Issue date: December 09, 1998
On Stage
"The 1940's Radio Hour," Hillbarn Theatre's holiday "broadcast" of this musical hit, through Dec. 19. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; Thurs. Dec. 10, 8 p.m. Tickets $20, $18. MainStage, 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. Call 349-6411.
"Museum," a comic look at the demise of culture by the Foothill College Drama Dept., Dec. 10-12, 8 p.m. Parking $2, in lots A & E. Tickets $12, $10, $8. Studio Theater, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. Call 948-4444.
"The Secret Garden," musical adaptation of Frances Hodges Burnett's classic book at Peninsula Center Stage, through Dec. 20. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Special Wed. performance, Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Matinees Dec. 12-13, 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets $20. Students and seniors receive a $3 discount on Wed., Thurs. & Sun. performances. Historic Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. Call 329-0891.
"Present Laughter," Noel Coward's autobiographical farce, presented by Theatreworks through Jan. 3 at the newly refurbished Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., in Palo Alto. Tues. 7 :30 p.m., Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. Dec. 20 & 27, 7 p.m., tickets $25-$33. Matinees Dec. 13, 19-30, Jan. 2-3, 2 p.m. No performances Dec. 24-25, 31 & Jan. 1. Youth, student and senior discount price $19, not available Fri. & Sat. nights. Call 903-6000 or visit website www.theatreworks.org.
"Babes in Toyland," Peninsula Youth Theatre's holiday favorite, Dec. 17-23, at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Castro & Mercy Streets. Performances: Thurs. 9:30 a.m.; Fri. 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.; Mon.-Wed. 2 p.m. Tickets $5-$12. One free ticket voucher per family for each new, unwrapped toy donated to PYT's toy drive by Dec. 11 (drop off at 2500 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.). Call 903-6000.
"The King & I," the Rogers & Hammerstein classic presented by San Jose Children's Musical Theater at Montgomery Theater, Market & San Carlos, San Jose. Dec. 11 & 18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 12 & 19, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 1 p.m. Tickets $15, $14, $10. Call (408) 288-5437.
"Godspell," a Palo Alto Children's Theatre production, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Tickets $4, $2. Call 329-2651.
Music
Woodside Village Band presents its annual Christmas Concert Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Woodside Village Church. Program includes Alfred Reed's "Russian Christmas Music," Prokofiev's "Troika," and marches by Sousa, to be followed by the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah," in which the audience is invited to participate. Reception follows concert. Donations accepted. 3154 Woodside Rd., Woodside. Call 851-1642.
"In Praise of Angels," a holiday concert with violist Mimi Dye and pianist Dmitry Cogan, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Donation $10. Call (415) 715-6430.
Hungarian pianist Jeno Jando performs a recital Dec. 11, 8 p.m. at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th St., San Jose. Haydn's Sonata in E-flat Major, plus works by Brahms, Liszt and Mussorsky. Tickets $25. Call (415) 392-4400.
Peninsula Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert, Dec. 12, 3 p.m., Main Theatre of Canada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City, featuring "Festive Overture," by Shostakovich, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, and works by Vaughn Williams and Gould. Tickets $5, $3. Silent auction at 2 p.m. in the lobby, proceeds benefit the PYO 1999 Japan tour. Call 325-7967.
Palo Alto Philharmonic symphony concert, "Baroque and Classical Masters," Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto, plus works by Mozart and Beethoven, featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Kanako Inagawa. Admission $10, $6. Call 857-1691.
San Jose Symphony and the San Jose State University Chorale presents "A Christmas Celebration" Dec. 12, 8 p.m., San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Program includes favorites such as Suite No. 1 from Tchiakovsky's "Nutcracker," the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah," and a Christmas sing along. Concert benefits the Annual Marine Corps Rerserve's Toys-For-Tots program. Each person donating a new toy will receive two $2 coupons for a future Symphony performance. Tickets $15-$38. Call (408) 288-2828.
Ragazzi," the Peninsula Boys Chorus, presents a program of seasonal music in the Baroque tradition Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto, and Dec. 13, 4 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 2323 Euclid Ave., Redwood City. Tickets $10, $7. Call to reserve, 342-8785.
Schola Cantorum will present two performances of Handel's oratorio, "Judas Maccabeus," Dec. 12, 8 p.m. with pre-concert talk, 7:15 p.m., at Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Rd., Saratoga, and Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets $18, $13, $6. Call 254-1700.
Winter Choir Concert, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 E. Charleston Rd. Christmas choral music plus excerpts from works of Shakespeare set to music by Alva Henderson. Soloists Bear Capron, Kathryn Lewis, Robert Mittman and Kate Rowland. Tickets $10, $8. Call 494-0541.
Mid-Peninsula Recorder Orchestra presents a concert Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 E. Charleston Rd. Program features music from the 13th-20th centuries, including works by Rossi, Marais, MacDowell, Britten, and others. Freewill donation. Call 591-3648.
Free holiday concert by California Youth Symphony, Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m., Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Program includes works by Prokofiev, Berlin-Bennett, von Suppe, and holiday favorites. Call 325-6666.
San Jose State University Choraliers will present their annual Christmas Concert at the beautiful Mission Santa Clara. This award-winning choral group, under the direction of Dr. Charlene Archibeque, will perform old and new carols from the traditional to Gospel and Calypso, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Santa Clara University campus, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Tickets $15, $10. Call (408) 924-4332.
LDS Church annual Christmas Concert, "True Heritage of Christmas," Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. The program, consisting of vocal and instrumental music and favorite Christmas stories, including the Valparaiso Singers, several choirs, and organ music by James Welch, is open to the public and families are welcome. Free. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1105 Valparaiso Ave., Menlo Park. Call 854-3079.
Chanticleer, the internationally renown men's vocal ensemble, performs its annual concert at Stanford Memorial Church, "A Chanticleer Christmas," Dec. 15-16, 8 p.m. Tickets $30, students receive $3 discount, youth age 15 & under half price. Call 725-ARTS.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra performs under the direction of guest conductor Michael Barrett, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. This youth orchestra will perform Mozart's Concerto for Piano in C Major, plus works by Bernstein and Haydn. Tickets $10, $8. Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Call 856-3848.
San Jose Symphonic Choir performs "In Dulce Jubilo," a holiday concert of sacred music for brass and choir Dec. 19, 8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Shasta & The Alameda, San Jose. Works include Rutters' "Gloria," Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata," and Gabrieli's "Jubilate Deo." Tickets $18. Call (408) 879-9709.
"Peter and the Wolf," Prokofiev's classic narrated by Danny Glover and performed by Alasdair Neale and the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., in Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Other classic favorites and an audience sing-along of traditional carols follows. Tickets $10-$37. Call (415) 864-6000.
Music at Stanford: Dec. 11, Handel's Messiah Sing-Along/Play Along, 8 p.m., Stanford Memorial Church, $10, $5, bring a score or purchase one at the door. Dec. 13, Ragazzi Family Holiday Concert, 1:30 p.m., Memorial Church, $10, $7. Call 725-ARTS.
Dance
"Nutcracker," full length, traditional version performed by the Santa Clara Ballet, Dec. 12, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. All seats reserved. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Tickets $20, $17.50, $15.50. Dec. 13, 5 p.m. is a Family Night performance, tickets $17.50, $13.50. Call (408) 881-0879.
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.
Film/TV
Stanford Theater, historic theater with Wurlitzer organ, at 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. Silent films on Wednesdays. Romantic comedies in old Hollywood featured through Dec. 31. Call 324-3700 for schedule.
The Stanford Channel presents programs of educational and local interest on channel 51, available on Cable Co-op, TCI, SUNet Video, and STV. Check website for schedule, http://tsc.stanford.edu/tsc/. Call 723-5100.
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
Nova Vista Symphony Orchestra invites youth ages 22 or under who play violin, viola or cello to enter the 12th annual Concerto Competition for Strings. The winner receives a $350 prize and will perform as featured soloist at the orchestra's Mar. 13 concert. Prepare a full-length work for string solo with orchestra. Applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 15. Call (408) 245-3116.
Going Places
Holidays
Open Gate Nursery School hosts its annual Holiday Fun Fair, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts, games, face painting, refreshments, home-baked goods, photos with Santa, "gently used" gifts for sale. Donations of canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank appreciated. 2124 Brewster Ave. at Lowell, Redwood City. Call 369-6833.
Choir Music Sunday at Ladera Church, musical program Dec. 13 at the 9:30 a.m. service. 3300 Alpine Rd., Portola Valley. Call 854-5481.
Menlo Park Presbyterian Church Christmas Festival services with adult choir and instrumental ensemble, Dec. 12, 5 & 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. 950 Santa Cruz Ave. Call 323-8651.
Candlelight Walk and Christmas Carol Sing, Dec. 13, starting at 5 p.m. A Menlo Park tradition, the 16th annual procession will start from five churches: Bethany Lutheran, First Baptist, Trinity Parish, Church of the Nativity, and Menlo Presbyterian. Processions meet at 5:30 p.m. at Fremont Park for carols and readings. Candles $1, available at the churches; sales benefit local charities. Call 854-5897.
Giant Menorah Lighting Dec. 13, 5 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Music, dancing, latkes, cider, free dreidels for children. Call 424-9800.
For Families
Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre presents plays for families and kids of all ages. Saturdays, 11 a.m.: "The Elves and the Shoemaker," Dec. 12. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Dec. 19. Tickets $9.50. 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale. Call (408) 245-2978.
Holiday theater production at the Palo Alto Cultural Center: "Panunuluyan, The Search for an Inn," Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Teatro ng Tanan presents this hands-on theater workshop combining indigenous traditions, community issues and holiday themes. Free family fun. 1313 Newell Rd. Call 329-2366.
Visit with Santa at Stanford Shopping Center and have a photo taken, through Christmas Eve. Call 800-772-9332.
Teddy Bear Tea at the Museum of American Heritage, Dec. 12, seatings at 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Delicious food, music provided by "Teddy Bear Man" Keith Clark, stories read by local author Sheralee Hill Iglehart. Enjoy the museum's current exhibit, "Building Excitement: A Century of Construction Toys." $18 adults, $15 children under 12. 351 Homer Ave., across from the Palo Alto Medical Center in Palo Alto. Call to reserve, 321-1004.
Stories with Ane Rovetta, "Celebrating the Dark Season," Dec. 13, 3-4:30 p.m. at Hidden Villa's Visitor's Welcome Center. Cuddle up together and enjoy Ane's drawings and stories of winter. $8, $6, $24/family of four. Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. Call to reserve, 949-8653.
Foothill College offers childcare on campus for ages 6 months to pre-kindergarten, with access to the Child Care Food Program for eligible participants. Applications currently being accepted for children of students enrolled in the Winter Quarter. Call 949-7515.
Hidden Villa is now open to the public Tues. through Sun. from 9 a.m. to dusk. Activities, guided Sunday farm tours, wilderness trail hikes. 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 now open at its new home at 201 South Market St., San Jose. Visit the technical interactive exhibits, as well as the Grand Lobby, the Tech Store, and Cafe Primavera. 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.
Palo Alto Junior Museum presents a new exhibit, "Bayanihan: A Window to the Philippines." Visit this Philippine village and participate in everyday activities, through Jan. 31, 1999. Located at 1451 Middlefield Rd. Free. Call 329-2111.
Coyote Point Museum: off Hwy. 101 in San Mateo. Exhibit: "Animals as Architects," through Dec. 13. Art gallery exhibit: San Mateo County Student Environmental Art Show, Dec. 15-Jan. 17. 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. Call 342-7755.
Exploratorium, at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco. Exhibit: "Memory," through Jan. 10. Ongoing activities: Jelly bean tasting, at Remember That Taste. 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. Open on Monday holidays. 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, second Sat. of the month, 10:30 a.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.
Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road. Preschool storytime, ages 3-5, Dec. 11 & 18. Registration required. Call 851-0560.
Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road. Toddler story time: Wed., 11 a.m., ages 18-36 mos. 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. Book sale on the first Mon. of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 851-0147.
Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Holiday Community Open House, Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Refreshments, social day, musical show for ages 4 & up, "Winter Stories from Around the World," at 3:30 p.m. Call 328-2422.
For Kids
Art classes at Pacific Art League of Palo Alto, beginning the week of Jan. 4. "Exploring the World of Art" for 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds, Saturdays, 10 weeks, $85. 668 Ramona Ave., Palo Alto. Call 321-3891.
Palo Alto Cultural Center children's winter art classes start Jan. 9 and run through Apr. 6. Mail-in registration begins Dec. 9. Weekly art classes such as ceramics, drawing, fiber art, sculpture, and painting. Winter Art Days are day-long art workshops, and include Pueblo Story Teller Figurines,Tin Cans-Secret Codes, and more. Classes are held at the Junior Museum, Mitchell Park, and the Palo Alto Cultural Center. Pick up an Enjoy! catalog at the PACC, 1313 Newell Rd. Call 329-2366.
Outdoors
Hiking, exploration, discovery: Experience them as a docent for Environmental Volunteers, a non-profit agency that teaches school-aged children hands-on natural science. No experience necessary, short training provided. Call 961-0545.
Outdoor volunteer project at Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District. Dec. 19: Los Trancos, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., split-rail fence construction. Become an Open Space volunteer; call 691-1200.
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.
Hidden Villa volunteers sought for its organic Community Supported Agriculture Program, Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., to help with harvesting and planting, followed by potluck lunch. Call 949-8655.
Gardening
Gamble Garden Center Holiday Greens Sale, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Carriage House. Light refreshments, music, and Gamble designers available to help with wreaths, swags and floral arrangements. 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Call 329-1356.
Elegant holiday teas at Gamble Garden Center, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto, with docent garden tours, through Dec. 12, from 2-4 p.m. Fee $12.50. Reservations required. Small group reservations up to 20 accepted. Call 329-1356.
Books & Authors
Menlo Park Library events: Book Discussion group meets Dec. 9, 7 p.m. to discuss "Moon Tiger" by Penelope Lively. Film group meets Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Mystery Readers group meets Dec. 16, 7:15 p.m. 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 858-3464.
Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Authors' evenings at 7:30 p.m. unless noted: Dec. 9, Harold Bloom, "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human." Sunday Night Poets meet 1st Sun. at 6 p.m. for open mike readings; sign-up begins at 5 p.m. Call 324-4321.
Printers Inc, 310 California Ave., Palo Alto. Authors' evenings, 8 p.m. unless noted: Dec. 9, Michael Wolfe, "The Hadj: An American's Pilgrimage to Mecca." Dec. 10, Linda Niemann, 'Railroad Voices." Call 327-6500.
Classes & Lectures
Winter art classes at Palo Alto Cultural Center begin Jan. 11; mail-in registration begins Dec. 9. Ceramics, calligraphy, jewelry making, painting, drawing, and more. Classes, workshops and studio facilities. Pick up an Enjoy! catalog at 1313 Newell Rd. Call 329-2366.
East-West Bookshop classes and workshops offered the week of Dec. 9: "Navigating the Future," Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., $5. "Magnetism: Your Wellness Essential," Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., $5. "Living in Freedom: An Evening with Satyam Nadeen," Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., $8. Celtic Christmas Concert, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., $10. 324 Castro St., Mountain View. Call 988-9800.
Tsunami lecture at the U.S. Geological Survey, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Free public illustrated slide lecture about the giant sea waves created by earthquakes and other undersea disturbances. 345 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park. Call 329-4011.
"Teaching Tolerance in an Age of Militias," lecture by Morris Dees, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Rd., Saratoga. Tickets $18, $15, age 30 and under $5. Babysitting available with advance registration. Call (408) 793-5190.
Seminar: "How to Know and Trust Your Inner Guidance," Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ananda Church of Self-Realization, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. $25. Call 323-3363.
Pacific Art League of Palo Alto winter schedule: Classes in prints, drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more. Register now, classes start Jan. 4. 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Call 321-3891.
Continuing Studies Program at Stanford University: Over 70 classes, seminars and workshops open to the Bay Area adult community. Courses in art, business, computer science, creative writing, dance, languages, literature, music, religious studies, more. Register now, classes begin Jan. 4. Call 725-2650.
Genealogy lecture series at the Menlo Park Family History Center, Saturdays 2-5 p.m. through Dec. 12. Free. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1105 Valparaiso Ave. Call 325-9711.
Grant writing classes for nonprofit organizations, Peninsula Community Foundation McClellan Funding Information Library, 1700 S. El Camino Real, #201, San Mateo. Dec. 15: "When the Press Comes to You," how to respond to the press in a crisis, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $40. Dec. 16: "Budgeting for Proposals," 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $40. Call to reserve, 358-9380 or for information 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. 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 supper, 8-10 p.m. Call 323-7333.
Clubs & Meetings
The Libertarian Party of San Mateo County meets Dec. 16, 7:30-9 p.m. at the cafe of the Prime Time Athletic Club, 1730 Rollins Rd., Burlingame. A light dinner is available at the cafe from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visitors welcome. Call 738-5926.
P-FLAG, parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays, meets Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., at St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2560 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park. Call 857-1058.
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.
Sunset Toastmasters meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at the Allstate Research & Planning Center, 321 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park. Improve your communication and leaderships skills. Call 833-6241.
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: tennis, lunches, bridge, book discussion, wine tasting, hiking, moms and tots, coffee company, dinners. Call 854-9646.
Health
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.
Speech and language therapy for people who experience speech or language problems due to a stroke, head injury, or Parkinson's Disease. Free monthly service available at the Peninsula Volunteers Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Second Wed. of the month, beginning at 10 a.m. Call for appointment, 326-2025, ext. 230.
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.
Free public tours of Stanford University Hospital, 1st and 3rd Thurs. of the month, 10-11 a.m. Tour starts at the information desk near the main entrance. Call 723-7167. To become a volunteer docent, call 723-7424.
Sports & Fitness
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. Schedule subject to change. Web site: www.50plus.org. Call 323-6160.
Support Groups
Mission Hospice of San Mateo County sponsors workshop: "Communicating With A Dying Friend or Relative," Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mills Hospital. Free. Call to register, 692-3080.
Peninsula Bible Church offers a video series called, "A Hunger for Healing," by Keith Miller, a personal journey through the 12 step program, offering a way out of compulsion, fear, and broken relationships, Tuesdays 7-8:45 p.m. through Jan. 12. A 12 step program will continue beyond this series. 3505 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Call 813-9448.
Bay Area Alzheimer's Association meets the second Thurs. of the month, Dec. 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 (408) 323-5147.
Pet loss support group at Peninsula Humane Society, meets second Thurs., Dec. 10, 7-9 p.m., 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. Free. Call 340-7022, ext. 384.
Benefits
Annual Holiday Pottery Sale at the Palo Alto Cultural Center, through Dec. 23. Find one-of-a-kind, reasonably priced ceramic pottery for holiday gifts. Proceeds benefit the PACC ceramic studio. Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m and 7-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. 1313 Newell Rd. Call 329-2366.
"Operation: Holiday Dreams," a benefit for the Child Abuse Prevention Center,through Dec. 23 at Davino Florist, 149 Main St., Los Altos. Drop off new toy or cash donations to be distributed to abused and neglected children in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Call 327-8120.
Seniors
Concert and Sing-Along Dec. 12, 2-3 p.m., in the La Comida Dining Room, Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. $2, free to members. Call 326-5362.
A 50-minute massage will be available Tues., Wed. & Thurs. between 12:15-4:15 p.m. at Peninsula Volunteers Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. The first introductory visit will have a discounted fee of $25. Facials are also available. Call for appointment, 366-3436 or 326-2025.
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. Dec. 9, health forum, "Drug Interaction and the Internet," 10 a.m. Dec. 10, movie, "Hope Floats." Dec. 14, movie, "Spanish Prisoner." Dec. 16, health forum, "Holiday Traditions," 11 a.m. 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. Dec. 9: What you need to know about diabetes. 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. Call 327-2811.
"Medicine and the News: Fact or Fiction," a series of lectures with Harold D. Itskovitz, M.D., professor emeritus of Medicine and Pharmacology, New York Medical College, first and third Tues. of the month, 10:30 a.m., at the Senior Center of Palo Alto, 450 Bryant St. Call 326-5362.
Gallery
Lyons Ltd. Antique Prints, Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park. Fall show: "Playwrights, Pirouettes and Pianissimos," through Dec. Call 325-9010.
Portola Valley Art Gallery is open at its temporary location in the Town Center, Room 6 beyond the library. Holiday Group Show, through Dec. 31. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 765 Portola Rd. Call 851-1563.
Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Rd., Woodside. Digital Painting Show, computer generated digital paintings by local artists. Hours: Mon. 1-9 p.m., Tues.-Wed., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs. 1-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Call 854-8436.
Gallery Europa, 611 Emerson St., Palo Alto. "Wintry and Whimsical" oil paintings by Katarina Henc from Croatia, and Juschi Seifried-Otte from Germany, through Jan. 20. Hours: Mon.-Wed., Sat.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., noon-8 p.m. Call 473-6522.
Tercera Gallery, 534 Ramona St., Palo Alto, featuring James Lovera's porcelain bowls and Seiko Tachibana's mixed media, through Dec. 31. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 322-5324.
Gallery House, 538 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Affordable art especially for the holidays, by Gallery House artists, through Dec. 24. Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. After Thanksgiving, hours are Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. noon-4 p.m. Call 326-1668.
Nature Gallery, 87 Town & Country Village, El Camino Real & Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. "Natural Balance," an exhibit of color photographs by Menlo Park resident Carol Garsten, through Dec. 31. Call 327-8700.
Young Artists' Fine Arts Display, featuring local teenage artists Sarah Feshbach, Matt Hawkins, and Colin O'Neal, through Dec 31 at the Palo Alto Mission of the Church of Scientology, 410 Cambridge Ave., suite C. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7:30-10 p.m., and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 853-0602.
Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Main Gallery, Holiday Show, through Dec. 24; Elizabeth Norton Studio, Inge Infante monotype with chine colle, through Dec. Kenneth Washburn bronzes on exhibit through Dec. 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 854-7037.
Center for Integrated Systems and the William Gates Computer Science Buildings, Stanford University, exhibiting paintings by Courtney Peaters, paintings and works on paper by Merl Ross, and paintings by Ted Vasin, Dec. 11-Feb. 4. Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-3622.
Stanford University Art: Campus outdoor sculpture walk, first Sun. of month, Jan. 3, 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 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. Patricia Zlatunich, nature and wildlife subjects in several media, through Dec. Christmas gallery show. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 780-0306.
Historical Interest
Victorian Christmas at Lathrop House, Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m. Refreshments, decorations, visit with Santa, admission $3. 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.
Museum of American Heritage at the historic Williams House and Gardens, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. New exhibit: "Building Excitement: A Century of Construction Toys." 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. Visit the offsite exhibits at Little House Senior Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park: "A 1930s Kitchen," through Oct. and Comerica Bank, 250 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, 2nd floor lobby, "Check Protectors." 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.
"Notre Dame: 75 Years on the Peninsula," education history exhibit at the San Mateo County Historical Association Museum, College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 574-6441.
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.
Et Alia
Volunteer receptionists needed at Coyote Point Museum. Greet and orient visiting school groups, answer phones, operate the admissions cash register. Four-hour shifts available, Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. On the job training provided. Call 340-7580.
The Volunteer Center of San Mateo County has positions open for the following: Excursions Assistant for the Disabled, International Host Recruiters, Technical Writer, Shopper, Office Support, Literacy Tutor, Driver, Grocery Shopper/Delivery Person for Seniors, Winter Shelter Staffers, Group Home Counselor Aide. Call for more information or to volunteer, 342-0801.
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., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. parking plaza between Chestnut and Crane behind Wells Fargo Bank. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers. Benefits local charities through Lions Club. Call (408) 688-8316.
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