December 5, 2006

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

December 9 – 10
Symphony Silicon Valley will perform at 8 pm in the California Theater. The program "Staring" features principal artists as soloists and features Jon Nakamatsu on the piano. The music of Ravel, Vivaldi, and Beethoven fills the concert for the Symphony Silicon Valley now in its fifth season. Tickets range from $56-$76 and can be ordered from the box office at 408.286.2600. See the web site at www.symphonysiliconvalley.org for more information.

December 11 – Monday
27th Annual “You-Sing-It Messiah” at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose, at 7:30 p.m. Sing with the choir and a professional orchestra! Tickets: $20. For tickets and more information, call 408-286-2600 ext 23 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For information on the San Jose Symphony, visit: www.sanjosesymphonicchoir.org or 408-995-3318

December 11 - 12
The renowned a cappella ensemble Chanticleer returns to Stanford Lively Arts for its popular yuletide concert. A local tradition, the concert features brilliant renditions of Gregorian chant, medieval and Renaissance music, contemporary classics and traditional carols. All performances will be held in the Memorial Church at Stanford University. Performance time is 8 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $44 - $40. 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

December 15 – Friday
The Downtown Campbell Business Association is sponsoring a free community songfest open to everyone from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Oddfellows parking lot in the middle of downtown at the corner of First Street and East Campbell Avenue. Dan Naylor, Music Director for Westmont High School, will be the conductor and has chosen songs appropriate to the season. All are invited to come and raise your voice in song with friends and neighbors in the inviting holiday atmosphere of cozy downtown Campbell.

December 15 -16
Fun Times Singers present "Reflections of Peace", a holiday concert of hope and beauty at 8 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Ave., in San Jose. Adults $14, Seniors & Students $10 - $2 discount with advanced purchase. Join us for cookies, coffee, and punch after the performance. For more information, call Nancy at 408-313-4205, or visit us on-line at http://www.FunTimesSingers.org.

December 16 – Saturday
Sunnyvale Theatre, 550 East Remmington Drive in Sunnyvale, presents perennial audience favorite, Celtic harper and storyteller Patrick Ball performing his magical holiday show, The Christmas Rose at 8 p.m.. The evening's tales include Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales and passages from the work of William Shakespeare, William Butler Yates and Thomas Hardy. Patrick strings these together with a bright garland of traditional carols from merry old England and other places, giving them all a Celtic twinkle with his rare wire-strung harp. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased by phone (408)733-6611, or fax (408) 730-7726. To download a ticket order form and see other acts in the 2005 Evening of Cultural Arts Series, please visit our website at: http://arts.inSunnyvale.com

THEATER

December 15 - 17
The Aztlán Academy-San José will present J.H. Salazar’s “Nuestra Navidad” – A Family Christmas” at the Montgomery Theater, 271 South Market Street. Performances times are 12/15 & 16 at 8 p.m. and on 12/17 at 3 p.m. This performance will mark the 34th Anniversary of the Academy’s traditional family oriented Christmas program at the Montgomery Theater featuring Aztlán Dance Troupe, Conjunto Xitlali, Conjunto Atardecer, Mandinga and Kaisahan of San José Dance Company. Admission charges: $40- Sponsor, $20- General, $10- Children. Discount is available for groups of 10 or more. For general and ticket purchasing information, please call the Academy at 408/984-0342 or visit us at www.aztlanacademy.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 21 – January 15, 2007
The new exhibit, “Dragons and Fairies: Exploring Viet Nam through Folktales,” opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. “Dragons and Fairies” is designed to educate children ages 5-12 about the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It provides an opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of people living in modern and ancient Viet Nam. The Children’s Discover Museum is located at 180 Woz Way, in downtown San Jose, at the intersection of Woz Way and Auzerais Street. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Member’s only hour is Sunday 11 a.m. – noon.

November 17 – January 15, 2007
Ice skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities.  Beginning its 11th season, Downtown Ice has become a holiday tradition and one of the best skating experiences in the West.  The stunning rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is recognized as a San Jose holiday icon. Open daily (subject to weather conditions) Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weeknights and noon to midnight on weekends and Dec. 17-31. Admission is 12 years and younger: $12, General $14. Prices include skate rentals and unlimited ice time. For more information, visit www.sjdowntown.com. Rink direct phone line is 291-0525.

November 24 – December 23
Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights™ opens for a third season at California’s only horticultural theme park with two new additions – a festive “Home for the Holidays” parade and special appearances by Snoopy from Knott’s Merry Farm! For an extended 18 select evenings through December 23, Bonfante Gardens will sparkle with millions of dazzling lights, an all-you-can-eat holiday feast, ice skating under the stars at Gilroy’s only ice skating venue, holiday themed rides and visits with Santa. New in 2006, guests will be treated to a spectacular, all-new “Home for the Holidays” parade at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

December 2 - 16
Celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season with California Theatre Center (CTC)! CTC is producing two enchanting, hour long, Holiday shows produced especially for children of all ages to enjoy in December. Silicon Valley's very own professional repertory company devoted to performing for and educating young audiences reprises its perennial favorite, The Elves and the Shoemaker. And a new delightful musical, Madeline’s Christmas. Reservations are strongly recommended as these productions tend to sell out quickly! Call 408-245-2978 for tickets and more information.

December 8 -10
San Jose Dance Theatre Production of The Nutcracker at the Center of the Performing Arts in San Jose: San Jose Dance Theatre is proud to call itself one of San Jose’s oldest traditions. This year we are celebrating our 41st production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. San Jose Dance Theatre’s production annually welcomes children and dancers ranging from seven to twenty five years of age to perform. Admission is $18 - $45. For tickets or more information, call 408-286-9905 or visit www.sjdt.org

December 14 – 24
Ballet San Jose presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. Dennis Nahat’s “The Nutcracker”, has become a festive yearly tradition for thousands of children and families throughout the Bay Area. With its whimsical costumes and scenery, huge case of professional dancers and a battalion of mice, this spectacularly colorful production is fresh and new with each and every viewing. Don’t miss this treasured holiday classic. “The Nutcracker” will warm your heart like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. Admission : $25 - $78 Call 288-2800 or visit www.balletsanjose.org for tickets and more information.

December 15 – Friday
The best ornaments on the tree are always the ones that are homemade! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for an afternoon filled with creativity and fun making holiday ornaments and wreaths to dress up your home for the holidays. All crafts will be created using the best supplier in the world – nature! Class hours are 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue. Fee is $5 members/ $10 non-members per child. This class is designed for ages 5 – 10 years, all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

CLASSES

December 5 – 7 & 12 - 14
ArtHouse Kids Holiday Workshops & Winter Classes: The ArtHouse is now taking registration for our "Creative Holiday Gifts" workshops for kids 5-12 years. Dates are 12/6,7,13 & 14. $30 per session. Also our "Little Picasso's Holiday Art for kids 2-4 years with a parent held 12/5, 6, 12 & 13, $20. per session. Our Winter classes begin in January for kids 2-15. 1043 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. www.arthousekids.com

December 9 – Saturday
Holiday Decorating Tips from Friends of Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens: Add a personal touch to your holidays this year with a festive wreath made from local, natural materials. A variety of supplies will be provided, including grapevine, greenery and other garden materials as well as the tools needed to put the wreaths together. Step-by-step instruction from Master Gardner Milli Wright will provide even beginners with impressive results they can take home with them. If you have tools and/or lights or ornaments that you would like to use, feel free to bring them along. Hours are 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fee is $15 members/$20 non-members – Classes held at the Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

December 10 - Sunday
Insight Meditation Half-Day Retreat – Instruction and Practices on Vipassana (Insight) sitting and walking meditations, led by Teacher Sarah Marks. 8:30 am to 11:00 am, free, at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For information call Tony at 408-732-3322 or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Ongoing
Yoga Instruction and Vipassana meditations. Instruction and practices on yoga and Vipassana meditations. Every Wednesday 9:30 am - 12 noon through December 27, 2006. Classes are free. Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For information call Tony at 408-732-3322 or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Qi Gong Flow with Angie: Qi Gong is the perfect activity for anyone, at any age. It combines gentle movement and stretches, meditation, breathing regulation, relaxation and visualization techniques. The exercises are designed to release tension and enhance blood and energy circulation throughout the body, thereby increasing immune function, improving energy levels and sleep, and promoting overall health and well-being. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Fees: drop-in rate: $10 per class; 4 classes pre-paid: $35. Classes held at Halanda Studio, 1062 Lincoln Ave San Jose, http://www.halanda.com. On Saturday, December 9th, from 2-7pm, Halanda Studio is hosting a Holiday Party The various teachers offering classes in dance and fitness at the studio will be giving sample demonstrations of what they teach.  Since most of them are dance instructors, they will be there with their groups to perform.  I will be teaching a little introductory Qi Gong class from 3:15-3:45pm.

VOLUNTEERS

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is actively recruiting volunteers who are interested in fostering dogs or puppies. Canine foster parents provide short and long-term care for dogs or puppies who are either fearful of being in a shelter environment, too young to be adopted or need time to heal from an injury or illness. For more information visit www.hssv.org and click on adoption and then foster care or call 408-727-3383 ext. 834.

FIFTY PLUS

Ongoing
AARP Campbell Area Chapter 5151 meets the third Tuesday of every month (except December) 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.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

December 8 – Friday
Evergreen Valley College will be hosting a Symposium on Immigrant Families “Addressing Challenges & Affirming Resiliency.”   Visit www.immigrantinfo.org  and register on-line, get more information about the program or print the registration form provided there for a conventional registration.

December 14 – Thursday
San José City College’s Lady Jags softball team will be hosting their second annual dinner and benefit auction fundraiser at 6 p.m. at the San Jose Community College Community Room. Proceeds from the event will be used to help offset equipment and travel costs for the Women’s Softball Team. The Lady Jags enjoy a tradition of on-field and academic achievement, and are ranked 13th on the National Fastpitch Coaches Associations’ (NFCA) Academic Scholar Athlete team, with a team GPA of 3.148. Advance tickets are $15, and are available from SJCC Women’s Softball Coach Deborah Huntze-Rooney. For tickets and additional information, call (408) 298-2181 x3829.

December 9 – 10
The Guglielmo family announces their 18th annual Holiday Gift Faire — taking place at the family winery in Morgan Hill, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Choose from dozens of professionally designed Holiday gift baskets - or be creative and put together your own unique basket from the large selection of tempting delights available. Our talented buying team promises many new and exciting gift ideas debuting this year. Many of the gifts can be shipped directly from the winery – saving you valuable Holiday shopping time! Event hours for both days are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 779-2145 or visit www.guglielmowinery.com.

Ongoing
San Jose Flycasters:  Monthly meeting the second Wednesday of the month at Senior Citizens Center at the Corner of Payne and Saratoga Avenues in San Jose.  Meetings begin at 7:15 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, call Jim at (408) 78-7077 or visit www.flycasters.org.  San Jose Flycasters is a non-profit organization promoting the sport of fly fishing, education on fisheries and habitat preservation and restoration.

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 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.

Poetry Readings at Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, 7 p.m. Every Third Monday of the month.
Humane Society Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings are the first Tuesday 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 or visit: www.hssv.org and click on Services and then Pet Loss. Meetings are free and open to the public.

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.