Issue date: July 28, 1999
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," presented by the Peninsula Youth Theatre, through Aug. 1 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Cast includes Menlo Park residents Nicole Bitler, and Sonie and Kelly Hansen. Fri. 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$12; Fri. matinee, $6. Call (650) 903-6000.
"Joined at the Head," presented by Bus Barn Stage Company, at the Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos, through Aug. 14. Call 941-0551.
"Oklahoma!" at the Foothill Music Theater, through Aug. 15, Smithwick Theater, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. Fri.-Sat. & Thurs. Aug. 5 & 12 at 8 p.m. Matinees Aug. 1, 8 & 15, 2:30 p.m. Tickets $15, $13, $10. Parking $2 in quarters. Call (650) 948-4444.
Bye Bye Birdie," musical presented by Peninsula Center Stage at the historic Fox Theatre, through Aug. 1. Show times Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m.; Aug. 1 matinee at 2 p.m. Three show series tickets, $40-$55, or purchase individual tickets. 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. Call (650) 363-8581.
"The King and I," presented by Peninsula Civic Light Opera, through Aug. 1, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware Ave., San Mateo. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets $23, $20. Call (650) 579-5568.
"Godspell," will be performed by Peninsula Youth Theatre Aug. 3-8, at the Cubberley Community Center outdoor amphitheater, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Tues.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets: Lawn seating, $10; chair seating, $12; table for four, $75. Call to reserve, (650) 988-8798.
"As Bees in Honey Drown," West Coast premiere of this Douglas Carter Beane Broadway hit, July 28-Oct. 3, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Wed-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m. and/or 8 p.m. Call (650) 903-6000.
Music
Stanford Jazz Thirteen, free 6 p.m. summer jazz series at the Stanford Shopping Center, in the gardens near the Clock Tower Plaza by Neiman Marcus. July 29, Babatunde Lea Quintet, Afro-Latin jazz and percussion. Call (650) 617-8585.
Palo Alto's Brown Bag Concert Series at Cogswell Plaza, Lytton & Ramona, Thursdays at noon-1 p.m. July 29, John Broadway Tucker and the Broadway Band. Aug. 5: Hot Trivet, improvisational rock. Free. Call 329-2527.
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society concerts: Aug. 1, Ninth Annual San Francisco International Classical Music Festival, 4:30 p.m., admission $15. Miramar Beach House, off Hwy. 1 between Magellan and Medio, north of Hwy. 92, in Half Moon Bay. Call 726-4143.
Summer Sing-Alongs presented by Schola Cantorum, bringing noted Bay Area choral conductors to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts for a sing-along of choral masterpieces. $6 admission, $1 children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. Sing begins at 7:30 p.m., Castro & Mercy Streets. Aug. 2: Faure's "Requiem." Call (650) 903-6000.
Menlo Park Twilight Concert Series, at Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive. Bring a picnic dinner; music and dancing starts at 6:30 p.m. July 28, Primary Colors. Free. Aug. 4, Toot Sweet Jazz Band. Call 858-3470.
Music at Stanford: Stanford Summer Chorus and Orchestra will present music by Faure, Brittan, Vaughan Williams, and C. Hubert H. Parry, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. Guest soloists include soprano Rabihah Davis, baritone David Britton, and organist Christopher J.B. Angel. Stanford Memorial Church. Tickets $8, $4. Call (650) 725-2787.
Sundaes on Sunday, music and free ice cream at Menlo Park's Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive. Aug. 15: Sidesaddle & Co. Call 858-3470.
Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga. Aug. 1, Irish singer Mary Black, Garden Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $28-$38. Aug. 1-2, the B-52's, 7:30 p.m., $50-$60. Aug. 3-4, rock pianist Bruce Hornsby, 7:30 p.m., $24-$34. Aug. 5, Midsummer Mozart Festival, Carriage House, 7:30 p.m., $35. Aug. 5, Hiroshima, 7:30 p.m., $28-$40. Call (408) 961-5800.
Peninsula Clef Hangers is a woman's chorus of about 20 volunteers, and sings two concert seasons for senior citizens in day care centers, retirement homes and health care facilities. New members welcome, especially sopranos. Practices held in Menlo Park. Call (650) 325-6397.
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.
Ken Brown, guitarist, performs Fridays 7-11 p.m. in the lounge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Jazz, Brazilian guitar, classical. Call (650) 857-0787.
Dance
Brazilian dance, music and martial arts are offered in classes for children and adults through Palo Alto's Arts and Culture Division, and the Mid-Peninsula YWCA. Beginning and advanced classes in samba, percussion, and Capoeira. Call (650) 856-0768 or visit website www.brazilca.com.
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. July 30, live music, Voluta Vox. 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. 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
Cantabile Children's Chorus is auditioning Sept. 2 for the 1999-2000 concert year. Visit website www.cantabile.org for more information. Call for appointment, (650) 325-7682.
Going Places
For Families
Palo Alto Children's Theatre Summer Conservatory 1999 presents "Places!!!" a musical about participating in children's theater, July 28 at 4:30 p.m., July 29 at 7:30 p.m., & July 30 at 4:30 p.m. "Ragged Child," a musical about historical London, presented July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29, 4:30 p.m. & July 30, 7:30 p.m. 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Tickets $4, $2. Call 329-2216.
"The Selfish Giant," by Oscar Wilde, a production of the Summer Theatre Workshop for Children at Ananda Church of Self-Realization, July 30, 7 p.m. Free. 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Call (650) 323-3363.
Wingspread Summer Season at Palo Alto Children's Theatre presents "Hello Dolly!" July 31 at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 1 at 2:30 p.m., & Aug. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Tickets $4, $2. Call 329-2216.
Family Day in the Park with Make A Circus, Aug. 4, 1-4 p.m. at Burgess Park, Laurel Ave. in Menlo Park. Make A Circus is a touring group with circus clowns, jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, and a live band. Learn circus tricks from circus artists; arts and crafts, carnival booths, food & beverages. Free. Call (650) 858-3470.
La Leche League celebrates World Breasfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7, by participating in the World Walk for Breastfeeding, Aug. 7, at Mitchell Park, East Meadow & Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Family picnic and potluck, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., walk begins at 11:30 a.m. Suggested pledge, $10. Call (650) 424-9741.
Children's Theatre in the Park presented by Peninsula Youth Theatre and the city of Mountain View, through Aug. 20, Fridays at 6 p.m. Bring a picnic and something to sit on. ParkStage, adjacent to Pioneer Park behind the Performing Arts Center, Castro & Mercy Streets. Free. July 30, "Dragon of the Winds." Call (650) 903-6000.
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.
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.
San Jose Museum of Art invites families to participate in special activities in conjunction with their exhibit, "Surroundings: Responses to the American Landscape," on view through June 11, 2000. "Take a Hike!" is a multimedia interactive game, a virtual hike through landscape art, and offers perspective from the artist's point of view. "Do the Whitney Walk" is an award-winning gallery game. Games are free with admission, $7, $4, ages 5 & under free. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free the first Thurs. of every month. Free to seniors the first Tues. of the month. Half-price from 5-8 p.m. on Thurs. Docent tours every day at 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. 110 South Market St., San Jose. Call (408) 271-6840.
Hidden Villa is open to the public for farm tours every Sun. at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $5 per person, ages 2 and under free. Reservations required. No tours Aug. 1 & 15. 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 including "Center of the Edge: Voice, Video and Virtual Connections" through Dec. 31. IMAX movies currently playing: "The Living Sea," and "Everest." "Everest en Espanol" plays Sundays at 4 p.m. Multilingual tours offered on the third Sun. of the month, in Spanish, Mandarin and Vietnamese, every hour at New Venture Hall, free with admission. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets for either exhibits or IMAX, $8, $7, $6 each; combined tickets $14, $13, $11. 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. New exhibit: "Wild About Plants," through Aug. 29. 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: Frog Film Series, weekends at 2 p.m. 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 signups continue. Summer events: July 28, Bat Lady. Call 858-3464.
Belle Haven Library, 415 Ivy Drive, Menlo Park. Summer programs, 1:30 p.m.: July 29, Bay Area wildlife up close. Call (650) 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. Summer Reading Program signups continue. Call 328-2422.
Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road. Preschool storytime for ages 3-5, Fri. at 11 a.m., Aug. 6 through Aug. 20. Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 14; for each book read, a book will be donated to selected schools in East Palo Alto and Fair Oaks. Call 851-0560.
Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road. Toddler story time through Aug. 11, Wed. 11 a.m., ages 18-36 mos. with adult. Infant story time through Aug. 11, for ages 4-14 mos., Wed. 10 a.m. with adult. Summer Reading Program signups continue. Special events: 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. Special events: Treasure boxes, ages 4 and up, Teddy Bear Picnic Storytime, Aug. 4, 3:30 p.m.; bring a stuffed animal and a blanket to sit on. Call 851-0147.
For Kids
The Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula's Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse will hold its "Pass the Rock Sports Camps" each week throughout the summer. Girls and boys ages 6-12 are invited to sign up for these half-day sports camps at the Redwood City clubhouse, 9 a.m.-noon. College athletes and local volunteers provide instruction, fun games and scrimmages. Each camp costs $10 and includes a camp t-shirt. Call (650) 364-0176, ext. 1100.
Kids on Campus programs at local community colleges: Summer soccer camps at Canada, ages 8-17, Aug. 2-6, $90/week for half day and $145/week for full day; call (650) 306-3317. Wrestling camp at Skyline, four one-day sessions for ages 8-18, Aug. 4, 10, 11, or 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $40 per session; call (650) 738-4271.
KidSings presented by Schola Cantorum: Free, fun music workshops for children ages 5-9, led by professional children's choral conductors. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Aug. 2: Peggy Spool, Cantibile Children's Chorus of the Peninsula. Call (650) 903-6000.
Junior Archaeology Day, presented by the San Mateo County Historical Association. Students entering grades 5-7 learn how archaeologists know where to dig, identify artifacts, and excavate at Sanchez Adobe, Pacifica. Aug. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Optional second day of hands-on practice. $35 per session. Call 299-0104.
Menlo Park's Boomin' Teen program, made for the teens by the teens. "City Teens" participate in community projects, plan events, make friends. Limited space. 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.
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. 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
"Our Farm," a nonprofit community supported agriculture project in Woodside, offers a four-hour permaculture learning tour by Farmer Dave, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the first Sat. of every month. 834 West California Way, Woodside. $10 donation suggested. Children very welcome. Bring a picnic lunch, water, sun hat and boots. Classes in permaculture available at various times. Call to reserve, (650) 365-2993.
Tea at Gamble Garden Center, the third Wednesday of each month, Aug. 18, 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.
Books & Authors
Classes & Lectures
Grant writing classes for nonprofit organizations, Peninsula Community Foundation McClellan Funding Information Library, 1700 S. El Camino Real, #201, San Mateo. 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. Register now for summer classes: Creating Community, Beyond Illusion, Planning for Living, Yoga and Friends. Nonprofit, 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
Bilingual 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 positive 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, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. "Columbine and Extreme Behavior," by speaker Mike Korns, President of Korns Assoc. Stanford Old Student Union Clubhouse. Call 424-8626.
Ground-breaking for the new McNeil Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club in Belle Haven, Aug. 5, 11:30 a.m., ceremony followed by a reception, behind 400 Market Place, Menlo Park. Call to reserve, (650) 364-0805.
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 meets the first Wed. of the month to research 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., Aug. 10, 7 p.m., at Lucie Stern Center, Community Room, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. First meeting free, membership $36 a year. Newsletter, play groups, 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
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
YMCA fitness classes: Pilates, mat work for strength, balance and flexibility, Aug. 3-Sept. 21, Tues. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $25-$80, or $6-$15 drop-in. Sequoia YMCA, 1445 Hudson St., Redwood City. Call (650) 368-4168.
Yoga for everyone, small classes, gentle hatha yoga, Tues. through Fri. 6-7:15 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. 12:15-1:15 p.m.; Sat. 10-11:30 a.m. $10 drop-in. Discounts available. Ananda Church, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Call (650) 323-3363.
Jewish Community Center triathlon series: Mini triathlon Aug. 15, & Oct. 3. Events are 400m swim, 11.4 mile bike ride, 5K run. 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Call (650) 493-6702, ext. 238.
Adult Softball League in Menlo Park: Register now for August-October season. Call Menlo Park Recreation Center, (650) 858-3484.
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.
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, to teach safe, confident, and effective cycling. 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
Alanon parent's group, an ongoing recovery program for parents of alcohol/drug addicted children of any age, meets Mon. 7 p.m. at the San Mateo Congregational Church Fireside Room, 225 Tilton at San Mateo Dr., San Mateo. Call (650) 592-7935.
Weekly support group for the bereaved at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. The "Good Grief Support Group" meets Thurs., 6-7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center, Fulton & James Ave., Redwood City. Call (650) 366-3802.
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 third Thurs. of the month, Aug. 19, 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., Aug. 12, 7-9 p.m., 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Free. Call 340-7022, ext. 384.
Benefits
Seniors
Hawaiian Luau at Little House, July 29, 5 p.m. Music and dance by the Spirit of Polynesia is preceded by a Mai Tai Happy Hour. Hawaiian attire optional. $14-$16. 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call (650) 326-2025.
Lapidary workshops run through the week of Aug. 23, Mon.-Thurs. Day and evening classes. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
Peninsula Volunteers Little House offers summer classes in bridge, line dance, Country Western line dance, IBM Intro. to Excel 97, JAVA, computer keyboarding, Mac & IBM genealogy, and more. 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.
The Senior Peer Counseling Program offers free counseling services to adults age 55 and over who are troubled with loneliness, depression, grief, anxiety, family problems, coping with illness, or other problems associated with aging. Call (650) 573-3571 (English) or (650) 573-2257 (Espanol).
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. Aug. 1, piano recital, 1:30 p.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. July 28: Extended arts and crafts. 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. Call 327-2811.
Art Entries Sought
Pacific Art League's Second Annual Collectors' Show on Oct. 2, calls for artwork from local artists for the fund raiser in support of the Building Restoration Fund. Donate artworks valued at $100 or more, framed and ready to display. Call (650) 321-3891.
Gallery
The Animal Art Gallery, 520 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Paintings of companion animals and endangered species by local artist Rochelle Mason, through July. Originals and prints will be sold to benefit the Palo Alto Humane Society. Call (650) 325-5671.
Portola Valley Art Gallery is open at its secluded location in the Town Center, Room 6 beyond the library. Ira Lohman, photography, and Jan Simpson, pottery, July 29 through Aug. 22. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 765 Portola Rd. Call 851-1563.
Local artist Martha Castillo is currently showing mixed-media collages at the Ridgeside Cafe in Portola Valley through July 31. The cafe is located behind the grocery store in Portola Shopping Center on Alpine Rd. Call (650) 854-4166.
Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, Lomita Dr. & Museum Way, Stanford University. Exhibits: "The World of Theodore Wores," through Aug. 29. "Arthur Wesley Dow and the American Arts & Crafts," through Sept. 19. 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.
Serra House, Stanford University campus, Salvatierra Walk off East Campus Drive. "UP/Rising" is an exhibition of recent paintings and monotypes by Kate Curry, through Sept. 23. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (408) 252-7210.
Stanford University Art: Campus outdoor sculpture walk, first Sun. of month, 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.
Hoover Institution, 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.
Center for Integrated Systems and the William Gates Computer Science Buildings, Stanford University, exhibiting drawings, collographs, and paintings by Stefan Barton, and "A 40 Year Retrospective" of paintings by Raymond Howell, through Aug. 12. Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-3622.
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. "Artist Pages" works by the artists-in-residence at the Djerassi Foundation in Woodside, through Sept. 12. Call (650) 329-2366.
Museum West at Stanford Shopping Center is now open in the space next to Williams Sonoma, and displays original art by contemporary artists, with a focus on California artists, including well-known Bay Area artists. Call (650) 617-8240.
La Galerie Internationale, 370 California Ave., Palo Alto. "Nature's Grace: Summer Dreams," through Aug. 13. Call 322-2700.
Tercera Gallery, 534 Ramona St., Palo Alto, featuring Santa Fe artist Mary Ristow and new works by Squeak Carnwath, through July. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 322-5324.
Gallery Europa, 611 Emerson St., Palo Alto. Paintings and pastels by Krysztofa Zwierz-Ciok, through July. Call (650) 473-6522.
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd. "By Design: Art & Wine," the Benziger Imagery Series, through Sept. 5. Call 329-2366.
Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Main Gallery, "Transportation," through July. Elizabeth Norton Studio, "Geophysical: The Beach Paintings," by Eli Yasek, through July. Studio One, Linda Corbett, through July. Gallery hours, Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m., and Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 321-3891.
Sequoia Hospital hallway gallery features watercolor paintings by award-winning Menlo Park and Atherton residents Beverly Balanis, Berni Jahnke, Leonard Leving and Carol Morrow, through July. Redwood City. Call (650) 593-2075.
Redwood City Art Gallery, 2625 Broadway. Laxmi Natarajan, watercolors from Italy and France, through July. Hours: Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. Call 780-0306.
Government Center Gallery, 400 County Center, Redwood City. "Unconditional Love," black and white silver print photography of various dog breeds by Fred Roessler, through Aug. 25. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (650) 593-1816.
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.
The San Mateo County Historical Museum has reopened at its new site, the Old Courthouse, 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City. Exhibits include miniature re-creations 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. Aug. 7: "The Overland Trail." 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. Exhibit: "Mechanical Music Makers," through Sept. 19. 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
Dire Barn is in need of help: This La Honda Open Space historic property's rodeo space will be restored July 31, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Volunteers needed to repair wooden chutes, fencing and paddocks. Bring a picnic lunch. Ages 14 and up. Call Community Impact, (650) 965-0242.
Meals on Wheels seeks a volunteer driver for regular Friday deliveries, as well as substitute drivers. The West Menlo route takes one to 1 1/2 hours beginning at 10 a.m. Training is provided, must have own car. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2022.
Hidden Villa Farm in Los Altos Hills seeks volunteers interested in sustainable building, organic gardening, environmental education, computer graphics, and administrative assistance. Call (650) 949-8655.
Music volunteers needed at local schools to enrich music programs in grades K-4. Visit a classroom once a week, sharing songs, games, rhythm instruments, and movement activities. No musical training necessary, just a love of music. Training classes on Tues. & Thurs. begin Sept. 14, and will be held in San Mateo. Call (650) 941-9130.
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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