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Art Galleries
‘Chasing Light and Reflection’ Portola Art Gallery exhibits collection of oil and acrylic paintings by Alice Weil entitled “Chasing Light and Reflection,” which captures the artist’s passion for rolling hills and majestic oaks. Show benefits Ronald McDonald House. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 1-22, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-321-0220. www.portolaartgallery.com
‘Splendid Peacocks’ Newest work of local artist Flo de Bretagne. Nov. 23-Jan. 10, regular cafe hours. Free. Cafe Borrone, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-473-1317. www.florencedebretagne.com
Portola Valley artists open studio Portola Valley ceramic artists Jan Schachter and Nina Else — as well as guest artists Margaret Realica (clay), Peggy Forman (clay, paper drawings) and Lois Anderson (paper, textiles) — share their work with visitors to Jan Schachter’s studio. Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Private studio, 190 Golden Hills Drive, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-3754. www.janschachter.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Gingerbread House Decorating Fundraiser Seventh annual event provides pre-assembled gingerbread houses and candy, sweets and tools with which to decorate them. Children welcome; refreshments will be served. Proceeds support Bethany Youth Group. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-noon. $60. Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-854-5897. www.bethany-mp.org/gingerbrea
Holiday Traditions at Filoli Filoli estate transformed into holiday showcase, offering decorations and merchandise. Entertainment by choral and performing groups. See website for details. Nov. 27-Dec. 5. Filoli, 86 Canada Road, Woodside. Call (650) 364-8300 ext. 508. www.filoli.org
Nativity School Christmas Tree Lot Held since 1998, this holiday fundraiser benefits Nativity School. Delivery and flameproofing available. See website for lot hours. Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 27-Dec. 12. Nativity School, 210 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-275-3750. www.nativitytrees.com
Classes/Workshops
Caregiver Workshop teaches participants activities to keep young ones interested. Children welcome. Nov. 30, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560.
Write Your Life Story memoir class taught by local author and writer Phyllis Butler. Pre-registration requested. Dec. 3 and 10 and Jan. 7 and 14, noon-1 p.m. $50 series of four classes; $15 drop-in. Deborah’s Palm Women’s Center, 555 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. butler-phyllis@att.net
Community Events
Christmas Market at Allied Arts Guild. Shop for handcrafted pieces ranging from jewelry to hand-knitted scarves, wearable art, candy, pillows and more. There will also be a Festival of Trees silent auction, drawings for gift items, and visits from Santa and the Merlot Notes choral group. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Allied Arts Guild, Sunset Room, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. allliedartsguild.org
Deborah’s Palm Holiday Bazaar offers live music, wreath-making, coffee cart and refreshments, and juried arts, crafts, gifts and jewelry made by volunteers and local artisans. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to support the Ecumenical Hunger Program. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Deborah’s Palm Holiday Bazaar, 555 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. Call 650-473-0664. www.deborahspalm.com
La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire offers handmade items from 25 local vendors. Raffle of handmade teddy bear by Denis Shaw to benefit fire brigade. Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. La Honda Fire Station, 8945 La Honda Road, La Honda. Call 650-288-7523.
Peninsula School Craft Fair offers handcrafted toys, clothing, pottery, jewelry, bath products and gift items — as well as music, kids activities, homemade food. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Peninsula School, 920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park. peninsulaschool.org/phone/craft-fair.html
Sacred Heart Preparatory’s Holiday Boutique offers selection of holiday gifts, home decor, artisan foods, and handmade wreaths and greenery. Parking available on campus. Dec. 2 and 3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Sacred Heart Schools, Main Building, 150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton. Call 650-473-4089. www.shschools.org/holidayboutique
Concerts
‘An Evening of Song’ Woodside Arts & Culture Committee’s December First Friday event — called “An Evening of Song” — features music by Jennifer Mitchell (soprano), Nathaniel Rothrock (tenor) and Elizabeth Neff (piano). Three musicians perform opera pieces, musical theater solos and duets, and some holiday music. Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. Free. Woodside Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside. woodsidetown.org/artsandculture/arts-culture-committee-events
Holiday Concert with the Menlo-Atherton Choir Under direction of Patrick Maier, Menlo-Atherton Choir performs holiday classics and contemporary favorites. Dec. 2, 2-3 p.m. Free. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 242. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Schola Seraphica Christmas Concert Conducted by Margaret Sullivan Durando, Schola Seraphica offers a Christmas concert honoring St. Nicholas with liturgical classical music. Pieces performed by students of St. Francis High School and adults. Dec. 6, 2:30-4:30 p.m. $20 general; $15 senior, student. St. Patrick’s Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-323-8328.
The Gryphon Carolers Holiday Concert Bay Area musicians Ed Johnson and Carol McComb join Gryphon Carolers to perform eclectic selection of tunes, ranging from sublime to zany, and originating from places from Ireland to Brazil. Dec. 12, 7-9:30 p.m. In advance: $25 adult, student, $15 senior, child; at the door: $30 adult, student, $20 senior, child. Ca<0x00F1>ada College, Main Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Woodside. Call 650-996-7220. gryphoncarollers.com
Kids & Families
‘Bully’ screening and Q&A with Lee Hirsch Screening of 2012 documentary film “Bully” — which examines how bullying has affected five children and their families — and a Q&A session with the author and director, Lee Hirsch. Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m. Free. Hillview Middle School Performing Arts Center, 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-575-4523. www.menlopark.org
Ballet America’s ‘Nutcracker’ Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 1 and 4 p.m. $22-$39. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. balletamerica.org
Children’s Holiday Tea Friends of Holbrook-Palmer Park offer annual Children’s Holiday Tea event, with visit from Santa, holiday-themed marionettes show and craft activities. Holiday treats, tea sandwiches, beverages, and a prize drawing for children and adults. Families are asked to bring a new youth sweatshirt, which will be donated to Selby Lane School students. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $40 parent and child; $380 table with 10 seats; free for children ages 2 and under. Holbrook-Palmer Park, Jennings Pavilion, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton. www.athertondames.org/event/childrens-holiday-tea-at-hpp/
December Free First Friday At 11 a.m., preschool-age children can learn about Filipino folk art, and at 2 p.m. there will be tours for adults. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Call 650-299-0104. historysmc.org
Paws for Tales On the fourth Saturday of the month, children can visit the Atherton Library for an opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading to a trained therapy dog. Those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance by phone. Nov. 28, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. www.smcl.org/en/content/paws-tales-1
Tree Treasures Holiday program with children’s craft activities, including making old-fashioned Christmas tree ornaments, and visit from Santa. At 1 p.m., San Francisco State University Handbell Choir performs. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Call 650-299-01049-0104. www.historysmc.org
Food & Drink
Portola Valley Farmers’ Market (Nov. 25) The week of Thanksgiving the Portola Valley Farmers’ Market will be held on Wednesday instead of Thursday, offering regular items as well as ingredients for Thanksgiving dinners. Shoppers can order pies and farm-raised turkeys in advance for pick up. Nov. 25, 2-5 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Farmers’ Market, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. pvfarmersmarket.com
Taste of the Mountains Wine Walk showcases wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains in downtown Menlo Park businesses. Proceeds support the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation. Those interested should register online, as space is limited. Dec. 5, 2-5 p.m. $45 online; $55 at the door. Various downtown businesses, Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park. scmwa.com/event/taste-of-the-mountains-menlo/
On Stage
‘Emma’ For its holiday production, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley will stage a musical romance, Jane Austen’s “Emma” — with music, lyrics and book by Paul Gordon. See the website for specific dates and times. Dec. 2-Jan. 2. $54 adult; $45 senior, educator; $25 age 30 and under. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 650-463-1960. www.theatreworks.org
Religion/Spirituality
Lifetree Cafe: ‘Prayer: Could a Conversation With God Change Your Life?’ Lifetree Cafe in Menlo Park will host two hourlong conversations discussing effective prayer. They will feature a filmed interview with former golf professional Wally Armstrong, who found an unusual way to make his prayers more meaningful. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Dec. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-854-5897. facebook.com/LTCMenloPark
Sports
Monday Night Football at Little House Little House Activity Center will host a weekly viewing party of the Monday Night Football game. Free popcorn will be available. Mondays, Oct. 5-Dec. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 242. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Stanford Football vs. Notre Dame Stanford Cardinal will close out the regular football season with a home game against Notre Dame. See website for ticket pricing. Nov. 28. Stanford Stadium, 625 Nelson Road, Stanford. Call 800-STANFORD. www.gostanford.com
Stanford Women’s Volleyball vs. Cal The Stanford University women’s volleyball team will face its rival in the University of California, Berkeley’s team. Nov. 25, 8 p.m. $6-$15. Maples Pavilion, 655 Campus Drive, Stanford. Call 800-STANFORD. www.gostanford.com
Support Groups
Stanford Autism Parent Support Group Meeting This support group organized by Stanford Child Psychiatry will connect the parents of children with autism so that they can share experiences and provide each other support. Second Thursday of the month, Nov. 12-June 9, 7-9 p.m. Free. Stanford Child Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford. Call 650-721-6327. med.stanford.edu/childpsychiatry/community/asdparenteducation.html
Lectures & Talks
‘Downton Abbey: The Music & the Era’ Music historian Dulais Rhys will give an interactive, audiovisual presentation that will interest fans of the TV show “Downton Abbey” and students of Edwardian England. Dec. 1, 7-8 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2501. menlopark.org/library
‘The Relationship Economy: Life, Business, and the Pursuit of Growth’ This Churchill Club event will feature Keith Ferrazzi, CEO and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, and Rishi Dave, CMO of Dun & Bradstreet, discussing perspectives on business relationships. Nov. 30, 6-9 p.m. $69 Churchill Club member; $93 nonmember. Rosewood Sand Hill, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. Call 408-265-0130. transition.churchillclub.org/eventDetail.jsp?EVT_ID=1056
Asian Art Museum docent lecture on ‘Looking East’ The Atherton Library will present a docent lecture based on the Asian Art Museum exhibit ‘Looking East: How Japan Inspired Monet, Van Gogh, and Other Western Artists.’ Accompanied by a slideshow, the talk will explore Western styles and themes influenced by Japanese art. Dec. 5, 2-3 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. www.smcl.org/en/content/looking-east-how-japan-inspired-monet-van-gogh-and-other-western-artists-docent-lecture-3
Author Janet McGovern on ‘Images of America: Menlo Park’ Janet McGovern will share a book she co-authored, the recently published “Images of America: Menlo Park,” and talk about her experience searching for photographs and studying Menlo Park’s history. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. www.keplers.com/event/janet-mcgovern
Former ambassador Richard Williams talk (Part two) Former U.S. ambassador Richard Williams will continue his discussion of his experience in the U.S. State Department, recalling adventures and pivotal moments of working as an American diplomat in China on the brink of the country’s transformation. Dec. 3, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 242. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Et Alia
English Conversation Club Community members practice English conversation skills with other language learners and volunteer facilitators. Wednesdays, Dec. 2-16, 5-6 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, Downstairs Meeting Room, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2525. www.projectreadmenlopark.org
Monday Night Pub Quiz Teams and individuals test their knowledge of fun and challenging trivia. Arrive early to guarantee a seat. Mondays through Dec. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $3. Freewheel Brewing Company, 3736 Florence St., Redwood City. Call 650-365-2337. freewheelbrewing.com
