Art Galleries

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

Charles Dickens' Great Expectations
Most actors will play multiple roles and do narration. Ages 12 to 22. Fee. Auditions Dec. 14 & 15. Performs March 5 to 20, 2010. Directed by Rebecca J. Ennals 4-6 p.m. For more information, call LAYT at 650-947-2796 or visit www.losaltosrecreation.org. Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos

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

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

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

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

Dance

Environment

Exhibits

"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

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

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 Stanford University
Art exhibit: mixed media by Mark Engel, photomontages by Michael Golden, paintings by Anthony Ventura at the Paul G. Allen (C.I.S.) Art Spaces. Through Feb. 11, 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, 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

Holiday Puppet Show
Nick Barone Puppets will present a special "Holiday Treats" puppet show for ages 4 and up. Mon., Dec. 14, 4-4:45 p.m. free. For more information, call Atherton Library at 650-328-2422 or e-mail atherton@smcl.org or visit www.smcl.org. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton

Writing Contest
The second annual writing contest has begun at the Palo Alto Children's Library. Kids in grades 2-5 and teens in grades 6-12 may enter by writing an essay of no more than 500 words answering the question "How do you help a friend?" Submissions due by Jan. 11, 2010. Free. For more information, call Jill Ehrhorn at 650-329-2436 or e-mail jill.ehrhorn@cityofpaloalto.org. Palo Alto Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto

Film

Health

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

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

Live Music

On Stage

Outdoors

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

Breathe California Better Breathers Club
Breathe California hosts the Better Breathers Club meetings as a resource and support group for people suffering from lung disease and their family members. “Coping During the Holidays,” Vivian Silva, Geriatric Care Manager/Social Worker. Mon., Dec. 14, 1:30-3 p.m. Free. For more information, call Lynn Smith at 408-998-5865 or e-mail lynn@lungsrus.org or visit www.lungsrus.org. Avenidas Sr. Center, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Special Events

Mexican Cooking
Learn about Mexican cooking with Nicole Salgado. Her new book is a collection of authentic recipes from the Queretaro and the surrounding region and is dedicated to the Mexican women carrying out their ancient traditions worldwide. Mon., Dec. 14, 6 p.m. free. For more information, call East Palo Alto Library at 650-321-7712 or visit www.eastpaloaltolibrary.org. East Palo Alto Library, 2415 University Ave., East 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

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

Teen Activities

The House
The House is open to middle-school students to come hang out with their friends in a safe, fun environment. This free drop-in program is supervised by trained recreation leaders and offers a social atmosphere that includes homework help, billiards, arts and crafts, foosball, video games and more. 5-8 p.m. Free. For more information, call Kristine Pardini at 650-903-6410 or e-mail kristine.pardini@mountainview.gov or visit www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/city_hall/comm_services/recreation_programs_and_services/teen_services.asp. The House, 298 Escuela Ave., Mountain View

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