The best of what's happening on the Midpeninsula

Classical

David Finckel, cello and Wu Han, piano Performing Jan. 8, 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University. Pre-concert discussion at 6:45 p.m. $28, $25. Call 725-ARTS.

Fortnightly Music Club Performing music of Chopin, Rossini, Wolf, and Grieg, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. at Palo Alto Cultural Center Auditorium, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. Free. Call 329-2366.

San Francisco Early Music Society Performing "Cyclops," a program of French cantatas for bass voice. Jan. 15, 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer, Palo Alto. $17-$20. Call (510) 528-1725.

New Century Chamber Orchestra All-Russian program Jan. 15, 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Call (415) 392-4400.

Karen Bentley, violin and Dmitriy Cogan, piano Performing Jan. 16, 8 p.m. at 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto. $10 donation. Call 321-9727.

Etc.

Dia de los Reyes Celebration Concert with Coro Hispano de San Francisco and Cojunto Nuevo Mundo performing Juan Gutierrez de Padilla's 17th Century Villancico cycle Jan. 10, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto. $12 general, $10 seniors/students. Call (415) 431-4234.

Mission Valley Chorus, a women's singing organization that performs jazz, blues, Broadway, gospel and four-part harmony in a capella style, invites interested members to a special guest night Jan. 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call (408) 264-1074 or (408) 235-9990.

Charles Ferguson, guitar Spanish and flamenco guitar music Jan. 15, 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University. $8 general, $4 students. Call 725-2787.

On Stage

New Pickle Circus "Step Right Up!" Clowning, acrobatic, and Pickle fun Jan. 8-10 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Call 903-6000.

Peninsula Dinner Theatre "Prince of Phantoms" mystery dinner theatre every Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. in Los Altos. $49 per person includes show, dinner, tax and tip. Reservations required. Call 941-0234.

Auditions

TheatreWorks 1999/2000 season Open auditions will be held between Jan. 24 and Feb. 6 at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, and other locations. The deadline to make an appointment is Jan. 14. Call 463-7171 to schedule an appointment.

Adult Choir at Wesley United Methodist Church Auditions are being held for all voices. The group sings gospel, contemporary, rock, classical and jazz; ample opportunity for solo and ensemble work. Two major concerts each year with summers off. Rehearse Wednesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m., sing Sundays at 11 a.m. service in Palo Alto. Call (408) 732-1543 for appointment.

Dance

Classes and parties

Ballroom Dance Cres & Rosie Cole, associates of Phil & Polly Reilly, will teach a six-week series Thursday evenings beginning Jan. 12 at Menlo Park Recreation Center. New students (first time) at 7:30 p.m.; intermediate at 8:30 p.m. Couples only. $47 for Menlo Park residents, $56 for others. Call 325-6848.

Belly Dancing Beginning and intermediate classes will be taught by Celena beginning Jan. 12 and running through March 16 at Palo Alto Cultural Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. The beginning class is 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The intermediate class is noon-1 p.m. $100. Call Suzanne Warren at 329-2527 or Celena at (408) 376-0185.

Swing Dancing Dancing to swing, big band, and rockabilly music Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. (beginning) and 8-9 p.m. (intermediate), Jan. 13 through March 17 at Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto. $80. Call 329-2261.

Country Western dance Ten-week beginner series, Thursdays, 7:10-8:10 p.m. Jan. 14 through March 18; intermediate/advanced series, 8:10-9:10 p.m. at YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. $50 for the series or $6 drop-in. Call 494-0972.

Argentine Tango Learn the basics of this "secret dance by two." Fridays, 8-9 p.m. in Menlo Park. No partner necessary. Call 340-9739 to register.

Beginning Ballet for Adults Learn the basics of ballet in a fun and uplifting environment. Palo Alto location. Taught by Constance Wise. Call (408) 730-1516.

Big Band Swing Every Friday night, 7-8 p.m. at the Menlo Park Masonic Hall. No partner necessary. $60 for six weeks or $12 drop-in. Call 340-9739.

Dancing From the Inside Out An improvisational dance class with no steps to learn and no dance experience necessary. Each dancer is encouraged to allow the movements to emerge, not to impose an idea of what the movement should be. Try one class free. Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Palo Alto Cultural Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. Call Fran Bell at 327-0457.

Jazz Dance with Gino Torrey Dance for everyone. Newcomers encouraged. Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. and Sundays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Dance Visions, Cubberley Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Room L-3, Palo Alto. $10 drop-in. Call 692-3300, ext. 30.

Salsa and Latin Dance Small group and private classes in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Ongoing Fridays, 7:30 p.m. for beginners, 8:30 p.m. for intermediate, at Western Ballet School, 2028 Old Middlefield Road, Mountain View. $10 drop-in or $30 for four weeks. No partner necessary. Call 223-3303.

International Folk Dancing Emphasis will be on Israeli and Balkan dances. Rollnick Auditorium, Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Beginners, 7:30-8 p.m., intermediate, 8-9 p.m. and request dances, 9-10:30 p.m. Drop-in fee $5 per evening. Call 493-9400 to register.

Art for Peace International Dance and Music Group Free world dance classes from different cultures. Emphasis on tango, milonga, Celtic (like Riverdance), neareastern, African. Monday evenings, 7:30 p.m. at Stanford University Bechtel Center, Mayfield and Lomita streets. Call 497-7161 or 853-1864.

Basic dance for teens with special needs Features ballet, jazz, and tap with focus on building self-esteem, promoting positive self-image, importance of physical activity. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 and older. Call Constance Wise at (408) 730-1516 for location and information.

Beaudoin's School of Dance Beginning classes for preschool through high school students in ballet, tap, jazz. Ballroom classes for junior high and high school. Adult beginning tap and ballet classes Thursday evenings. Beginning adult ballroom Tuesday evenings, intermediate on Wednesday evenings. Advance registration required. Call 326-2184.

Beginning Folk Dance with Marcel Vinokur at the Menlo Park Recreation Center, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. No partner necessary. Intermediate class at 8 p.m. Call 327-0759.

Belly Dance, Mystic Sun Studio of Mid-Eastern Dance Learn the ancient rejuvenating art of belly dance. Classes are ongoing and held at Lucie Stern Community Center and Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto. Beginning through advanced. Call 361-0688 for schedule.

Brazilian Dance class Learn both the traditional and popular dances of Brazil, including samba, samba-reggae, afoxe, frevo, and others. All levels welcome. Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. at Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.

Congolese African Dance Class taught by Regine B. Ndounda with drumming by Massengo Constant. Ongoing Sundays 3:30-5 p.m. at Parish Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church, Hamilton and Waverley, Palo Alto. $10 drop-in (no classes in November, will resume in December. Call 325-1566 or (510) 441-9389.

Country Line Dance Lessons/Open Dancing Wednesday nights at the Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Beginners at 7 p.m.; open dancing at 8:10 p.m.; intermediate at 8:40 p.m. Drop-in $6 ($5 Palo Alto residents). Call Evelyn or Bruce at 325-6913.

Square Dance With John Sybalsky and the Stanford Quads. Sunday evenings, 7 p.m to 9 p.m. starting Oct. 4 at Fairmeadow School, 5000 East Meadow, Palo Alto. $5. Call 948-4935.

Country Line Dancing/Lessons Wednesday nights at Mac's American Grill, 325 Main St., Los Altos. Call 941-0234.

Dance at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula Brazilian Samba, Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Contra Dance Society meets the second, fourth and fifth Saturday of every month, 7:30-11 p.m. No partner necessary; Country Western Dance meets every Thursday night, 7-9:50 p.m., drop-in for $6; Beginning Hula Dance meets Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Tuxedo Junction meets every Wednesday night with lessons 7:15-9 p.m. and open dancing 9-10:30 p.m., drop-in basis only, $5; Ceili Dance (Irish Folk Dance) meets every third Saturday of the month, 8-11 p.m., drop-in $8. All dances held at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.

Dancers of Universal Peace Join the circle of dancers the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Palo Alto, Charleston and Middlefield roads.

Do Your Own Dance A natural, creative expression for anyone. Individuals move to music from around the world, each dancing in his or her own way. Relaxed and informal (may go barefoot). Dance with or without partners. Wednesdays, 8:15-9:30 p.m. at DanceVisions, Cubberley Community Center, L3, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $5 drop-in. Call 322-1420.

English Country Dances Drop in on the first, third and fifth Fridays, 8 p.m., at the Palo Alto Masonic Temple, 461 Florence Ave. (near University), Palo Alto. Beginners welcome. Call 858-0843 or 327-0269.

International Folk Dancing Dance to the music of our international neighbors Tuesday nights at Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Couples and singles welcome. Beginning, intermediate and "request dancing" offered. Call 329-2261.

Irish Dancing The McGrath School of Irish Dance holds a Ceili (an Irish barn dance) on the third Saturday of every month at the YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Beginner lessons are 8-9 p.m. with open dancing and live music from 9 p.m. All welcome. No partner required. $8 adults, free for children under 12. Call 494-0972.

Jazz Stretch/Dance with Annie Zane A rigorous workout for anyone. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:15 a.m. for intermediate/advanced, 9:30 a.m. for open class. Monday at 7 p.m. is open class. Wednesday at 4 p.m. is open class. DanceVisions, Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Room L3, Palo Alto. $10 drop-in. Call 858-2005.

L'Ecole de Danse (The School of Ballet) Offers ballet classes at the Cubberley Community Center's Dance Studio, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Children from beginner's through advanced. New adult session starting (beginners and intermediate). Contact Christine Morgan for class schedule and information at 323-7932.

Modern Dance Beginning level classes for adults and teens. Learn the basics of modern dance in a creative, fun and encouraging atmosphere. Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m. at DanceVisions, Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Room L-3, Palo Alto. Call 858-2005 or 856-3054.

Modern Dance Intermediate level classes for adults Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Slow intermediate level classes Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at DanceVisions, Room L3, Cubberley Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 858-2005.

Mostly Balkan Folkdancers The group meets Thursdays. Lessons, 7:45-8:45 p.m.; request dancing, 8:45-10:15 p.m. at Menlo Park Recreation Center. $4. Call Derek or Mary at 851-8498 or Sue at (408) 247-2420.

Raices de Mexico dance classes Learn Mexican regional dance for children, teens and adults (beginner and intermediate) on Mondays and Fridays, and on Saturdays at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. There is a registration fee and monthly tuition. There is no age limit or previous dance experience required. Call 322-1501 for class times.

Scottish Country Dancing Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at the JLS Middle School gym, East Meadow Drive and Waverley, Palo Alto. For beginner and intermediate levels. New beginners welcome all year. No partner required, singles welcome. $4 per night. Call 493-5974.

Seniors and others dance group meets Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center, 3800 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Live music from "Bigger Than Life," music from the '30s, '40s and '50s. Dancing on a hardwood floor. $4 includes refreshments. Call 326-1483.

Stretching to the Shacharit Creative dance and stretching to the morning prayers set to music by contemporary Jewish composers. For all abilities. Every Thursday, 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the dance studio at the JCC, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. $10 per class. Drop-ins welcome. Child care available. Call Chaia May at 493-3450.

Vintage Dances with the Paul Price Society Orchestra Dec. 4, 8-10 p.m. (usually the fourth Friday of every month, 8-10 p.m.), St. Mark's Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. Dance lessons are given 7-8 p.m., $10 singles, $18 couples. Call 321-5280.

Weekly West Coast Swing classes Every Thursday evening (basic level from 7-8 p.m.; intermediate/advanced from 8-9 p.m.), at Swagat Restaurant and Lounge, 2700 El Camino Real, Mountain View. (Formerly at Chez Louis.) $32 for four weeks, or $10 per class. Call 585-6282.

Western Ballet now offers daily morning and evening adult ballet classes for beginner through advanced. Classes also offered in jazz and flamenco. Call 968-4455.

Zohar School of Dance offers classes for adults in jazz, ballet, modern and tap dance and classes for children in jazz, ballet and tap. Classes held at Cubberley Community Center, Building L, Room 4, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The studio is available for hourly rental for rehearsals, workshops, and performances. Call 857-1005.

Lectures/Workshops

Considerations in Choosing Kindergarten Discussion with Sue Dinwiddie, MA, Jan. 12, 7-9 p.m. at Palo Alto Community Childcare, 3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto. $10 per person/$15 couple. To register, call Jennny at 493-2361.

Understanding the World Around Us A talk by Ely Brandes at Stanford Humanist Jan. 10, 10 a.m. at Old Union Clubhouse, Stanford University. Call 424-8626.

Follow Your Callings Workshop for living a more powerfully authentic life Jan. 10, 2-5 p.m. at Unity Palo Alto Community Church, 3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $30. Call (520) 760-1231.

Feng Shui workshop Remove object which block flows of faith, locate key areas where faith resides Jan. 12 at Unity Palo Alto Community Church, 3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 368-5532 for fee and time.

Feng Shui workshop Uncover your "lightness of being." A hands-on workshsop Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call Andrea Lenox at 857-0919 for location and registration.

Life is a Journey. Are You Lost? Confused? Overwhelmed? This Saturday workshop will give you a map to help you make sense of what's happening in your life and to discover options you can't see right now. Led by Carol L. McClelland, Ph.D. Call 322-8661 or check website at www.seasonsofchange.com

Couples in Business Together A full day workshop led by Laura Worth and Robert Bornn who have been in business together for 18 years. This workshop addresses topics with a focus on couples engaged in entrepreneurial business ventures together. Monthly workshops offered. $165. Call 368-1946 or 949-4230 for dates and locations.

Shyness, How to Deal With It A free drop-in clinic is sponsored by the Shyness Institute the first and third Friday evening of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. The Shyness Institute is located at 407 Burgess Dr., Menlo Park. No fee. Call 851-2994.

Managing Your Procrastination Habits with Kindness Learn practical techniques to manage procrastination, achieve life balance, and improve quality of life. Ongoing Saturdays at Palo Alto locations. $25 per class. Call Laura Worth, MSW at 949-4230.

Road to Success Requires A MAPP Career strategy coaching that links levels of motivation and career success is offered by Wendy Rogers, Ph.D and Jeff Selzer. Free introductory session. Call Triad Development Group at 852-9722.

Claiming Our Greater Fertility: Gatherings of Women Without Children Workshops offered by Wendy L. Rogers, Ph.D. Gatherings are for women who have experienced infertility or are child-free by chance or due to the loss of fertility. Each workshop is a series of six gatherings scheduled to meet every other week in Palo Alto. Call 856-8585.

Parents of High School/College Students Give your teen or young adult the tools to plan a successful future through the identification of motivation and personal potential. Sessions are offered by Wendy Rogers, Ph.D. and Jeff Selzer. Free introductory session. Call Triad Development Group at 852-9722.

Inner Child Workshop For adults who want to develop true self-esteem and a recognition of their own personal value. Wednesday evenings at Center for New Beginnings. Call Pat Look at 856-4088, ext. 11.

Mothering the Mother: A Doula certification training program at The Peninsula Birth Connection in Palo Alto. Join this fast-growing profession of women helping other women before, during and after birth. Orientation meetings held monthly. Call 856-2140 for dates and information.

Personal Vision: Finding Joy and Purpose Interactive workshop offering practical exercises and techniques to cheer you on or get you started. Stimulate your creative imagination, strengthen your social and emotional connections, feed your soul in a restful setting. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday workshop. For date and location, call Laura Worth at 949-4230.

Freedom From Stress Free introductory lecture on transcendental meditation technique at Maharishi Vedic School every Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1101 Embarcadero Road (at St. Francis), Palo Alto. Call 424-8800.

Success Through Communication is the subject of a free lecture program offered at Scientology Palo Alto on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The lecture is designed to teach ways to improve communication and understanding. Scientology Palo Alto is located at 410 Cambridge Ave., Suite C, Palo Alto. Call 853-0602 for reservations and information.

Coping with the Blues An eight-week course about dealing with depression and mood swings in our lives and relationships. Topics include understanding causes and results, healing, grief, self-esteem and relationships. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Call Joanna Watson at 327-4909.

Slide Shows & Talks at Phileas Fogg's Admission to slide shows and talks is $2, good toward any purchase of $10 or more at any time. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Phileas Fogg's is located at No. 87 in the Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto. Call 327-1754.

Exhibits

Continuing

California Cafe Sketchbook Series by Dianne Erickson On location pen and ink sketches at local cafe's are scanned and colorized using digital tools. On display through Jan. 31 at Borders Books, 456 University Ave., Palo Alto. Call 327-6532.

Mixed Media Digital Prints by Dianne Erickson Starting with her own photographs, paintings, and found objects, Dianne creates new art pieces by combining images, adjusting color and lighting, and by using layers and filters to achieve a particular mood or effect. On display through Jan. 31 at Suzanne's Muffins, 235 State St., Los Altos. Call 327-6532.

Reflections Watercolors, oils, acrylics, drawings, sculpture and experimental wood block prints by Palo Alto artist Renot through Jan. 31 at La Galerie Internationale, 370 California Ave., Palo Alto. Meet the artist on Saturdays and Sundays and watch him paint. Call 322-2700.

"Polar Magic: The Ends of the Earth" St. Michael's Alley is featuring the wildlife and landscape photography of Taylor Ricketts. 806 Emerson St. (at Homer), Palo Alto.

Wintry and Whimsical Oil paintings by Katrina Henc from Croatia and Juschi Seifried-Otte from Germany through Jan. 20 at Gallery Europa, 611 Emerson St., Palo Alto. Hours are Monday-Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. and Thursday-Friday, noon-8 p.m. Call 473-6522.

History Corner Featuring historic photographs of Palo Alto from the collection of the Palo Alto Historical Association and the grand safe from the first bank of Palo Alto (1892). Ongoing display is at Glendale Federal Bank, 525 University Ave., Palo Alto. Call 323-9290.

Classes

Free class reduces back pain Learn slight shifts in position that bring immediate relief. No devices, "adjustments," or exercises. Jan. 8 at 2 p.m.; or Jan. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Reservations required. The Balance Center, 560 Oxford Ave., Palo Alto. Call Jean Couch at 856-2000.

The Purpose of Your Life Evening and morning classes to explore Carol Adrienne's book on spirituality and transformation. Practical exercises and group discussion to help utilize the power of synchronicity and intuition in your life. Classes begin Tuesday Jan. 12, 7-9 p.m. and Thursday Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-noon. Call Carolyn Franklin at 856-6448.

Spanish classes Intermediate/Advanced Spanish held Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m., Jan. 11-April 5 at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. $48 for 12 lessons. All ages welcome. Call 327-4612.

Introductory Enneagram Course This spiritual/psychological system explores nine habitual patterns of human attention which profoundly affect our experience in life. Ten sessions begin Jan. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Palo Alto. $250. Call 856-1120 for information.

LanguageArts Ongoing classes in German, Italian, Portuguese, and French in a personalized, professional and enjoyable manner. Located in downtown Palo Alto. Call 329-1731.

Mime classes Taught by Stella Filler. Classical mime, street mime, mime for profit, mime for fun. Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. at Western Ballet Studio. Call 424-1713.

Feldenkrais Method--Awareness Through Movement Reconnect with your natural ability to move. Verbally directed, gentle movements for overuse injuries and underused bodies. Mon. at 6:30 p.m. and Fri. at 10 a.m. Series or drop in fee of $10. First Congregational Church, Embarcadero and Louis. Call Elizabeth Robinson at 321-0921.

Classes at Common Ground Advance reservations required for all classes. Common Ground, 2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Rose Pruning Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $10. Winter Herbs for Stamina Jan. 9, 2-4 p.m. $14. Fruit Tree Pruning Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $20. Call 328-6752.

Public Speaking Made Painless Find your voice and develop your personal power for confident and effective presence. Monday evenings, 6:15-7:15 p.m. in Palo Alto. $120 for six-week session. Taught by Constance Wise. Call (408) 730-1516.

Weekly Improvisation Group Will meet 6-7:30 p.m. weekly in Palo Alto. For beginner or intermediate. Call 326-1241.

Tarot Card reading class Now forming. Call Cindy at 314-0164.

Water Aerobics for Women No swim skills are required. Open to all ages, abilities, sizes and shapes. Classes held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings at C.A.R. Center in Palo Alto. Call 325-7664.

Opening the Breath, Cooling the Mind This meditation and breathing class is an introduction to stress reduction, improving concentration, promoting better breathing habits and providing overall wellness and peace of mind. This class will use creative visualization, breathing, sound and other techniques that will introduce the beginner to the many benefits of meditation and breathing techniques. Class held Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. or Thursdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. $55 for a four-week session or $15 per class. Call 323-9698 to register.

Yoga with Exercise By Design Class held every Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Ladera Oaks, 3249 Alpine Road, Portola Valley. $12 drop-in, $10 monthly. Call 854-3089.

Body & Sole--relaxation for recovery Appropriate for persons who desire a more natural and spiritual life, who are short of time, crave intimacy, suffer from pain/addiction, wish to cut down on medications, have difficulty in sleeping or who just enjoy taking off their shoes. Ongoing Wednesdays. Call 969-3932 to register.

Meditative Yoga taught by Andrea Lenox. We explore inner and outer realms based on the philosophical and meditative aspects of Hatha Yoga and Tantra. Prana (vital force) and the evolutionary ascendance of energy within (Kundalini) will be specifically addressed. Call 857-0919.

Early Morning Dance Exercise An alternate or a complement to an aerobics program. Modern dance movements, lots of stretching and toning exercises, a little ballet and jazz. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30-7:30 a.m. at DanceVisions Studio, Cubberley Community Center, L-3, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call Laura Zweig at 324-8751.

Evening exercise at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula Hi-Low Strength and Power, Mondays and Wednesdays 6-7 p.m.; Low Impact Aerobics, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-7 p.m.; and Beginning/Intermediate Yoga, Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. or Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Classes have started, drop in for $5. Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.

Daytime fitness at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula Stretch, Tone & Trim, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.; New Wave Workout, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:45-9:55 a.m.; Easy Exercise, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.; Beginning/Intermediate Yoga, Mondays, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Classes have started, drop in for $5. Call 494-0972.

Mother/Baby Workout Fridays, 12-12:45 p.m. Get back in shape and bring the baby. DanceVisions, 4000 Middlefield Road, L-3, Palo Alto. Babies must be six weeks to eight months only. Call 968-5959.

Exercise Galore! Stretch, energize, trim down, Tuesdays and Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Methodist Church, 4111 Alma St., Palo Alto. Instructor: Alicia J. Loffler. Call 856-3054.

Flexing the "Wish Muscle" Honor your "life intentions" with practical techniques and practice hope with confidence. Six-week class based on Barbara Sher's book, "Wishcraft" and others begins each month in Palo Alto. $120. Private 1:1 personal life coaching also available. Advance registration recommended. Call Laura Worth, MSW, at 949-4230.

Hot Metal Printing The Museum of American Heritage is offering classes in letter press printing. Each student will learn a little of the history of printing and then do some hot metal typesetting using the museum's linotype typesetting machine. Call John Grant for class times at 494-0433.

Childbirth Preparation Classes at the Peninsula Birth Connection in Palo Alto. Classes are taught in small groups, allowing individualized attention and instruction. Private classes also available. for more information call 856-2140.

Breastfeeding Basics Class for women planning to breastfeed their babies. Participants receive practical information and support to enhance their breastfeeding experience and help them to anticipate and overcome common problems of new nursing mothers. Call the Peninsula Birth Connection for dates and registration at 856-2140.

TV Production Orientation A free one-hour orientation and tour at Mid-Peninsula Access Corporation, 3200 Park Blvd., Palo Alto, for those interested in public access cable TV Channel 6, learning to produce TV programs with video field production equipment or in the TV studio. Orientation available most Monday evenings, 7-8 p.m. Call Annie at 494-8686.

Build Personal Power with Kundalini Yoga Many benefits including improved concentration, creativity and increased physical energy. Classes held 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 744 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto. $50 per month for non-students; $30 per month for students (sliding scale also available). Call Michael Cougar at 368-1281.

Book Proposal Writing: Taking the First Step to Becoming a Bestselling Nonfiction Author If you are an expert in health, business, personal growth or spirituality, literary agent Carol Susan Roth can teach you their success secrets. One on One coaching. Call 323-3795.

Jazz Stretch with Annie Zane For both beginning and experienced. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:15 a.m. for intermediate/advanced, 9:30 a.m. for all levels. Mondays at 7 p.m. for all levels. Wednesday at 4 p.m. for all levels. DanceVisions, 4000 Middlefield Road, Room L3, Palo Alto. $10 per class. Call 858-2005.

Congolese African Drumming Ongoing class with Ma Boukaka meets Tuesdays. All levels welcome. 7:45-10 p.m. at Peninsula School in Menlo Park. Drop-in $10. Call 325-1566.

Zorina's Beginning African Drum Class Thursdays, 7 p.m. African and Caribbean polyrhythms, songs and chants. Drums are available. Call 493-8046.

Chinese Calligraphy for Beginners Lessons in Chinese calligraphy will be offered every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The class is free and taught by Marie Hu. Register at Hua Kuang Chinese Reading Room H4 (Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) or by calling 856-3733.

About Kids A six-week course for separating and divorcing families is being offered by Center for Changing Families of Family Service Mid-Peninsula. The course is available evenings and Saturdays at a sliding fee scale. Children and teens meet with kids their own age, while parents meet with other parents. Divorcing parents are in separate groups. Call 326-6576.

Stroke Survivors The Foothill College REACH Program for adults offers mobility and gait training; speech, language and communication and daily living skills. Continuous enrollment. Reach program is at Foothill College Middlefield Campus, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 354-8380.

Computer Tutoring Service Learn computer skills at your own pace with one-to-one support for beginners to advanced. Learn systems software for Macintosh and Windows covering home and/or business applications, how to go on-line and how to browse, using your first computer. Evenings and weekends at your convenience. Call Morgan Wise at (408) 730-1516.

Acting, Improv, and Performance Improvisational skills, scene work and audition preparation; exploration of performance art, storytelling, movement and dance. Performance opportunity. Ongoing classes held Mondays, 7-10 p.m. in Palo Alto. $120 per month. Call Constance Wise at (408) 730-1516.

Personal Life Coaching classes and workshops Develop lifetime strategies for improved quality of life, focus and balance. Clarify your goals, manage self-esteem barriers, and tackle procrastination in personal, professional, and academic life. Includes exercises and practical techniques. Workshops/labs, book tutorials, getaway retreats and small classes begin each month at a Palo Alto location. Preregistration recommended. Call Laura Worth, MSW, at 949-4230.

Selling with Grace: A Holistic Journey An interactive support class with strategies, practical tips, and support to transform personal distress associated with selling. An inspiration for professionals who wish to market themselves with enthusiasm. Covers strategies for effective informational interviewing, networking, advertising, public relations, and "cold calls." Starts monthly at Palo Alto location. Private 1:1 coaching also available. Call Laura Worth, MSW, at 949-4230.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Strengthen your body, increase your energy, balance your emotions, and expand your awareness. Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 9 p.m. at Oak Creek Apartments in Palo Alto. No prior experience needed. Call Linda to register at 969-9101.

Piano Studio For motivated students of all ages. Lessons taught by a European pianist, B.A., M.M., San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Call 664-4538.

Miscellaneous

Vegetarian Moms Playgroup Tired of going to gatherings with your young children featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, and junk food? Come join a vegetarian moms playgroup. Call Liz at 321-0636.

PAST Heritage offers walking tours of Professorville and downtown Palo Alto, focusing on architecture and history, on the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Call 299-8878.

Tours of Stanford University Hospital Tours available for staff and general public at 10 a.m. Thursdays. Tours will begin to the left of the Information Desk near the front entrance. Docent-led tours are approximately 1 1/2 hours. Group tours may be arranged. Call 723-7167.

Cohousing is a new style of housing development that fosters close-knit communities by sharing some facilities, meals and other activities for all ages. Planning meetings for a peninsula cohousing project are held Sundays, 3-6 p.m. Call 852-0315.

Working Writers sought for ongoing critique group. Wednesday afternoons in Palo Alto. Call Antoinette May at 322-9334.

Gourmet Vegetarian Dinners Every Monday, 6:30 p.m. Sit down or takeout $11. A suggested donation of $5 for lectures that follow the dinners at First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave. at Bryant Street, Palo Alto. Sponsored by the Peninsula Macrobiotic Community. Call 599-3320.

Launch Your Invention or Business Now A mentoring service for the struggling inventor/entrepreneur. Promote your ideas or inventions, demystify inventing, assemble your resources, strategize commercialization. Whether your goal is to license to a Fortune 500 company or build your own enterprise, three decades of inventing, patenting and business experience will help you with a mentor-for-hire. Call Robert Bornn at 368-1946.

Vegetarian Friends The group holds its monthly potluck dinner in Palo Alto on the third Saturday of every month. Both vegetarian and vegan food is served, and you need not be a vegetarian to attend. A guest speaker typically addresses the diners after the meal. Call Marci at 968-1908 for location and other information.

Spiritual

New Bridges to Jewish Community A new venture dedicated to creating and fostering meaningful connections for Peninsula Jews seeking sense of belonging and involvement in Jewish community in traditional and non-traditional ways. Call 857-1800 for more information.

Noontime Break The sanctuary is open for prayer and quiet meditation on weekdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. All are welcome. First Baptist Church, 305 North California Ave., Palo Alto. Call 327-0561.

Centering Prayer Group Meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church sanctuary, 745 Waverley St., Palo Alto. A half-hour study video is followed by two prayer periods of silent meditation. Call 326-5256.

Christian Meditation A contemplative discipline based upon the New Testament parables and sayings of Jesus. We are using the mystical interpretations and techniques discussed in "The Mystic Way of Radiant Love" by John Francis. The methods practiced include breath awareness and silent prayer repetition. Beginners to advanced meditators are welcome. Every Sunday, 8-9 a.m. Call 941-9904.

Unafilliated Jews Are you interested in starting a group of people who could get together periodically for discussion and possibly but not necessarily for worship as Jews or even non-Jews who feel a lack of something in their lives. If you are interested, call Bert at 493-3752.

Meditation and Self-Development Group Every Thursday, 6:30-7 p.m. for beginning meditation; 7-8 p.m. for meditation and self-development, at Pathways to Self-Healing, 4157 El Camino Way, Suite C, Palo Alto. Free. Call Paul Sibcy at 424-1118.

Sunday Mornings for Spiritual Health Every Sunday, 10-11 a.m. (early meditation at 9:15 a.m.) at Pathways to Self-Healing, 4157 El Camino Way, Suite C, Palo Alto. Free. Call Paul Sibcy at 424-1118.

Ananda Seva Mission Friday evening of chanting, meditation and intuitively transmitted discourses at 7:30 p.m. Call 364-9559 or 364-8645 for information.

Dances of Universal Peace Second and fourth Saturdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Unitarian Church, 505 E. Charleston, Palo Alto. Simple circle dances to sacred phrases from many spiritual traditions. No partner needed, only an open heart. Donations accepted. Call 493-1852.

Ananda Church of Self Realization Offers guidance and support for those who understand spirituality in terms of inner freedom and soul joy and who strive to experience these divine states within themselves. It is a positive, practical blend of mystical Christianity with the meditation tradition of the East. For information about classes, Sunday worship service or a free brochure call 323-3363.

Health

Therapy Group for Midlife Women A small, energetic, long-term therapy group for women in the mid-forties to mid-sixties. The focus is both on long-standing individual problems and on the dynamics within the group. Meets every Tuesday in Palo Alto from 6:30-8:15 p.m. Call Gloria Golden, Ph.D. at 325-4275.

The Postpartum Experience What to expect, what to prepare for. A professional postpartum care provider is offering a monthly meeting for pregnant couples to discuss the issues related to the postpartum period. The meeting will be held Saturdays in Palo Alto. Call Elizabeth at 424-1256.

Bodywork for the Prenatal and Postpartum period using the art of body listening, an integrative body awareness process which includes massage, exercises and guided imagery to prepare for, and recover from, childbirth. Call Elizabeth at 424-1256.

Health Imagery Sessions for breast cancer patients every other Wednesday evening at the Community Breast Health Project. A medical hypnotherapist leads the group in meditations and discussions for healing through the body, mind, and spirit. Group meets every other Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. at 545 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Call 326-6686.

Dermatology and Skin Care Seminar on the latest in cosmetic surgery. Call for date and time of next seminar. All attending will receive a complimentary skin analysis and consultation. Call 940-4460.

Osteoporosis exchange group Leaderless group forming for those using and monitoring alternative, natural hormone formulas from compounding pharmacies. Call Jean at 857-9445.

Has Your Spouse Been Unfaithful? Come and talk to other women who share the same experience. We are forming a group in which you can express your feelings, share your coping strategies and hopes for the future. The group will be facilitated by an experienced therapist at MRI, 555 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For meeting dates and times, call Isobel Scher, MA, at 306-0433.

The menopausal and perimenopausal years An opportunity to meet with other women for support and information. Topics include coping with emotional symptoms, sexuality and self perception, loss and possibilities. The workshop will meet for six sessions on weekday evenings. Call Ellen Russin, LCSW at 327-4792 to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Breast Cancer Support Group A self-help group for women dealing with breast cancer. Meetings offer a time for sharing experiences, information and emotional support in a friendly environment. Group meets second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. at Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call Nancy Block at 327-5175 or Dory Meier at 988-6612.

Working with Arthritis Workshops Monthly workshop to explore the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual aspect of life as a working age person with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Blake Wilbur Clinic, 900 Blake Wilbur Drive, Room W1084, Stanford University. Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Call 493-5000, ext. 64476.

Health Advisory Services Individual consultation with fully qualified professionals, without fee. Nutritionists, Pharmacist's Advisory, and Physician's Advisory. Held monthly by appointment at Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Call 327-2811.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Counseling Services offered at The Peninsula Birth Connection, a pregnancy & childbirth education and resource center in Palo Alto. For information or to schedule an appointment, call Janine at 856-2140.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Learn to manage the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for labor at the Peninsula Birth Connection. Call 856-2140.

Support Network for Battered Women in Mountain View offer free and very low cost psychotherapy to battered women/formerly battered women and their children who reside in Palo Alto and Los Altos. All inquiries handled confidentially. Call weekdays, 940-7855.

Alexander Technique Learn how to regain good posture and effortless movement. Ongoing instruction in improving posture, balance and coordination; reducing tension and pain. George Lister, certified teacher, at Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Call 325-8806.

Yoga & meditation workshop Learn the practices of yoga and meditation on the second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 27160 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills (about 2 miles beyond Foothill College). $30 (includes vegetarian lunch). Call Victoria at 322-4626.

The Cardiac Therapy Foundation Exercise classes daily, supervised by R.N.'s. M.D. referral necessary. Classes are held in the gym at the Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Call 494-1300.

A Healing Breath workshop for people with cancer and their caretakers. During the course, you will learn techniques for overcoming emotional and physical burdens of life-threatening illness. Call 326-4740 for more information.

Need counseling services? The clinic at the Mental Research Institute, M.R.I., in Palo Alto offers counseling to individuals, couples or families. The clinic works with a variety of problems including the effects of attention difficulties and other school problems, depressed or angry adolescents in conflict with parents, individuals struggling with anorexia, etc. Fees are on a sliding scale. Call 306-0433.

Pre- and Post-Natal Exercise The Palo Alto Family YMCA offers Pre- and Post-Natal Exercise Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45-11:45 a.m. The YMCA is at 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto. Call Gordon Balena at 856-YMCA.

Adventure walks, runs, bike rides and swims sponsored by the Fifty-Plus Fitness Association. Local outings in Palo Alto, Portola Valley and Stanford. Rain or shine, includes all holidays except Christmas. Call 323-6160 for more information.

Volunteers

Partners in Caring Volunteers needed to provide practical and emotional support to members of our community who are homebound. Opportunities include friendly visiting, essential transportation, telephone reassurance, shopping and meal assistance. Training and ongoing education provided. For details and an interview, call Stanford University Hospital Chaplaincy Office at 723-5101.

Palo Alto Cultural Center There are openings for volunteers to greet gallery visitors, lead children's tours, host artists' receptions, and work on special projects. No art background is necessary; training will be provided through briefings, lectures, and field trips. Day, evening and weekend shifts are available. Call the Volunteer Office at 329-2370.

Parental Stress Hotline and Teenline Volunteer consultants are needed to staff the hotlines, which provide free, confidential listening and referral services to parents and teenagers. These crisis lines are programs of Family Service Mid-Peninsula. Extensive training provided. Call Susan Stone at 326-6576.

Canteen host and hostess are needed at the Stanford Medical School Blood Center. Duties include serving refreshments to donors and monitoring their health after their donation. Friendly and outgoing individuals willing to train are invited to call. Positions available at Palo Alto and Mountain View center. Call Maureen Roskoph at 723-6795 for an interview and a tour.

City of Palo Alto's Performing Arts Department Volunteers needed for mailing and distributing. Anyone interested should call 329-2527.

Palo Alto Senior Center Discover more about your community by volunteering at the information desk of a busy senior center. Help is also needed in the computer lab, health library, crafts shop, with bulk-mailing and weekend programs. Call Sue at 327-2811.

Pacific Art League of Palo Alto Volunteers are needed in many areas including gallery docent, exhibit installations, exhibit receptions, fundraising activities, special events, groundskeeper, handyperson, volunteer director's assistant, computer input, office assistants, caterer for events, and more. Volunteers obtain substantial discounts on gallery purchases and class tuition and participate in an annual awards dinner. Pacific Art League is located at 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. For more information, contact Joe Hardegree at 321-3891.

Project Look! The arts education program at the Palo Alto Cultural Center is looking for new docents to join the program. Volunteers are needed to guide a small group of students on a tour of current exhibitions. Experience with children and art are a plus. Call 329-2176.

Westwind 4-H Riding for Handicapped needs volunteers. Classes are Mondays and/or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. Call 965-2698 or 948-1953.

English-in-Action Program seeks volunteers to converse in English one hour weekly with Stanford's International students, scholars or spouses. Call 961-3539 or 326-5252.

Diversity Network of the Palo Alto Area A group of volunteers working to promote understanding of and respect for racial, cultural, sexual, physical and religious differences throughout our community is seeking new members to get involved with projects. The group meets the first Wednesday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. at Cubberley Community Center, Suite T-2, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 329-2388.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) The group matches individuals 55 and older with volunteer opportunities at more than 120 nonprofit organizations in northern Santa Clara County. There are a variety of volunteer positions available. Your experience can make a difference. Call 326-5362.

Explorers-Docents needed by The Junior Museum and Zoo in Palo Alto Volunteers are needed to spend a few hours explaining exhibits, answering questions and performing simple activities with kids. Training will be provided. If you love kids and want to be a part of their educational growth, call Maggie Kane at 329-2112.

The Health Library, a community service of Stanford University, has several volunteer openings. A one year commitment is required. Shifts are 3-4 hours and require some familiarity with computers. Training is provided. Call 725-8400 or visit the branch at Stanford Shopping Center for an application.

Bring the Jewish spirit to an older person Jewish Family and Children's Services and Ruach Ami, The Bay Area Jewish Healing Center are currently recruiting community members to provide Jewish spiritual support and connection to older Jews isolated in nursing homes. Volunteers must be able to work with elders, have a knowledge of Judaism and and interest in spirituality. Volunteers must be able to commit to 4-6 hours each month for one year. Training will be provided. Call Sheryl Groden at 561-1244 or Rabbi Jeffrey Silberman at 885-7785.

Community Production Team Public Access Cable Channel 6 is looking for volunteers who will work together on a studio production crew that will enable many different organizations, ethnic and cultural groups to communicate. Learn how to operate studio production equipment and how to function as a team with crew positions and a director. Orientation and tour of station available most Mondays, 7-8 p.m. Call Annie at 494-8686.

Canopy: Trees for Palo Alto A new organization housed at the Peninsula Conservation Center is seeking volunteers to work in the office to assist the Executive Director to coordinate tree plantings, enter information into a database, answer phones, prepare mailings, schedule meetings. Will negotiate time commitment, but ideal is two or three hours per week. Call Debbie at 964-6110.

Hidden Villa is looking for volunteer guides to help teach children from preschool through sixth grade about farm animals, organic gardens and the ecosystem of the 1,600 acre farm and wilderness preserve. No experience necessary. Learn creative, hands-on strategies for sparking kids interest in caring for the earth and each other. Call 949-8655.

Children's Grief Program Kara, a nonprofit organization, regularly holds informational meeting for prospective volunteer facilitators to serve in semimonthly support groups for children, adolescents and parents grieving the death of a loved one. Meetings are held at the First Baptist Church of Palo Alto, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto. Call 321-5859.

The Family Resource Library at Packard Children's Hospital needs friendly volunteers with strong clerical skills to staff the library during daytime hours. Volunteers also are needed to read to children waiting for clinic appointments during the day. Call Erika Powelson at 497-8915.

Ch.A.D.D, a nonprofit agency that assists children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and other learning disabilities, is seeking volunteers to assist the agency and do committee work. Computer experience helpful but not necessary. Call Sheila Cook at 327-2125.

American Red Cross needs volunteers in several areas. If you enjoy working with kids, you can volunteer as a child care provider or as an instructor for a program to teach children techniques such as CPR and First-Aid. For those who enjoy teaching, there is an ongoing need for instructors. Call 688-0431 for a list of other opportunities.

The Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired needs volunteers to offer emotional support and assist with reading, errands or exercise for those who are blind or visually impaired. The center is located at 2470 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Clients live between South San Francisco and San Jose. Call 858-0202.

Friendly visitors for Holocaust Survivors Jewish Family and Children's Services is currently recruiting community members to volunteer as friendly visitors with older adults who are survivors of the Holocaust. Volunteers must be able to work with elders, have sensitivity to individuals' experiences in the Holocaust and have knowledge or interest in learning about the Holocaust. Volunteers must commit to four to six hours each month for one year. Training will be provided. Call Sheryl Groden at 561-1244.

Stanford University Medical Center Auxiliary is seeking mature volunteers to work in the Intensive Care Units. Volunteers are needed to take care of the waiting room and offer support and comfort to the families. Volunteers are needed for 3 1/2 hour shifts either a.m. or p.m. Call 723-6636.

Cat lovers needed to help homeless cats No experience necessary. Openings and trainings in fostering, feeding, spay/neuter and trapping, adoptions, publications, computer graphics and data entry, and public education. Call CatWorks at the Palo Alto Humane Society at 327-0631, Ext. 3, leave name, phone number, city and interests.

Partners in Learning The tutoring program of Palo Alto Adult School is recruiting volunteer tutors to work with adults who are learning English. Volunteers receive free training and ongoing support. You do not have to speak a foreign language or have teaching experience. Call 364-9718.

Give nature a hand Restore biodiversity in our state parks by removing invasive exotic plants. Projects every Sunday. Call Wildlands Restoration Team at (408) 662-3039.

The East Palo Alto Community Garden at 831 Weeks St. needs volunteers every Saturday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The garden is a collaborative project of the East Palo Alto Historical and Agricultural Society (EPA HAS) and Bay Area Action. Call 325-9184.

Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation is recruiting volunteers to help in its library. Volunteers provide library assistance to patrons, shelve materials and assist in cataloging. Call 962-9876.

Support Groups

Women's Ongoing Groups for Therapy and Personal Development are now forming in Menlo Park. Come together with 4-8 women in an intimate, safe setting where you can explore whole beings--personal history, relatedness, consciousness, divine soul self, dreaming self, shadow self. Experience nurturance, humor and wisdom of other women. One session (one hour, 45 minutes) per week at $45 each session. A three month commitment is asked. Facilitated by Sandra Glickman, MFCC. Call 323-9304 for more details and a free 30 minute interview.

Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to quit the tobacco habit. It meets every Saturday in the Fireplace Room, All Saints Episcopal Church, Waverley and Hamilton (on the Hamilton side), Palo Alto. The newcomers meet at 9:30 a.m., followed by the regular meeting at 10 a.m. Smokers welcome. Call (408) 236-2196.

Mid-Peninsula Gay & Bisexual Men's Discussion Group Meets every first and third Thursday of the month, 7:30-9 p.m. at Lavender Dragon Book Store, 605 Cambridge Ave., Menlo Park. Call 323-4778.

Dating Support & Education Group Meets Thursday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m. in Menlo Park. This 10-week group covers overcoming obstacles and learning skills useful for dating and forming healthy relationships. $25/week. Space is limited. Call Karen Gebura, MFCC at 634-9398.

Postpartum Support Group Offered monthly to discuss the joys and challenges of early parenting. The group is held Saturdays in Palo Alto. Both parents and babies are welcome. Call Elizabeth, a professional postpartum care provider, at 424-1256.

What to do when your teenager is acting their age and more A support group to help parents effectively and appropriately parent their teens. Twice monthly on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Parents Place of the Peninsula, Jewish Family and Children's Services, 480 California Ave., Suite 303, Palo Alto. Fee determined by sliding scale. Call 326-6696.

The Mid-Peninsula Widows & Widowers Association meets every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Lutheran Church, 460 S. El Monte Ave., Los Altos. The organization is committed to helping people begin a new way of life following the death of a spouse. All widows and widowers are invited to attend. Call (925) 968-1408.

Ongoing Women's Support Group Explore self-esteem, aging, loneliness, depression and relationships. Two experienced and licensed therapists. No charge for interview, Call Addie Macovski at 854-5509.

Therapy Group for Mothers Motherhood is not always the joy it's made out to be. This therapy group will focus on real-life issues and concerns experienced by mothers of young children. Group members will have an opportunity to share their experiences as well as to receive validation, support and feedback. Call Barbara Finn, Ph.D. at 325-6660.

Men's Psychotherapy Group now forming Some topics: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, father/son, sexuality, soul. Palo Alto location. Call Dr. Alzak at 568-1265.

Father Support Group forming Join other fathers in discussing parenting, fathering, life transitions and relationships. Married, re-married, divorced and single fathers are welcome. This group will meet weekly at Family Service Midpeninsula, 375 Cambridge Ave., Palo Alto, from 6-7:15 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Call David Sitzer, Ph.D. at 326-6576, ext. 143.

Bereavement Support Group for parents who have experienced the death of a child of any age. Group held in Los Altos, led by Merry Astor, LMFCC. Call 948-8601 for information.

Single Parents' Support Group Group meets Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto. Free childwatch available. Cost: Sliding scale. For more informatio n call Family Service Mid-Peninsula at 326-6576.

Single Mothers' Support Group Group meets Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Second Floor, Pediatrics, 555 Castro Street, Mountain View. Free childwatch available. Cost: Sliding scale. For more information call Family Service Mid-Peninsula at 326-6576.

Single Parents' Brown Bag Group Group meets Mondays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Family Service Mid-Peninsula, 375 Cambridge Avenue, Palo Alto. Cost: Sliding scale. For more information call 326-6576.

Weekly Women's Group An ongoing group in Menlo Park, Mondays, 7:40-9:10 p.m. Focuses on building self-esteem and self-empowerment while working through codependency issues. $20. Call Maggie Smith, MFCC, at 306-0391.

Women's Support/Counseling Group at Family Service Mid-Peninsula Members of the groups share concerns and accomplishments and work to change negative patterns in their lives. New members are welcome. The group meets Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. There is a sliding scale fee to attend. Call 326-6576.

Kara Grief Support Group meets every first and third Wednesday of each month at Kara, 457 Kingsley Ave., Palo Alto from 7-8:30 p.m. Call 321-5272.

Eating Disorders Group Educational support for women with eating disorders. Sessions based on stories taken from spiritual or cultural traditions. Call Aly Feldman at 366-2328 for information.

Men's Support Group A place to work on important emotional issues and to get support and feedback from other men. Led by an experienced, licensed therapist. Meets Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. in Los Altos/Mountain View area. Call Brian Winkler, Ph.D. at 306-8188.

Dream Group Discover the meaning of your dreams for self-understanding, problem-solving, emotional healing, and guidance in a supportive group. Meets Mondays 4:30-6 p.m. in Los Altos/Mountain View area. Led by a licensed therapist who specializes in dreams. Call Brian Winkler, Ph.D. at 306-8188.

Birth Mother's Monthly Support Group meets to discuss adoption issues, reunions and beyond. Call Julie Burkhart at 494-6806.

Breast Cancer Support Group A self-help group for women dealing with breast cancer. Meetings offer a time for sharing experiences, information and emotional support in a friendly environment. Group meets second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. at Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call Nancy Block at 327-5175 or Dory Meier at 988-6612.

The Attitudinal Healing Network of the Peninsula A nonprofit organization based on the Course in Miracles and Jerry Jampolsky's work, offers a support group for anyone wishing to learn about attitudinal healing as a way to enhance their life and improve relationships. Group meets Thursday evenings in Palo Alto. No fee. Call 1-800-597-5918.

A Parent's Loss Support group for bereaved parents to provide a safe environment to share the many intense, painful feelings common to bereaved parents - feelings such as disbelief, anger, sadness, guilt, depression, isolation. Meeting times are worked out. Group meets at 851 Fremont Ave., Suite 210, Los Altos. $25 per session. Call Mary Astor at 948-8601.

Pregnancy Support Groups are held weekly at The Peninsula Birth Connection, a pregnancy & childbirth education and resource center in Palo Alto. Join with other pregnant women to share experiences and explore feelings. Call Janine at 856-2140.

New Mother Support Groups are held weekly at The Peninsula Birth Connection in Palo Alto. Bring your baby and spend time with other new moms. Call Janine at 856-2140.

Breast Cancer Support Groups Several groups for those touched by breast cancer, led by a breast cancer survivor, will be forming soon. Call Jennie Heckman, MFCC Intern-IMF 28032 (sup. by Dr. Viki Markham, MFCC MV20219) at 858-2526.

Overeaters Anonymous A 12-step recovery/support program for people with compulsive eating disorders meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 E. Meadow, Palo Alto. The group also meets at Trinity Church, 330 Ravenswood Ave., Menlo Park. Call 493-0358.

Feeling Good (Whether in a relationship or not) An ongoing support group for women. Cost is $20-$40 per session. Led by Ann Gifford, LCSW, MFCC. Call 327-3484.

Neuropathy A support group for sufferers of neuropathy meets once a month in Palo Alto. Call 493-3752 for details.

Prenatal and Postpartum support groups offered at the Birth Connection, a pregnancy and childbirth support center. Share with others during this special time of life. Call 856-2140 for information.

Job Seekers, Career Changers Get helpful feedback to achieve your career/life goals. A counseling support group is forming for men and women who want assistance with clarification and achievement of of career/life goals. Focus will be on empowerment and goal attainment, enhance optimism, strengthen will to risk, manage fear, and achieve desired results. There is a fee. Call Questers at 969-1163.

Parents of Teens Support Group Designed especially for single parents of preadolescents and adolescents, providing a broad range of guidelines and ideas for successful parenting in a safe, non-threatening environment. Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m.. $15 per session (sliding scale available). Sponsored by Jewish Family and Children's Services in Palo Alto. Call 591-8991.

Recovery and Support Group for Pregnant Women Group for pregnant women with recovery issues and difficulty with substance use. Group meets weekly, Saturdays, 9:30-11 a.m. at Stanford Clinic, OB-GYN Unit, Third floor. Donation fee. To register, call the Women's Health Promotion Unit at 723-7114.

Short-term individual counseling for sexual assault survivors The Mid-Peninsula YWCA Rape Crisis Center offers short-term individual counseling for women and men who are survivors of sexual assault, rape, incest, sexual harassment and emotional and physical abuse. $20 per session, sliding scale available. Counseling is by appointment only. Call 494-0993, Ext. 27.

The Attitudinal Healing Network of the Peninsula offers support groups for individuals dealing with stress, transition and illness in Palo Alto on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7-9 p.m. Call (800) 597-5918.

Emotional Expression for Men Group the focuses on relationships, career issues, and emotional awareness and expression meets Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. in Palo Alto. $20 per session. Call the Bay Area Men's Center at 969-8265.

Women in the Workforce: Turning Toward Power A therapeutic support group for women struggling with conflicts at work. The group will focus on the development of personal empowerment and conflict resolution. The group meets Monday evenings at Integrated Healing Arts in Palo Alto. Call Dena Anthony at 493-2667 to reserve a space.

ADD Support Group Support, self-help groups and individual life coaching for people with ADD. Learn new skills and strategies for organizing and structuring your life to stay on focus and overcome the many difficulties caused by ADD. Groups meet in Palo Alto twice monthly at 7:30 p.m. Individual coaching by appointment. Sliding scale. Call Sheila Cook at 327-2125.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverley St., Palo Alto, Room 2 (off parking lot). Call Doris at 967-4967.

Parents Without Partners For single parents in the Palo Alto, Los Altos and Menlo Park areas. Call Leona at (408) 779-6226 or Paul at (408) 275-9057.

Discovery Breast Cancer Support Group A self-help support group for women dealing with breast cancer held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. at Mid-Peninsula YWCA, Ballentine Room, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.

Single mothers of teenage daughters with ex-husbands who are Frustrating A monthly rap support group forming for women in similar situations. Call Cheryle at 948-1247.

Therapy support group for anorexia or bulimia sufferers Meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in Palo Alto. There is a fee. Call Dr. Nash at 851-0103.

Support group for compulsive overeaters and non-compensating binge eaters Meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Palo Alto. There is a fee. Call Dr. Nash at 851-0103.

Single Parents of Teens Support Group Jewish Family and Children's Services is forming a support group for single parents of teens in Palo Alto. Facilitated by Ilene Wolff, MFCC, the group is held Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Call 326-6696 for registration and information.

Baylands Family Circle A nonprofit group of families headed by gay, lesbian and bisexual parents welcomes new members. Families meet once a month for social/play time and parents meet once a quarter to socialize and discuss issues. If you are a parent or even interested in becoming one and would like more information on the group, call Tom Hartland at 858-2800.

A group for women New members are being accepted for an ongoing, interactive group for women where you can learn to value yourself as a woman and address concerns about self-esteem, intimacy and achievement. The group meets Tuesdays, 6:15-8 p.m. at 4970 El Camino Real, Suite 110, Los Altos. Call 968-1028.

Palo Alto Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Main Lobby, 300 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. Call Phyllis Seidman at 321-9081.

Separating/Divorcing Small, confidential, support groups for adults led by professionals at Center for Changing Families, Family Service Mid-Peninsula, Palo Alto. Sliding scale fee. Call 326-6576 for dates and times.

Diabetes Support Group Meets the first Wednesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at Palo Alto Medical Foundation Building, 860 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Call 856-0838 (evenings only).

For families facing homosexuality Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group that meets the second Thursday of every other month at 7:30 p.m. in Palo Alto. Call Terrie Iacino at (408) 983-0137.

Women in the Workforce: Turning Toward Power A therapeutic support group for women struggling with conflicts at work. These conflicts may involve issues with status-oriented hierarchies, conflicts integrating demands of work with the demands of family or other work-related issues. The group will focus the development of personal empowerment and conflict resolution. The group will meets Monday evenings at Integrated Healing Arts in Palo Alto. Call Dr. Dena Patterson at 493-2667.

La Leche League of Menlo Park/Palo Alto A support group for expectant and nursing mothers. The group meets the third Monday of every month, 10 a.m., at First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. For expectant and employed mothers, the group meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at Rosener House Adult Day Support Center, 1060 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Babies always welcome. Call 873-6525.

Cancer Support Group An ongoing weekly 90-minute group focused on cancer-related issues and quality of life for all cancer patients. The group meets Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. at Stanford Medical Psychotherapy Clinic, 401 Quarry Road, Room 2218, Stanford. Call 498-5126 or 723-2632.

Bisexual Women's Group meets the first and third Sundays, 7 p.m., at Unitarian Church, Room 6, 505 E. Charleston (between Alma and Middlefield), Palo Alto. All women are welcome. Please do not wear perfume. A small per-meeting contribution for room rent is requested. Call 961-9590

Support groups for people with cancer and their partners/families. Call Ginger Levick, LMFC, at 327-5552.

Women of Width Fat-positive support group based on the idea that women are healthy and beautiful at any size, meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. Call Joyce at 965-8416.

Kara's Grief Support Group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at Kara, 457 Kingsley Ave., Palo Alto. Grief counseling on an individual basis will be available on request. Call 321-5272.

Mid-Peninsula YWCA Rape Crisis Center offers support groups for survivors of rape, incest, emotional and physical abuse and assault. Groups are limited to eight members and are offered on a 12-week cycle. Groups meet at the YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Appointments and each group session cost $20 (sliding scale available). Call 494-0993 to schedule an initial appointment.

The recurrent and metastatic therapist-led support group meets Mondays 6:30-8 p.m. in Palo Alto. Sponsored by Community Breast Health Project. Call Deborah Rosenberg, LCSW, at 342-3749 or Ellen Nold, MFCC, at 299-8474.

Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step support group meets Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call Jerry at 967-2884.

Low Vision support group meets the last Wednesday of each month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.

P-Flag Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meets the third Thursday of the month in Menlo Park. For directions and meeting locations, call 857-1058 or (408) 270-8182.

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