July 7, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

July 9 – Sunday
Sunidhi Chauhan Show at the Center for the Performing Arts: This live concert features India’s singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Vaidya of Indian Idol fame and others. Sunidhi, with a natural on stage presence, can steal one’s heart with renditions like “Kaise Paheli (Parineeta)” and “Aa bhi jaa (Sur)”. Her unique voice gives depth to dance hits such as “Dhoom Machale (Dhoom)” and “Deedar de (Dus)”. Rahul already has an album to his credit. Show time is 6:30 p.m. Admission is $30 - $100. For information, call 985-2001 or www.ffe.org

July 16 – Sunday
“2006 Opera in the Park” followed by dinner at La Estancia estate. This elegant evening of music and dinner is presented by The San José Opera Guild in cooperation with the Town of Los Gatos Arts Commission. The evening begins with a free Opera concert on the lawn at the Los Gatos Civic Center,110 East Main Street in Los Gatos, and will feature the newly arrived singers from Opera San José. Following this event will be an elegant buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m. held in the courtyard at La Estancia, a historic estate in Los Gatos. The price is $65 per person. For more information contact Olga Nespole at 395-2035, or visit San José Opera Guild website www.sjoperaguild.org.

THEATER

June 9 – July 22
Returning to the Sunnyvale Theater by popular demand is of one of California Theatre Center’s greatest hits! “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” (abridged) by Borgeson, Long & Singer. For any of you that thought that Shakespeare was either long or tedious, there is a great surprise in store for you this summer. In this, London’s longest running comedy, you can witness The Bard’s complete works in less than two hours. Impossible, you say! Shakespeare said that "brevity is the soul of wit" and this madcap comedy illustrates his point. Developed by a comedy troupe that excels in taking long, serious material and transforming it into short, sharp, informed hilarity, this production gives new meaning to fast-paced comedy. If you are seeking laughter and the funniest night you’ll ever have in the theatre, this is the show for you! All performances are held at the Sunnyvale Theatre at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive, just off El Camino Real in Sunnyvale. For tickets and more information, call the CTC Summer Rep Box Office at 408-720-0873, or visit us online at www.ctcinc.org.

July 13, 14, 16 & 21
California Theatre Center (CTC) presents Jane Austen’s “Emma.” Showing at the Sunnyvale Theater at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 East Remington Drive in Sunnyvale. Arguably Austen’s finest work, “Emma” was published anonymously in 1816. You will enjoy the naive heroine Miss Emma Woodhouse, who, with a distinct taste for matchmaking and meddling, attempts to be a puppet master guiding her friends through the pitfalls and surprises of life.   In this comic masterpiece which portrays so wonderfully the workings of a well-meaning but ill-directed mind, one cannot help but embrace Emma’s own brand of selflessness and her undeniable charm in this depiction of a simpler time and of English country village life. Tickets are $18 - $25. For tickets and more information, call the CTC Summer Rep Box Office at 408-720-0873, or visit us online at www.ctcinc.org.

July 14 – August 5
The Fifth Annual Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival presents three plays in its repertory for the 2006 season in Oak Meadow Park, 200 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos. Festival Theatre Ensemble presents: Season opener "Hamlet," followed by Shakespeare's hilarious farce, "A Comedy of Errors." Both productions are directed by Bruce De Les Dernier. The season also includes the witty and poignant dark comedy "The Lion in Winter," directed by Amy Himes. Performance times are 8 – 11 p.m. This is an all-outdoor venue next to Lake Vasona County Park. Tickets range from $14-$20 and are available by calling (800) 838-3006 or online by visiting the website at www.lgshakes.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

June 2 – July 23
California Theatre Center’s Summer Rep 2006 season opens with the production “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, by Clark M. Gesner.” Based on the loveable “Peanuts” comic strip characters created by Charles Schulz, this fun and poignant Tony Award-winning musical takes the audience through a day in the life of Charlie Brown. From wild optimism to utter despair, Charlie and his friends offer their unique wisdom and insights into life. All performances held at the Sunnyvale Theatre at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 505 East Remmington Drive in Sunnyvale. For performance times and ticket information visit www.ctcinc.org or call 720-0873.

June 19 – August 11
The Tech Museum’s Weekly Summer Camps are hands-on science and technology classes for 4th-8th graders at the world-class Tech Museum of Innovation. Choose from 14 different class topics including Lego Robotics, Video Game Design, Roller Coaster Physics, Inventors’ Workshop and many more. The cost is $200 - $500 weekly. For more information call 800-854-3684 or visit www.thetech.org/summercamps.

July 11 – Tuesday
Summer Food Drive - Make a Wild Difference for Your Community! From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. gain free admission to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in exchange for donated food that will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. One can or box of food per person, equals free admission to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo for the day. Preferred items include: canned tuna, powered milk, canned stews and beans, peanut butter, pasta, and chili. Admission includes all rides, puppet shows and both Park & Zoo. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located at 1300 Senter Road in Kelley Park. For more information, call 277-4193.

July 10 – 14 & 31 – August 4
Are your kids bored yet? Or have some of your other summer plans fallen through? If so, two sessions of the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens popular week-long summer day camps, San Jose Safari, still have openings (at press time) for 7-10 year olds. Sessions still available: July 10-14 and July 31-August 4. Camp meets five days per week, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Campers spend a week in small groups, exploring and discovering many of the premier attractions in San Jose and Santa Clara County, including the Guadalupe River Park, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, History San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House and downtown institutions like the new City Hall and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library. Every day is a new adventure! Children are dropped off and picked up at one convenient location, the GRPG Visitor Center on Coleman Avenue, close to downtown and major highways. The cost is $225 per child. Extended hours are available, morning and afternoon, for $30 each hour. Further information is available on our website, www.grpg.org or by calling Kary Houle, Educational Coordinator, at 298-7657.

July 14 – 23
Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose presents “Godspell”: Showing at the Montgomery Theater, this is the Gospel according to Matthew told through hit Broadway songs and various theatrical traditions, Godspell take a human approach to the Gospel and will engage audiences with its lessons on humanity, civility, and heart. With an award winning score by Broadway veteran Step Schwarts (Wicked, Children of Eden), Godspell will enthrall audiences of all ages. For information, call 288-KIDS or www.cmtsj.org

July 14 – 18
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum presents a week-long Ancient Egyptian Epagomenal Festival! Epagomenal- Intercalary: These days were inserted in the Egyptian civil or wandering calendar to match the solar year. At the end of each year, the ancient Egyptians celebrated 5 days at the end of their calendar year.  Each day centered on a different deity.  Join us for our own festival honoring their traditions.  Events will include special talks, stories of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, ceremony re-enactments, games and activities for children and the whole family. Activities are free with museum admission.  Donations are appreciated.  For more information, please contact the Museum Events Coordinator at 947-3683 or email at activities@egyptianmuseum.org

July 15 – Saturday
Beginning Biking at Hellyer County Park & Coyote Creek Trail: Hours are 9a.m. - 11a.m. Docent Ken Halsey of ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers) will instruct beginner bike riders how to ride safely, make simple repairs, keep bikes in good working order.  Ages 12-adult.  Participants under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.  Meet at park Visitor Center with a bike, helmet (required) and water. Call 355-2255 for information. 

CLASSES

Ongoing
ArtHouse Kids Summer Camps. The Arthouse, 1043 Lincoln Avenue, is currently taking registration for our summer camps which begin the week on June 26. Camps include Little Picasso's, Multicultural Art & Cooking, Pop Art, Animals in Art, The Art of Nature and more. For more information, call 975-9987, or visit www.arthouse kids.com
Tai Chi Chuan classes at Hakone Gardens: Beginning/intermediate classes are ongoing and meet on Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:55 p.m., Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, close to downtown Saratoga. Fees are $96 for a consecutive 8-week series or $20 for a drop-in class. For more information, call Instructor at 295-9439 or email linda@xs.com. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art. It promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. This class is suitable for people of all ages.

FIFTY PLUS

July 29 – Saturday
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the "new" Almaden Community Center located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Registration for intermediate courses at 1:30 p.m. Registration for Computer Fundamentals at 3 p.m. All classes will be held at the newly renovated Almaden Community Center. For more information call Don House 268-1703 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

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.

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in someone's day.  Join a Volunteer community that shares your interest in helping others.  Greeting and assisting visitors, reading to children, conducting tours, or assisting in the Volunteer office are just a few of the opportunities available.  We are easily accessible via Hwy 85 and Light Rail, plus we offer Free Valet Parking.  Phone us at 972-6233 or visit our website at www.kpsantateresa.org for more information

Volunteer with Hands On Bay Area and make a difference in your community! Each month, Hands On Bay Area offers over 100 community service projects across the Bay Area addressing issues such as: the environment, hunger, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, family service, children and teens, seniors and people with disabilities. Catering to today's busy lifestyles, most projects take place outside of regular working hours at night or on weekends, do not require a long-term commitment, and are group-based. A brief one-time orientation is required. For more information go to www.handsonbayarea.org .

MISCELLANEOUS

May 1 – July 30
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum,1342 Naglee Avenue, San Jose, will explore the life and career of Leonardo Da Vinci in its new exhibit "Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist, Scientist, Mystic." This family-friendly exhibit will feature reproductions of Leonardo¹s sketches, scale models of his inventions  (including the winged-glider), and materials from the Rosicrucian Library. Docents will be available, and there will be gallery discussions regarding Leonardo¹s historical context of, his spiritual and artistic sides, and his being a link between the Ancient World and the Modern World. Entrance to the Exhibit is included with Museum Admission. For more information visit www.egyptianmuseum.org or call 947-3636.

July 8 -9
Before I Do 2nd Annual Bridal Event: South Hall Before I do™ Bridal Events are an enjoyable, exciting and informative occasion for bridal patrons of all ages. This event features hundreds of local & national vendors, multicultural fashion shows and dozens of daily prize give-a-aways. Be inspired to design your wedding in just one day. Pre-register on line and save time in line. Event hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $10, for more information, call 925-312-9412 or visit www.Before-Ido.com

July 9 – Sunday
California Extreme Arcade Pinball and Video Game Collectors’s Show: Held in Parkside Hall, This event is the “Classic Arcade Games Show,” and an annual celebration of coin operated pinball machines, video games and novelties found in game arcades. This two-day show featuring tournaments, speakers, and vendors, offers an opportunity to play hundreds of games. The games are set for free play, so leave your quarters at home. Hours are 11 a.m. – midnight on July 8, and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on July 9. Admission is $30 - $50. For more information, call 408-390-PINS or www.caextreme.org.

July 11 – Tuesday
Men’s Dinner and Comedy Night. This event will be held at Los Gatos Christian Church, 16845 Hicks Road, at 6:45 p.m. in LGCC’s Fellowship Hall. The evening will feature dinner and good, clean fun with comedian Nick Arnette who has worked with Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Tim Allen; don’t miss this laugh-filled event for men of all ages! Tickets are now on sale at $10 each. For more information, contact Don Taylor (don@nxs.com) or Ed Ortler (eortler@fulcrummicro.com).

July 14 – Friday
California Native Plant Society presents: “Flowers of Santa Cruz's North Coast:” A slide show and talk by Dylan Neubauer & Randy Morgan. Join macro-photographer Neubauer and botanist Morgan at the Moreland-West Community Center, 1850 Fallbrook Avenue in San Jose at 7:30 p.m for a mid-summer look at a gorgeous array of flowers seen up close from the North Coast of Santa Cruz County. The show will emphasize the many special plants and landscapes of the Scott Creek Watershed, known for its botanical diversity. Accompanied by music, They'll take a journey through a variety of plant communities through the macro-photography of Dylan Neubauer. After the presentation we'll have a discussion with Santa Cruz botanist extraordinaire, Randy Morgan.

July 16 – Sunday
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 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., free, at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For information call Tony at 732-3322 or e-mail MLA9988@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

August 4 – Friday
Energetic bands, street performers, and of course, the flair of the local merchants and restaurants are all on display from 5pm until 9pm during “First Fridays” in downtown Campbell, Managed and promoted by the Downtown Campbell Business Association, “First Fridays” events are put on with the support of the City of Campbell, and have been a huge success. So mark you calendars and come on out and enjoy what Campbell has to offer!

Ongoing
Instruction and Practices on yoga and Insight meditations, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. every Wednesday, at no charge. All classes are held at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For information call Tony at 732-3322 or e-mail MLA9988@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Poetry Readings at Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, 7 p.m. Every Third Monday of the month.

Branham High School Class of 1976.  Our 30th Reunion is September 30 at Coyote Ranch.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Pam Poor at pamela.schuur@comcast.net to get on the mailing list and visit www.geocities/branham76 for updates.

Humane Society of Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group
Meetings: First Wednesday 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.

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.