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

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

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

Clubs/Meetings

Community Events

Dance

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

"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

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

Film

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

Live Music

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

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

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

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 Tuesday Night Interval Training
A group of 20-40 PARC runners meet at the Stanford track for interval training. Runners of all abilities are welcome. Participants are encouraged to show up earlier for warm up. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Dave Wibbelsmann E-mail djw67@sbcglobal.net or visit www.parunclub.com/tuesday.htm. Angell Field track, Galvez St at Campus Dr, Stanford

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

How Green are You Going to Be?
Green and Clean Evening Series: How Green Are You Going to Be? Thu., Dec. 15, 6-8:30 p.m. Members:$30, non-members:$40, Platinum Pass:$0. Call 408-414-5950 or e-mail info@sdforum.org or visit http://www.sdforum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Calendar.eventDetail&eventID=13573. Orrick, 1000 Marsh Road, Menlo Park

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