November 1, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC
 
November 18 – December 3
Opera San José continues its 2006–07 season with the best loved Italian comic opera of all time, Gioachino Rossini’s madcap The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia). Eight performances are scheduled at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José. This comic masterpiece, brimming with effervescent music and never-ending wit, Set in seventeenth-century Spain, the opera displays the antics of a love-struck count, the resourcefulness of a very clever young woman, the exasperation of her insufferable guardian, and the machinations of Figaro, the very charming and clever barber of Seville. In Italian with English Supertitles, Tickets are $65 – 85. For tickets and additional information, call the Box Office at 437-4450 or visit www.operasj.org

THEATER

November 3 - Friday
Pratham Musical Concert by Poonam: The San Jose McEnery Convention Center hosts a musical concert by Poonam Bhatia and her orchestra. Organized by the Bay Area chapter of Pratham SF, This popular and melodious singer from Mumbai, India will make your evening even more enjoyable by incorporating our own bay area, award winning dance performers from NNJ dance group into the evening’s entertainment. Local artists will perform their best numbers and yes, Arti Parekh will tickle your funny bone with jokes and shairy. Come, relax and enjoy a fun-filled evening for a great cause! Performance time is 6 p.m. Admissiojn is $25 - $150. For more information, visit www.prathamusa.org

DANCE

November 16 - 19
Ballet San Jose presents the quintessential romantic ballet, “Giselle,” at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. With music by Adolphe Adam and choreography by Dennis Nahat (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot), Giselle was first performed over 150 years ago in Paris. Giselle is the tale of betrayal, bravery, and the power of young love. Tickets: $25 - $78. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.balletsanjose.org

CHILDREN/FAMILY

November 4 - Saturday
Come enjoy old movie classics, just the way you would have seen them in the 1920s! Attend the Silent Movie Night, at Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Avenue in San Jose. Drinks and popcorn will be provided. Everyone is invited. Featured will be “The Sheik” starring Rudolph Valentino. We will also present short films with Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy. The program begins at 7 p.m. The movies will be shown on a screen, accompanied by organist Gene Turner. Turner has learned his improvisational technique while watching the famous theatre organist Gaylord Carter, and has a large repertoire of popular tunes. This will be a benefit fundraiser for the Divine Science Center’s music and organ fund. Suggested donation is $7 at the door. For more information, visit www.divinesciencecommunitycenter.org

November 4 - 5
St. Frances Cabrini Holiday Boutique: The 36th Annual Holiday Boutique, held in the Parish Hall, 15333 Woodard in San Jose, will feature handcrafted specialties and holiday items by local artisans, a kid’s craft area, Santa pictures, Carolers, baked goods, raffle, and breakfast/lunch. Admission is free. Hours are 11/4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on 11/5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

November 4 – 5
Annual Art and Craft Faire at Center For Spiritual Living 1195 Clark St San Jose 95125. Over 20 booths, all items are handcrafted. There will be candles, ornaments, scarves, cards, jewelry, jams, vegan-based spa products, and baked goods and soup and chili for sale. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For information call Diane James at 281-3580.

November 10, 11, 16 – 18
Center Stage Theater at Leigh High School presents – “The Crucible.”  The Crucible is an exploration of jealousy, lust, mistrust, and the arrogance of power. Miller's timeless dialogue crackles with energy and his characters are compellingly real, making this truly one of the great masterworks of the American stage. As relevant today as when it debuted over 50 years ago - this extraordinary play is a white-hot tale of intolerance and the politics of fear. There is no reserved seating and the house opens at 7 p.m.  For ticket information contact Stephanie Holt at stephanieholt@yahoo.com  or by calling 445-8828.

November 18 - Saturday
Ballet San Jose will present the first program of its "Ballets for Children" series at 1:30 p.m. at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. “Point To Pointe” is the first of four hour-long programs especially created for family audiences and designed to appeal to children as young as 4-years old. All performances have family-friendly pricing of $15 to $40 for children and $20 to $45 for adults. Subscriptions to the entire series are also available. For information contact the Ballet Box Office at (408) 288-2800 or visit online at www.balletsanjose.org.

November 18 – 19
St.Francis Church, 1205 Pine Street, San Jose, will be holding a Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar: Handcrafted items, ornaments, stocking stuffers, wreaths, baked goods, kids make it & take it photo ornament, personalized Santa letters, St. Francis Sunday School Creations and more! We will also have vendors such as PartyLite, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Pampered Chef, Creative Memories and Beads by the Sea Jewelry. Event hours are 11/18 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. and 11/19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

November 19 – Sunday
Family Fun Portraits will be at Branham HS! Enjoy professional photo studio portraits just in time for the holidays. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Order portraits or holiday cards on-line after your sitting.  Come as a family, a couple or just the kids. Sitting fee is $30.  Only one appointment needed per family up to 8 members. Multiple poses available. You get a "free" 10x13 and Branham Music receives 50% of the sitting fees and 10% of on-line orders for this fundraiser. Order sheets from the poses of your choice and they will be mailed to you in time for holiday giving.  To make your appointment or get more information, log on at www.FamilyPortraitsFun.com  this event is open to the community.  Appointments are required, no walk-ins will be honored.  Branham HS is located at: 1570 Branham Lane, San Jose.

November 2 - 19
Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy has extended the 2006 regular operating season. Visitors can now enjoy six (6) additional days of fall fun at California's only horticultural theme park. The new operating days are November 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information about the regular 2006 season, visit www.bonfantegardens.org.

December 2 – Saturday
Pancakes and more! The Student Ministries of Central Christian Church, 2555 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, will host their 2nd Annual Student Ministries Fundraiser to support Junior High / High School service trips to underprivileged communities such as San Francisco’s Tenderloin and Tijuana, Mexico.  Help students to raise support as they plan to serve the needy.  Pancake Breakfast hours are from 7 - 11 a.m. $7 for adults and $5 for children under 10. The Silent Auction runs from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Free Family Movie Night from 6 - 9 p.m.  Advance tickets available. For more information, call 408-264-7643, or visit www.centralsj.org) 

December 2 -3
St. Christopher Holiday Boutique - Find something special for everyone on your holiday shopping list at the 15th Annual St. Christopher Ladies’ Guild Holiday Boutique: Hours are 12/2, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and 12/3 from 9a.m. - 4 p.m. Arts and crafts; delicious gourmet delights; finely crafted jewelry, children’s toys - gifts for home and heart available from more than 65 local vendors. Bring the family and enjoy breakfast or lunch at the St. Christopher restaurant while the kids participate in fun activities. The boutique is located at the corner of Booksin and Curtner Avenues in Willow Glen. Proceeds benefit the St. Christopher Parish and Community Outreach, a non-profit organization. www.SaintChris.com.

CLASSES

Ongoing
Qi Gong Flow with Angie: Qi Gong is the perfect activity for anyone, at any age. It combines gentle movement and stretches, meditation, breathing regulation, relaxation and visualization techniques. The exercises are designed to release tension and enhance blood and energy circulation throughout the body, thereby increasing immune function, improving energy levels and sleep, and promoting overall health and well-being. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Fees: drop-in rate: $10 per class; 4 classes pre-paid: $35. Classes held at Halanda Studio, 1062 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, http://www.halanda.com.

Free Martial Arts Classes: IMC Martial Arts, 2229 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose offers classes in Panjo personal protection, Tae Kwon Do, and Kickboxing, and for both adults and kids.  Mondays free adult Tae Kwon Do lessons.  Tuesdays free Panjo defense lessons.  Wednesdays free Kids Tae Kwon Do.  Thursdays free Kickboxing.  Lessons offered from 5pm-8pm, at your convenience.  IMC Martial Arts is located in Willow Glen at 2229 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. Call 269-0999 to schedule your free martial arts lesson, or just drop by and ask for Takuraba.  For more information: www.imcmartialarts.com

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.

FIFTY PLUS

Ongoing
AARP Campbell Area Chapter 5151 meets the third Tuesday of every month (except December) at 9:30 a.m. in room Q-80, Campbell Community Center, 1 West Campbell Ave for informative and fun programs.  Visitors from all communities are welcome. Call 378-6996

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

November 3 – 5
World Wellness Weekend: World Wellness Weekend is a unique community “lifestyle” annual event representing a multi-dimensional, complimentary view of health and wellness. Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center & Civic Auditorium, The San Jose World Wellness Weekend (WWW) features Deepak Chopra, named by Time Magazine as one of the “top 100 icons of the 20th century”, delivering the opening Keynote Address Friday night, at the Civic Auditorium. Admission is $35 - $55. For more information, call 800-595-$TIX or visit www.worldwellness.org

November 4 - Saturday
The "Colors of Autumn" donation drive for the Santa Clara County Children's Shelter (on Union Ave. ) will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 15885 Los Gatos-Almaden Road in Los Gatos, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are asking the community to come and donate new pajamas, backpacks, school supplies, art supplies, personal CD players, activity books, children's DVDs and other child friendly items for the children at the shelter.  After dropping off donations, the community is invited to stay and enjoy an autumn festival with pony rides, a quilt auction, a cake walk, a petting zoo, bingo, scarecrow building, a jumpy house, fall activities, crafts and free BBQ. 

November 4 – Saturday
Willow Glen/Pioneer High School Class of 1961 will hold its 45th reunion at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose. To secure your reservation, contact Donna O’Neil at 267-2487. Information about this event is posted on Classmates.com under Class of 1961.

November 8 – Wednesday
Hospice of the Valley presents, “Getting Through the Holidays,” a special community event that offers emotional support and practical ideas for getting through the first holiday season without your loved one. Adult members of bereaved families from the community are encouraged to attend this pre-holiday event from 7 – 9 p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue in San Jose, near Hwy 85. Donation is appreciated. RSVP to Hospice of the Valley at (408) 559.5600. For additional information, visit www.hospicevalley.org

November 11 – Saturday
Get your holiday shopping done early! Princeton Plaza hosts an Antiques and Collectibles show featuring one-of-kind arts and crafts, personal care items, Fine jewelry, unique holiday gifts and much more. Free admission, free parking and live entertainment by “Mostly Celtic.”

November 11 – 12
Come and enjoy a Victorian-inspired holiday and get your Christmas shopping done early at the 2nd annual Yuletide Bazaar. Featuring fine handmade items and treats. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Rd., San Jose. For more information call 323-1107 or visit www.parkhere.org.

November 11 – 12
Dog Behavior Seminar featuring Cheri Lucas, Founder and President of Second Chance at Love Humane Society. Lucas is also the protégé of Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. She will impart her knowledge in dealing with problem dogs at this seminar. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Morgan Stanley Building, 333 W. San Carlos St., Suite 1100, San Jose. $100 donation per person. Proceeds benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. RSVP 805-434-3901. For more information visit,www.secondchancelove.org.

November 17 – Friday
Dance to the Joe Sharino Band at the Snow Season Kick-off Party presented by the Apres Ski Club at the Techmart, 5201 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara.  No-host bar from 6 p.m.  Vendor booths from 7 p.m. $25 admission includes buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m., dancing from 9 p.m., and party time fun. Valuable raffle prizes and silent auction throughout the evening. Tahoe Ski Lodge info. Apres is a year-round sports and social club - the largest in the Bay Area. More details online: www.apres.org

November 23 – Thursday
Registration is open for the Second Annual “Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot – Run or Walk for Health, Hope and a Home,” scheduled for 9 a.m. The race includes a 5K run or walk and a 10K run, with awards three-deep in all age group categories. In addition, there are several “races within the race,” including the “SAP CEO/Celebrity Charity Challenge,” the “KB Home Quickest Cop/ Fastest Firefighter Competition,” the EMC2 “Fittest Firm Competition” for the companies turning out the most employees. To register in any division, simply go to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group web site at www.svlg.net and click on the Turkey Trot icon on the home page, or visit active.com. Registration prior to November 22 is $30, with race day registration at $35.

Ongoing
The South Bay Astrological Society meets at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at the Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave in San Jose. Come for refreshments and fellowship at 1 p.m.; Lecture starts at 1:30 p.m.. For more information call 512-1187 or visit www.southbayastrology.org
Poetry Readings at Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, 7 p.m. Every Third Monday of the month.

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.

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.