Art Galleries
‘Mothers & Daughters Relationships’ Artist Monica Zones displays a collection of pieces called “Mothers & Daughters Relationships” at the Gitane boutique. Through Oct. 31, store hours. Free. Gitane, 855 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. monicazones.com/?page_id=77‘Recent Works’ by Carolyn Jones The Portola Art Gallery hosts an exhibit, “Recent Works,” composed of oil paintings by Menlo Park artist Carolyn Jones. Paintings include scenes from her travels in California, Vermont and France. Monday-Sunday, Sept. 1-30, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-321-0220. www.portolaartgallery.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
DragonFest 14 fundraiser The Dragon Theatre will host a kickoff event and fundraiser for its 2015 season at La Honda Winery, where it will announce the coming productions and provide a sneak peek of some scenes. Sept. 13, 7-11 p.m. $50 single, $90 couple in advance; $60 single, $100 couple at the door. La Honda Winery, 2645 Fair Oaks Ave., Redwood City. Call 650-493-2006 ext. 2. www.dragonproductions.net/activities/dragonfest14.htmlHarvest Dinner The third annual Harvest Dinner will celebrate food from local farm and ranches while raising funds for enrichment programs at La Honda Elementary School. The dinner will also include appetizers, live music, a silent auction and a raffle. A garden tour will be held before the event at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 5-9 p.m. $75 adult; $10 donation for child care. La Honda Gardens, 8865 La Honda Road, La Honda. lahondaschools.org
Mental Health advocacy event The Young Minds Advocacy Project, a nonprofit focused on advocating for mental health care for underprivileged youth, will celebrate its second anniversary with music, food and drinks, a raffle and a silent auction. Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m. $50 recommended donation. Cafe Zoe, 2074 Broadway St., Redwood City. Call 650-678-0606. www.youngmindsadvocacy.org
Rally for Riekes scholarship fundraiser The Riekes Center will hold its sixth annual fundraiser, which helps to provide scholarships for individuals of all ages to participate in the center’s athletic, creative and nature-awareness programs. Sept. 20, 6-9 p.m. $175. Riekes Center, 3455 Edison Way, Menlo Park. Call 650-364-2509. www.riekes.org
Sierra Club benefit event To celebrate the Wilderness Act’s 50th birthday, the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club will hold its “Guardians of Nature” benefit with food, live music, a silent auction, keynote speaker and more. Oct. 4, 4-6:30 p.m. $100. Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 650-390-8411 ext. 332. lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/benefit
Wine, Croquet & Music Charity Fundraiser The Rho Delta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will hold its ninth annual Wine, Croquet and Music Charity Fundraiser. This year’s event will include live jazz, a gourmet buffet lunch, wine and the traditional croquet tournament. Attendees are encouraged to wear all-white attire, in the style of “The Great Gatsby.” Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $65. Holbrook-Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton. Call 805-705-7214. www.rdoaka.com
Classes/Workshops
Beginning Improv Class The Dragon Theatre will host a weekly class on improvisation this fall. Students will learn a variety of skills with a small group in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Those interested should register through the website. Mondays, Sept. 22-Nov. 3, 7-9 p.m. $220 before Sept. 15; $270 after. Dragon Productions Theatre, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City. Call 408-446-0679. www.dragonproductions.netFall acting classes Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory will offer classes this fall in which adults and children can learn a variety of theater skills. Classes for adults will be taught by Rick Lombardo, former artistic director of San Jose Repertory Theatre, and will begin on Sept. 15. Classes for children (ages 4 to 18) will begin on Sept. 2. Sept. 2-Nov. 14., $225-$285. Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-8282 ext. 105. www.pvtc-ca.org
Genealogy class Little House Activity Center will offer a weekly class on genealogy to help community members in investigating the lives of their ancestors. Thursdays, Sept. 4-Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. $86; $15 drop in. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Healthy cooking with Laura Stec Laura Stec — a chef, educator and author of “Cool Cuisine: Taking the Bite out of Global Warming” — will teach a class on quick and healthy cooking techniques. Registration is required. Sept. 11, 5-6 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
History class with Michael Svanevik Michael Svanevik will teach a class at Little House called “San Francisco, 1915-1945.” The class will discuss the construction of new bridges, an island, the airport and other infrastructure; the Prohibition; colorful city figures; and other topics. Wednesdays, Sept. 3-Oct. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $50. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Kids arts and crafts class This Menlo Park course will lead children in creative art projects including painting, drawing, collage, working with clay and more. Thursdays, Sept. 11-Dec. 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $228 resident; $307 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. www.egovlink.com/menlopark/rd_classes/class_details.aspx?classid=23681&categoryid=88
OverDrive eBooks/eAudiobooks help The Portola Valley Library will offer appointments for community members to receive one-on-one assistance in accessing the library’s free online books. Wednesdays, through Sept. 24, 4-5 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Sewing for Kids & Teens This class will teach kids and teens how to sew, including how to use a sewing machine, do layout, cut and sew a project. Teachers will provided guidance and support. A materials list will be sent out a week before the course begins. Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-noon. $64 resident; $85 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registration
Clubs/Meetings
ESL Conversation Club – Menlo Park Each week this club will give community members an opportunity to practice their English conversation skills in a welcoming environment. Wednesdays, through January, 5-6 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2525. www.menlopark.org/389/LibraryLifetree Cafe conversation Lifetree Cafe Menlo Park will host two hour-long conversations called “How to Sniff Out a Scam” to discuss how to avoid being fooled by false charities. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Sept. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Sept. 11, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. www.facebook.com/LifetreeCafeMP
Non-fiction Book Club The Non-fiction Book Club at the Portola Valley Library — which meets the third Thursday of the month — will discuss “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The club is for adults. Sept. 18, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Peninsula Rose Society meeting Jolene Adams, president of the American Rose Society and Master Gardener, will talk about the drought and its effects on roses and gardens, focusing specifically on the interaction of water and soil. Sept. 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Redwood City Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City. Call 650-465-3957. www.peninsularosesociety.org
SRI Organon Toastmasters Toastmasters focuses on improving the communication and leadership skills of its members. Each week covers a different skill related to public speaking. Club membership is diverse, and guests are welcome. Tuesdays, through December, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. SRI International, Building G, Laurel Avenue, opposite the Menlo Park Police Station, Menlo Park. www.sriorganon.com
Community Events
Holy Cross cemetery tour Professor Michael Svanevik will lead a tour through Holy Cross cemetery, where he will talk about prominent figures in Menlo Park’s history. Those interested are encouraged to register early, as attendance is limited. Sept. 20, 3:30-5 p.m. $10. Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1100 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2522. sites.google.com/site/mphistoricalKepler’s Book Swap At this social Kepler’s event, attendees will hear from Natalie Baszile about her book “Queen Sugar,” receive book suggestions, enjoy food and drink, and go home with a book shared by another attendee and a free Advanced Reader’s Edition of a book from Kepler’s. Sept. 13, 6:30-9 p.m. $25. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/793330
Concerts
Bass soloist Jean Baudin Jean Baudin, a bass soloist who has recorded and performed in the U.S., Europe and Japan, will perform a concert at the Woodside Library. Sept. 13, 2-3 p.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside. Call 650-851-0147. www.smcl.orgClassical Series: Bay Shore Lyric Opera For the last performance in Redwood City’s Classical Series this year, Bay Shore Lyric Opera will perform arias and ensembles from composers such as Verdi, Puccini and Mozart, as well as preview music from its approaching season. Sept. 14, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City. www.redwoodcity.org/events/classical.html
Organist Rani Fischer Rani Fischer will give a recital on organ with pieces by Buxtehude and Bach, others from the British tradition and more. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. $10 general; $6 senior; free for students. St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-854-6555. www.stbedesmenlopark.org
Dance
Persian dance class This class will teach both classical miniature and regional folkloric Persian dances, with movements varying from upbeat to delicate. Thursdays, Sept. 11-Dec. 18, 7-8 p.m. $160 resident; $215 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registrationThe Heartbeat of Hula The Arrillaga Family Recreation Center will offer classes on hula, focusing on the coordination of hands and hips in dancing to island rhythms. No experience is necessary; both men and women are welcome. Mondays, Sept. 8-Dec. 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $116 resident; $155 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registration
Exhibits
‘Drama of Heaven and Earth’ The Cantor Arts Center will arrange an exhibit called “Drama of Heaven and Earth: The Theatrical Traditions of Japan,” which tells the history of the Japanese dramatic art of Noh through masks, ceramics, prints and other visual materials. Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open on Monday). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu‘Fatal Laughs: The Art of Robert Arneson’ The Cantor Arts Center will host an exhibit of unconventional clay sculptures by Robert Arneson, who frequently used himself as a subject throughout his more-than-40-year career. Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 20-Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Robert Frank in America’ This exhibition of 125 photographs sheds light on the making of photographer Robert Frank’s book, “The Americans.” His images document subjects including Hollywood and the Ford Motor plant in Detroit, while probing social issues like politics, race and the post-war culture. Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 10-Jan. 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Sympathy for the Devil: Satan, Sin and the Underworld’ As Jackson Pollock’s painting “Lucifer” comes to Stanford’s Anderson Collection, this exhibit will explore the visual history of the devil and his realm from the 16th to the 20th century. Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 20-Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘The Bay Area and Beyond’ The Cantor Arts Center will have on display a long-term exhibit of modern and contemporary art, focusing on the Bay Area. Works will include pieces by artists with Stanford connections, among them Richard Diebenkorn, Nathan Oliveira and Frank Lobdell. Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 13-Oct. 26, 2015, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘The New Landscape’ The Cantor Arts Center will mount an exhibit called “The New Landscape: Experiments in Light by Gyorgy Kepes,” which explores art’s relevance in a scientific age. Forty-five panels by the Hungarian-born American artist capturing scientific imagery (minerals, cellular patterns and tissue fibers) will be on display. Wednesday-Sunday, July 24-Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Well Pressed’ The Cantor Arts Center will have on display an exhibit called “Well Pressed: Highlights from the Marmor Collection.” The exhibit is made up of 13 pieces, many prints, by artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, Richard Serra and Frank Stella. Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 13-Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
Pop Art from SFMOMA To celebrate its new neighbor, the Anderson Collection, the Cantor Arts Center will have on display an exhibit of 10 pop art works that were originally part of the Andersons’ donation to SFMOMA. Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 13-Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. (starting Sept. 21, the center will also be open Mondays). Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
Family and Kids
Babies and Books Storytime September’s Babies and Books Storytimes, for children 18 months and younger, will offer varied programming in addition to rhymes, songs, lap play and short stories. Sept. 29 will be a bilingual (English and Spanish) story time event. Mondays, Sept. 8-29, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.orgFamily Storytime This event at the Portola Valley Library will include stories, songs and activities for the whole family. Sept. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Imagination Playground Party The Portola Valley Library will hosting an Imagination Playground Party during the Town Anniversary Celebration, where children and adults can play with safe, over-sized building blocks. Sept. 21, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Town Community Hall, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Kidchella: Andy Z and the Andyland Band To cap off Redwood City’s Kidchella series, Andy Z and the Andyland Band will perform energetic music that ranges from educational to plain silly and spans a handful of genres. Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City. www.redwoodcity.org/events/kidchella.html
Lego Club at Portola Valley Library The Portola Valley Library will host a meeting of its Lego Club, where it will have a variety of Lego and Duplo building blocks for community members of all ages to build with. Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Menlo Park Children’s Chorus This course will offer children a chance to develop their music and vocal skills, as well as practice teamwork and commitment. Tuesdays, Sept. 9-Dec. 16, 4-5 p.m. $60 resident; $79 nonresident (plus $40 lab fee). Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registration
Music 4 Life This weekly class will give parents and children 6 months to 6 years old an opportunity to bond while singing, dancing, playing instruments and learning about music. Wednesdays, Sept. 10-Dec. 17, 1-1:45 p.m. $136 resident; $182 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registration
Portola Valley 50th anniversary library event The Portola Valley library will open its doors to celebrate the town’s 50th anniversary. Attendees will be able to see a 3D printer in action, contribute to a time capsule, build with large Imagination Playground blocks, view exhibits and pose in costumes in the photo booth. Sept. 21, 1-5 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Preschool Storytime Weekly Preschool Storytime events return to the Atherton Library, with stories, songs, rhymes and more for ages 3 to 5. Fridays, Sept. 5-Dec. 19, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. www.smcl.org
Storytelling event John Weaver, Menlo Park Library’s resident storyteller, offers a monthly session of comical tales told without a book. The events are appropriate for children in elementary school and older. First Thursday of the month, Sept. 4-Dec.4, 4-4:45 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Main Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2530. menlopark.org/library
The Corner Laughers in Portola Valley Local indie musicians The Corner Laughers will put on performance for young children and their families to warm things up for the Portola Valley’s 50th anniversary festivities. A free tricycle will be raffled off. Sept. 21, 3-7 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Town Center, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Toddler Storytime The Portola Valley Lirary will hold weekly story time events for children ages 18 to 36 months, with songs, stories and movement activities. A craft activity will follow story time on Sept. 16. Tuesdays, Sept. 2-30, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Film
Movies on the Square: ‘Spaceballs’ For the next installment of Redwood City’s Movies on the Square series, there will be a screening of “Spaceballs,” the classic spoof of “Star Wars” written and directed by Mel Brooks. Sept. 11, 7:45 p.m. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City. www.redwoodcity.org/events/movies.htmlHealth
Portola Valley yoga classes These yoga classes will instruct students in moving, bending, balancing and breathing in order to provide energy and center the mind and body. Beginners are encouraged; all students should bring a mat. The first class is free. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 2-Dec. 11, 9-10 a.m. $240 15 classes; $360 flexible 24. Portola Valley Town Center, Community Room, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.Tai Chi classes These classes will teach the Chinese internal martial art of Tai Chi which helps to improve balance, flexibility, coordination and awareness. Thursdays, Sept. 11-25, 7-8 p.m. $52 monthly; $15 drop in. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
TRX Suspension Training This fitness class will help develop strength, balance and flexibility with TRX Suspension equipment, which makes use of an individual’s body weight. Call for more class times and other info. Tuesdays, Sept. 9-Dec. 18, 6:15-7:15 p.m. $184 resident; $247 nonresident. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2200. www.menlopark.org/registration
Yoga at Little House Little House Activity Center will offer weekly yoga classes that focus on breathing techniques and postures designed to enhance health and decrease stress. All skill levels are welcome. Mondays, Aug. 11-Sept. 29, 6-7 p.m. $52 monthly; $15 drop in. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Food and Drink
Portola Valley Farmers’ Market The farmers’ market at the Portola Valley Town Center features organic fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, fair trade coffee, wild and local seafood, hot free range rotisserie chickens, local honey, organic olive oil, gluten-free baked goods, nuts and nut butters, pickles, jerky, artisan breads, flowers, crafts and music. Thursdays, year-round, 3-7 p.m. Portola Valley Farmers’ Market, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. www.portolavalleyfarmersmarket.comWoodside Farmers’ Market The weekly market features organic fruits and vegetables, farm eggs, nuts, dried fruits, honey, olive oil, local seafood, oysters, handmade sausages, vegetarian salads and entrees, organic pasta and sauces, nut butters, vegan cheeses, jams and pickles, bakery and crafts. Sundays, April 6-Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Woodside Farmers’ Market, 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside. www.woodsidefarmersmarket.com
Live Music
‘With a Little Help From Our Friends’ Redwood Symphony will team up with the White Album Ensemble of Santa Cruz to give a live performance of the Beatles’ music. The event will benefit the symphony’s Community and Cultural Outreach programs. Sept. 12, 8-10 p.m. $36-$56. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City. www.redwoodsymphony.orgOn Stage
‘A Moment (Un)Bound’ The drama “A Moment (Un)Bound” — presented by Arc:Hive and inspired by notes and clippings found in books donated to the Friends of the Palo Alto Library — will follow archivists Lucy and Ella as they sort, preserve and try not to get stuck in the past. Sept. 19-28, Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $15. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City. Call 650-493-2006 ext. 2. www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=8840c359430f49dbc14e7fa868e5e2d4‘David Gerard: An Evening of Magic and Mindreading’ Bay Area magician David Gerard will perform a show of theatrical magic and mind-reading at the intimate venue of the Dragon Theatre. Sept. 12, 7-8:45 p.m. $15. The Dragon Theater, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City. Call 650-516-7459. www.goldstar.com/events/redwood-city-ca/magician-david-gerard
Religion/Spirituality
Shofar Jewish New Year event This event, which marks the Jewish New Year, will include people playing shofars (instruments made of horn), a reading of the story “Sounding of the Shofar,” and a snack of apples and honey. Sept. 22, noon-1 p.m. Free. Stanford Hospital Atrium, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford. Call 650-723-3808. stanfordhealthcare.org/for-patients-visitors/spiritual-care/jewish-chaplaincy/news.htmlThich Nhat Hanh talks: First two screenings There will be a free series of weekly public showings of DVDS of recent talks by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master, on “Living and Dying.” The first two DVDS will be shown on Mondays. The series is sponsored by the Ladera Flowing Waters Sangha. Mondays, Sept. 8 and 15, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. Ladera Church, Peabody Social Hall, 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-854-4157.
University public worship Stanford’s Memorial Church, a center of spiritual and ceremonial life at the university, is open to the public for services. Sundays, June 29-Sept. 28, 10-11 a.m. Free. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, 94305. Call 650-723-1762. www.stanford.edu/group/religiouslife/cgi-bin/wordpress
Seniors
Minds in Motion classes Peninsula Volunteers will offer these classes as part of its early memory loss wellness program, designed for those experiencing changes in memory or other cognitive impairments. Activities include brain and memory games. Mondays, through December, 10 a.m.-noon. $12/drop in; $75/eight-week series. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-322-0126. www.penvol.orgSeniors At Home info session At Little House Activity Center’s free Community Forum, attendees can learn more about Seniors At Home, a service that provides home care, care management, and palliative and end-of-life care to seniors. Sept. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Sports
Society Skateboarding Group Lessons Instructors from the Society skate shop will teach skateboarding fundamentals, technique and safety in this course. Saturdays, Sept. 13-Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-noon. $110 resident; $147 nonresident. Menlo Park Skate Park, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. www.egovlink.com/menlopark/rd_classes/class_details.aspx?classid=23975&categoryid=56Lectures & Talks
‘Poetry for the People’ celebration This event celebrating “99 Poems for the 99 Percent” will welcome a number of contributors to the poetry collection: Ellen Bass, Sally Ashton, Dean Rader, J.P. Dancing Bear, C.J. Sage, Rachelle Escamilla, Dan Bellm and Dennis Richardson. Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/poetry-people-featuring-ellen-bass-sally-ashton-dean-rader-and-moreAuthor Dan Jurafsky on ‘The Language of Food’ Dan Jurafsky will share his book “The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu,” which delves into the origins of treasured foods and culinary customs. Sept. 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/dan-jurafsky
Author Neal Stephenson and friends on ‘Hieroglyph’ Science fiction writer Neal Stephenson will be joined by a handful of thinkers to discuss transformative art and technology, as explored in the optimistic anthology “Hieroglyph: Stories and Visions for a Better Future.” Sept. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. $20 general; $40 premiere. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/776246
Author Ruth Ozeki with Joan Bigwood Ruth Ozeki — a novelist, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest — will discuss with Joan Bigwood her body of novel, including her most recent work, “A Tale for the Time Being.” Sept. 20, 4 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/ruth-ozeki-conversation-joan-bigwood
Author Sarah Granger on ‘The Digital Mystique’ In a conversation with Lisen Stromberg, Sarah Granger will shares thoughts from her book, “The Digital Mystique: How the Culture of Connectivity Can Empower Your Life—Online and Off,” including real-life stories and surprising facts. Sept. 23, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/sarah-granger-conversation-lisen-stromberg
Garry Winogrand and street photography lecture This talk will explore the work of Garry Winogrand and other street photographers who recorded American culture during the mid-20th century. Sept. 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Tuesday Tea with Ted Atlas Author and Bay Area native Ted Atlas will discuss his book, “Candlestick Park: Images of Sports,” which captures some of the great athletes and teams that played in the stadium. Sept. 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $3. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 222. www.penvol.org
Teen Activities
Author Alan Gratz on ‘The League of Seven’ Alan Gratz will share his book, “The League of Seven.” The young adult book is the first in a steampunk series that follows Archie Dent, whose parents are part of a society that protects mankind from giants called the Mangleborn. Sept. 11, 7-8 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. keplers.com/event/ya-alan-gratzAuthors Sarah J. Maas and Veronica Rossi Sara J. Maas, author of “Heir of Fire,” the third installment of the Throne of Glass series, will discuss her book in conversation with Veronica Rossi, who will also share the conclusion to her Under the Never Sky trilogy, “Into the Still Blue.” Sept. 12, 7-8 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. keplers.com/event/sarah-j-maas-conversation-veronica-rossi
Teen DIY Duct Tape Workshop Sophie Maletsky will lead teenagers ages 11 to 18 in using duct tape in creative ways. Materials and snacks will be provided. Registration is required. Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2530. www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-diy-duct-tape-workshop-tickets-12553348403
