Issue date: May 26, 1999
"A Tale of Two Cities," Charles Dickens' classic tale of the French Revolution, presented by Hillview School's Drama Department, May 28-29, June 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. 1100 Elder St. at Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Tickets $4, $2, $1. Call 326-4341.
Burgess Shakespeare Festival presents the comedy "As You Like It," at 8 p.m., May 27-29 & June 3-5; matinee May 30, 2:30 p.m. "Macbeth" runs July 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 at 8 p.m.; July 11 & 18, 7 p.m. Festival pass, $20 for both shows. Tickets also available at the door. Burgess Theatre, 601 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call to reserve, 322-3261.
Moss Hart's "Light Up the Sky," by the Foothill College Drama Dept., May 28-June 13 in the Studio Theater. An insider's view of the comic horrors of creating a Broadway show. 8 p.m. performances May 28-29, June 3-5 & 10-12. Matinees June 6 & 13 at 2 p.m. Foothill College, El Monte Rd. at Hwy. 280, Los Altos Hills. Parking $2 in quarters. Tickets $12, $10, $8. Call (650) 948-4444.
"Rumors," Neil Simon's comedy performed by the Bus Barn Stage Company, through June 12. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Sun. May 30 & June 6, 7 p.m. Tickets $18 for Fri. & Sat.; $15 for Thurs. & Sun. Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. Call 941-0551.
"South Pacific," Rodgers and Hammerstein's award-winning musical, presented by American Musical Theatre of San Jose, through June 6. Tues., Wed. & Thurs., 8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat, 8:30 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m. (no eve. performance June 6); matinees May 29, 30, June 2, 5 & 6, at 2 p.m. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Tickets $30-$50. Call (888) 455-SHOW.
"Beach Blanket Babylon," 25th anniversary gala benefit, June 7 at Club Fugazi, San Francisco. Benefit performances continue June 9-27, and each performance will benefit a different selected charity. For more information, see website www.beachblanketbabylon.com, or call (415) 421-4222.
Music
San Francisco Symphony performs Bruckner's Symphony No. 9 and Te Deum, May 27-29, 8 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco. Tickets $26-$73. Lecture one hour prior to concert. Call (415) 864-6000.
Stanford Early Music Singers together with The Whole Noyse will present "English Chapel Royal," music originally performed for the English throne from the 14th-17th centuries, May 28, 8 p.m. Memorial Church. Free. Call 723-3811.
"Orpheus in the Underworld," a riotous opera by Offenbach and Pippin, presented by Pocket Opera, May 28, 8 p.m. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Tickets $25, $10. Call 903-6000.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra presents the Preparatory Orchesta Concert, May 28, 7:30 p.m. Commentary by William Whitson, PACO founder; quartets by Beethoven and Mozart and other works by Boyce, Telemann, Haydn, and Lennon & McCartney. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. Tickets $4, $2. Call (650) 856-3848.
West Bay Opera Guild presents "The Consul," May 28-30 and June 4-6 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Fri. & Sat., 8:15 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $33; special $17 youth ticket on Sundays. Call 494-9999.
California Youth Symphony's Brass Ensemble performs a free concert May 30, 3 p.m. at the First Church of Christ Scientist, 661 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Works by Gabrielli, Strauss, Prokofiev, and two compositions accompanied by organist Marjorie Dufour. Call 325-6666.
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society concerts: May 30, Memorial Day Concert featuring Vital Information, rootsy American music, 4:30 p.m., admission $20. Miramar Beach House, off Hwy. 1 between Magellan and Medio, north of Hwy. 92, in Half Moon Bay. Call 726-4143.
The Polish Arts and Culture Foundation presents one of the finest living Polish pianists, Karol Radziwonowicz, June 1, 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall of Mother Olsen Inn, 72 N. Fifth St., San Jose. Polish Romantic music, including works by Chopin and Paderewski. Tickets $18, $12. Call (415) 474-7070.
San Jose Museum of Art features Arts Alive! Concert Series, first Wed. of the month: June 2, Bay Area Baroque Ensemble, 5-8 p.m. Included in admission price, $10, $7, age 5 and under free. 110 South Market St., San Jose. Call (408) 294-2787.
Palo Alto's Brown Bag Concert Series at Cogswell Plaza, Lytton & Ramona, Thursdays at noon-1 p.m. June 3: The Tall Timber Boys, blazing bluegrass. Call 329-2527.
Schola Cantorum presents world renowned mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung in benefit recital, June 4, 8 p.m. at San Jose's historic Le Petit Trianon. The program, featuring works by Debussy, Brahms, Strauss, Gershwin, Sondheim and more, is preceded by a sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres reception at 7 p.m. 72 N. Fifth St., San Jose. Tickets $65. Call (650) 254-1700.
Masterworks Chorale Gala Season Finale, June 5-6, featuring four different visions based on the Te Deum text, by Haydn, Handel, Britten, and Kodaly. Tickets $18, $12. San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware, San Mateo. Call 574-6210.
Clarion Music Center presents a world music lecture/workshop series, 8 p.m. at 816 Sacramento St., San Francisco. May 28: Gamelon Sekar Jaya, new and traditional Balinese music. June 4: Kala Iyer, vocal and percussion from South India. June 11: Aldoush & the Human Exchange, Iranian traditional music and contemporary jazz. Tickets $10. Call (888) 343-5374.
Music at Stanford: May 26, senior recital, Vanessa Bartsch, composer, Campbell Recital Hall, 8 p.m., free. May 30, senior recital, John Maurer, composer, Campbell Recital Hall, 8 p.m., free. June 1, Stanford Flute Ensemble, Campbell Recital Hall, 8 p.m., free. Call 725-ARTS.
Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga. June 4-6, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun., 7:30 p.m., Doobie Brothers and the Derek Truks Band; tickets $45, $40, $35. June 10, Anne Murray, 7:30 p.m., tickets $45, $40, $32. Call (408) 961-5800.
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.
Dance
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. June 4, live music, Sviraci. Call 966-1775.
Film/TV
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. Restored 1925 movie house shows the classics, including silent films. Satyajit Ray Film Festival, through May 27. 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.
Auditions
Peninsula Symphony Youth Orchestras 1999-2000 season auditions set for May and June; registration deadline May 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.
For Families
"Dreams Happen" activities at Stanford Shopping Center in the Pavilion, May 29-30, noon-4 p.m. Children can participate in hands-on activities, including designing their own playhouse. All activities are free and are designed to teach children about the process of building a house. Call (650) 617-8585.
Stories on Stage: "A Thousand Cranes," presented by Peninsula Youth Theatre, May 28, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.; May 29, 1 p.m. True story of a Hiroshima bombing victim with leukemia, and her attempts to fold 1,000 origami cranes to get well. Tickets $5. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Call 903-6000.
Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre presents plays for families and kids of all ages: "The Frog Prince," May 29, 11 a.m. Tickets $9.50. 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale. Call (408) 245-2978.
Child Abuse Prevention Center seeks volunteers to mentor abused and neglected children by working with social workers. All volunteers are DMV screened and security cleared. Four hours a week for 6 months minimum commitment. Bi-lingual volunteers encouraged to apply. Training class held June 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in San Jose. Non-refundable training fee, $35. Call (650) 327-8120.
Campfire Stories with Ane Rovetta at Hidden Villa Farm, June 5, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight and hear stories of the "animal people" in days of yore. Tickets $8, $6, $24/family of four. Registration required. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8653.
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 for farm tours every Sun. at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Guided $5 per person, ages 2 and under free. Reservations required. Birthday party packages available on Sundays at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., $8 per person, maximum 20. 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 949-8653.
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. IMAX movies currently playing: "The Living Sea," and "Everest." "Everest en Espanol" plays Sundays at 4 p.m. 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. Summer Reading Program begins June 12. June 6: Happy Birds will perform at 3:30 p.m. 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. Call 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. Teen poetry contest, ages 12-19, entries due by June 1. Call 851-0147.
For Kids
Summer music programs by El Camino Youth Symphony, for beginning, intermediate and advanced students ages 6-18. Non-members welcome. ECYS Advanced Chamber Music Seminar, June 21-July 2, afternoons, First Congregational Church, Palo Alto. ECYS Summer Workshops for beginning and intermediate musicians, July 5-16, morning or afternoon, Grace Lutheran Church, Palo Alto. Call 327-2611.
Tech Museum Summer Camps, registrations being accepted now through June 18 for ages 9-15. "Science Solutions to Biotech Mysteries," June 28-July 2; "From Ocean Depths to Deep Space," July 6-16; "Creative Computing for the Digital Artist," July 19-23; "Robotic Engineering," July 19-23; "Physics in Action," July 26-30. Sessions: 9-11 year olds attend from 9 a.m.-noon; 12-15 year olds from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Call (408) 795-6105.
Junior Archeology Day, presented by the San Mateo County Historical Association. Students entering grades 5-7 learn how archeologists know where to dig, identify artifacts, and excavate at Sanchez Adobe, Pacifica. Two sessions: July 14 & Aug. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Optional second day of hands-on practice. $35 per session. Call 299-0104.
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.
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.
Outdoors
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 22-23. 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 15, Children's Story Time for ages 4-8, 10:30 a.m. Parents can take a relaxing walk on one of the trails while children hear stories of wildlife and conservation. 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.
Gardening
Tea at Gamble Garden Center, the third Wednesday of each month, June 16, 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.
Common Ground Organic Garden Supplies and Education Center offers Saturday classes: May 29, "Plant Selection in Landscaping," with Carole Kraft, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $14. 2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Call to reserve, 328-6752.
Composting workshop offered by the County of San Mateo: June 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Redwood City Park and Recreation Center, 1400 Roosevelt Ave. Learn the easy fundamentals of backyard composting and worm bin composting. Free. Call to register, 599-1498.
Books & Authors
Classes & Lectures
Joanna Macy, Ph.D., lecturer, eco-philosopher, and Buddhist scholar will speak on "Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World," May 26, 8 p.m. at Foundation for Global Community, 222 High St., Palo Alto. Refreshments at 7 p.m. Free. Call to reserve, 328-7756.
USGS free public lecture, "Death Valley Through Time," by James P. Calzia, Geologist and Cartographer, May 27, 7 p.m. US Geological Survey Conference Room A, Building 3, Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park. Call (650) 329-5000.
International conference at Stanford University features Leon Panetta and Condoleeza Rice among other distinguished panelists in exploring the role of foreign languages and international studies, June 2, Bechtel Conference Room, Encina Hall, Serra St., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The public is invited. No charge. Call to register, (650) 725-9222.
Continuing Studies Program at Stanford University, offers over 65 classes, seminars and workshops in art, business, writing, dance, languages, literature, music, religious studies, theater, science, and more. Open to all Bay Area adults. Summer Quarter registration begins June 1; classes begin June 21. Call (650) 725-2650.
Pacific Art League of Palo Alto offers art classes for children and adults. Summer session begins July 6; register now. 668 Ramona St. Call 321-3891.
Foothill College summer session starts June 28; registration begins June 7. California residents pay $8 per unit. Nearly 1,000 summer course offerings in all subjects. 12345 El Monte Rd. off I-280, Los Altos Hills. Call (650) 949-7325.
Grant writing classes for nonprofit organizations, Peninsula Community Foundation McClellan Funding Information Library, 1700 S. El Camino Real, #201, San Mateo. June 3: 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.
Clubs & Meetings
The Peninsula Humane Society Community Liaison Committee will meet June 3, 7 p.m. at the Peninsula Humane Society Palmer Conference Room, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. The public is invited to attend. Call (650) 685-8510.
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.
Humanist Forum meeting at Stanford University, May 30, 10 a.m. "The Kosovo Situation," panel by speakers Al Dow and Bill Jacobsen, Stanford Humanist Chaplain. Stanford Old Student Union Clubhouse. 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. Next meeting: June 2. 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., June 8, 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.
Health
"Prostate Cancer," lecture presented by the Health Library, with speakers James Brooks, MD, Harcharan Gill, MD, and Martha Terris, MD, on June 3, 6-9 p.m. Fairchild Auditorium, Stanford University Medical Center. Free. Call to register, (650) 498-7826.
"Post-Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy," by Linda A. Membreno, MD, at the Community Breast Health Project, June 5, 10 a.m.-noon, 545 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Free. Call to reserve, (650) 326-6686.
Woodside Fire Protection District is offering free CPR classes 3rd Saturday of every month. Classes will be held by the Woodside Fire Dept. 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.
Sports & Fitness
Oak Knoll "Otter Fun Run," 5th annual fund-raiser, June 6, 8:30 a.m. Event includes 1.5 mile single loop or 5K double loop race. Refreshments, prizes. Preregistration fees, $20 adults, $10 children. Oak Knoll Ave., Menlo Park. Call 324-3691.
Summer Racquetball League at the Page Mill YMCA welcomes A, B, C, and D players. League runs June 12-Aug. 15. Sign-up deadline, May 28. Fees $18 members, $24 non-members. 755 Page Mill Rd. #B, Palo Alto. Call 858-0661.
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula offers daytime and evening fitness classes. 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 on June 8. $10. 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 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.
Fifty-Plus Fitness: Walk and run, Stanford campus, meet at Track House, Angell Field, just west of stadium on Galvez St., fourth Sat., 8:45 a.m. Walk and run, Portola Valley, meet at Alpine and Willowbrook, first Sat., 7:45 a.m. Bike ride, Palo Alto, places and times vary, first Sun. Hike, Portola Valley's Windy Hill, meet at Alpine and Willowbrook, second Sat., 7:45 a.m. Walk, run and bike, Portola Valley through Arastradero Preserve, meet at Alpine Beer Garden on Alpine Rd., second Sun., 8:45 a.m. Walk and run, Half Moon Bay, meet at Princeton Harbor 4 1/2 mi. north of Half Moon Bay at the fishing pier across from harbormaster building, third Sat., 8:45 a.m. Walk, Stanford Shopping Center, meet at Nordstrom parking lot, 4 p.m., every Tues. Racewalk, Mountain View, meet at Shoreline Boathouse, Shoreline Blvd., every Sun., 8:30 a.m. Open to non-members. No charge. Web site: www.50plus.org. Call 323-6160.
Support Groups
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, June 10, 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., June 10, 7-9 p.m., 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Free. Call 340-7022, ext. 384.
Benefits
San Francisco Symphony Black and White Ball, June 5, 9 p.m., at seven locations: SF Performing Arts Center, Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Veterans Building, State Building, City Hall, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Bash before the Ball, 6:30-9 p.m. at the Main Library. Tickets: $165, ball only. $140, group rate for 20 or more. $125 for the 21-30 Club. $200 includes Bash before the Ball. Call (415) 864-6000.
Seniors
Saturday Showcase presents "Assessing Medical News in the Media," by Dr. Harold Itskovitz, June 5, 11 a.m. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Call 858-3461.
Drivers needed for Meals on Wheels, a service to homebound seniors. Regular driver for Friday deliveries as well as substitute drivers are needed 1 1/2 hours per day starting at 10 a.m., in West Menlo Park. Training provided, must have own car. Peninsula Volunteers Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2022.
Avenidas will present a five-lecture series, "Songs of Life in a Strange Land," the story of African descendants in the U.S.A., 1619-2000, by Jon Eckels. Fridays, through June 11, 1-2:30 p.m. Avenidas Annex, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. $15 series fee. Open to the public. Call to register, 327-2811.
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. 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. 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 26: Figure enhancement. 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, register May 21, 2-3 p.m. Free computer demonstrations: May 26-27, Paint and Photoshop. Call 327-2811.
Gallery
Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Exhibit of sculptures and wood carvings by students of Marian Vanderbusch, through May 28. Call 326-2025.
Portola Valley Art Gallery is open at its secluded location in the Town Center, Room 6 beyond the library. Karen Harper Barone, watercolors and oils, and Patti Greene, handwoven baskets in the tradition of Native American artists, May 27-June 25. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 765 Portola Rd. Call 851-1563.
Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, Lomita Dr. & Museum Way, Stanford University. "Pacific Arcadia: Images of California, 1600-1915," through June 27. MFA exhibit through June 13. Docent tours offered Wed. at 12:15 p.m. and Sat. at 2 p.m. Hours: Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. until 8 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues., and major holidays. Free. Call 723-4177.
Stanford Faculty Club, Lagunita Dr., Stanford University, exhibits "Native American Weavings," including fine examples from the Burnham Gallery in Sante Fe, through June 25. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 723-4325.
Center for Integrated Systems and the William Gates Computer Science Buildings, Stanford University, exhibiting paintings by Miran Ahn and paintings by Mirang Wonne, through June 10. Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-3622.
Stanford University Art: Campus outdoor sculpture walk, first Sun. of month, June 6, 2 p.m., meet at front of Main Quad at Palm Drive. Memorial Church tours: Fri., 2 p.m. New Guinea Sculpture Garden, wooden and stone sculptures created on-site by New Guinea carvers, at Santa Teresa and Lomita Dr. Call 723-3469 or 725-0142.
La Galerie Internationale, 370 California Ave., Palo Alto. "Between Reality and Abstraction," by Czech artist Milan Chabera, through June 18. Call 322-2700.
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. "The Narrative Thread: Women's Embroidery from Rural India," through July 11. "Youth Art," annual exhibition of art work by students of the Palo Alto Unified School District, through May 30. Call 329-2366.
Tercera Gallery, 534 Ramona St., Palo Alto, featuring paintings by German artist Dirk Sommer and drawings by Santa Fe artist Mary Ristow, through May. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 322-5324.
Nature Gallery, 87 Town & Country Village, El Camino Real & Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. "Healing Visions," animal spirit paintings with gemstones by Laura Almada. Opening reception, May 28, 7-9 p.m. Meet the artist, May 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & May 30, noon-4 p.m. Call 327-8700.
Gallery House, 538 Ramona St., Palo Alto. "3 Dimensions and Beyond," annual pottery and sculpture show, through June 26. Preview reception: May 27, 6-9 p.m. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Call 326-1668.
Gallery Europa, 611 Emerson St., Palo Alto. "Beauty as a Way to Goodness: 20 Years of Oils by Italian Artist Lucio Castagneri," through June 24. Call 473-6522.
Hoover Institute, Hoover Tower at Serra and Galvez Streets, Stanford campus. Exhibits on the life of President Herbert Hoover and rotating archival exhibits. Open Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 723-3666.
Redwood City Art Gallery, 2625 Broadway. Landscapes in pastels by Barry Jamison, guest artist, through May 31. Hours: Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. Call 780-0306.
Historical Interest
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. June 5: Ship Off the Old Dock. Children will have the opportunity to pack their trunks and revisit the days when the world rushed to California. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $2, $1, under 6 free. Call 299-0104.
The tallship "The Californian," visits the Port of Redwood City June 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Program presented in conjuction with the San Mateo County Historical Association. For more information, 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.
Et Alia
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 third Wed., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 13 (in 9th grade) 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. Cooking demonstrations, music, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, organic olive oil and olives, juice. Benefits local charities through Lions' Club. Call 941-4808.
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