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

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

Merry Art at Main
The Main Gallery, Nov. 25-Dec. 24. The Merry Artists at Main have created unique and special works just right for your Holiday gift giving. Opening Reception on Sat. Dec. 5, 5-8 pm. Gallery hours: Wed.through Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 3.p.m free. Call 650-710-1018 or visit www.themaingallery.org. The Main Gallery, 1018 Main St., Redwood City

Small treasures: fine art for every budget
Portola Art Gallery presents "Small Treasures" for the month of December. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 650-321-0220 or visit www.portolaartgallery.com. Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park

Auditions

Benefits

Classes/Workshops

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

Clubs/Meetings

Community Events

Christmas with a Mission Gift Fair
Come shop the world in Menlo Park. Unique handcrafted textiles, ceramics, jewelry, home and fashion products from developing countries will be on sale just in time for Christmas. 100 percent of all proceeds are re-invested with the artisans. Dec. 11-13, noon-8 p.m. Free. Call 650-323-8600 or e-mail info@mppc.org or visit mppc.org. Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

La Honda Holiday Fair Indoors
Shop locally from a wide variety of handcrafted items from Bay Area and California vendors. Caroling, raffle and more. Benefits La Honda Fire Brigade. Sun., Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Georgia Stigall at 650-941-1068 or e-mail georgiastigall@yahoo.com or visit www.lahondafire.org/. La Honda Arts & Crafts Holiday Fair, 8945 La Honda Road, La Honda

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

Musical Solstice Ritual
"Participate in a candlelit ritual that invites us to welcome the darkness, honoring its nurturing aspect and its mystery, and to embrace the natural cycles of dark and light. Enter into a communal ritual spirit with music, spiral formations and song," the church says. Bring a candle and candleholder. Sun., Dec. 13, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Donation $5 - $20. For more information, call Linda Johnson at 650-969-1933 or e-mail corn.blossom@yahoo.com. Universalist Unitarian Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto

Concerts

Fortnightly Music Club Concert
Fortnightly Music Club Concert. Piano, vocal, and chamber music works of Ravel, Puccini, Mozart, C. Floyd, and F. Martin. Sun., Dec. 13, 8 p.m. free. Visit www.fortnightlymusicclub.org. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto

Dance

Environment

Exhibits

"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

"Meccano-Mania"
MOAH offers a glimpse into the model crafter’s world of the early 20th century with "Meccano-Mania," an exhibit of models by modeler Charlie Pack. A giant Ferris wheel, a rocket-jet ride, a cable car railway and an unusual no-rail ”railway” are among the operating models in the exhibit. Through Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Laurie Hassett at 650-321-1004 or e-mail admin@moah.org or visit www.moah.org. Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., palo Alto

"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

Frank Lobdell Figure Drawings
Nov. 11, 2009 - Feb. 21, 2010. This exhibition features about 60 figure drawings Frank Lobdell completed throughout his career as he developed his signature vocabulary of abstract expressionism. The drawings in ink, pencil, crayon and wash date from from the 1960s and 1970s. 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/LobdellFigureDrawings.html. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford

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

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

Family and Kids

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas" ballet
The Dancerss Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance present an "alternative to 'The Nutcracker.'" Thee 75-minute ballet includes costumes, sets and the familiar cadence of the "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem. Sun., Dec. 6, at 1:30 and 4 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 12, 4 and 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 13, 1:30 and 4 p.m. $20 general, $12 for seniors and children under 12 For more information, call Coleen Duncan at 650-323-5292 or e-mail cduncan@twasthenight.org or visit www.twasthenight.org. Woodside Performing Arts Center, Woodside High School, Churchill Avenue and Woodside Road, Woodside

"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

Atherton Dames Children's Holiday Tea
The Children's Holiday Tea will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13. Mr. Claus will greet the children and take photos. The children will have a puppet show and other entertainment. The Tea is tailored for children ages 3-10 with tea sandwiches, mini-muffins and treats. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $20 for first child and adult, $10 for each additional adult or child. For more information, call Julie Bratsberg at 650-892-6253. Holbrook-Palmer Park Pavilion, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton

Aux Cajunals, Old-Fashioned Cajun Music
Aux Cajunals Big Band performs zydeco, R&B, country-western and hillbilly swing. Two shows, at 2 and 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13, No charge, donations accepted. For more information, call Evy Schiffman at 650-917-6800 ext. 305 or e-mail eschiffman@arts4all.org or visit www.arts4all.org/attend. Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View

Fairy Tale Courtroom Play
Students of Adelante School and San Carlos Children's Theater present Fairy Tale Courtroom, a comedy showing the other side of classic childhood fairy tales. The three-day production runs Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec, 13, at 1 p.m. 7 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for students. For more information, call Donna Avanzino at 650-594-2730 or e-mail donna@sancarloschildrenstheater.com or visit http://www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com/. McKinley School Auditorium, 400 Duane St., Redwood City

Hanukkah Story Time
"The Best Hanukkah Ever" and "Hanukkah Moon." Celebrate this holiday through stories, crafts and bites of Hanukkah treats. Sun., Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. free. For more information, call Pam Grange at 650-324-4321 or e-mail pam@keplers.com or visit www.keplers.com. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Model Rairoad Show
West Bay Model Railroad Association 2009 Christmas Show. Fri., Dec. 11, 7-10 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. Dec. 12 and 13, noon-5 p.m. Model Trains in three scales will be on display and operating on large layout. Railroad Memorabila on display. Raffle for new train set. Free. Donations appreciated For more information, call Lauren Mercer at 650-322-0685 or e-mail lnjmercer@gmail.com. Model Railroad Building, 1090 Merrill St., Menlo Park

Film

Health

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

Live Music

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

On Stage

"A Civil War Christmas"
TheatreWorks presents the West Coast premiere of "A Civil War Christmas," a musical. Fact and fiction, old-time carols, and traditional tunes entwine in a saga of a divided nation longing for hope. Dec. 2-27, $26-$62. For more information, call TheatreWorks at 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Outdoors

December Hike
Come join Ranger Rich for a winter hike from the Orchard Glen parking lot for a loop of about two miles. Sun., Dec. 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $5 Palo Alto residents/$7 accompanied non-residents. For more information, call Ranger Richard Bicknell at 650-329-2423 or e-mail richard.bicknell@cityofpaloalto.org or visit enjoyonline.cityofpaloalto.org. Foothills Park, 3300 Page Mill Road, Los Altos Hills

Religion/Spirituality

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

Special Events

Artist's Open Studio
Holiday open house and sale. Jan Schachter, ceramics; Peggy Forman, drawings; Margaret Realica, porcelain. Therese Ann Wu and Amberlin Wu, paintings, pillows, jewelry and cards to benefit raising awareness of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Dec. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Jan Schachter at 650-851-3754 or e-mail jan_schachter@sbcglobal.net or visit www.janschachter.com. Jan Schachter's Studio, 190 Golden Hills Drive, Portola Valley

Madrigal Tea & Dinner Concerts
Palo Alto High School Choirs perform in Renaissance-themed afternoon tea and dinner banquets. Dec. 11-13, 3:15 p.m. Dinner at 5:15 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Visit www.palychoir.com/. St Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto

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

Stanford Women's Basketball Auction
Stanford Women’s Basketball fund-raising auction. Bid on items such as player jerseys, a Kauai stay, Stanford gear and gift certificates from local merchants. Sun., Dec. 13, 1-5:15 p.m. Free. For more information, call Dana Stewart at 650-969-1201 or e-mail jsds@comcast.net or visit www.stanfordfbc.org/index.htm. Arrillaga Family Center, 641 Campus Drive, Stanford

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

Bagels, Lox and Learning
"Balancing Islamic Tradition and Modernity: The Dawoodi Bohras." Just as Reconstructionism and Progressive Judaism work to balance tradition and modernity within Judaism, the Dawoodi Bohras have successfully melded their Islamic traditions with modern culture. Sun., Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Free, donations welcome. For more information, call Ken Dinwiddie at 650-224-3195 or e-mail keddem@keddem.org or visit www.keddem.org. Kehillah High School, 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Teen Activities

Volunteers

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

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