December 10, 2004

CALENDAR

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

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
November 17 – December 15
Campbell’s historic Ainsley House, 300 Grant Street in downtown Campbell, presents its popular Holiday Tea and Tour series, featuring a silver-service afternoon tea served with finger sandwiches, savories and sweets, followed by a 45-minute docent-led tour of the 1925 English Tudor revival Ainsley house. This years’ theme, “Glittering Gold and Silver Holiday” will be an inspirational “treasure” of decorating ideas. Teas are at 2 p.m. followed by the tour. The program is a $25 donation per person on weekends, $20 per person during the weekday. For reservations, call 370-0888.

December 10 – 12
Bethel Church of San Jose, 1201 South Winchester Blvd, in San Jose presents “Christmas Spectacular: The Sounds of Christmas.” This holiday event will feature a 100-voice choir and full orchestral accompaniment, with seating for 2000. Both matinee and evening performances are available. For tickets and additional information, visit www.bethel.org or call 246-6790, ext. 114.

December 10 - 12
San Jose Dance Theater presents its 39th Annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. Ticket prices range from $16 - $42 each. Candy Kingdom tickets are $10 and backstage tours are $5 each. For more information or to order tickets, call 286-9905 or visit www.ticketguys.com

December 12 – Sunday
DeAnza Park (Meridian near Blossom Hill Road) will be the site of the Grand Menorah Lighting celebration hosted by the Almaden Valley Torah Center. The lighting will be at 4 p.m. and the event includes arts and crafts, latkes, donuts, and more. For more information, call 445-2770.

December 16—Thursday
The Downtown Campbell Business Association is hosting a special shopping and entertainment evening Dec. 16 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. called Eat, Drink & Be Merry. This special evening features shops and restaurants with special sales, music and restaurant tastings. The DCBA also has created a “Passport” with space for a stamp from all participating merchants, once the card is full, shoppers will be eligible for a drawing. For more information visit www.downtowncampbell.com

December 16 – 26
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents “The Nutcracker” at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose. A much beloved tradition since 1985, Dennis Nahat’s Nutcracker is full professional production with live orchestral accompaniment. Admission is $22 - $68 per person. For more information, call 288-2800 or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

December 17 – Friday
Celebrate the holidays Hawaiian-style and benefit local charities. “Hawaiian Holiday Magic” Hula Show will be at the Santa Clara University Mayer Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Ladies of Moani Ke ‘Ala O Ka Mailelauli’i and the Men of Ka Iho Makawalu A Ka Ua Kipu’upu’u, this show will benefit Toys for Tots, Second Harvest Food Bank, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center and Camp Okizu. Donate a toy or canned good and receive a free raffle ticket. For more information, call 227-7600 or 210-6705. Admission is $20 advance purchase, $25 at the door. Children 2 years and under are free.

December 19 – Sunday
The Los Gatos Methodist Church, 111 Church Street in Los Gatos, will present a Choral Music Concert and Christmas Cantata and Mass, featuring the US premiere of modern Swedish composer, Steve Dobrogosz. The performance begins at 4 p.m. for a suggested donation of $5 or more. Refreshments will be served, and caroling will follow the performance.

December 22 – Wednesday
A special one-act version of The Silicon Valley Ballet’s “Nutcracker” will be offered at 1:30 p.m. at reduced prices. This 1 hour and 15 minute “mini production” offers the perfect introduction to the ballet for children ages 4 to 9. Combine the show with a walk through Christmas In The Park and a visit to the Outdoor Ice Rink at the Circle of Palms (both just 2 blocks from the theatre) and you’ll have an all day fun event at Family Friendly Prices.
 
December 24 – Friday
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3151 Union Avenue, in San Jose, will host their Annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Festive carol singing, special music featuring the Chancel Choir and SPIRIT Handbell Ringers and Christmas message by Rev. Jack C. Longley, Pastor. Everyone is welcome to attend.

MUSIC
December 16 – Thursday
Marcos Witt and his band will be performing a Christian music concert at the Civic Auditorium from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 707-422-5231, or visit www.elcentinelafiel.com.

THEATER
November 27 – January 2, 2005
Sandra Tsing Loh’s “Sugar Plum Fairy” brings her wickedly comedic performance detailing the angst of being twelve, awkward and vying for the starring role in the ballet school’s ‘Nutcracker’ production to the San Jose Repertory Theatre. This production directed by David Schweizer. For tickets and additional information, call 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda n San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This group meets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child.  We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out”. For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.  
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!
Le Tip International, a business leads networking group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1140 Hillsdale Aveue. For more information, call 298-9131.

HEALTH
Ongoing:
Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Road, Suite 230, (behind Red Lobster) is offering free consultation on newborn care to expectant parents. Get all your questions answered towards being best prepared for the arrival of your child. For a personal appointment, call Dr. Meena Sathappan at 274-9099.
Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Santa Teresa. Meetings are held in the San Jose Kaiser Family Health Center, Conference Room C, 3rd Floor, located at 276 International Circle. For more information call 800-660-1993.

FIFTY PLUS
December 11 – Saturday
Older Woman’s League (OWL) will host a Holiday Pot-Luck and Croning Celebration to honor women of age, wisdom and power from 9:30 a.m., to noon. This event will be held at Cypress Gardens, 3555 Judro in San Jose. The pot-luck is co-sponsored by the National Organization for Women and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. All are welcome. Call 292-1172 or 294-1073 for more information.

December 18—Saturday
SeniorNet will hold registration for upcoming classes Dec. 18 at 9 a.m., except for the Introductory class whose registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Two classes on surfing the Web are offered along with 14 others including Digital Images, Word Processing (3 levels), Fun with Graphics, File Management, Windows XP and Introduction to Computers. Registration will be held at the Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave., phone (408) 448-6400. SeniorNet is available to anyone 50 years of age or more. Most classes cost $20 for the eight week course. The classes are two hours long, once a week.

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.
The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Volunteers Needed for Tax Preparation The City of San José’s, Office on Aging in conjunction with AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS and the Metropolitan Adult Education Program provides a free tax-training program that prepares volunteers to assist seniors and lower income clients with their tax returns. Training classes will be held from October 18 – December 15, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All classes will be at the Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Tracey Giglione at 277-4790.
EMQ Children and Family Services is a non-profit agency serving children struggling with severe emotional issues. EMQ is seeking adult mentors to connect with youth ages 7 – 17 for two hours per week. Training is provided. Applicants must be a licensed driver. Interested volunteers should call 335-1857 or visit www.emq.org.
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to animals, has volunteer opportunities
for foster caregivers for kittens and cats and for petfaire workers for our Saturday PetClub events.
For more information, visit www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org, or contact us through volunteer@safehavenforanimals.com or call 420-7233.
Child Abuse Prevention Center is seeking volunteers to join the Volunteer Case Aide program, which assists children and their families by providing services requested by county social workers. Call (650) 595-7640 for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS
December 18 - Saturday
The South Bay Blood Mobile will be at St. Timothy’s Curch, 5100 Camden, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information on becoming a donor, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www. BeADonor.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.