Art Galleries

"Soul and Consciousness"
A collection of abstract art by Mehul Shah, representing an inner search for essential reality. Tuesdays-Sundays, Oct. 28-Nov. 23. Noon. Free. For more information, call Aegis Gallery staff at 408-867-0171 or e-mail robertaf@sbcglobal.net or visit www.aegisgallery.com. Aegis Gallery of Fine Art, 14531 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

10 Years
Modernbook Gallery celebrates their 10 year anniversary with a rotating selection of gallery artists, showcasing a broad range of contemporary fine-art photography. Through Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. free. Call 650-327-6325 or e-mail info@modernbook.com or visit www.modernbook.com. Modernbook Gallery, 494 University Ave., Palo Alto

Adele Seltzer Exhibition Bryant Street Gallery
Local artist Adele Seltzer exhibiting recent paintings,s culpture, monotypes that allude to motion. Seltzer's work has been inspired by her interests in archeology and her connections with nature. 11:30 p.m. Through Nov. 30, For more information, call adeleseltzer.com at 650-854-2211 or e-mail adeleseltzer@comcast.net or visit bryantstreet.com. Bryant Street Gallery, 532 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Celebrating Solstice - Holiday Show 2009
“Celebrating Solstice - Holiday Show 2009," a festive exhibit of fine art and crafts, will be held at Gallery House through Dec. 24. Free. For more information, call Karen White at 650-804-0491 or e-mail KarenWhite4@sbcglobal.net. Gallery House, 320 California Ave., Palo Alto

Expressions in Water Media- New Work by Barbara von Haunalter
Portola Art Gallery presents “Expressions in Water Media” an exhibit of new water media paintings by Barbara von Haunalter of Los Altos Hills. Through Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 650-321-0220 or visit www.portolaartgallery.com. Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park

Fall Into Color
"Fall Into Color" features the work of oil painter Carolyn Hofstetter and watercolorist Kathleen Alexander. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. free. Call 650-941-5789 or visit www.viewpointsgallery.com. Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos

Kevin Bean, Backyard Paintings & Geometric Abstractions
Exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Kevin Bean, who has taught drawing and painting at Stanford University since 1999. Through Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, call Evy Schiffman at 650-917-6800 ext. 305 or e-mail eschiffman@arts4all.org or visit www.arts4all.org/view. Mohr Gallery, Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View

Marianne Schlumberger
An exhibition of of original intaglio etchings from the children's book "Kasper the Clown" by artist, storyteller and teacher Marianne Schlumberger of Menlo Park. Through Nov. 22, s: Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m; Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 650-701-1018 or visit www.themaingallery.org. The Main Gallery, 1018 Main St., Redwood City

Six Photographers Exhibit
Gallery 9 Los Altos is featuring black-and-white and color photography by Bay Area artists: Andy Browne, Tony Coluzzi, Charles Halleck, Roy Harrington, Aki Mori and Bill Scull through Nov. 21. Call 650-941-7969 or visit www.gallery9losaltos.com. Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos

Auditions

Benefits

Classes/Workshops

Astronomy for Poets Class (open to community)
Astronomy 10B: Stars, Galaxies, & the Universe. A first course in "astronomy for poets," this class introduces some of the most exciting objects and discoveries in the universe, and traces the history of atoms from the Big Bang to their place in the body today. Offered during day and evening. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Community college registration fee. For more information, call Andrew Fraknoi Visit www.foothill.edu/ast. Foothill College, Rm. 5017, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills

Be the Change Environmental Leadership Program
Ten-month environmental leadership program (September to June). For more information, call Rebecca Araiz Iverson at 650-922-1787 or e-mail rebeccaai@acterra.org or visit www.acterra.org/programs/bethechange/index.html. Acterra, 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto

Beginning Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a whole body movement and internal martial art benefiting all ages. Classes every Tuesday, 7-8 p.m. $115 for 10 classes/$88 Senior Rate For more information, call Linda Scheer at 650-780-7311 or e-mail linda@tarot.xs.com or visit www.redwoodcity.org/parks. Community Activity Center, 1400 Roosevelt, Redwood City

Classes at Onetta Harris Community Center
Art, dance and science classes for youth. Dance, fitness, creative sewing, cooking and ESL cClasses for adults. $25 residents $34 non-resident. For more information, call Onetta Harris Community Center at 650-330-2250 or e-mail bkmatheson@menlopark.org. Onetta Harris Community Center, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park

Feldenkrais
Feldenkrais classes are intended to help participants improve flexibility, coordination and strength. Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. $40 members/$45 nonmembers(4 classes). For more information, call Deborah at 650-327-9419 or e-mail Deborah@umovebetter.com or visit www.Umovebetter.com. Little House fitness room, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park

Fitness and Faith
All women are invited to join this class for stretching, toning and light aerobics to Christian music; followed by prayer support. Drop-ins always welcome. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 9-10:15 a.m. Free. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit www.mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 111 University Drive, Room, D-11, Menlo Park

Folk Dance Class
Marcel Vinokur, teacher. Tuesdays, starting Sept. 22. No partners necessary. Featuring dances from the Balkans and Israel. 7-10:30 p.m. $42 residents, $56 nonresidents for $13 week quarter. $6 drop ins For more information, call Marcel Vinokur at 650-3270759 or e-mail Marcel.vinokur@nasa.gov. Burgess Recreation Center, 700 Alma St,, Menlo Park

Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Archeology
This workshop will give an overview of ancient Egypt as well as explore gods, myths, pyramids, mummies, kings, and animals using art, text, and archaeology. Instructor will be Serena Love of Stanford's Anthropology Dept. No class October 22. Thursdays, 1-2 p.m. $20 members/$30 non-members. For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or e-mail jwebb@avenidas.org or visit avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Life Bliss Meditation
No experience is necessary. This meditation technique combinines several techniques such as chaotic breathing, humming and chakra cleansing. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. Free. For more information, call Amrithika at 650-462-1980 or e-mail info@amrithika.com or visit www.amrithika.com. Amrithika, 248 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Naadbrahma or Humming Meditation
No experience is necessary. This meditation technique is based on an old Tibetan technique of humming. Tuesdays through Nov. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Amrithika at 650-462-1980 or e-mail info@amrithika.com or visit www.amrithika.com. Amrithika, 248 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Red Cross CPR adult/child
Students will learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) for adults, infants and children as well as rescue breathing, choking rescue and use of EMS system. Students will receive training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Nov. 6, 14 and 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $70. For more information, call American Red Cross Palo Alto at 1-877-727-6771 or visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org. Red Cross Office, 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto

Red Cross First Aid Class
Comprehensive course to train for any emergency. Learn CPR, choking rescue, bleeding controls, basic first aid for fractures, seizures, poisoning and training on Automated External Defibrillators(AED). Dates: Nov. 7, 13, 21. Adult CPR/AED and First AId certificates. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75. For more information, call American Red Cross Palo Alto at 1-877-727-6771 or visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org. Palo Alto Red Cross, 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto

Scottish Country Dance class
Scottish country dancing. All over 16 welcome. No partner required. Wear sneakers or close fitting shoes and bring water. Wednesdays, 7:45-10 p.m. $9 per class. For more information, call Michelle Cale at 650-327-4402 or e-mail purplepousette@yahoo.com or visit www.mtview-rscds.org/. Mountain View Sports Pavillion, 1185 Castro St., Mountain View

Vinyasa Flow with Danielle Pinson
In this style of yoga, the poses are linked into a smooth dance-like flow through mindful awareness of the breath. For all levels. Wednesdays, 6-7:15 p.m. $16. For more information, call Amrithika at 650-462-1980 or e-mail info@amrithika.com or visit www.amrithika.com. Amrithika, 248 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Watercolor and Collage Painting
This six-week course, Mixed Media Watercolor and Collage Part 2, is taught by Joyce Barron Leopardo. Nov. 9-Dec. 14, 2:30-5 p.m. $70 members/$80 non-members. For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or e-mail jwebb@avenidas.org or visit avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Clubs/Meetings

Amiguitos Mother/child Spanish group
Amiguitos is a group for Mothers and their children who speak Spanish. Meets every Friday. 4:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Kathy Bartlett at 650-964-4677 or e-mail kvancampen@yahoo.com. Eagle Park, Mountain View

Leads Club meeting
The Leads Club, a networking organization that aims to help professionals build formal relationships with each other, meets Wednesdays, 7:30-8:45 a.m. $5. For more information, call Dr Lisa Devlin at 650-428-0950 or e-mail drlisa@racindc.com. St Timothy's Guild Hall, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View

Palo Alto Scrabble Club
Every Monday approximately 25 people get together to play Scrabble at Boston Market in Palo Alto. All equipment provided. 6-10 p.m. Free. For more information, call Mitch Bayersdorfer E-mail scrabbleman@sbcglobal.net or visit groups.yahoo.com/group/pa-scrabble. Boston Market, 3375 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Community Events

Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market
Every Saturday, Gilman Street behind the Hamilton Ave. post office. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, dried fruit, nuts, fish, breads, pastries, eggs, cheese, sausages, pates, olive oil, tamales, crepes, jam and more. Entertainment by local musicians. All proceeds donated to Avenidas senior center. 8 a.m.-noon. Visit www.pafarmersmarket.org.

East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market
The East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market is a community-based and youth-focused certified farmers market. Founded in June 2008, the Market seeks to provide a source of fresh, healthy and local produce, and a friendly community gathering space. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. For more information, call David Kane at 650-324-2769 or e-mail info@epafarmersmarket.org or visit www.epafarmersmarket.org. EPA City Hall & Library, 2415 University Ave., East Palo Alto

Gateway to Outdoor Adventure: Boy Scouting in San Mateo County 1910-1940
The San Mateo County History Museum is looking for Boy Scout memorabilia from 1910 - 1940 for the 100 year anniversary of the Boy Scouts exhibit, opening February 6, 2010. If you feel you have appropriate items for the exhibit, please contact the Museum. For more information, call dana at 650-299-0104 or e-mail dana@historysmc.org or visit www.historysmc.org. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City

Gourmet Vegetarian Dinners
The Peninsula Macrobiotic Community serves a Gourmet Vegetarian Dinner every Monday (except holidays), 6:30 pm. Full vegan meal includes soup, grain, beans or bean products, vegetables, dessert, and beverage. Lecture monthly. 6:30-8 p.m. $15. For more information, call Gerard T. Lum at 650-599-3320 or e-mail GerardTL@aol.com or visit peninsulamacro.org. First Baptist Church, 305 N California Ave., Palo Alto

Mah-Jong Games
"Studies show that playing Mah-Jong is beneficial for individuals who may be suffering from memory difficulties. Join us on Monday afternoons to learn this fascinating game, or if you already know how, just to have a good time," Avenidas says. 1-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Patricia Nevius at 650-289-2428 or e-mail pnevius@avenidas.org or visit avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Menlo Park Farmers Market
The Menlo Park Farmers Market is held every Sunday. This is a year-round certified farmers market. In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, the Menlo Park Farmers market also has farm fresh eggs, fish, flowers and Holding Ranch meat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. For more information, call Lori Hennings at 831-688-8316. Menlo Park Farmers Market, Plaza 6- between Menlo & Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Dance

Ballroom Dancing
Tango will be taught Fri., Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Lessons for beginning and intermediate levels, no experience and no partner necessary. General dance party 9 p.m.-midnight. Singles and couples welcome. Free refreshments. Dressy casual attire. $8 For more information, call Robin Rebello at 650-856-9930 or e-mail fridaynightdance@yahoo.com or visit www.readybyte.com/fridaynightdance. Cubberley Community Center Pavilion, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Environment

Exhibits

"A Revolutionary Idea"
The Hoover Institution is marking the 90th anniversary of its founding with an exhibit titled "A Revolutionary Idea: Hoover Making History since 1919." The Institution was established following World War I through the efforts and philanthropy of Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Call 650-723-3563 or e-mail lmaune@stanford.edu or visit www.hoover.org/hila/exhibits/48080107.html. Hoover Institution Stanford University, 434 Galvez Mall, Stanford

"Horsing Around in San Mateo County"
The exhibit will feature 20 miniature saddles by local artist Reg Buyle and include historic photographs chronicling the use of horses in San Mateo County for transportation, sports and entertainment. Through Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2-$4. Call 650-299-0104 or e-mail susan@historysmc.org or visit www.historysmc.org. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City

"Introducing the Cantor Arts Center"
These docent-led tours feature a sampling of objects from various eras and cultures. Saturdays and Sundays. Meet in the main lobby. 1-2 p.m. Free. Call 650-723-4177 or visit museum.stanford.edu. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford

"Recent Arrivals: Rare Books, Manuscripts & Archives"
Exhibition of recent acquisitions to Stanford University Libraries' Special Collections and University Archives, from the 1468 manuscript of Jacob de Voragine's "Legenda Aurea" to the editing of William Burroughs's "Naked Lunch," and including artwork for the Stanford Memorial Church mosaics. Through December, For more information, call Elizabeth Fischbach at 650-725-1020 or e-mail efischba@stanford.edu or visit library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/exhibits/index.html. Peterson Gallery, Green Library, Stanford University, Stanford

"Rodin! The Complete Stanford Collection"
The Cantor Arts Center expands the display of Rodin's work, with the Center's entire collection of Rodin's bronzes, plasters and waxes on view. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu. until 8 p.m. Free. Call 650-723-4177 or visit museum.stanford.edu. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford

Earthquake Exhibit
"I Survived the Great Quake of 1989: Recollections of Loma Prieta Earthquake." The exhibit runs through Dec. 6 and will feature KGO-TV news coverage, photographs, artifacts and residents' personal accounts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $4 adults, $2 students & seniors, kids under 6 free For more information, call Diane Rummel at 650-299-0104 or e-mail diane@historysmc.org or visit www.historysmc.org. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City

Keeble & Shuchat Photography
Photographs by David Craven "Moments in Time" from around the world are now showing in The Gallery. Through Nov. 29, 9 a.m (11 a.m. Sun.).-5:30 p.m. For more information, call Pat Hausmann at 650-327-8996 or e-mail accounting@kspphoto.com or visit www.kspphoto.com. Keeble & Shuchat Photography, 290 California Ave., Palo Alto

Longing for Sea Change
This series of video installations by contemporary artists living and working in Africa and the diaspora addresses broad human issues of humanity in moments of upheaval, fragmentation and transition. (Museum open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.) Through June 26, 2011, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. free. For more information, call Margaret Whitehorn at 650- 724-3600 or e-mail mmwhite@stanford.edu or visit museum.stanford.edu/news_room/sea_change.html. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford

Marks and Metal Exhibit
Marks and Metal is an exhibit of multi-plate acrylic monoprints/monotypes incorporating ancient symbols. Through Nov. 30, 2-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Margaret-Ann Clemente at 650-224-8329 or e-mail maclemente@comcast.net or visit www.maclemente.net. Cafe Zoe, 1929 Menalto Ave., Menlo Park

Paintings by Janna Mitchell
A combination of watercolor, inks, gouache and collage. Through Dec. 20, 10-9 p.m. Free. For more information, call Jan Fisher at 650-493-4430 ext. 254 or e-mail JFisher@itp.edu or visit www.itp.edu. Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 1069 E. Meadow Circle, Palo Alto

Stanford Art Spaces
Colored-pencil drawings by Keith Gaspari and paintings by William Harsh and Mitchell Johnson are on exhibit at the Paul G. Allen (CIS) Art Spaces. Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Marilyn Grossman at 650-725-3622 or e-mail marigros@cis.stanford.edu or visit cis.stanford.edu/~marigros. Stanford Art Spaces/Stanford University, Paul G. Allen (CIS) 420 Via Palou, Stanford

Family and Kids

"Karaoke Madness" programs
"Karaoke Madness" a program for kids that includes singing, costumes and cupcakes, will be held on Mondays (ages 4-6) and Wednesdays (ages 7 +). Call 650-323-8330 or e-mail magicmoments@snipits.com or visit www.snipits.com. Snip-its Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real,, Palo Alto

Mothers Together
Christian support group for mothers. Program includes speakers, small group discussion and fellowship/support for first time moms. Tuesdays through Dec. 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit www.mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church - Fellowship Hall, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Scottish Country Dance for Children
Boys and girls age 7 to 16 invited to join the South Bay Youth Class of the nonprofit Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Beginners welcome. Mondays, 3:45-5:15 p.m. Semester fee: $66 per child for 11 classes. For more information, call Michelle Cale at 650-327-4402 or e-mail purplepousette@yahoo.com or visit southbay.rscds-sf.org. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1715 Grant Road, Los Altos

Film

Talk Cinema Palo Alto
Subscription 14-part series meets Saturday mornings September 2009- April 2010, offering sneak peeks of new movies. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $129 series/ $20 general admission. For more information, call Susan Jacobson at 800-551-9221 or e-mail susan@talkcinema.com or visit talkcinema.com. The Aquarius Theatre, 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Health

CPR and First Aid Classes
Every Tuesday and Thursday nights, CPR and first-aid classes. CPR basic/health care professional/renewal and basic first-aid class, adult care and child care classes every Saturday by All Care Plus. Please call and preregister. Can be taken separately or in combination. Caregiver support workshops also available. 5-9:30 p.m. $75. For more information, call Lisa Shivers at 650-424-0204 or e-mail lisa@allcareplus.org or visit www.allcareplus.org. 862 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Acupuncture for 50+
Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It is a treatment using ultra-fine sterile needles. This program is for those ages 50 and up. Every Monday. $20. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Food-issues group
Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous is a program for individuals recovering from addictive eating and anorexia based on the 12 steps of AA. No dues/no fees/no weigh-ins. Sundays, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call FA rep at 415-248-9347. 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto

Hypnotherapy for 50+
Hypnosis has been known to help with many health conditions including stress reduction, pain management, anxiety and more. For those 50+. By appointment. Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. $30. Call 650-289-5400. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Massage at Little House
Therapeutic massage by Victoria Tregoning and Verenice Torres at Little House in the Conference Room Mondays,1-4 p.m.; Wed. and Thu. 2-5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25-50. For more information, call Tryphenet at 650-326-2025 or e-mail TRY2@sbcglobal.net or visit www.penvol.org. PV Inc Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park

Move With Ease
Rosen Method Movement classes combine simple exercises and music. Classes every Thursday. 12:15-1:15 p.m. $15. For more information, call Theresa Garcia at 415-812-9917 or e-mail ttygarcia@aol.com. Integrated Healing Arts Center, 4153 El Camino Way, Palo Alto

Nutrition: Private Counseling for 50+
45-minute individual counseling session to help with your specific dietary needs. For those 50+. By appointment. Every Friday, 9-11 a.m. $10. Call 650-289-5400. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Live Music

Brazilian Jazz at Pampas
A contemporary jazz take on Brazil's greatest bossas and sambas. Saturday nights, 7-10 p.m. Call 650-327-1323 or visit www.pampaspaloalto.com. Pampas, 529 Alma St., Palo Alto

Irish Music Session
Irish songs for a pub restaurant and bar. Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Call 650-964-9151 or visit www.ststephensgreen.com/index.html. St. Stephen's Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View

Local-Talent Night
Local artists perform at Caffe' Sportivo every Friday and Saturday evening. Acts include bands, musicians, improv and comedy. 6-9 p.m. Free. For more information, call Chris Aakelarios at 650-369-4568 or e-mail csakelarios@gmail.com or visit caffesportivo.com. Caffe' Sportivo, 965 Brewster Ave., Redwood City

Mike Bastian's Pentimento Jazz
Lavanda Wine Bar & Restaurant presents Mike Bastian's Pentimento Jazz every Sunday night. American jazz songbook with drums/vocals by Mike Bastian. No cover. 5:45-9 p.m. For more information, call Lavanda at 650-321-3514 or visit www.lavandarestaurant.com. Lavanda, 185 University Ave., Palo Alto

Nancy Gilliland
Classic jazz and standards with chanteuse/pianist Nancy Gilliland. Tuesdays, 6-10 p.m. Free. For more information, call Mark Adams at 650-853-1143 or visit marqsinmenlo.com. Marqs in Menlo, 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park

Peruvian Night
DJ MGD spins Latin American songs all night long every first and third Saturday of the month. Free. Call 650-964-9151 or visit www.ststephensgreen.com/index.html. St. Stephen's Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View

The Metaphysics of Notation
Mark Applebaum, associate professor in Stanford's Department of Music, composed "The Metaphysics of Notation" specifically for installation at the Cantor Arts Center. Students, faculty, and visiting artists interpret and perform the work on site each Friday until February. noon-1 p.m. Free. Visit museum.stanford.edu/news_room/facultychoice2009-10.html. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive (at Museum Way), Stanford

Outdoors

Cycling Fellowship
Mid-week road ride covers 25-35 miles at a brisk 15-17+ mph pace(depending on terrain) in the Portola Valley, Woodside and Los Altos Hills areas. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. Free. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit www.mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (parking lot behing church), 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Sunday Baylands Birdwalks
Learn to identify the birds of the Palo Alto Baylands. Designed for beginners (ages 9 and up) and others interested in recognizing the area’s birds by sight, sound and behaviors. Meeting time varies to coincide with favorable tides. Call or email for current schedule. Free. For more information, call John DeBell at 650-329-2506 or e-mail johndebell@sbcglobal.net. Baylands Nature Preserve, 2775 Embarcardero, Palo Alto

Religion/Spirituality

Insight Meditation South Bay
Shaila Catherine and guest teachers lead a weekly Insight Meditation sitting followed by a talk on Buddhist teachings. Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Call 650-857-0904 or e-mail imsbpr@sbcglobal.net or visit imsb.org. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View

Seniors

50 Plus Dinners
Senior are invited to an evening of fellowship, food and entertainment. First and third Fridays of the month. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $6 donation. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit www.mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Sports

Cross Country Registration
Register now for the 2009 Cross Country season with Palo Alto Lightning Track Club. A parent meeting will be held on August 30 at Angell Field (Stanford Track) and runners of all levels of ability and ages 6-18 are welcome to join. For more information, call Coach Willie Young at 650-321-2175 or e-mail sty3000@aol.com. Angell Field, Stanford University, Stanford

PARC's Monday Night Run
Every Monday, a run of about 5-6 miles leaves from the Stanford Track parking lot, near the corner of Campus Drive East and Galvez, on the Stanford University campus. Free. For more information, call Dave Ahn E-mail dahn@stanford.edu.

Support Groups

Divorce/Relationship Recovery
Small-group discussion follows the evening speaker or video presentation. Free childcare upon arrival by 7:40 p.m. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church - Garden Court, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Talks/Authors

Waverley Writers Poetry Open Mic
Poetry to be spoken and heard aloud. Every First Friday except for July and August. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Call 650-424-9877. Waverley Writers, 957 Colorado (near Greer), Palo Alto

Teen Activities

Teen Open Gym
Teen open gyms on Saturday nights for various sports. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Kristine Pardini at 650-903-6410 or e-mail kristine.pardini@mountainview.gov or visit www.mountainview.gov/city_hall/comm_services/recreation_programs_and_services/teen_services.asp. Mountain View Sports Pavilion, 1185 Castro St., Mountain View

Teen Open Gym
Teen Open Gyms are open every Saturday night for various sports. Middle School and High School students only; bring your student ID. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Kristine Pardini at 650-903-6410 or e-mail kristine.pardini@mountainview.gov or visit http://www.mountainview.gov/city_hall/comm_services/recreation_programs_and_services/teen_services.asp. Whisman Sports Center, 1500 Middlefield Ave., Mountain View

Volunteers

Camino Medical Group
Camino Medical Group is seeking adult volunteers to staff information desks at its new medical center in Mountain View. Shifts are weekdays 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 12:30-5 p.m. Volunteers receive training, resources and lunch on the days they volunteer. For more information, call Kelly McConnell at 650-934-7072 or e-mail greavec@caminomedical.org or visit www.caminomedical.org. Camino Medical Group, 701 East El Camino Real, Mountain View

Junior Museum & Zoo
Office volunteers are needed to help with fundraising, community relations and special events. Data input, mailings, internet research, etc. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. For more information, call Molly at 650-326-6338 or e-mail info@friendsjmz.org or visit www.friendsjmz.org. Junior Museum & Zoo, 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Music Instruction for Children
Music for Minors is looking for volunteers to provide music education in local elementary schools. Join a team of volunteers who visit K-3 classrooms once each week throughout the school year. Training starts mid Sept 2008. 7-8 p.m. For more information, call Jean Tyan at 650-237-9150 or e-mail jean@mfm.org or visit www.mfm.org. Music for Minors Volunteer Info Meeting, 1400 Roosevelt Ave. (Room 2), Redwood City

Nature Center Hosts
Volunteers needed to greet visitors, answer questions, and encourage exploration on weekends at the Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Training is required and will be provided. Must be at least 18 years of age. Call 650-691-1200 or e-mail docent@openspace.org or visit http://www.openspace.org/volunteer/volunteer.asp. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve

Stanford Cats Need Foster Homes
Stanford Cat Network needs foster homes for newcomer cats to campus. For more info and to volunteer, visit the SCN website and complete the Foster Home Profile: http://catnet.stanford.edu/support_foster.html . Adoption fair help also needed. Opportunities ongoing. For more information, call Stanford Cat Network at 650-566-8287 or e-mail catnetwork@lists.stanford.edu or visit catnet.stanford.edu. Stanford Cat Network, P.O. Box 18287, Stanford

Volunteer guide opportunity
Volunteer to introduce children to nature, an organic garden and farm animals. No experience needed. Training is provided. Opportunities ongoing. For more information, call Nayna Patel at 650-949-8655 or e-mail volunteers@hiddenvilla.org or visit www.hiddenvilla.org. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos

Writing Buddies Volunteers Needed
Write stories with second-graders: Writing Buddies pairs adults 1:1 with Mountain View schoolchildren in a six-week program. Two hours/week. Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m., Oct. 20 – Nov. 24, 2009, Castro School. All training provided. For more information, call Tony or Robbie Fanning (c/o Joan Karlin) at 650-961-4843 or e-mail mail@writingbuddies.org or visit www.writingbuddies.org. Castro School, 505 Escuela Ave., Mountain View