Issue date: May 05, 1999
@18ehad:On Stage
"Little House on the Prairie," Peninsula Youth Theatre presents the California premiere of the musical adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, May 7-16. Fridays 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 1 p.m. Tickets $10-$12 (Friday 9:30 a.m. performances $5). Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Call 903-6000.
"Blood Brothers," one of London's longest running musicals, is presented by the Palo Alto Players, through May 16. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; matinee May 16, 2:30 p.m. Tickets $20, $22; student & senior discount for Wed., Thurs. & Sun. performances. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 329-0891 or visit website www.paplayers.org.
Neil Simon's "Jake's Women," opens May 6 in the Canada College Flex Theatre, at 8 p.m., with performances continuing May 7-8, 13-15; matinee May 16, 2 p.m. Tickets $10, $9. 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City. Call 306-3396.
"Sylvia," a canine comedy, plays at Hillbarn Theatre's MainStage through May 22. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m.; Thurs. May 20, 8 p.m.; matinees May 9 & 16, 2 p.m. Tickets $15, $13. 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. Call 349-6411.
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!" presented by Peninsula Civic Light Opera, through May 9. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; matinee May 9, 2 p.m. Tickets $23, $20. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo. Call 579-5568.
@18ehad:Music
Arts at St. Bede's presents a free lunchtime recital May 5, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Soprano Jane McDougal and organist Brian Swager will perform a program of music from the German and Italian Baroque. 2650 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park. Call 854-6555.
Peninsula Teen Opera performs selections from operas, in English, for audiences of all ages, May 7 & 8, 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2323 Euclid Ave., Redwood City. Call 363-9128.
Jose Bowen Jazz Service to be presented at Congregation Beth Am on May 7, 8 p.m., 26790 Arastradero Rd., Los Altos Hills. Jose will lead the Beth Am and Temple Emanu-el Choirs and a jazz ensemble. Call 723-1602.
SJSU Memorial Concert in memory of Marina Grin and Raymond Nilssen, May 7, 8 p.m. at Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University, entrance near The Alameda. Dr. Charlene Archibeque directs the San Jose State University Choir and Choraliers; works include the new "Faure Requiem" by Vasiliauskaite, Poulenc's "Mass In G," plus spirituals and Mechem's "Blow Ye the Trumpet." $25 reserved seating, $15 general, $10 seniors and students. Call (408) 924-4332.
"The Garden: An Evening of Musical Midrash," presented by Hillel Foundation at Stanford University, with Jose Bowen, May 8, 8 p.m. in Campbell Hall. The evening will start with an introduction to Jewish views of Adam and Eve and a performance of Bowen's song cycle, "The Garden," followed by original jazz compositions. Tickets $25, $10. Call 723-1602.
Nova Vista Symphony, presents Bay Area pianist Helene Wickett, who will perform the ever-popular Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, May 8, 8 p.m. Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. Tickets $10, $8, $5, under age 12 free. Parking $2 in quarters. Call (408) 245-3116.
Palo Alto Performance Series presents violist Mimi Dye and pianist Dimitry Cogan, May 8, 8 p.m. Admission $10, $8. Art Center Auditorium, 1313 Newell Rd. at Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. Call 329-2527.
Four Shillings Short, an eclectic combination of Celtic, American folk, and Indian Raga and Jazz, performs at a Mother's Day Concert, May 9, 5-7 p.m. at Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Bring a picnic; snacks and drinks available for purchase. Outdoor stage at the Visitors Welcome Center. Tickets $15, $12, $7.50. Call to reserve, 949-8653.
California Youth Symphony Spring Concert features cellist Daniel Lehrbaum and clarinetist Jinsue Choi; works include the world premiere of "Pandora's Box," by 17 year old Concertmaster Mark Seto. May 9, 2:30 p.m. at the Flint Center, DeAnza College, Stevens Creek & Stelling in Cupertino; May 23, 2:30 p.m. at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, Delaware & Bellvue in San Mateo. Tickets $8, $4. Call 325-6666.
Music at Stanford: May 5, senior recital, Chia-Hao (Jack) Yu, tenor, Campbell Recital Hall, 8 p.m., free. May 6, senior recital, Jennifer Pfotenhauer, soprano, Campbell Recital Hall, 8 p.m., free. May 7, Music Dept. Awards Concert, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 8 p.m., free. May 8, senior recital, Amy Huang, clarinet, Campbell Hall, 2:30 p.m., free. May 9, senior recital, Bryan Huang and Joyce Tang, pianos, Campbell Hall, 2:30 p.m., free. May 12, Stanford Guitar Ensemble, Campbell Hall, 8 p.m., free. May 12, the Ying Quartet, with guests from the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 8 p.m., pre-concert chat 6:45 p.m., tickets $28, $25, youth & student discount. Call 725-ARTS.
Villa Montalvo, Carriage House Series. May 5, Hugh Masekela, 7:30 p.m., tickets $32. May 7, Roy Rogers & Sana Morrison, 8 p.m., tickets $22.50. 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga. Call (408) 961-5800.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts presents: Mountain View High School Music Department Spring Concert, May 11, 7:30 p.m. Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble, tickets $6, $4. May 15: Sultry Jazz and Songs of Love with Carmel Records star Marjorie-Jean, 8 p.m., tickets $15, $12.50, $7.50. May 16, San Jose Wind Symphony presents "From Russia With Love," 7:30 p.m., tickets $18, $16. Castro & Mercy Streets. Call 903-6000.
Barbershop singing and Sweet Adelines practice at Cubberley Auditorium, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to come listen, or even try out. Call 1-800-876-SING.
@18ehad:Dance
Dance to the great music of the 1930's and 1940's on the last Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. at Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Live band, open to public, singles welcome. Free parking. Tickets $3. Call 326-5362.
Do Your Own Dance, relaxed and informal creative expression. Individuals move to music from around the world, each dancing his or her own way, with or without partners. Wed. 8:15-9:30 p.m., Cubberley Community Center, L3, 400 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. $5 drop-in. Call 322-1420.
Ballroom dancing at Little House, with live music by Mike Johnson and his "Sound Wizards," Thursdays 7-9:30 p.m. $3. Basic Country Western line dancing lesson, Thursdays 6-7 p.m., $1.50. Call 326-2025.
Stanford International Dancers, class followed by request dancing, Fri., 8-11 p.m., at 425 W. Evelyn Ave., Mt. View. Soft-soled shoes. Fee $5, $6 live music nights. May 7 & 14, Macedonian and Pontic. Call 966-1775.
@18ehad:Film/TV
IMAGE film group presents "Camps of Shame: The Japanese-American Internment Experience," followed by discussion with former internees, May 8, 1-3:30 p.m., reception until 4:30 p.m. Admission $10, $5. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 938-9550.
The Stanford Channel presents programs of interest to the general community on Cable Channel 51. For an up-to-date schedule, visit website http://tsc.stanford.edu/tsc/.
Stanford Theater, 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. George Cukor Film Festival through May 7, films include "Holiday," "The Philadelphia Story," "A Star is Born," and "My Fair Lady." Restored 1925 movie house shows the classics, including silent films. Live organ music on the Wurlitzer organ before and after each film. Schedules of movies for the next two or three months are available at the theater. Admission $6 adults, $4 seniors over 65, and $3 for children. Call 324-3700.
Listings for movies shown in local theaters can be found in the Almanac online edition at www.calmanac.com. Click on Current Issue and check under Movies near the bottom of the list.
@18ehad:Auditions
Peninsula Symphony Youth Orchestras 1999-2000 season auditions set for May and June; registration deadlines May 8 & 29. Students ages 6-18 are invited to register for placement in one of three orchestras, according to ability. All instruments welcome, and oboe, horn, trombone, viola, and string bass especially encouraged. The senior PYO will also audition for the Concertmaster position. Auditions will be held at McKinley School, 400 Duane St., Redwood City. Call 325-7967.
California Youth Symphony audition sign-ups are beginning now. Auditions for all levels will take place at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills, on May 15-16 and 21-22. Call 325-6666.
@18ehad:Going Places
Stanford Spring Faire, an arts and crafts fair with Bay Area artists and entertainers, May 7-9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. White Plaza, Stanford University. Proceeds benefits the Bridge Peer Counseling Center. Call 723-3393.
International Beer Festival, featuring live music, food, beer auction, unlimited tastings of over 75 beers and microbrews from around the world. May 8, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School. $30 admission, over age 21 only. Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. Call (415) 421-TIXS.
@18ehad:For Families
Storytellers at Kepler's regale families with their favorite picture books and read-alouds every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321.
Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre presents plays for families and kids of all ages: "The Frog Prince," May 8, 11 a.m. Tickets $9.50. 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale. Call (408) 245-2978.
Juana Briones, a local Gold Rush-era business woman, is portrayed by Olga Loya, in "History Alive! Chautauqua," May 11, 7-8:30 p.m. at DeAnza College, Hinson Campus Center, Conference Room B, Stevens Creek & Stelling, Cupertino. Free. Call 888-543-4434.
"Winnie The Pooh," a popular classic performed by Young Performers Theatre at Fort Mason Center, Building C, Third Floor, Room #300. through May 16, Sat. at 1 p.m., Sun. at 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Tickets $8, $5. Call to reserve, (415) 346-5550.
Palo Alto Junior Museum features the exhibit, "Messages," which runs through Feb. 27, 2000. Interactive exhibit and program series explores aspects of human, electronic and animal communication. Free admission. 1451 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 329-2111.
Onetta Harris Community Center: Reading room, gymnastics, karate, youth & adult basketball leagues, Project Read tutoring, computer lab, aerobics/fitness classes, and after school care for ages 6-13. 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park. Habla espanol. Call 329-0145.
Hidden Villa is open to the public Tues. through Sun. from 9 a.m. to dusk. Activities, wilderness trail hikes. Guided Sunday farm tours begin at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., $5 per person, call to reserve. Parking $5. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8650.
Ardenwood Historic Farm: Open year round for picnics, farm tour, craft demonstrations. Discount admission: Family Saturdays, $1 adults, $.50 children (excludes special events). Attractions include horse drawn train ride, $1; house tour, $3, $2. Blacksmith demonstrations on alternate Saturdays. Regular admission includes attractions, $7.50, $5.50, $5. Ardenwood Blvd. in Fremont, near Hwy. 84 and the Dumbarton Bridge. Call (510) 796-0199.
The Tech Museum, 201 South Market St., San Jose. Visit the technical interactive exhibits and IMAX theater. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets for either exhibits or IMAX, $8, $7, $6 each; combined tickets $13.50, $12.50, $10. Call (408) 294-TECH.
Friday morning coffee at the Bechtel International Center at Stanford. Meet international visitors and residents from the Stanford area and nearby communities; children are welcome. Every Friday, 10 a.m.-noon. Call 723-1831.
Coyote Point Museum: off Hwy. 101 in San Mateo. Ongoing activities: Hawk talks, Sat., 2 p.m.; otter feeding, Tues.-Sun., 12:15 p.m. Park entrance fee $4. Museum entrance fee, $3, $2, $1, children under 4 free. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 342-7755.
Exploratorium, at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco. Exhibit: "Frogs," through Sept. 12. Ongoing activities: Play Lab for children 4 and under. Admission $9, $7, $5, $2.50, children under 3 free. First Wed. of the month is free. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Weds. to 9 p.m. Call 563-7337.
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Bilingual storytime, stories in Spanish and English, first Sat. each month, 10:30 a.m. Toddler storytime (ages 2-3), Wed. 10:30 a.m.; preschool storytime (ages 3-5), Thurs. 10:30 a.m.; pajama storytime (all ages), Wed. 7 p.m. Baby storytime (up to 18 months), advance sign-up requested, Tues. 11 & 11:30 a.m. Persian Folktales storytime, all ages, second Sat. of the month, 10:30 a.m. May 13: "Play Math," geometry and art with Peter Koehler, 7 p.m., limited to 25 children grades K-5 (call to register). Call 858-3464.
Redwood City Library, Schaberg Branch, 2140 Euclid Ave. Preschool story time for ages 3-5, Mon. 10:30 a.m. Toddler story time for ages 1-3, Mon. 11:30 a.m. Call 780-7010.
Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane. New library hours: Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. hours, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Pajama storytime for 3-6 year olds, through May 11, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Toddler storytime for ages 2-3, through May 12, Wed. at 11 a.m. Preschool storytime for ages 3-6, through May 12, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. Call to register, 328-2422.
Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road. Toddler story time: Wed., 11 a.m., ages 18-36 mos. with adult. Infant story time, for ages 4-14 mos.: Wed., 10 a.m. with adult. Hours: Mon. 1-9 p.m., Tues.-Wed. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs. 1-6 p.m., Fri. 1-5 p.m., Sat. 1-5 p.m. Call 851-0147.
@18ehad:For Kids
Story Acting for 4 & 5 year olds at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 4 class sessions Tues.-Fri., 10-10:45 a.m., starting June 22-July 30. $40, $45. Playing Along for 6-8 year olds, six 5 class sessions, $55, $65. Conservatory Too! for 8-10 year olds, three 8 class sessions, $150, $160. 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 3292216.
AYSO Soccer registration has begun for the 1999 season, open to children living in Menlo Park and Atherton, ages 6-18. Playing season is Sept.-Nov., with separate teams for boys and girls. Walk in registration May 8 & 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Multi room at Hillview School, Elder & Santa Cruz Ave. $75. Call 322-7054 or see website www.mpsoccer.org.
Palo Alto Summer Conservatory Theatre auditions, May 12, 4 p.m. & May 22, 11 a.m. Ages 10 through high school. $250, $260. 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 329-2216.
Swim classes are being offered for spring and summer sessions, ages 3 and up, at the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Call 493-6702.
Stanford Jazz Camp for ages 12-17, offered July 18-24 & July 25-31. Attend one or both weeks. Admission based on tape submitted. Tuition from $490. Curriculum includes small ensembles, master classes, history, jazz tradition, theory, & musicianship. Special programs for vocals and strings. Registration deadline, June 15; space is limited. Call 856-4155.
Menlo Park's Boomin' Teen program, made for the teens by the teens. Join "City Teens," participate in community projects, plan events, make friends. Limited space, pick up an application today. Other activities include ski & snowboard trips; free tutoring at The Hub Mon.-Thurs., 3-6 p.m.; monthly dances; movies one Friday a month; bowling league. 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 858-3473.
@18ehad:Outdoors
Hidden Villa Wildflower Hike, led by docents from the California Native Plant Society, May 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring water and a wildflower guide if you have one. Ages 10 & up. $8, $6. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8655.
Join Trailheads, a hiking group that takes a 4-8 mile moderate hike every other Sunday in open space preserves, county and state parks, and other Bay Area sites. Meet at the Egan Jr. High parking lot at 9 a.m., 100 W. Portola off San Antonio Rd., Los Altos. $45 for 5 hikes, or $12 drop-in. Sponsored by the City of Los Altos Recreation Dept. Call 568-6915.
Wildflower walks at Edgewood Natural Preserve in Redwood City: May 8-9. All walks begin at 10 a.m. and last about 3 hours. Bring a snack and water. Meet at Park N' Ride, Edgewood Rd. Call 261-1935.
Volunteer gardeners, greeters, and people to help with animal chores, sustainable building projects, painting, wood splitting, and more, at Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8655.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Take the Dumbarton Bridge to Fremont, exit at Thornton Ave., turn south for about a mile to the Refuge entrance on the right. Free hikes and activities for all ages. May 8, Audubon Society Bird Walk, 9-11 a.m. Call (510) 792-0222.
Bicycle Sundays, Canada Road closed to vehicles every Sunday except holiday weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Open only to non-motorized activities: bicycling, rollerblading, walking (strollers allowed). Canada Road between Hwy. 92 and Edgewood Rd. Call 368-6283.
Planting for the Second Hundred Years: Regenerate native California oak populations on Stanford lands; fieldwork Sats. 9am-noon. Call to register, 323-7333.
@18ehad:Gardening
San Mateo County African Violet Society will meet May 10, 7 p.m. Topic: African violet websites. Refreshments. The public is invited. San Mateo Garden Center, 605 Parkside Way, San Mateo. Call 368-9020.
Western Horticultural Society meets May 12, 7:30 p.m. to hear speaker Topher Delaney on "Healing Gardens," Loyola School multipurpose room, 770 Berry Ave., near Rancho Shopping Center. Plant discussion and plant raffle. Open to public. Call 327-9522.
Nature's Alley topiary workshops at Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park. May 20 & 22, 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Reservations required. $20 plus materials. Call 326-3632.
Common Ground Organic Garden Supplies and Education Center offers Saturday classes: May 8, "Rose Cultivation," with Julia Powers, 10:30 a.m.-noon, $10. May 15, "Container Gardening," with Teddi McDonald, 10:30 a.m.-noon, $10. 2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Call to reserve, 328-6752.
Ikebana in the wilderness: Flower arranging at Hidden Villa May 8-9, noon-4 p.m., with Ikebana master Satsuko Thielke in the Rock of Gibralter area. Demonstrations at 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8653.
Hillsborough Garden Tour, May 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours of 5 spring gardens, followed by lunch at the Kohl pumphouse in San Mateo Central Park. Tickets $20 prepaid, or $25 at the door. Call 579-0536.
Tea at Gamble Garden Center, the third Wednesday of each month, May 19, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy homemade savories and sweets, and take a free docent tour of the garden afterwards. $12.50 per person, advance reservations required. Call 329-1356.
@18ehad:Books & Authors
Waverley Writers poetry reading features Dancing Bear, Jean Chacona, and Jennifer Swanton Brown; open reading second half. May 7, 7:30-10 p.m. Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado, Palo Alto. Free. Call 948-2879.
Dr. Daniel Liebowitz, Chief of Psychiatry at the Nuremburg Trials, has written a book about the East African slave trade and Imperialist Europe. Dr. Liebowitz will speak May 12, 7 p.m. at Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321.
Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Authors' evenings at 7:30 p.m. unless noted: May 5, Jean Strousse, biography, "Morgan: American Financier." May 6, Barry Yourgrau, "Haunted Traveller: An Imaginary Memoir." May 7, Ruth Ozeki, debut novel, "My Year of Meats." May 11, Neal Stephenson, WWII code thriller, "Cryptonomicon." Call 324-4321.
Menlo Park Library discussion groups: Book discussion group meets May 12 to discuss "Homeland and Other Stories," by Barbara Kingsolver. 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 858-3468.
@18ehad:Classes & Lectures
Phileas Fogg's Travel Bookstore presents slide shows and talks with authors and tour leaders on travel destinations. Stanford Shopping Center. May 5, Peru & the Galapagos Islands. May 12, Steamboatin' in America's Heartland. Admission $2. Call 327-1754.
Cooking classes at the Palo Alto Adult School with Lou Pappas: May 5, French Bistro Feast, 6-9 p.m. $20 + $15 lab fee. Palo Alto High School, El Camino & Embarcadero. Call 329-3752.
San Mateo offers Y2K and other emergency training every quarter, called NEST (Neighborhood Emergency Services Team), a community-based personal preparedness program. April is California Earthquake Preparedness Month, so now is the time to get ready with these classes: May 6, First Aid, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Shelter/Special Needs, 7:30-8:30 p.m. May 13, Safety & Security, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Damage Assessment, 7:30-8:30 p.m. May 20, Search and Rescue, 6:30-8:30 p.m. All classes take place in Room C at San Mateo City Hall, 330 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, except the final Search and Rescue class, which meets in the Council Chambers. Free. Call 522-7960.
Wallace Stegner lecture series: May 12, Ann Zwinger, acclaimed author and naturalist. 8 p.m. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Tickets $20. Call 903-6000.
1999-98 Jing Lyman Lecture Series: Professor Phil Cowan, U.C. Berkeley, speaks on May 12, noon. Cypress Room, Tresidder Union, Stanford University. Free. Call 723-1995
"Art and the World of Technology," presented by Bruce Davis, executive director of Arts Council Silicon Valley. Discussion features Kevin Teixeira of Intel, Rich Gold of Xerox, and Rolf Faste of Stanford. In conjunction with the exhibit, "Youth Art." May 13, 7:30 p.m. Free. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. at Embarcadero. Call 329-2366.
Humanities Symposium at Stanford University, "Setting the Stage: Elements and Conditions of Black Popular Culture and Black Performing Arts," May 15. Keynote speaker: Tyler Stovall, Professor of History, U.C. Santa Cruz, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch 12:30-2 p.m. Panel, 2-4 p.m. Annenberg Auditorium. Free. Call 723-4402.
Dialogue on Racial Understanding: New Alliances. Community forum May 16 at Hidden Villa, 3-5:30 p.m. Free. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8655.
Grant writing classes for nonprofit organizations, Peninsula Community Foundation McClellan Funding Information Library, 1700 S. El Camino Real, #201, San Mateo. May 6, "Introduction to Grant Seeking and Proposal Writing," 9-11 a.m. Free. Call 358-9780.
Career Action Center, Suite 100, 10420 Bubb Rd., Cupertino. Classes, workshops to improve job-hunting skills. Call (408) 253-3200.
Magic of Palo Alto offers free classes in applying ecological methods to everyday living: Classes beginning now: Creating Community, Beyond Illusion, Planning for Living, Yoga and Friends. Non-profit, volunteer opportunities: Fruition distributes bare-root fruit trees through schools and charities to teach care of urban tree crops; Liveable Cities works to improve noise, plant and tree care, and make streets safer. Dancing and music making every Sat. with vegan potluck supper, 8-10 p.m. Visit website http://www.ecomagic.org, or call 323-7333.
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center offers mediation training at the Foothill College, Middlefield Campus in Palo Alto. Call for schedule and fees, 424-8600.
@18ehad:Clubs & Meetings
Town Hall Meeting for a Sustainable San Mateo County, May 5, 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. National and local speakers and panelists. Reception follows, 5-7 p.m. Co-sponsored by the College of Notre Dame's Dept. of Natural Science. $25. Ralston Hall, College of Notre Dame, Ralston Ave., Belmont. Call 638-2323.
Menlo Art League meets May 13, 7:30 p.m. Douglss Morgan will give an oil painting demonstration. Menlo Park Recreation Center, 700 Alma St. Call 322-0148.
The Menlo Presbyterian Toastmasters Club meets each Tues., 7:30 p.m. at the church. For more information, call 949-5483 or 854-8476.
Biligual Spanish/English Toastmaster Club meets Wednesdays in Redwood City. Improve your personal, community and professional life by developing speaking, listening, and leadership skills. The club meets at 7 p.m. at Fair Oaks Senior Center, 2600 Middlefield Rd. Call 323-2808.
Sunset Toastmasters provides a postive and supportive way to improve your communication and leadership skills. Meetings are 1st & 3rd Thurs. of every month, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at the Allstate Research and Planning Center, 321 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park. Call 833-6241.
Vegetarian potluck is now being run by the Vegetarian Foundation, a non-profit educational organization. Both vegetarian and vegan food is welcome and you need not be vegetarian to attend. Next meeting: May 15. Call for information and location, (408) 929-1143.
Humanist Forum meeting at Stanford University, May 9, 10 a.m. "Bible Stuff Revisited," by speaker Joe Peel. Stanford Old Student Union. Call 424-8626.
Prayer around the Cross using the music of Taize, held every third Thursday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Call 325-5614.
American Business Women's Association, Palo Alto Charter Chapter, meets monthly at Mac's American Grill, 325 Main St., Los Altos. Social networking hour at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. $19. Visitors welcome. Call to reserve, (408) 288-9873.
Daughters of the American Revolution meet the first Wed. of the month to research our early American ancestors. Members would like to assist newcomers. Call 494-1866.
Stanford Palo Alto Users Group for PCs (SPAUG) meets last Wed. of the month, 7:30 p.m., Palo Alto Elks Club, 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Call 493-9307.
Leads Club of Palo Alto: Local business women meet weekly over breakfast to exchange referrals and leads to help each other's business success, Tues. 7:30 a.m., at The Cookbook Restaurant, Town & Country Village, El Camino Real & Embarcadero, Palo Alto. Call 851-8040.
Rotary Club of Woodside-Portola Valley meets in Fellowship Hall, Woodside Village Church, 3154 Woodside Rd., Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship. Guests welcome. Call 851-8195.
Newcomers Club in Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Valley and Woodside, open to residents new within last five years. Variety of activities include: bridge, book discussion, lunches, tennis, wine tasting, walking, moms and tots, dinners, gardening. Call 365-4242.
Mothers Club of Menlo Park and Palo Alto meets second Tues., May 11, 7 p.m., at Lucie Stern Center, Community Room, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. First meeting free, membership $36 a year. Newsletter, playgroups, guest speakers, babysitting co-op, family activities. Call 306-8182.
Menlo Park Civil Defense Radio Club meets at the Menlo Park Recreation Center, 800 Alma St., the first Fri. of the month at 7:30 p.m. Call 326-4908 or 322-4952.
@18ehad:Health
Osteoporosis Prevention Month free lecture presented by Lifespan, "The Power of Prevention: Bone Health for Women of All Generations," May 15, 2-3:30 p.m. Nordstrom Conference Room, 3rd floor, Stanford Shopping Center. Call to register, 324-3496.
Woodside Fire Protection District is offering free CPR classes every 3rd Saturday of the month. Classes will be held at Station 7, located at 3111 Woodside Rd. Call to register, 851-1594.
Reiki classes at the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. Alleviate stress, negative patterns, fatigue, discomfort from injuries, and side effects from medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Drop-in, $11. Fitness center, JCC, 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Call 493-9400.
Managing your hearing loss: lip-reading to improve speech understanding and communication, through Foothill College Adaptive Learning Division. Registration is ongoing. Latecomers welcome. Groups meet at sites in Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto and Portola Valley. Call to sign up, 949-7673.
Bone density screening available at Sequoia Hospital's screening clinic, second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Painless ultrasound of the heel assesses risk of osteoporosis and/or fractures in women of all ages. $35. 333 Main St., Redwood City. Call for appointment, 367-5998.
The Alzheimer's Association information and referral service provides access to services, literature and assistance on issues around dealing with Alzheimer's disease to the public. 330 Distel Cir., Los Altos. Call 962-8111.
@18ehad:Sports & Fitness
Bay to Breakers shuttle offered by the City of Palo Alto Recreation, May 16. Bus leaves at 6:15 a.m. from Lucie Stern Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd. $15 round trip. Reservations required. Call 329-2686.
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula offers daytime and evening fitness classes. New series begins in May. Sign up for a class or drop in for $5-$6. 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.
Why Weight? is a fitness class offered at the YWCA June 8. $10. Call for more information, 494-0972.
Effective Cycling in Menlo Park: The League of American Bicyclists offers a newly revamped curriculum in their Effective Cycling 10 hour introductory Road I Course. Ride more safely, confidently, and effectively. On-site workshops available. Call for schedule, 858-3363.
@18ehad:Support Groups
Women Healing Together, a support and healing group for women who have experienced sexual assault, molestation or abuse. 7 week session begins in May. MRI, 555 Middlefield Rd. near University Ave., Palo Alto. $30 per evening, some reduced fee spaces available. Free pre-screening and interview. Call (408) 576-8333.
The Child Abuse Prevention Center is recruiting volunteers for its Case Aide Programs, which assist children and their families in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, by working with a social worker. Training class May 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Belmont. Call 327-8120.
Mid-Peninsula Lyme Disease support group meets monthly in Portola Valley. Wheelchair accessible. Free. Call for location, 851-1787.
Compulsive overeaters are invited to attend a one-hour Sat. 9 a.m. weekly meeting of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), at Trinity Parish Church, Laurel & Ravenswood, Menlo Park. The meeting is a safe place to share experience, strength and hope. OA is not a diet club, and there are no dues or weigh-ins. Call 568-3214.
Bay Area Alzheimer's Association meets the second Thurs. of the month, May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Rosener House Adult Day Care Center, 1060 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 1-800-660-1993.
Working with Arthritis workshops: For working age people with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal conditions. First Tues. of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Blake Wilbur Clinic, Stanford University, 900 Blake Wilbur Dr., Rm. W1084. Call 493-5000, ext. 64476.
Grief support: VNA & Hospice offers a Bereavement Support series, a no-cost eight week support group to help heal grief at the death of a loved one, meeting Mondays at 6 p.m. Visiting Nurses Assoc., 700 S. Claremont, Suite 220, San Mateo. Pre-registration required. Call 685-2821.
Sequoia Hospital: Caregivers support group, first and 3rd Mon. 4:30-6 p.m.; Parkinson's disease support and education for patients and caregivers, third Fri., 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Call to register. 333 Main St., Redwood City. Call 367-5998.
Parents Without Partners, Shoreline Chapter, now serving the Palo Alto/Menlo Park areas, meets Saturdays, 5 p.m. at Cook's Seafood restaurant, 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 1-888-828-6555, ext. 9600.
Pet loss support group at Peninsula Humane Society, meets second Thurs., May 13, 7-9 p.m., 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Free. Call 340-7022, ext. 384.
@18ehad:Benefits
"Tanks and More," the Museum of American Heritage fund-raiser, May 16, 1-5 p.m. at Jacques Littlefield's Pony Tracks Ranch. Collection of more than 75 fully restored combat vehicles, showrooms and workshops to tour, gourmet foods and musical entertainment. Live auction. Tickets $75, $65. Call 493-0893.
1999 Decorators' Show House features Lachman Manor, 1225 San Raymundo Rd., Hillsborough, through May 16. Hours: Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wed., Fri., Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Monday. Tickets $20. Ages 8 and up admitted. Box lunches available Tues.-Sat., $11. Proceeds benefit Coyote Point Museum. Call 685-1742.
Prayer Breakfast: The 13th Annual Prayer Breakfast takes place May 6, 7 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 1221 Chess Dr., Foster City. Keynote speaker: Dr. Louis H. Evans, Jr., Pastor-at-large, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Leaders and citizens from all walks of life will gather on the National Day of Prayer. Reservations required. Call 364-4664.
Atherton Dames hosts champagne and caviar luncheon on May 15, 11:30 a.m. at their annual Day at the Park, and will feature a new event, Garden Tapestry, with professional garden and landscape displays, including an orchid display, May 14-15. Holbrook-Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton. $30. Call to reserve, 688-6536.
@18ehad:Seniors
"What is Stress and What Can We Do About It?" Lecture May 5, 10 a.m. by Dr. Audie Atienza, Ph.D. from the Stanford Center for Disease Prevention. Free. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
Seniors Dance & Exercise, to the rhythm of Latin, swing and Broadway music. Tuesdays May 4-June 22 & Fri. May 7-June 25, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Chair Dancing, Fridays, May 7-June 25, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free introductory class. Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison, Redwood City. Non-seniors welcome. Once a week, $30; twice a week, $48. Call 349-6454.
Mother's Day Brunch at Little House, May 9, 11 a.m. Bring your favorite lady to brunch. $7.50, $8.50. 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
AARP meeting, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. at Embarcadero. Speaker: Maureen Wadiak, director of Community Services Agency. All are welcome. Free refreshments. Call 323-2398.
What's New in the Law: Jack Jorgenson offers a free class to discuss new or changing legal issues and Supreme Court cases, on the first and third Thurs. of each month, 9-10 a.m. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
Let's Talk Together": Peninsula Volunteers Little House invites all women to a drop-in group meeting Mon. 10-11:30 a.m. to discuss any and all topics of interest to women. Let your hair down and talk freely; it won't go beyond the doors. $2 per session. Open house May 10, 10 a.m., no charge. 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
The S.O.S. group (Singles Over Sixty) meets Friday evenings 7-9 p.m. at the Redwood City Veterans Memorial Senior Center. Potluck dinner 3rd Friday of the month. Friendly group discusses topical subjects and enjoys outings. No charge to attend, all are welcome. 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City. Call 366-3265.
Menlo Park Senior Center, 110 Terminal Ave. (at Onetta M. Harris Community Center). Habla espanol. Belle Haven free health advice clinic, screenings, and blood pressure checks; gentle exercise group; Walk for Health, Mon.-Wed.-Fri. at 8 a.m. Recreation room open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. noon-4 p.m. Call for more information, 322-4570.
Little House senior center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Health screenings by appointment. Discussion group Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., $2. Movies, Mon. & Thurs., 1 p.m., admission 50 cents. May 5, health forum, "Introduction to Dreams," 11 a.m. May 6, movie, "Picnic at Hanging Rock." May 9, Sunday Program features "A Little Nite Music," an afternoon of music and dance, 1:30 p.m. May 10, movie, "Beloved" (1998). May 12, health forum, "Obesity," 11 a.m. Hot lunches served Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., under $4. Call 326-2025.
Senior Friendship Day, free senior program every Wed., 9:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m., at Cubberley Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Crafts, exercise, bridge, lunch, sing-along, dancing. May 5: Springfest, Oaxaca program. Call 856-7750.
Avenidas, the Palo Alto Senior Center, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Health screenings, appointments required: Skin cancer screening by appt. "Senior Touch" massage, Wed. & Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $15/half hour. Free blood pressure check without appointment, every Thurs., 9:30-11:30 a.m. Health library hours Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monthly computer classes open to ages 49 and up. Free computer demonstrations: May 5-6, sending greeting cards. May 12-13, using Excel. Call 327-2811.
@18ehad:Historical Interest
"The Missions of California," a collection of watercolors by Barcelona artist Antonio Miret, is currently being displayed through Oct. 1 at the San Mateo County Historical Museum, 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City. All 21 missions are represented. Admission $2, $1, under age 6 free. Call 299-0104.
"Building on the Past: The Reincarnation of the Stanford Museum," free slide lecture at the Redwood City Library, 1044 Middlefield Rd., May 12, 7:30 p.m. Hear how the new Cantor Center for the Visual Arts evolved from the earthquake damaged museum. Call 780-7026.
Menlo Park Historical Association is sponsoring a tour of the Cantor Center for the Visual Arts and Hoover Tower, May 15, 11 a.m. Tours are self-guided. Meet in museum lobby. Free parking and admission. Call 858-3368.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Varian Fry exhibit comes to the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center's Koret Gallery. Exhibit includes artwork by Marc Chagall, and runs through May 23. Hours: Tues., Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed. 2-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. May 16: Talk by Mary Lowenthal Felstiner, SFSU faculty, author of "To Paint Her Life--Charlotte Salomon in the Nazi Era," 4 p.m. Call 493-0563.
The San Mateo County Historical Museum has reopened at its new site, the Old Courthouse, 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City. Exhibits include miniature recreations of railroad lines, horse-drawn carriages, and the courthouse rotunda topped by a stained-glass dome. Programs will be offered the first Sat. of the month, 1-4 p.m. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $2, $1, under 6 free. Call 299-0104.
Museum of American Heritage at the historic Williams House and Gardens, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. New exhibit: "The Founder's Collection: Delightfully Different Devices," through July 4. Permanent exhibits of electrical and mechanical devices from the past century, as well as the popular general store exhibit. Free admission. Open Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 321-1004.
Menlo Park Historical Association presents monthly programs, publishes a monthly newsletter, sponsors ongoing historical preservation projects. Office and archives located in the Merrill History Room at the Menlo Park Library, corner of Alma and Ravenswood Ave. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Tues. & Wed. New members welcome. Call 858-3368.
Historic district walking tours with Palo Alto-Stanford Heritage docents: Professorville, first, third and fifth Sat.; Downtown Palo Alto, second and fourth Sat. Tours begin 10 a.m. at Forest Ave. Downtown Library. Donation $2. Call 299-8878.
Woodside Store, Kings Mountain and Tripp roads, Woodside. Exhibit, pioneers, loggers, storekeepers and families. Tues., Thurs, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., Sun., noon-4 p.m. Call 574-6441.
Lathrop House, 627 Hamilton St., Redwood City. Historic home built in 1863, Redwood City Heritage museum, open Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 365-5564.
@18ehad:Et Alia
Women of Vision: A celebration to benefit the Career Action Center, May 6, 5:30-9:15 p.m. Honorees: Ann N. Debusk, Anne W. Cribbs, and Susan W. Hammer. $85. Fairmont Hotel, 170 South Market, San Francisco. Call (408) 253-3200, ext. 232.
Become a volunteer with Environmental Volunteers, a non-profit organization. Teach children hands-on natural science in local public and private schools. You decide how much time you can volunteer. Call 961-0545.
Stanford's Bechtel International Center needs volunteers to invite new scholars and students from abroad into their homes for an occasional meal, sporting event or other hospitality. Call 326-5252 or 322-7782.
Second Harvest Food Bank seeks volunteers from the community to help sort food every Wed. & Thurs., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 14 and up. 1051 Bing St., San Carlos. Call (415) 610-0800.
Menlo Park Farmer's Market, year-round, Sun., 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Parking plaza between Wells Fargo Bank and Trader Joe's. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, organic olive oil and olives, juice. Benefits local charities through Lions Club. Seasonal offerings include crabs, artichokes, persimmons, dried fruit, and greens. Call 941-4808.