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

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

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

Clubs/Meetings

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

Community Events

Foothill College's Holiday Pottery Sale
Foothill's Ceramics Department and Claybodies Club present the annual Holiday Pottery Sale in Cesar Chavez Plaza (near the Campus Center). Students will be selling handmade ceramic functional ware and sculpture including bowls, vases, hand-built figures and more. Cash, checks or money orders only. Dec. 1-3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. No charge; $2 for campus parking. For more information, call Andy Ruble at 650-949-7584 or e-mail rubleandy@foothill.edu or visit www.foothill.edu. Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills

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

"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

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

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

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

Film

Health

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

Mountain View High School Winter Concert
Features Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and two orchestras. Dec. 2, 7-8 p.m. $6 students; $8 sdults; free children under 12 Mountain View HS Theater, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View.

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

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

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

Sports

PARC Wednesday Night Run
Every Wednesday, PARC holds a casual run of about 5 miles (sometimes a bit longer) starting at the Lucie Stern Community Center. The route is rotated among several favorites. 6-7:15 p.m. Free. For more information, call George Luk E-mail george_luk@yahoo.com or visit www.parunclub.com/wednesday.htm. Lucie Stern Community Center, Middlefield & Melville Roads, Palo Alto

Red Star Academy Soccer Tryouts
Red Star Soccer Academy Announces Competitive Soccer Tryouts for U8-U11 Boys & U8-U10 Girls. Open tryouts will take place Nov. 30-Dec.12 at Montclaire Elementary in Los Altos. For more information, call Adriano Allain E-mail admin@redstaracademy.com.

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director, Library of Alexandria
Dr. Serageldin will give two talks: 2 p.m.: The New Library of Alexandria: A Beacon of Knowledge. 4:30 p.m.: For a Better Dialog Between the West and Muslims. Refreshments will be provided after the second lecture. Wed., Dec. 2, 2-6:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Sonia Lee at 650-736-9538 or e-mail sonialee@stanford.edu or visit http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/260487/392cd57940/TESTTEST . Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford

J"The Metamorphoses of Tintin; or Tintin for Adults"
"The Metamorphoses of Tintin" is the English translation of the first critical study of the canonical Tintin cartoons. Wed., Dec. 2, 7:30 p.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

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