February 6, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

February 10 – Saturday
The Emerson String Quartet returns to Stanford Lively Arts for its highly anticipated annual appearance at Dinkelspiel Auditorium. The seven-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble will perform the complete “Rasumovsky” Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven in a special performance that continues the close relationship that has endured for more than a quarter of a century between the quartet and Stanford Lively Arts. At 7:00 p.m. Stanford University Professor of Music Stephen Hinton will explore these works in a free and open pre-performance discussion. Performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50/$46. 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.

February 11 - Sunday
The San Jose Music Study Club is holding its annual Young Artist Award Auditions at De Anza College, Bldg. A. Rm. A-31 from 12 to 5:30 p.m. The most famous previous winner of this competition is San Jose’s own Jon Nakamatsu, who won this award in l987, and ten years later won the coveted Van Cliburn Piano Competition, and continues to perform all over the world. Auditions are open to Vocalists, Pianists, and Instrumentalists between the ages of 18 and 30. Applicants must live within the approximate area indicated by South: Monterey, North: Sacramento, East: Hwy 99, and West: Pacific Ocean. First, Second, and Third place winners will receive $1000, $800, and $600 respectively. Winners will present a concert at Le Petite Trianon in April. For more information and applications, contact Susan A, Zerweck, at 353-1769 or e-mail ralph_susan@juno.com

THEATER

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

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.

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 10 - Saturday
“Rumpelstiltskin” will play at the Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive, at 11 a.m. Tickets $11-12. Presented by California Theatre Center, Silicon Valley¹s own professional theatre for youth and families.  For tickets or more information, visit  www.ctcinc.org or call 245-2978.

February 11 – Sunday
Marquee Productions announces auditions for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Directed and Choreographed by Kevin R. Hauge and performing April 20 - 29, 2007 at the Montgomery Theater. Auditions are by appointment only, beginning at 1 p.m. Hopefuls should be prepared to sing and dance. Strong singers and dancers, character actors are sought for this benefit production. To make an appointment call: 288-5437 x 335
Callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 7pm (dance), Monday, Feb. 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.marqueeproductions.org. The Marquee Production is a benefit for Children's Musical Theater San Jose. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” marks the company's third production and will feature and all adult cast.

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.

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.

CLASSES

February 5 – 27
Do You Remember How Much Fun You Had Square Dancing?  Join our class for a refresher.  The class meets Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Camden Community Center, 3369 Camden Avenue, San Jose.  Cost is $5, $2.50 for youth or seniors. Contact Karl Belser at 723-0315 for more information.

February 10 – Saturday
Nothing says home gardening like a scrumptious tomato! Now you can learn the secrets to growing the same tasty heirloom beauties featured in many upscale markets. Join Cynthia Geske of Love Apple Farm for “Growing Heirloom Tomatoes” as she details the differences between heirlooms and hybrids, discusses variety selection, climatic conditions, growing dates, soil prep, planting techniques, staking, fertilization, disease control, and seed-saving. Speaking of seeds- everyone will get some to plant, along with a basic starter kit. This program will take place at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Class time is 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. the fee is $25 for members/$30 non-members. For more information and to sign up for this event please visit www.grpg.org , email education@grpg.org or call 298-7657.

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.

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 Kirk Senior Center, 1601 Foxworthy Avenue, San Jose every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

Ongoing
AARP Campbell Area Chapter 5151 meets the third Tuesday of every month 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

MISCELLANEOUS

February 1 – 13
Adopt A Rose For Valentine’s Day! Are you looking for something special to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Look no further! Nothing says “I love you,” like a beautiful rose, and we can give you roses with a unique twist! When you adopt a rose in the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden for a donation of $50.00, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will place an engraved plaque in front of the rose with your personal inscription – for one full year. A special gift card announcing your rose adoption will be attractively packaged with a small box of chocolates from Schurra's Candy Factory, a package of gourmet cookies and a gift certificate from Cafe Too! at the San Jose Museum of Art, and two tickets for a ride on the Children's Carousel at Arena Green. Gift packages will be available for pick-up, prior to Valentine's Day, at the GRP&G Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

February 10 – Saturday
Senator Elaine Alquist’s 10th Women’s Health Forum: Healthy Choices for Healthy Women: This free event, held at Wilcox High School, Mission City Center for Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe Street in Santa Clara, promises to be an educational forum for those interested in a healthier lifestyle. The forum will include free health screenings, a health fair featuring various community organizations, and speaker panels of health experts addressing important health topics such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, nutrition, and exercise. The keynote speaker Dr. Fernando Torres-Gil, a nationally renowned public policy and aging expert will discuss health, long-term care, and the politics of aging. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

February 14 – Wednesday
Poetry Center San José presents “Love’s Not Time’s Fool”, A Valentine’sNight’s Revel of wine, poetry and music with Nils Peterson and Sally Ashton. The choral setting for the evening’s selection, “The Kiss”, is orchestrated by Brent Heisinger, Emeritus Professor of Music from San José State University. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Le Petit Trianon Theatre, 72 North Fifth Street in San Jose. This Admission is $10 which includes a glass of wine to those 21 and over. This event is wheelchair accessible.

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

March 1 – Thursday
Unique Lives presents “Shirley MacLaine” at San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts. Join Renaissance woman Shirley MacLaine for an amazing journey of the spirit. From Hollywood secrets to the secrets of the Universe…there is never a dull moment with the legendary Shirley MacLaine. Event time is 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 1-877-882-8124 or visit www.uniquelives.com

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.