April 3, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

April 7 – Saturday
Stanford Lively Arts welcomes French-Canadian pianist Louis Lortie to Dinkelspiel Auditorium at 8 p.m.  This remarkable artist makes his Lively Arts debut in a thrilling and ambitious recital that features the music of three composer-pianists: Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, and Thomas Adès. Tickets for Louis Lortie are $44/$40 for adults and $22/$20 for Stanford students. Half-price tickets are available for young people age 15 and under and discounts are available for groups and students. For tickets and more information about this and other Stanford Lively Arts performances, contact the Stanford Ticket Office at 650-725-ARTS (2787), or visit Lively Arts online at http://livelyarts.stanford.edu.

THEATER

March 24 – April 22
Get ready to eavesdrop on one of the most famous meetings in recent history. Russell Lees’ “Nixon’s Nixon” is about the imagined conversation of the secret meeting between President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger on the night before Nixon resigns his presidency. This staging is directed by Michael Butler, the Artistic Director of Center Rep in Walnut Creek. The San Jose Repertory Theatre is located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio in San Jose. Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 367-7255.

April 7 – 29
San Jose Stage Company presents Jules Feiffer’s Obie Award-winning satire, “The White House Murder Case,” directed by Ray Garrett. Debuting off-Broadway in 1970, this political satire still resonates with its strangely familiar story of a President engaged in an increasingly unpopular war. As he and his Cabinet try to put a positive spin on a poison gas attack gone wrong, not to mention a murder in the Oval Office, the situation careens out of control, with hilariously lethal results. Previews of “The White House Murder Case” begin at The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose, on April 4-5, at 7:30 p.m. and on April 6, at 8 p.m. The Gala Opening is on April 7; at 8 p.m. Performances continue Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through April 29, 2007.

April 20 – May 5
"Jake’s Women," Neil Simon’s popular comedy and one of his later works, is being presented by Center Stage Productions, at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living, 1195 Clark St. in San Jose. Resident Director, Bryan Freeman is directing and local actor Matt Singer will star as Jake. "Jake’s Women" is a comic psychological look at the complications in modern relationships. Novelist Jake finds writing about life is easier than living it and further complicates his own life through his fantasy world of relationships with the women in his life. Flashbacks, fantasy, and “real time” incidents intertwine to produce hilarious results. Tickets are $15, $12 for senior citizens 65+, and $20 for the Champagne Opening Night Gala. For directions or to purchase tickets, please call our Box Office at 284-1828 x116.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

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

April 3 – 30
To celebrate National Poetry Month in April, the Campbell Public Library is having a Teen Poetry Contest. One Middle School and one High School winner will each receive a $25.00 cash prize. Beginning April 3, each student may submit up to three original poems (no longer than 30 lines). The deadline for entering is April 30. Entry forms will be available at either the Children's or the Adult Reference desks, or online at www.santaclaracountylib.org starting on April 3.

April 7 – Saturday
Almaden Neighborhood Church, 19550 McKean Road in San Jose, is holding a free Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt from 2 - 4:30 p.m.  All children and adults are welcome to attend.  There will be two egg hunts - one for younger children at 2:30 p.m. and one for older children at 2:45 p.m. Activities include a jump house, games, craft activities, storytime, balloon animals and face painting, special prizes, and refreshments for all.

April 7 – Saturday
Gilroy Premium Outlets and The Kids Supercenter will be hosting a Storytime Adventures with the Easter Bunny event from 1-3 p.m. Bring your children or grandchildren to enjoy stories of the Easter Bunny and Springtime fun. The Easter Bunny will be greeting children and handing out free treats.  In addition, parents are invited to bring a camera to take photos of their children with the Easter Bunny. For more information, call the management office at 842-3732.

April 7 – Saturday
Egg Hunt 2007! Join South Hills Community Church for these fun community adventures! Bring the family to either location and hang out while the kids hunt for colored eggs, filled with candy and prizes. Enjoy arts and crafts, games, refreshments. These events are free to the public. The two event locations are: Parma Park at Camden Ave/Little Falls Drive, and Almaden School, 1295 Dentwood Drive. Egg Hunt begins at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call South Hills Community Church at 268-1676 or visit www.southhills.cc

April 11 – Wednesday
The Campbell Library, 77 Harrison Avenue, invites seventh and eighth graders to learn about genetics and medical ethics.  Join in a discussion about genetic testing and disease case studies.  This special event begins at 4 p.m. will be led by local doctor Kae Bendixon and Heather Trumbower of the Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering at UC Santa Cruz.  The program is part of the Get Tech @ the Library initiative (http://www.santaclaracountylib.org/tech) collaboration between Santa Clara County Library and the Tech Museum of Innovation. It is funded by an LSTA grant from the California State Library. For more information, call 866-1991.

April 19 - 20
Pioneer High School, 1290 Blossom Hill Road is holding its annual "Spring Show" featuring performances by the award winning Pioneer Dance Team, the intermediate and advanced dance classes, the Jazz Band (April 19 only), the Varsity Singers (April 20 only), and other talented groups.  Join us at 7 p.m. for an evening of dance, music, and fun for the entire family.  Tickets are $5 for advanced sales and $7 at the door.  Parking is available in the back of the school, and then proceed to the Main Gym.  For more information, contact Virginia Itani at 448-3050.

April 22 – Sunday
Century 21 Champion Fine Homes & Estates will be hosting a Family Fun Bowling Night from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at the Cambrian Lanes bowling alley in San Jose to raise funds for Jerry Book, a special young man in need of an Assistance K9 to assist him in day to day living. The $20 admission includes 2 1/2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, bowling ball and refreshments.  A $10 admission is a social ticket that does not include bowling.  Raffle tickets will also be sold for a  50/50 raffle drawing at the end of the event.  All proceeds go to Jerry Book and the Dogwish Foundation who trains the Assistance K9.  For further information, contact Margot Hessling at 445-4124.

May 13 – Sunday
First Congregational Church, 1980 Hamilton Avenue presents "With a Song in Our Hearts" concert by Chancel Choir. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Free will offering/Refreshments. For more information, call 377-7121.

Ongoing
Summer is the time for California Theatre Center’s exciting and educational Summer Theatre Conservatory Program. Based in Sunnyvale, California Theatre Center (CTC) has offered its hands-on theatre Conservatories for ages 8 and up for over twenty years. By popular demand CTC now offers 2-week-long, half-day/ morning Junior Conservatories for ages 6-8. Registrations are currently being accepted at 245-2979. CTC’s regular Summer Conservatory is a three-week-long intensive workshop for young people ages 8 and up (must turn 8 by July 1, 2007) who are interested in developing and improving theatre skills. Conservatory students will work directly under the supervision of professional CTC company members to produce and act in their own production, culminating in public performances at the end of their Conservatory session. Conservatories are held from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm five days a week at a number of locations throughout the South Bay including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Saratoga and Los Altos. For more information about CTC Summer Conservatory dates and locations visit our web site at www.ctcinc.org. To register your child, call 408-245-2979.

CLASSES

April 21 – Saturday
Come to a free lecture to learn how to rid your body of toxins and be a happier and livelier you! Hours are from 3 – 4 p.m.

Ongoing
Youth Science Institute is taking registrations now for their Summer Science Camps! Designed for children ages 3 ½ to 14, there are over 35 camps to choose from. Camps include Bugology, Mighty Forest, Science Sleuths and Wild Wonders, just to name a few. Children enjoy the wonders of science and the natural world with hands-on projects, experiments, crafts, hikes and games. Camp fees range from $130 to $205 per week. Camps start the week of June 18th and run through August 17th at each of YSI’s Science and Nature Centers, located at Alum Rock Park in San Jose, Sanborn Park in Saratoga and Vasona Park in Los Gatos. Scholarships are available at the YSI Centers in Alum Rock and Sanborn. Classes fill up quickly, so call 356-4945 today for more information or to register.

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 Almaden Senior Center, 6445 Camden Avenue in San Jose – every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 1 – 4 p.m.

Ongoing
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

The San Jose Widow/Widowers Club meets at 12:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month for lunch at the Cup & Saucer Restaurant, 1375 Blossom Hill Road in Princeton Plaza. They also meet for breakfast every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at Goodies Coffee Shop on the corner of Bascom and Apricot in Campbell. Call 408-275-6178 or 408-292-3406 for information.

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

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

April 9 – Monday
Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage will address the Almaden Community's concerns about our growing traffic congestion, the Environmental Impact Report of the Coyote Valley Development and its effect on Almaden at 7 p.m. at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Avenue, San Jose.  The public is invited to attend. For more info, visit www.avca-sj.org.

April 11 – Wednesday
Give the Gift of Reading! Vision Literacy, a nationally-recognized adult literacy organization, will host a volunteer orientation from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Campbell Public Library, 77 Harrison Ave.  To register or to learn more, contact 262-1349 or info@visionliteracy.org. Come learn how you can transform a life by teaching an adult in your community how to read!

April 12 – Thursday
The Sierra Club Guadalupe Group presents "Who Cares for Trees?" a discussion/presentation by David Dockter, Environmental Officer for the Palo Alto Planning Department. This topic centers on the importance of city trees, encompassing their environmental importance, care and protection. This subject came to prominence following the Willow Glen fiasco, when 3 adult trees were illegally cut down in spite of neighbors' objections (landowner and contractor now face considerable penalties). The Group meets in the Community Room of Saratoga Library at 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited. Refreshments are provided (bring your own cup or mug, to minimize plastic/paper waste!).

For more information, call Marj Ottenberg at 867-4576.

April 21 – Saturday
The University of California, Berkeley, is holding its annual open house -- Cal Day – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This all-day event is open to everyone, including youngsters who want to see a giant T. rex skeleton, adults who want to explore campus museums, and sports fans wanting to cheer on the Bears. Campus tours via a motorized cable car will be offered throughout the day. The open house also will feature lectures about ground-breaking research, performances by the Cal Band, and much more, most of it free. A complete schedule of Cal Day activities will be online by April 1 at: http://calday.berkeley.edu/. For more information, call (510) 642-2294.

April 22 – Sunday
Come Hike with Sierra Singleaires The group will meet at the Palo Alto Park and Ride, on Page Mill Road near 280, at 11:45 a.m. The hike will be at the Arastradero Preserve. This is free event. Call 493-7567 for information

April 22 – Saturday
The Campbell Public Library, 77 Harrison Avenue in Campbell, presents author Melodie Bowsher, of “My Lost and Found Life” at 11 a.m. This is a novel that will resonate with every daughter who has ever taken her mother for granted and with every young woman who has wondered if she can make it on her own. This free event will take place at the Campbell Public Library. For more information, please call 866-1991.

April 28 - Saturday
Campbell Artists' Guild will present Raja Guha Thakirta demonstrating graphite sketches and drawings in process to completion . Portraits will be included in his presentation at 12 noon in the Campbell Library Community Room, 77 Harrison & Civic Drive. Public is welcome to this free event and Guild membership is open.

Ongoing
May 1 - Tuesday
Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women- San Jose for women who have completed two full years from an accredited college or university. Applicants must reside in Milpitas, Campbell, San Jose, or Santa Clara, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants will need to show proof of enrollment in a four-year institution. Re-entry women are encouraged to apply if they have been out of college two or more years, and are returning as a junior. Grants are based on significance of academic goals; scholastic achievements; merits of the application; and an interview with the Local Scholarship Committee. Applications are now available online at www.aauwsanjose.org or by contacting Edie Kerr, Local Scholarship Chair, AAUW-San Jose, 40 Palomar Real, Campbell, CA 95008. Email is ekerr@strannik.com. The application deadline is May 1, 2007

May 19 - Saturday
The James Lick High School Class of 1987 20th Reunion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at A.P. Stumps in San Jose. All details at jameslick1987.myevent.com or contact Lori at 408-568-1329.

September 15 - Saturday
Leland High School Class of 1987 20th Reunion - held at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Montgomery, 211 South First Street in San Jose. For hotel 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 Hearing Loss Association of Silicon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Moose Lodge, 1580 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose. Meetings begin at 12:30 p.m. Our mission is to improve the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 229-1041 or visit www.hearingloss.org.

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. For more information visit:www.southbayastrology.org or call 512-1187. Admission is $5.00 for members and $10.00 for nonmembers. South Bay Astrological Society is a non-profit organization. 

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.