available for seniors who are aged 60 and over, with a suggested donation of $2, or $5 for those 59 and younger. The lunches feature special events, celebrations, guest speakers, fun and companionship! For more information, call the Kirk Café Hotline at (408) 448-9591.

The Kirk Senior Program in conjunction with the Metropolitan Adult Education Program will be sponsoring summer classes for the 50-plus crowd starting the week of July 9.

Classes include Tai Chi, Photoshop Elements, and Intermediate Computer classes, Feldenkrais, Digital Photography, Creative Writing and Intermediate Painting. Class fees range from free to $10 for a five-week session.

For more information, please call the Kirk Senior Program at (408) 269-0214. Kirk Community Center is located at 1601 Foxworthy Ave. in San Jose.

Tickets for 16th annual mariachi festival concerts on sale now

San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza, one of the largest multi-cultural arts centers for Latinos in the United States, has announced an unprecedented artist roster for its signature event: the 16th Annual San Jose International Mariachi Festival.

This is the largest mariachi festival in California and the second largest in the United States.

Three-time Grammy Award winners Los Lobos will be performing with Linda Ronstadt, Mexican pop superstar Marco Antonio Solis will perform a special showcase concert with Mariachi Sol de Mexico and there will be traditional mariachi performances by Mariachi Cobre, Tlen Huicani and many others. The festival’s student mariachis, who attend mariachi master music and dance workshops with instructors Mariachi Cobre and Tlen Huicani, have been invited by California First Lady Maria Shriver to open her 2007 Conference for Women in Long Beach, Calif. in October of this year.

"We are very proud to be able to work together with the Mexican Heritage Plaza in promoting the 2007 San Jose International Mariachi Festival," proclaimed Gustavo Marquez, president of Marquez Brothers International. "El Mexicano brand products will support the weeklong festivities and we invite all families to attend these entertaining and culturally rich events."

For more information on The 16th Annual San Jose International Mariachi Festival, call Mexican Heritage Plaza at 1-800-MHC-VIVA or visit www.mhcviva.org.