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

Friends of Mountain View Library Book Sale
Sat., Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. only members of the Friends of the Mountain View Public Library get early entrance from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Sun., Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bag sale is 2-4 p.m. For more information, call Jan Jones at 650-526-7049 or e-mail fmvpl@earthlink.net. Friends of Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View

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

Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula will host Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes. The inaugural event in 2008 raised more than $78,000 for the community. It features a tour of four embellished homes in the west Atherton area, a holiday marketplace, raffles, prizes and more. Dec. 5 and 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information, call Laura Lee Daigle at 512-653-4027 or e-mail lauraleedaigle@gmail.com or visit www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto. Sacred Heart School, 50 Emilie Ave., Atherton

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

Menlo Park Library December Book Sale
Located in the downstairs meeting room, this sale will feature holiday books, fiction and mystery titles, history and religion books, art and collectible books, and much more. Sun., Dec. 6, noon-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Michelle Barrese at 650-330-2530 or e-mail barrese@plsinfo.org or visit www.friendsmpl.org. Menlo Park Public Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park

PENPEX Stamp Show
PENPEX Stamp Show sponsored by Sequoia Stamp Club of Redwood City. Sat, Dec. 5 and Sun, Dec. 6. 17 dealers and over 50 frames of exhibits. US and UN Post Offices on site. Youth Area with free stamps for kids. Snack bar with hot and cold food. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free For more information, call Jim Giacomazzi at 650-365-2956 or e-mail penpexredwoodcity@yahoo.com or visit www.penpex.org. Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City

Spring Down Open Horse Show
Dec. 6 is Spring Down's winter horse show. $15/class. For more information, call Diane Allison at 650-851-1114 or e-mail sdecenter@aol.com or visit www.springdown.com. Spring Down Equestrian Center, 725 Portola Road, Portola Valley

Concerts

Schola Seraphica
Members of the Catholic Churches of Menlo Park will join forces with the St. Francis High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Margaret Durando in a Christmas concert Dec. 6 at St.Patrick's Seminary. Choral music from Gabrieli and Mendelssohn will be sung. 2:30-4 p.m. $20general/$15seniors-students. For more information, call Margaret Durando at 650-323-8328. St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

Violinist Yasuko Hattori - EPAK Benefit
Symphony violinist Yasuko Hattori will perform for kids and adults. The concert is a benefit for East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK). All proceeds will support teachers and students in the Ravenswood School District. Sun., Dec. 6, 2-2 p.m. $20 per person/family suggested donation. For more information, call Laura Roberts at 650-714-4406 or e-mail laura@epak.org or visit www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=192531. Eastside College Preparatory Performing Arts Center, 1041 Myrtle St., East Palo Alto

Dance

Dance Connection's Nutcracker Ballet
Dance Connection Performances, Dec. 4, 5, and 6. Dates and times: Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. $12-$18 in advance, $16-$22 at the door. For more information, call Cindy Ginanni at 650-852-0418 or e-mail info@danceconnectionpaloalto.com or visit www.danceconnectionpaloalto.com. Spangenburg Theatre @ Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto

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

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

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

California Avenue Holiday Train
California Avenue merchants' annual Caltrain "Holiday Train" event, where Santa and Mrs. Claus bring a cast of characters on a train with thousands of lights. A brass band and chorus lead in caroling for 20 minutes. New unwrapped toys and books will be collected for needy children. Sun., Dec. 6, 7:30-7:45 p.m. Free. For more information, call Ronna Devincenzi at 650-688-6295 or e-mail rdevincenzi@akrealty.com. California Avenue Holiday Train, California Avenue, Palo Alto

Gamble Garden - Children's Holiday Decorating Party
Kids will decorate cookies and ornaments, and enjoy some holiday treats. Sun., Dec. 6, 1-2:30 p.m. $10/person for members and $15/person for non-members. For more information, call Gamble Garden at 650-329-1356 ext. 201 or e-mail admin@gamblegarden.org or visit http://www.gamblegarden.org/events/events.html. Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto

Princess Hyacinth Story Time
"Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated." Sun., Dec. 6, 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

Yoga with Shyamoli
The Friends of the Palo Alto Library sponsor a yoga class for parents to take with their kids ages 3 to 6. Sun., Dec. 6, 2-2:45 p.m. 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

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

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

Annual Holiday Social Justice Fair
Holiday Peace and Social Justice Craft, Gift, and Information Fair. Celebrate the work being done by organizations in the community and around the world. Sun., Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Craig Wiesner at 415-586-1713 or e-mail craig@micahscall.org or visit www.peaceandjustice.org/s/craftinfofair. First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto

Gunn Boosters Trader Vic's Fundraiser
Gunn Sports Booster hosting 3rd Annual event at Trader Vic's to raise money for all sports programs. Sun., Dec. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $50 per person. For more information, call Mary Gorman at 650-861-1414 or e-mail marygorman@sbcglobal.net or visit GunnTitans.com. Trader Vic's, 4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Spring Down Equestrian Center Open Horse Show
Horse classes from Lead Line to Advanced Jumping. Sun., Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $15 per class. For more information, call Diane Allison at 650-851-1114 or e-mail sdecenter@aol.com or visit www.springdown.com. Spring Down Equestrian Center, 725 Portola Road, Portola Valley

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

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

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