Febuary 5, 2008

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Feb. 9 – Feb. 24
Opera San Jose opens its first production in 2008 with Giuseppe Verdi’s ground-breaking opera, Rigoletto. Eight performances are scheduled at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José. Based on Le roi s’amuse, Victor Hugo’s stinging attack on the French court, Rigoletto was Verdi’s 16th opera and his first masterpiece. It tells the story of a hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto, who is desperate to keep his beloved daughter, Gilda, from the grasp of the hedonistic Duke of Mantua. As this deeply human saga unfolds, it juxtaposes good and evil, purity and promiscuity, pride and humility. Conductors are David Rohrbaugh and Anthony Quartuccio. This production is in Italian with English Supertitles. Evening performances are at 8 p.m., matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $66 - $88 and can be purchased through the Box Office at 437-4450 or online at www.operasj.org

ART

Jan. 9 – Feb. 24
The Triton Museum, 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara, presents "David Ogle: Works on Paper - A Survey" Exhibition. Ogle is a noted art professor at West Valley College. Reception is Jan. 18 from 7 – 9 p.m. Museum hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., open until 9 p.m. Thursdays.

DANCE

Feb. 15 - 24
Ballet San Jose presents Dennis Nahat’s version of one of the greatest romantic ballets ever written – “Swan Lake” - at the Center for the Performing Arts. This production features over 135 characters in opulent costumes and beautiful scenery from David Guthrie.   Danced to a live performance by Symphony Silicon Valley, the romantic tale follows Prince Siegfried as he attempts to rescue his beloved Princess Odette from the wicked Baron Von Rothbart who has cast a spell on the young beauty and turned her into this Queen of the Swans.  Nahat’s prologue highlights the villainous nature of Rothbart by delving into the source of his evil. Admission is $25-$82 (discounts for students, seniors, groups) To purchase tickets, call the box office at 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Feb. 9
Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts has moved its headquarters to Campbell! An Open House/Grand Opening is scheduled from 12 – 3 p.m. at the new facility located at 90 North San Tomas Aquino Road in Campbell. This event will feature free martial arts lessons every 30 minutes, drawings and prizes.  Also scheduled are Martial Arts demonstrations by the Ernie Reyes World Action Team, spearheaded by 60-year-old Master Ernie Reyes, Sr. 

Feb. 12 – May 1
"Planning for a Wedding?", a new exhibit for the Sunnyvale Lace Museum will feature exquisite bridal gowns from 1890 to 1950.  Walk down the aisle and see vintage and unique accessories, such as fans, shoes, gloves, hats and parasols in a fascinating look at history.  The gift shop also offers heirloom quality lace handkerchiefs and other items for the bride.  The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale. Parking is free.

Feb. 15
How many times will your heart beat during your lifetime? Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for the “Have a Heart” workshop from 3:30 – 5 p.m. as we “travel” inside your body and take a closer look at how this muscle functions and compare your heart to those of other animals. Make a Valentine’s craft to take home and show someone just how big and caring your heart is. Appropriate fro ages 5 -10 years. Fee is $8/Members, $15/non-members. All workshops take place at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required. To register call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

CLASSES

Feb. 4
The Almaden Valley Counseling Service will be sponsoring a 7-week positive parenting class based on the STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) model. Classes are for the parents of preschool, school age and teenage children. Learn to understand yourself and your child; build self-esteem and responsibility; implement discipline vs. punishment and much more. Classes are held in the evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m., and our next session will start the week of Feb. 4, 2008. The cost is $110 for one parent or $165 for a couple. For more information, call AVCS at 997-0200, or visit our website for registration forms, www.avcounseling.org. Class location is 6529 Crown Blvd., Suite D, San Jose.

Feb. 9
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens presents the adult workshop “Recycled Art in the Garden.” This unique workshop on recycled art starts with an introduction to using “junk” materials and includes a presentation of how others have turned their trash into timeless treasures. Participants will use their own creativity to make something for the garden that will impress neighbors and encourage “green” practices. Some materials will be provided, but we encourage you to clean out your closets and garages – one person’s junk is another’s treasure. Give new life to land-fill destined items and have fun with your spring cleaning. Hours are 10 – 11:30 a.m., fees are $13/members, $20/non-members. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required by calling 298-7657 or at www.grpg.org.

Feb. 10
Beginner’s Vipassana Class at the Mindfull Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. Attendees will learn about basic Vipassana (Mindfulness) meditation techniques so as to be able to begin practicing at home, in group, or in retreats. Class time is 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. RSVP to Tony at 732-3322 or e-mail MLA9988@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Feb. 12 & 28
Optimal Health Chiropractic, 880 East Campbell Avenue Suite 103, is hosting two informative health lectures in February. “Stress Management” takes place at 11 a.m. and will help identify the differences between physical, emotional and chemical stress, offer a better understanding of how stress affects your health, and open your mind to learning natural and effective ways to combat stress.“Managing Wear & Tear Arthritis” is slated for 1 p.m. on Feb. 28. Arthritis affects the movements one relies on for everyday activities.  There are over 100 kinds of arthritis that can affect many different areas of the body.  Attend this workshop to find out tips for prevention and to manage arthritis pain. For more information, call 371-6003.

Mar. 9
First Congregational Church, 1980 Hamilton Avenue in Campbell, hosts "Tomorrow's Christianity: Not Rescuing Sinners, but Transforming Humanity" Lecture by Bishop John Shelby Spong. This free lecture begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by an informal reception. For more information, call 377-7121.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instruction at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue, CA 95125. Beginning Jan. 26, 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.

The Committee to Promote Square Dancing is sponsoring a square dance refresher class for experienced dancers: Fees are $2.50/seniors and youth, $5/adults.  Classes meet Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Camden Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, 95124. For more information, call 723-0315.
Pottery classes for all ages and all levels!  Start whenever you want.  Learn to throw on the potter's wheel or hand-build your clay creations at Black Leopard Clayware in Willow Glen.   4- and 8-week classes are held 2-4:30 and 6:30-9 pm Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 - Noon Saturday mornings.  Tuition includes clay, glazes, and firings, plus free open lab time for ongoing students.  Maximum class size of 4 guarantees individual coaching and rapid progress.   Want to try it out before committing?  BLC's 2-hour intro to clay is held every Friday evening from 6-8 pm. All classes are by pre-registration.  For more information and to register, call (408) 448-4597 or visit our website at www.bleopard.com. 

Mindfulness (Vipassana) meditations. Alternate walking and sitting Vipassana meditations. Every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sitting Vipassana meditations are held every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Both sessions are free. Classes are held at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For more information call Tony at 732-3322 or 505-5190, or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

VOLUNTEERS

Are you looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity that is meaningful and fun?  The Role Model Program needs adult volunteers to inspire elementary and middle school students to succeed! Time commitment is just one hour a week for six weeks. The Role Model Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals, dreams, and learning that education can open the door to a successful future. To learn more contact The Role Model Program Model Program at 246-0433 or go on-line to www.therolemodelprogram.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Feb. 10 & 17
Lawn Bowling competition at Willow Glen’s Frank Bramhall Park. Event time is 10 a.m., and the public is welcome to watch free of charge. Complimentary refreshments will be available. For more information, call Jerry at 499-5423.

Feb. 10
South Bay Astrological Society will meet at 1 p.m. at Divine Science Community Center. We offer astrological knowledge and fellowship, for beginners as well as professionals. The public is invited. Our lecture topic this month is "Mysteries of Ancient Astrology" with Don Cerow. General/$10; Members/$5; free to those who join at $25 a year. More info at http://www.southbayastrology.org

Feb. 13
Guadalupe Gardens Community Meeting: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is inviting public comment on a planning process currently underway to help define the future of Guadalupe Gardens. The meeting will be from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the GRPG Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. The planning process is designed to add detail to the existing Guadalupe Gardens Master Plan and to determine a strategy for implementing the next phase of development. Notes from an earlier Community Meeting, held November 2007, and the consultant’s preliminary design concepts are available for review at www.grpg.org . The consultant team will present the draft plan and take additional comments. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by calling 298-7657 or emailing the Friends’ at info@grpg.org

Feb. 16 – 17
The American Cancer Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane in San Jose announces its annual fundraising event. Collectibles, artwork, designer clothing, will be available for purchase. Hours are 2/16 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 2/17 noon – 4 p.m. For more information, call 265-5535. Event proceeds support cancer research.

Feb. 29
Junior League of San Jose hosts its Biennial Fashion Show, In Vogue, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Preview the hottest trends for modern families by top designers such as Azadeh, Tiffany & Co, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers and Anne Fontaine. Attendees have a chance to win an Apple iPhone, Nintendo Wii and more. Proceeds benefit programs for the children of San Jose including Children’s Discovery Museum, Bring Me A Book Foundation and Kids in the Kitchen. Fashion Show – 11 a.m., $85; Gala Dinner Fashion Show: 5:30 p.m. $165. For tickets, call 264-3058 or visit www.jlsj.org.

Ongoing
Delight your sweetie with a Singing Valentine! Bay Area Showcase Chorus is delivering Singing Valentines through out the Bay Area.  We will send one of our quartets to your loved one at home, at the office, restaurant or location of your choice. The quartet will sing two love songs, in your name, and present your sweetheart a personalized Valentine card, a sweet treat and flower.  We also have a phone delivery option. For more information, visit our Website: http://www.singharmony.org/valentines/ or phone 227-7461.


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.