March 6, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

March 11 – Sunday
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents “The Seasons” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose, with Barbara Day Turner, conductor and featuring violinists Nora Chastain and Cynthia Baehr. The performance will feature works by Vivaldi and Piazzolla. Pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30/$35. For more information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

March 14 – Wednesday
The award-winning Leigh High School Wind Ensemble will be giving a concert at Campbell’s Heritage Theater, 1 West Campbell Avenue at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds from the concert will be used to fund the student’s trip to Carnegie Hall in New York in May. For ticket information, please call, 377-3310.

March 16 & 18
The Santa Clara Chorale returns to the Santa Clara Mission on March 16 with “Songs of the Heart, Land, and Spirit,” showcasing Benjamin Britten’s classic and cherished work “Rejoice in the Lamb”. A repeat performance will take place at the Los Gatos Methodist Church on March 18 at 4 p.m. The program will also include lesser known but quality works by Parker, Churchill, and more, including additional works by Britten himself. Tickets ranges from $5 to $20 and can be purchased by phone at 369-1289, via the web at www.scc.org or at the door on the day of the shows.

THEATER

March 7 – 10
“Nipples To the Wind” is based on 14 unforgettably funny female characters, all portrayed by 2 actors, Janye Anderson and Paula Coco. Ranging from intelligent humor to all-out hilarity, this “must-see” event wins over both male and female audiences. With live and original music featuring Kacey Jones. All performances are held at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. Admission is $30 - $45. For more information, visit www.Nipplestothewind.com

March 17 – 18
Stanford Lively Arts’ presentation of the Aquila Theatre Company travels the road of Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous pilgrims in two performances of “The Canterbury Tales” at Stanford’s Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Performance times are 3/17 at 8 p.m. and on 3/18 at 2:30 p.m. Made up of both British and American artists, the Aquila Theatre Company incorporates the theatrical techniques of both cultures to produce innovative and universally accessible interpretations of classical dramas without diminishing their essence. Tickets are $44/$40 for adults. Half-price tickets are available for young people age 15 and under and discounts are available for students and groups. For tickets and more information about this and other Stanford Lively Arts performances, contact the Stanford Ticket Office, located at Tresidder Memorial Union, at 650-725-ARTS (2787), or visit Lively Arts online at http://livelyarts.stanford.edu.

DANCE

March 23 - Friday
Ballet San Jose will present a free Community Outreach program at 1:30 p.m. at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Boulevard in downtown San Jose. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this fun and informative one-hour presentation.

ART

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

March 7 & 21
The Pruneyard’s Camera 7, 1875 South Bascom in Campbell presents its “Diaper Days” film program catering exclusively to moms, dads and their kids. The special screenings are twice a month and feature first-run films. Diaper Days screenings are the first and third Wednesday of each month. Bring your baby bjorns and infant carriers; changing tables and baby-safe lights and sound levels provided. Showings are at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are only $6.75, with kids 4 and under admitted free.

March 8 – 10 & 15 - 17
Leigh High School’s Center Stage Theatre, 5210 Leigh Avenue, presents Disney’s rollicking musical, Beauty and the Beast. Set in a French provincial town, a young girl dreams of far-off adventures and a poignant Beast learns a life-altering lesson in selflessness. It is a story of dreams, loyalty, and redemption. Beginning February 19, tickets will go on sale as follows: 1 ticket in Reserved Seating for $12; 4 tickets in Reserved Seating for $40 (Party pack); or 1 ticket in general seating for $10. Sign up early for Reserved Seating. Box opens at 6:45 p.m.. House opens at 7 p.m. with the entertainment starting promptly at 7:30PM. Come early to enjoy delicious fare at our Café de Lune. For tickets & information, contact Stephanie Holt at 627-1575 or phone beautyatleigh@yahoo.com

March 9 – Friday
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for the “Plant A Pizza” after-school workshop. What makes a pizza taste so good? Freshly grown ingredients, of course! Come and learn about where your food comes from. We’ll be planting tomatoes, basil, wheat and other yummy pizza ingredients. Hours are 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5 members/$10 non-members per child. This workshop is designed for children five years of age and older and will be held at the GRP & G Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early 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 please visit www.grpg.org , e-mail education@grpg.org or call 298-7657.

March 10 – Saturday
Cupertino’s Fifth Annual Lunar New Year Unity Parade welcomes the year of the pig and kicks off a day-long multi-cultural celebration honoring the area’s broad spectrum of cultures. Free parking will be available all day at DeAnza College. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and will follow Stelling Road in Cupertino from Jollyman Park to Memorial Park, where an International Fair will continue through 5 p.m. This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be the honorable Mayor Lin from our sister city, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Those interested in additional information about the events can contact Parade Committee Co-chairs: Kevin Wu at 873-7102 or Kevin-wu@sbcglobal.net and Elaine Glissmeyer at 351-2413 or eglissmeyer@scvymca.org. For more information, visit www.unityparade.org.

March 24 – Saturday
Branham Hills Little League Opening Day will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Ross Field complex on Ross Avenue off Branham Lane.  We will be having our fundraising Hit A Thon and serving fantastic food at our Snack Shack.  If anyone has questions regarding the league they can visit our website at www.eteamz.com/bh or call 792-0411.

March 30 – April 30
In celebration of the life of César Chávez, the Mexican Heritage Plaza will be hosting a month-long schedule of events - The César Chávez Festival de Bellas Artes . Coordinated with Chávez Family Vision of San José, these events will involve the active participation of Chávez family members, including César’s sister, Rita Chávez Medina.  She will Co-Chair the event with District 5 Councilmember Nora Campos and San José Mayor Chuck Reed. These events begin with The 6th Annual Commemorative Breakfast held on 3/30 in the Pavilion (indoor/outdoor) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza from 8 - 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 at the door or call 928-5563. On 3/31 the Annual César Chávez March will commence at 10 a.m. at Mexican Heritage Plaza and will end by returning to the Plaza, culminating with a concert at noon. For additional information on the planned events, call 408 928 5563 or visit www.mhcviva.org

CLASSES

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.

March 13 – Tuesday
Parents Helping Parents is partnering with several other Bay Area non-profits to present a learning disabilities resource event for parents and professionals. “Navigating Learning Disabilities” will be presented from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Parents Place Resource Center, 200 Channing Avenue in Palo Alto. Event Keynote speaker is Carol Zepecki, Ed.D., Director of Student Services, Palo Alto USD. This event will also feature a student panel sharing experiences and success stories,  a learning disability simulation designed to increase awareness of the experiences of children with learning disabilities; a book fair, Parents Booth, vendor exhibits, and assistive technology demonstrations. Sponsored by Parents Place, Parents Helping Parents, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, WestEd and First 5 Santa Clara County. Admission is $25 - Scholarships available.  Register at www.parentsplaceonline.org.

Ongoing
Interested in learning German or refreshing your skills?  SouthBay 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 - teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9a.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. Our new semester has just begun; new students can join any time.

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

March 10 –Saturday
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over, will hold its class registration for the next session at the Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave. in San Jose. Registration time for the intermediate and advanced classes is 9 a.m. The signup time for the Introduction Class is 10:30 a.m. Check out the classes offered at our Web site at www.SNLCSJ.ORG for a more detailed description of the class or call (408) 364-1430 for more information. All classes will be held at the Center.
Ongoing

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.

Attention recently retired or semi retired men! Sons in retirement (SIRS) meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, 444 West Alma in San Jose for lunch. Join us for good food, great speakers and the chance to meet new friends. SIRS has many activities including bowling, golf computer clubs. SIRS has no initiation fees or dues. If you are interested come to one of the Branch 94 luncheons or call Ron Bianco at 267-0386.

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

VOLUNTEERS

Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking volunteers who want to make a positive difference in someone's day. Your ability to be proactive in approaching our members and attentive in helping our visitors and members will make you a valued and key member of our healthcare community. Become a Volunteer at our medical center and start sharing your interest in helping others. We currently have day, evening, and weekend opportunities available for those 18 and over. For more information, all 972-6233 or www.kpsanjose.org

March 24 – Saturday
Volunteer with Santa Clara County Open Space Authority to remove invasive plants. Project hours are 10 a.m. -3 p.m.  Lunch included. Email mchamberlin@openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 362-9569 for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS

March 10 – Saturday
Ballet San Jose Presents “The Blue Suede Shoes Gala” held from 6 p.m. to Midnight in the Imperial Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose. Put on your Dancing Shoes and join us for an elegant evening of Dining, Dancing and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Live music provided by Wayne Foster Entertainment of Beverly Hills - back by popular demand. Admission is $275 per person, Donor tables of 10-$2,500, and Sponsor tables of 10-$3,500 are available. This event includes a Cocktail Reception, Dinner and Dancing as well as both Live and Silent Auctions. To purchase tickets, contact Gala Reservations at 288-2820 x 240. Black Tie or Elvis Era Attire. For additional information visit www.balletsanjose.org

March 10 – Saturday
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Denim to Diamonds, with a James Bond-inspired twist, Diamonds are Forever. Guests begin the evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Tech Museum for a champagne reception and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner and awards presentation/live auction at Parkside Hall. The evening ends back at the Tech with the Casino Royale, desserts, and dancing to the music of the Fabulous CruiseTones. Admission is $300 – 1,000. For more information call 650-470-6000 or visit www.ronaldhouse.net

March 10 – Saturday
The Princeton Plaza Arts, Crafts, Jewelry, Antiques and Collectible Show features gifts for every occasion. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Princeton Plaza Mall, 1375 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose,

March 10 -11
The Warehouse Sale at the McEnery Convention Center: Don’t miss your chance to buy high-end designer jeans for men and women at bargain basement prices – up to 80% off! Our racks are filled with Diesel, True Religion, Genetic Denim, Monarch, 575 Denim, Blue Cult, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Chip & Pepper, Antik Denim, Earnest Sewn, Sacred Blue, Taverniti, J & Company and lots more. We also carry hoodies, sweats, and tees by 2B Free, Monarchy, Grail, Ed Hardy, and more! Admission: Free with RSVP or $3 at door
Event hours for both days are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.thewarehousesale.com

March 12 – Sunday
Daylight Savings Time arrives early! Remember to “spring forward” by advancing your clocks ahead one hour beginning at 2 a.m. The new date is in response to the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act, which includes advancing Daylight Saving Time, beginning this year, from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March to encourage energy savings. The extra hour of daylight is expected to reduce the use of lights and small appliances, which can account for up to 25 percent of a typical homeowner's power consumption.

March 21 - 22
Carolyn See, author of seven novels, including “Golden Days” and “There Will Never Be Another You,” will be featured in three events in the Major Authors Series presented by the SJSU Center for Literary Arts: On 3/21, See will visit Mt. Pleasant High School, 1750 So. White Road, San Jose.at 3:15 p.m. On 3/22 there will be a noon Conversation with the Author followed by public Q&A at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (event co-sponsor), 4th St.and San Fernando, Rooms 225-229. The day concludes with a 7:30 p.m. Reading and book signing. All events are free and open to the public.

March 23 – Friday
Presentation High School in Willow Glen announces its 41st Annual Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show, “On Location” held at the Santa Clara Marriott - California Ballroom. Featured on the runway will be members of Presentation High School’s Class of 2007, faculty, parents, board members, alumnae, and senior boys from area high schools. They will be modeling the latest fashions from top name area retailers. The luncheon show begins at 11:30 a.m. and tickets are $85.00 per person. Dinner festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $150.00 per person, which include dancing to the sounds provided by King Raffi. For additional information, please contact the Presentation High School Development Office at 408-264-5110, x 2428 or visit the school's website, www.pres-net.com. Last year’s Fashion Show contributed $122,000 to the school’s scholarship fund.

March 23 – Friday
Bill Gould, founder of Bill Gould Design Art & Architecture, will be speaking about art and architecture at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater at Willow Glen Middle School.  The speaker series is free of charge and open to the public.

March 24 – 25
The Junior League of San Jose hosts its bi-annual Rummage Sale, “The Greatest Garage Sale on Earth” at Pavilion Building located in the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Hours are 3/24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on 3/25 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon. Shop for over 33,000 square feet of great bargains including children’s toys, furniture, clothing, electronics, women’s and men’s clothing, sporting goods and much more. Attend the Community Health Fair on 3/24 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon. Admission is free. Cash, Visa and Mastercard accepted. ATM available on site. Parking is $8. For more information, call 264-3402 or visit www.jlsj.org.

March 28 - Wednesday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens present “San Jose Trail Connections” by Yves Zsutty, Program Manager – City Wide Trail System from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the GRP&G Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Whether you want to take your bike to work everyday or go for a leisurely stroll, the trail you use and its connections to other trails really makes the difference to your experience. Come find out about the current trail system in San Jose, the challenges being faced in expanding trail connections, and what the future holds. The fee is $5.00/Friends’ members, $8.00/non-members. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting Kary Houle at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657. Refunds for events will only be made if the event is cancelled or if there is a waiting list. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

Ongoing
September 15 - Saturday
Leland High School Class of 1987 20th Reunion! Held at 7:30 p.m. at the Hotel Montgomery, 211 South First Street in San Jose. For reservations call 1-866-823-0530. See www.classmates.com for more information. or contact Cynthia Bradley @ cwatt12@yahoo.com Other weekend activities also planned.

The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will be hosting Women’s Movie Night every third Thursday of the month. The evening starts with socializing at 6 p.m. followed by the movie at 7p.m. with LCD large-screen projection with digital quality. Bring your favorite snacks to enjoy during the movie and the socialization. Contact the DeFrank Center at 293-3040 for more information.

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. The March 11 meeting will feature a presentation and discussion - "Chiron and Pluto: Centaur and upstart planet wannabees" - by Zane Stein. Stein will present his research and ground breaking ideas on the ways in which Chiron and the "centaur" space objects are related to Pluto and the newly-classified "minor planets".

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.