December 10, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Dec. 14
In the mood to sing Christmas carols? Gather your friends and family and head over to the 2nd Annual Downtown Campbell Holiday Songfest, where we'll be singing Christmas carols together as a community! Everyone is welcome to join in, and no preparation is needed.Dan Naylor, Music Director at Westmont High School, will be leading the singing in front of Trailsloggers Outdoor Discovery Gear from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Sheet music will be provided.

Dec. 15
Sunnyvale Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, in Sunnyvale, presents the Christmas Jug Band – Join us for a holiday celebration Appalachian-style, during this one-night only performance. This hilarious show, featuring holiday novelty songs and raucous versions of more traditional tunes, is suitable for the whole family. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 students and seniors. For tickets and additional information, call 733-6611, or visit our website at: http://arts.inSunnyvale.com

Ongoing
Ladyesong a Womans Vocal Ensemble, are seeking new singers. Must be able to sight read and available on Monday evenings for rehearsals. Founded in the winter of 1995 by director Mary Elizabeth Enmann, Ladyesong has been working toward sharing the gift of music and a commitment to the community in the South Bay Area. Ladyesong enjoys performing a variety of vocal music, both sacred and secular - from Gabrielli to Gershwin, from Dvorak to Doo Wop - and has provided music during local church services as well as concerts in community venues. Ladyesong's membership is diverse; from homemakers to business women to retirees, these women have bonded over their love of music and song.  Call Mary Elizabeth Enmann at 621-9812 for an audition. http://www.ladyesong.com/

THEATER

Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
For its holiday feature, the San Jose Rep will present “This Wonderful Life”, a visually stunning stage adaptation of the 1946 Frank Capra classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. In this theatrical twist, San Jose Rep’s associate director Kirsten Brandt directs actor Dan Hiatt, who plays all 35 characters in a one-man tour de force. Tickets are $15-$59 and can be purchased by calling 367-7255. Or visit www.SJRep.com. Student tickets are 50 percent off the regular ticket price. Student ID is required. Run time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

Dec. 27 – 30
American Musical Theater San Jose presents “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Starring Ted Neely in the title role and Living Colour’s Corey Gover as Judas, this musical sensation marked the first collaboration of legends Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Songs that include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Everything’s Alright, “What’s the Buzz,” and “Superstar” make this latest production of the 1971 hit as dynamic and memorable as the original. Tickets are $14.75 - $74. For show times and additional information, or to purchase tickets, call 1-888-455-SHOW or visit www.sjtix.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Experience the wonder of the season during Gilroy Gardens Holidays Lights: Gilroy Gardens will be transformed this holiday season with millions of twinkling lights throughout the Park including themed rides and attractions that include holiday shopping, roasting chestnuts, and ice skating under the stars. Visit Santa’s Workshop, Snowflake Palace and guests will even enjoy a special visit from PEANUTS’ Snoopy direct from Knott’s Merry Farm !
Experience one of the most unique holiday experiences this season! For more information, operating schedule, or to purchase discount tickets visit www.gilroygardens.org/holidaylights or call (408) 840-7100.Pictured: Meet Snoopy from Knott's Merry Farm as you ice skate under the stars at the North Pole Ice Palace during Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights

Nov. 23 – Dec. 23
Visit the Gift Market at Winter Wonderland in downtown San José. New this holiday season is the arts-and-crafts and international dessert Gift Market in downtown San José’s Winter Wonderland on the Paseo de San Antonio, next to the Fairmont Hotel. This venue will offer visitors hand-made and imported gifts as well as demonstrations by the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) and samples from Schurra’s Chocolates. Winter Wonderland also features the giant Ferris wheel, traditional merry-go-round and other amusements, all in the newly-located Park Avenue area, between Market Street and Almaden Boulevard. Check the website for specific hours of rides, gift market and refreshments:  www.winterwonderlandsj.com or call 408-286-1313.

Dec. 1 – 9
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents “Annie Warbucks”: CMT’s 40th season opens with everyone’s favorite orphan as she starts her new life with Daddy Warbucks. “Annie Warbucks” has all the spirit, hope and twists and turns of the original Broadway hit – a perfect start for the holiday season. This production is directed and choreographed by Kevin R. Hauge. All performances staged at the Montgomery Theater. Tickets are $15 - $23. For more information, visit www.cmtsj.org or call 408-288-KIDS.

Dec. 7
Nature’s Gift Workshop: With the giving season just around the corner why not create an artistic masterpiece for someone special using materials supplied by nature? Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for an afternoon of creativity at the Nature’s Gifts workshop, designed for ages 5 – 10 years. Learn how to make a natural card and how to gift wrap your creation using recycled materials. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. To register, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Pre-registration is required and parents need not be present for the workshop. Fees are $10/members, $15/non-members.

Dec. 16
Please join Hope Church, 1975 Pollard Road in Los Gatos for a Community Desert Extravaganza from 6:30 – 9 p.m. There will be sleigh rides, music, singing, a nativity, and of course, epicurean delights. For more information, call 379-7122.

CLASSES

Dec. 8
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for our annual holiday wreath adult workshop from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Made with natural materials, our wreaths are a beautiful and aromatic decoration. Join Master Gardener Milli Wright as we use greenery to create a personal gift for your home. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided to assemble your wreath. If you have lights, ornaments, or other specialty objects you would like to incorporate, please bring them along. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Fees are $15/members, $20 non-members. Pre-registration required by calling 298-7657.

Ongoing
Mindfulness (Vipassana) meditations. Alternate walking and sitting Vipassana meditations. Every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sitting Vipassana meditations are held every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Both sessions are free. Classes are held at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For more information call Tony at 732-3322 or 505-5190, or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Foundation of Family Values now offers a variety of weekly parenting classes with support groups at the Campbell Community Center. Sessions include licensed therapist facilitators, some free meetings, Fathers support group, etc. For more information, session dates and course descriptions, visit http://www.fofv.org. Foundation of Family Values seeks to enhance the core values of modern families through creating innovative programs in combination with providing resources that facilitate the intellectual development of parenting ethics and responsibilities in the best interest of children. Families of all Political, Religious, Sexual Preference, Economic, and Racial Categories are supported. FFV is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization.

FIFTY PLUS

Ongoing
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

Dec. 13
Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Sign-up to greet, inform, and thank our wonderful donors at Santa Clara County area blood drives or make important deliveries as a volunteer driver.  Minimum commitment is only two 3-hour shifts per month.  Evening and weekend volunteer shifts available.  Orientation takes place at our San Jose Blood Center at 2731 North First Street. Advanced sign-up is required.  For more information, call Anne at 510-594-5165 or email blackstonea@usa.redcross.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dec. 6
Don't miss the Campbell Community Toy Program's Annual Charity Benefit in Orchard City Hall at the Campbell Community Center. The $15 admission price includes hors d'oeuvres, desserts, prizes, and entertainment. The event will be emceed by Gary Scott Thomas of KRTY and Carl San Miguel, President of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce. Please be sure to bring an unwrapped toy and/or monetary donation for the fund. Gifts will be accepted at the door for all ages of children, infants through teens

Dec. 7, 13, 16
The Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House present “The Holly and the Ivy at the Ainsley House” from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Enjoy and elegant evening at the Ainsley House viewing the enchanting holiday décor and sampling refreshments at the Carriage House. Tickets are $10 and are available at the museum office or museum stores. For more information, call 866-2118.

Dec. 8
Art Through Women's Eyes' 2nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Americana Ballroom, 707 Continental Circle in Mountain View. This event features works of arts and crafts from 15 South Bay artists including works in Acrylics, Glass, Ceramics, Jewelry, Oil, Photography, and Watercolor. Meet the artists in person, enjoy a truly unique exhibit, and purchase original pieces of art.  There will be raffles for donated art work and professional services all to benefit the Children's Shelter. On sale will also be holiday ornaments made by children, and the money raised from the sales will be donated to the Children's Shelter in San Jose.

Dec. 9
Santa Paws: Bring your four-legged friends (cats and dogs only) to Santana Row’s Park Valencia from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $25 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley.  Come early – registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 13
Canine Christmas Caroling in Willow Glen: Grab those blinky lights and reindeer antlers and join us in the parking lot of Washington Mutual Bank (1402 Lincoln Ave.) at 6:15 p.m.  We will then "Carol with our Canines" through the town of Willow Glen.  Join us for refreshments afterward near the Big Green Bus on Lincoln Avenue. We are suggesting a $5 per person donation for participating in the event to benefit SAFETYAROUNDDOGS.ORG. One dog per person. For more information, visit our websites alphadog@societydog.com or helpdog@societydog.com our “Yelp Line” is 671-3417

Dec. 15
Hamilton Avenue Subway is celebrating and the community is invited! The Subway at 330 E. Hamilton Ave in Campbell is celebrating their 1-year Anniversary in the community. To mark this occasion, this Subway location only will be offering a buy one, get one free Anniversary special on sandwiches all day from 9am-11pm.  For more information, call 871-9234.

Ongoing
StrollerPower! - This hour-long workout with you and your baby builds strength, stamina, and will get you into shape. Please bring stroller/jogger, water, towel, sunscreen, and join many other moms seeking a fun atmosphere focused on results. Schedule:  Campbell Park meets on M/W/F at 9:30 a.m., T/Th at 8:30 a.m., and on M/Th at 5 p.m.  Oak Meadow Park meets on T/Th at 9:30 a.m. - All times and locations are interchangeable. First class is free. Call 482-9516 or see www.strollerpower.com for more information.

Come join The Humane Society Silicon Valley for our weekly “Meet and Treat!” every Wednesday at HSSV, 2530 Lafayette Street, in Santa Clara. from 5 – 7 p.m. Not sure about adopting just yet? Come down and visit with animal guests outside their kennels. Play with canine companions throughout the shelter, or experience cuddly cats in your lap. And of course we have our adorable rabbits too. We will have tasty treats for people as well. For more information, call 727-3383 or visit www.hssv.org


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.