Art

'Artful Treasures'
Alamo Danville Artists' Society will host "Artful Treasures" art exhibit that features 49 gallery member artists exhibiting oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, photography, sculpture, wearable art, jewelry, and note cards. The exhibit will be open until Jan. 8, at the Blackhawk Gallery, 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Call 648-8023 or visit www.adas4art.org.

'Surfaces: Selections' from the California Fiber Arts Group
Town of Danville presents "Surfaces: Selections from the California Fiber Arts Group" art exhibit from Nov. 10-Dec. 15, at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. Town of Danville will host a special holiday closing reception from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, including light refreshments and small fiber art gift items available for sale. Call 314-3400.

Brad Oliver Art Gallery Exhibit
San Ramon Library will host Brad Oliver's beautiful landscape, wildlife and aviation photography until Dec. 19, at the library, 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon. For more information, call 973-2850 or visit www.bradoliver.com.

Civic Meetings

San Ramon City Council Meetings
Regular council meetings for the San Ramon City Council meetings are held at 7 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, in the Council Chamber. Call 973-2500.

Classes

Drought Tolerant Plants for Yards
Come and learn about drought tolerant plants for yards from 10:30-11 a.m., every Saturday, at Sunset Color, 1435 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. These classes are free. Call 914-0035 or visit www.sunsetcolor.com.

Clubs

Alamo-Danville Artists' Society
Alamo-Danville Artists' Society (ADAS) hosts monthly meetings featuring well-known guest artist demonstrations on the second Tuesday of every month. These meetings are free and open to the public. This society also hosts Art in the Park and Open Studios to raise funds for art programs in the San Ramon Valley area schools. Visit www.adas4art.org.

Blue Star Moms
This group meets for general meetings from 7-9 p.m., on the second Wednesday of every month, at Hap Magee Ranch Park Swain House, 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville. Members are moms, joining together to share their pride, devotion and worries for their sons and daughters currently serving in all branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, and our sons and daughters who are now veterans. For more information, call 866-7035.

Breastfeeding Support Group
San Ramon Regional Medical Center hosts the Breastfeeding Support Group which meets at 6 p.m., on the second Wednesday of every month, at the hospital, 6001 Norris Canyon Rd., San Ramon. A new topic is discussed at every meeting. Call Connie at 838-8336 or Kimberly at 648-5131.

Catholics@Work will host Christine-Therese Broesamie
Join the Catholics@Work who will host Christine-Therese Broesamie, fellow in Reconciliation at African Enterprise Rwanda, from 7-8:15 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville. Optional Mass starts at 6:30 a.m. To register, visit www.catholicsatwork.org.

Danville Lions Club
This club meets at 7 p.m., on the first and third Wednesday of every month, at the Brass Door, San Ramon. For information, call Tom Jackson at 984-1541.

Danville Women's Club
This club, currently celebrating 100 years of community service, meets for lunch, a program and a business meeting on the third Thursday of every month, Sept.-May, and on the first Thursday of June, at its clubhouse, 242 Linda Mesa Ave., Danville. For more information or to make a reservation to attend a meeting, call 837-1165.

Delta Nu Psi
Delta Nu Psi provides packages to troops in the War Zone. The group collects donations and puts together packages for the troops. For information, e-mail Alicia at [email protected] or visit www.deltanupsi.org.

Diablo Bonsai Club
This club meets at 7:30 p.m., on the second Tuesday of every month, in the Rotary Room, upper level, at the Garden Center at Heather Farms, Walnut Creek. The clubs library is open during its meetings. After the meeting, there is a class and workshop from 7:40-9:30 p.m. Visit http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/diablobonsai/pg2.html.

Friends of the Danville Library
Friends of the Danville Library are renewing annual memberships and recruiting new members to help support, raise funds and sponsor programs for the Danville library. There are many benefits of being a Friend including merchant discounts, volunteer opportunities and preview of book sales. Dues and donations are tax deductible. Application forms are at the library, 400 Front St. Call 837-4455.

GFWC Dublin/San Ramon Women's Club
This women's club meets at 10 a.m., on the third Thursday of every month, at the Shannon Community Center in Dublin. This group is an active non-profit organization involved in many community and volunteer activities and supports many charities including the cities of Dublin and San Ramon. For more information, contact Joan Ernst, publicity director, at [email protected] or visit www.dsrwomensclub.org.

Grandmothers Club
Grandmothers of all ages meet for lunch at 11 a.m., on the second Friday of every month, at the Brass Door, 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. If interested, contact Janice Ridge at 837-8007.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley
This club will meet at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.,), Thursday, Jan. 12 (no meeting in December), at the Swain House at Hap Magee Ranch Park, 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville. For more information, contact Post Commander Nathan Greene at 875-1747 or visit www.vfwpost75.org.

Events

Danville Farmers Market
The Danville Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., every Saturday at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, at the corner of Railroad and Prospect avenues. Call 825-9090 or visit www.pcfma.com.

San Ramon Farmers Market
The San Ramon Farmers� Market moves closer to the community as it nestles in at the new Bishop Ranch 2 location off of Sunset Drive, across the street from the Bishop Ranch shopping center. The market will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, May 7-Dec. 17. Visit www.sanramonfarmersmarket.org.

Tour of the Blackhawk Museum
Blackhawk Museum sponsors a docent-led tour of the museum's Renowned Exhibitions at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The tour is free with admission. For information, call 736-2280.

Visit the USS Hornet
Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet Museum, Alameda, CA Across the Bay from San Francisco (calendar listing) Across the Bay from San Francisco, take the family to visit the USS Hornet, a restored aircraft carrier in Alameda. The USS Hornet served in WWII and recovered the Apollo 11 astronauts. Tour the bridge, hangar deck, engine room, navigation bridge, captain's bridge, primary flight control, and flight deck, or ride the flight simulator. The Honret is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors; $12 for military and students with ID; $6 for youth ages 5-17; and children 5 years and younger are free. Parking is free. The USS Hornet is located at Pier 3, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda. Call (510) 521-8448 or visit www.uss-hornet.org.

Exhibits

'Gold Love of Finding Kind Love'
City of San Ramon will host an exhibit "Gold Love of Finding Kind Love" by Trevor Pawlak from Dec. 2-23, at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Art Gallery in the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. There will be an artist reception from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4. Visit www.sanramon.ca.gov.

'Surfaces: Selections' Closing Reception and Gift Sale
Town of Danville will host a closing reception and gift sale of the "Surfaces: Selections" art exhibit from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville. This gallery fundraising event will sure to delight and inspire unique gift ideas for friends and family. Call 314-3400 or visit www.villagetheatreartgallery.com.

National Watercolor Society Exhibit
Firehouse Arts Center will host the National Watercolor Society exhibit from Oct. 26-Dec. 10, at the center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. The gallery is open from noon-5 p.m., Wednesday-Friday and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. There will be an artists' reception from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29. The exhibit represents the best of water media painting and features a selection from its 90th annual exhibit. Admission is $5. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

Fundraisers

One Warm Coat
San Ramon Valley Rotary Club will host its annual One Warm Coat drive until Dec. 14. The club collects coats, sweaters and bedding for men, women, children and infants for distribution to local and East Bay charities for distribution. You can drop-off coats at the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd.; San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, 12667 Alcosta Blvd., Suite 160; San Ramon Valley Fire Department, 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road; ClubSport San Ramon, 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane; Has Beans, 2475 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon; Starbucks, 500 Market Place (by Nob Hill); Los Panchos Restaurant, 480 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville and 3104 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon; Bodylines Day Spa, 2330 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon; Comerica Bank, 3110 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon; Diablo Country Club, 1700 Club House Road, Diablo; Heritage Bank, 387 Diablo Road, Danville; Pascal's Cafe, 155 Railroad Ave., Danville; Bulgary Jewelry, 301 Hartz Ave., #107, Danville; Sweeney Kovar Financial, 3800 Blackhawk Road, Danville; Whole Foods Market, 100 Sunset Dr., San Ramon; Valley Import Center, 31G Beta Court, San Ramon; DVC-San Ramon Campus, 1690 Watermill Road (closed Saturdays); AAA Automobile Association/DMV, 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon; and the San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St. Visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com.

Garden/Home Tours

Seventh Annual Holiday Home Tour
Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host its seventh annual Holiday Home Tour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10, at five homes in Alamo, Diablo and Danville. Tickets are $30 per person if purchased by Dec. 1; $35 thereafter; tickets for seniors 65 years and older are $25 or $30 after Dec. 1. To order tickets, mail a check payable to: "Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW," along with a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: AAUW Holiday Home Tour, PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. Tickets will also be available after Nov. 7, at East Bay Flower Company; 206 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville (cash or checks only). Proceeds benefit AAUW and the scholarships it supports. E-mail [email protected].

Health

Open Gym
Town of Danville is offering Adult Open Gym from 6:45-9:15 a.m., Saturdays, at Los Cerros Middle School Community Gym, 968 Blemer Road, Danville. Drop-in fees are $4 for Danville residents, $5 for non-residents. Discounted 10-punch passes are available for $36 for Danville residents and $43 for non-residents. Call 314-3480.

Holiday

'Home for the Holiday's'
Come "Home for the Holidays" with the San Ramon Community Theater�s musical review at varies times, from Dec. 3-17, at Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. Lift your holiday spirits with music and story that will bring laughter and touch your heart. Tickets are $16 for adults; $13 for seniors and children; $11 for matinees. Call 973-2787 or visit www.sanramonperformingarts.com.

'Home for the Holidays'
San Ramon Community Theater will present "Home for the Holidays" from Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-17, at the Front Row Theater, 10711 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. Lift up your Christmas spirit with music and a story that will bring laughter and touch your heart. Tickets are $16 for adults; $12 for seniors and children; $11 all matinees. Visit www.sanramoncommunitytheater.org.

'Once Upon a Christmas'
Lareen Fender's The Ballet Joyeux presents "Once Upoon a Christmas" at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Visit Santa's workshop where all the elves are busy getting ready for Santa's journey around the world! Tickets are $25. Call 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.

Elf Workshop
Town of Danville will host an Elf Workshop from 9-11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St. Cost is $5 for residents; $6 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required; call 314-3400 or visit www.danvillerecguide.com.

Holiday Market at Forest Home Farms
Shop for unique gifts from over a dozen vendors at Forest Home Farms' Holiday Market from There will be sheep dog demonstrations, Victorian ornament making, tractor rides, carolers and a Victorian Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the farm, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Farm tours will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Glass House Museum tours will be held at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Tours are $5 per person per tour or $8 per person for both tours. Call 973-3200.

Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights
Hospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in its 25th annual Tree of Lights ceremonies to be held in 14 locations throughout Contra Costa in November and December. Local ceremonies include: 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at Danville's Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St. and a reception will follow; 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at the corner of Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Dr.; and at 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Alamo Women's Clubhouse, 1401 Danville Blvd. To sponsor a tree or to make a suggested donation of $25 per light, visit www.hospiceeastbay.org or send a tax-deductible check to Hospice of the East Bay, at 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Jeff Bordes Jazzy Soulful Christmas
With the spirit of Christmas, jazz trumpeter, Jeff Bordes, presents a holiday celebration of New Orleans swing band and soul of the blues, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 for adults; $20 for seniors; $12 for children. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

Messiah Sing-a-Long Choral Workshops
Plan to attend one or all of the free choral workshops and practice your part for the Messiah Sing-A-Long performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13, and from 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. The concert will be performed on Dec. 18. Call 973-3368.

Kids and Teens

After School Field Trips at the Farm
Forest Home Farms hosts after school field trips including Fun with Farm Animals, Behind-the-Scenes with Tractors, Dig in and Grow and Preschool Fun at the Farm. Field trips are for groups of five children or more and can be booked Monday-Friday by calling 973-3284. Cost is $5 per child.

Elf Workshop
Town of Danville will host an Elf Workshop from 9-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (register for only one workshop per child), Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St. Cost is $5 for residents; $6 for non-residents. Refreshments will be served while children create holiday crafts and get a chance to visit and take a photo with Santa. Call 314-3400 or visit www.danville.ca.gov.

Fratello Marionettes present Vaudeville Follies
Friends of the Danville will host Fratello Marionettes present Vaudeville Follies at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Danville Library, 400 Front St. Vaudeville Follies performers include Puddles the dog, Crepe Suzette the ballerina chicken and Pierrot who has a clever trick for you. This event is free. Call 837-4889.

Free Online Tutoring Available
Contra Costa County Library is offering free homework help from expert online tutors to students grade 4-12 and beginning college from 1-10 p.m., Monday-Friday, at http://ccclib.org

Meet Octopreztal
Octopreztal will create music for families at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at the Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. The music is comprised of original songs as well as tried and true traditional favorites. Tickets are $3 and both children and parents need them. Call 314-3400.

Miscellaneous

Discover and Go
Looking for something fun, educational, and free to do with the family? Contra Costa County Library announces its "Discover and Go" service providing library cardholders with free passes to local museums and cultural institutions. For more information, visit http://ccclib.org/discovergo.

2011 Annual Fund
American Red Cross asks residents to donate to the 2011 Annual Fund. This fund provides money for its compassionate volunteers need to respond to disasters, continue our lifesaving health and safety programs and more. To donate, visit www.redcross.org.

Adopt a New Best Friend
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) offers wonderful animals for adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most holidays. On Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., dogs and cats are available. For dates and times and other information, call TVAR at 803-7043 or visit its Web site at www.tvar.org.

Books for the Homebound Service
If you are a homebound individual living in the area and are unable to visit the Danville Library for materials, volunteers are able to deliver books to you. For more information, call Sandra Paiva at 837-4889.

Donations for Blue Star Moms Needed for Care Packages
Blue Star Moms depend on support and help to continue their mailings that they send all year long to our troops overseas. The group is also available to speak to community groups and school events about its programs to support the military here at home as well as the deployed troops. For more information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org.

Free Computer Instruction
The Danville Library is offering free computer instruction on Word, Excel, Powerpoint or the Internet by appointment only. To make an appointment, visit the Danville Library Information Desk or call 837-4889

Pharmaceuticals Drop-Off
Dougherty Valley Police Sub Station is accepting prescription and over-the-counter medications from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the station, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon. Never place medications down the toilets or drains because it can harm soil and water. Call 973-3300 or visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/recycle/harzard.html.

Recycle for Breast Cancer
Recycle for Breast Cancer is open seven days a week accepting free dropoffs for computers, monitors, cell phones, laptops, servers and TVs, at 31 Beta Ct., Suite C, San Ramon. Call 735-7203 or visit www.recycleforbreastcancer.org.

The Energy Primer for Kids
The Energy Primer for Kids is a 25-page booklet of simple facts pertaining to current energy issues and is useful for adults that are evaluating energy related claims of politicians. For a free copy, write to Synergy Institute, P.O. Box 561, San Ramon, CA 94583. A speaker is available for groups wishing to hear about the global warming propaganda. Call 837-7612.

On Stage

'Impressions of the Nutcracker'
San Ramon Valley Dance Academy will present "Impressions of the Nutcracker" including tap dancing Toy Soldiers, tumbling Chinese Tea and performers of all ages, at 2:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550 Albion Road, San Ramon. Tickets are $22 for adults; $19 for children and seniors. Call 837-4656 or visit www.srvda.com.

'Sleeping Beauty'
See this classic tale as portrayed in the comedic 'panto' style is filled with music, dance and magic, at 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10 and 16-17; 2 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10-11 and 17-18, at Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. Tickets are $10, $15 and $18 for adults; $6, $9 and $12 for children and seniors. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

A Christmas Carol
Back for its 14th year, see Center REP's production of "A Christmas Carol," a beloved holiday classic, at 8 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 8-18, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 943-7469 or visit www.centerrep.org.

Diablo Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Storytimes
Diablo Ballet dancers in costume will read the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd.; 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Rakestraw Books, 522 Hartz Ave., Danville; and at 1 p.m., Saturday Dec. 17, at Barnes & Noble, 1149 S. Main St., Walnut Creek. These storytimes are free. Call 943-1775.

Trapped in a Rumor Improv Comedy Show
Laugh out loud with the improv troupe Trapped in a Rumor at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. These unrehearsed, unprepared shows are fast-paced, funny, energetic and rated PG-13. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Call 314-3400 or visit www.villagetheatreshows.com.

Political Notes

Recreation

Trail Mixers
Get those hiking shoes ready just in time for the beautiful fall foliage at the Trail Mixer programs this fall starting on Saturday, Oct. 8. Registration for each Trail Mixer is required, but the program is still free; call 314-3400. The trail mixer on Oct. 8 will be at Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore; Nov. 12 at Round Valley Regional Preserve, Brentwood; and Dec. 10 at Sunol Regional Wilderness.

Seniors

Buzz Session: Eating During the Holidays
Town of Danville will host a buzz session on "Eat Through the Holidays without Gaining Weight" from 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville The presenter will be Shannon Williams, CNC, owner Successful Health & Nutrition Planning. Call 314-3400.

Classes at San Ramon Senior Center
The Senior Center offers over 30 hours of exercise each week and a variety of dance classes. There are fine art, craft, language and music classes, senior issue lectures, computer lab classes for Macs and PCs, and different exercise classes. The center is located at 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. For a list of classes, visit www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/programs/ages55+.htm. Costs vary. Call 973-3250.

Free Services for Seniors
Alcosta Senior and Community Center offers free services including legal counseling, HICAP (Medicare, health insurance and long-term care insurance counseling), resource for housing options, notary service, financial advice and computer tutoring. The center also hosts free blood pressure checks from 11 a.m.-noon, on the fourth Thursday of every month. The center is located at 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. For more information, call 973-3250 or visit www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/programs/senior/classes.

HICAP Appointments
The Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers its services free to anyone on Medicare or at least 60 years old with questions about health insurance coverage. Appointments are available by appointment; call 314-3400.

Lunch Program at San Ramon Senior Center
San Ramon Senior Center offers a lunch program for seniors from noon-1 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Participants must sign up by noon the day before they want the lunch. Options include a crab salad, hamburger or chef's salad everyday or what is on the lunch menu for that designated day. A deli bag option is also available which must be ordered on Wednesday for Friday pick-up. The center is located at 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. For more information or to place an order, call 973-3250.

Prime Time Ringers Handbell Class
Prime Time Ringers Handbell Class meets from 10-11 a.m., Tuesdays, in the back of Community Presbyterian Chuch's sanctuary, Danville. No previous experience is necessary. It is fun and it is free! Just bring a willingness to learn. Call Margaret Settle at 837-6371.

San Ramon Trailblazers
This new walking/hiking group, San Ramon Trailblazers, invites new members to join the group that meets once a month at various locations and is led by volunteer, Nido Paras. This is an adults only group; no pets are permitted. To get on the e-mail list, call 973-3250 or e-mail [email protected].

Senior Center Computer Programs
San Ramon Senior Center offers computer programs for seniors including introductory, intermediate and electronics communications classes with PC computers. The center is located at 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. To register or find out more information, call 973-3250 or visit www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/programs/senior/classes.

Senior Sneaker Trips
Town of Danville hosts Senior Sneaker Trips to different attractions throughout the area. For a list of dates, go to the Danville Community Center at 420 Front St., call 314-3400 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us.

Spiritual

Sports

Adult Open Gym Basketball
Town of Danville holds drop-in basketball year-round at the Los Cerros Middle School, 968 Blemer Road, for ages 18 and over. Drop-in times are 7:30-9 a.m., Saturdays. Bring your own ball. Cost is $3 for residents, $5 for non-residents. Call 314-3400.

Danville Tennis Club
This club meets at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville for drop-in play from 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings. This club is for men and women of 4.0 level or above (also strong 3.5). Join the club for teams and events. Visit http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/danvilletennisclub/.

San Ramon Basketball Open Gym
City of San Ramon offers basketball open gym for players 18 years and older from 7-10 p.m., Mondays, at Iron Horse Community Gym, 12601 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Cost is $4. Bring your own ball and photo ID. Call Steph Chu at 973-3268.

San Ramon Valley Tennis Club
This women's league is year round for both A and B players meeting for practice weekday mornings. Membership is $30 annually. For information, call Patty at 820-8131 or Tilma at 736-3626 or visit http://srvtc.blogspot.com.

Sunday Afternoon Badminton and Table Tennis
City of San Ramon offers badminton and table tennis for players 6 years and older from 9 a.m.-noon, Sundays, at Iron Horse Middle School, 12601 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Cost is $3 ($1 bills are preferred). Children under 18 years old should be accompanied by an adult. Three badminton courts and two table tennis tables are available for play. Players should bring their own equipment. Call Steph Chu at 973-3268.

Sunday Morning Badminton
City of San Ramon offers badminton for players 6 years and older from 9 a.m.-noon, Sundays, at Gale Ranch Middle School, 6400 Main Branch Rd., San Ramon. Cost is $3 ($1 bills are preferred). Six courts are available and players should bring their own equipment. Call Steph Chu at 973-3268.

Valley Stompers Softball Tryouts
Valley Stompers will host softball tryouts for 10U, 12U and 14U. Pitchers and catchers should arrive 30 minutes early, all other players arrive at posted times. Try-outs will be held from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10, at 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. If interested in playing, submit a "Show of Interest" form by visiting www.valleystompers.org.

Walnut Creek Tennis Club
WCTC is a free, co-ed tennis group for single adults of all ages and levels (primarily 2.5-3.5). It plays drop-in tennis from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays and Sundays at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. See information at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wctc/.

Support Groups

Hospice Offers Support
Hospice of the East Bay (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa) offers a variety of support groups and workshops for people experiencing grief and loss after the death of a loved one. All groups and classes are offered for a fee and require pre-registration. Fees are waived for those who cannot afford them. Call 887-5678, ext. 1068.

Newly Formed Proactive Group for Women
Support Group for FIBRO, CFF and Chronic Pain meets from 12:30-2:30 p.m., every other Wednesday. Call 234-5621 or e-mail [email protected].

Overeaters Anonymous
The group offers a 12-step approach to issues around food, overeating, anorexia and bulimia. There are many different groups that meet at different times and places, visit www.dvig.org.

Tri-Valley Parkinson's Support Group
The group meets from 10 a.m.-noon, on the second Saturday of every month, at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. The group provides peer support for Parkinson's patients and for their caregivers, families and friends. Call Norman or Jackie Bardsley at 831-9940.

Volunteering

Alamo Rotary I-680 Project
Alamo Rotary seeks volunteers to help with the clean-up of the I-680 off and on ramps at the Stone Valley Road interchange. But since Caltrans is working on I-680, all Adopt-a-Highway projects are required to be put on hold. To sign-up, visit www.alamorotary.org.

Animal Fosters Urgently Needed
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is looking for short-term fosters for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. ARF will provide the food, supplies and vet care; all you need to do is provide the love. Call 296-3173 or visit www.arf.net.

Anna's Program
The specialized program of Hospice of the East Bay, Anna's Program, is looking for dedicated and caring volunteers to provide companionship and practical support for women with recurrent breast cancer. To apply for free training, contact Vicki Smith at 887-5675 or e-mail [email protected].

Assistance League of Diablo Valley
This chapter of the National Assistance League seeks new volunteer members to help with a wide range of philanthropic service projects in many Contra Costa communities. These include vision screening in elementary schools, distributing clothing to school children in need, daily reassurance phone calls to homebound elderly and handicapped clients, and staffing the chapter's Lafayette thrift shop. Call 934-0901 or visit http://diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

Become a Glass House Museum Docent
Are you interested in the exciting new volunteer opportunities at the Glass House at Forest Home Farms Historic Park? The home is open for tours and a school age education program. Volunteers will be trained to lead a variety of tours, provide educational programs, participate in special events and assist with historic preservation. To sign-up, contact Dolores Pita at 829-4654 or [email protected].

Blackhawk Museum Docent Training
If you are interested in becoming a much appreciated part of the Blackhawk Museum family while contributing to your community, making new friends, learning new things, and having fun, become a docent! Call 736-2280, ext. 238.

Bruns House In-Patient Hospice
Bruns House In-Patient Hospice is seeking volunteers to fill two- to four-hour shifts during the weekdays and weekends. To apply for free training, call 887-5678 and ask for the volunteer department, or e-mail [email protected].

California Independent Film Festival Association
Support the Arts in the Tri-Valley by joining the California Independent Film Festival Association. The donation of the membership will support independent film events. For information, visit www.caindiefest.com.

CCI Volunteer Puppy Raising Program
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) are looking for special volunteers interested in raising a CCI puppy for 15-18 months and are now accepting applications. For information, call 1-800-572-BARK (572-2275) or visit www.cci.org.

Child Abuse Prevention Council
The Contra Costa County Child Abuse Prevention Council needs volunteer speakers for the community education program. Volunteers must complete a mandatory 24-hour speaker's training course. For information, call 946-9961.

Contra Costa Academy of Fine Art
The academy seeks new volunteers and members to help with tasks ranging from bookkeeping to recruiting instructors. The group meets noon-1 p.m., the second Friday of the month at Richard's Art & Craft Store, 225 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Call Beth Batchelor at 837-5654.

Friends of Discovery
The organization is looking for volunteers who can commit eight hours per month in the Thrift Station, 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Call the store at 820-1988.

Help Your Senior Neighbors
A lot of Danville seniors need rides to their appointments, stores or to special events. The Seniors' Club at Veterans Memorial Hall is looking for volunteers to provide rides on an "as-needed basis" on one or more Mondays a month. Call Jenn Overmoe at 314-3491 for more information.

Hospice of the East Bay
Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist hospice patients and their caregivers.� Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers. Opportunities include: volunteers who are fluent in Spanish; patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistanceto hospice patients and their caregivers; Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members after their loved one has died; Thrift Shop Volunteers to help in one of our six thrift shops (in Dublin, Alamo, Concord, Antioch, Danville, and Walnut Creek) by sorting, pricing, preparing and selling merchandise; and Vigil ProgramVolunteers who can sit with patients that are actively dying--who do not have family or friends available--to ensure that no one has to die alone! To apply for free training, call 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or e-mail [email protected].

Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Docents are needed to lead class tours, teaching children and others about our important connection with wildlife and the world we share. No experience needed. Call 627-2444 or visit www.wildlife-museum.org.

Make a Difference
Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living (RCJL) in Danville provides assisted living, Alzheimer's and skilled nursing care in a community our residents call home. Volunteers play a key role at RCJL and opportunities are available for students and adults. For information, call Volunteer Coordinator Irma at 964-2098.

Mt. Diablo State Park
Mt. Diablo State Park offers many interesting ways to volunteer by helping with trail maintenance, serving as a docent at one of the Visitors Centers, helping with the new native plants garden or working on the trash removal program. Training provided for all areas. Call 837-6129 or visit www.parks.ca.gov.

Museum of the San Ramon Valley
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley welcomes volunteers and has a current need for greeters who give three hours one day a month to welcome visitors to the museum, register their attendance, and give them an introductory tour of the Waiting Room and the Museum Store. Call Carmen Curtis at 837-9781 or the museum at 837-3750.

San Damiano Retreat
Opportunities abound for people of all ages and abilities at San Damiano. Sit and socialize while helping with mailings, enjoy solitude and meditation while cultivating the flower, vegetable and fruit gardens or lend your support to the front desk and gift shop. Call 837-9141, ext. 307 or visit www.sandamiano.org.

Save Mount Diablo's Diablo Restoration Team
Save Mount Diablo acquires land then turns it over to park agencies. Before that happens, though, volunteers do clean-up, fence building, trail construction, planting, watering and habitat restoration, creek clean-ups, non-native plant removal and other work projects. Come and join this crew on the fourth Saturday of every month. For more information, call 947-3535 or e-mail George at [email protected].

Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year round. The program provides required training including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass, tracking disaster response and search skills, and may additionally include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.

Senior Center Volunteers are Needed
San Ramon Senior Center can use the help of volunteers at the front desk, tutors for the Senior Scholar Program, special event assistants, kitchen helpers, van drivers, activity instructors, marketing and computers. For more information, call 973-3250.

Sheriff Seeks Senior Volunteers
The Sheriff's Valley Station Office in Alamo is seeking people interested in assisting law enforcement in the community. Citizens should have a clean criminal history and would be responsible for one shift a week for four-and-a-half hours. Interested applicants should call James Hogan or Elmer Glasser at 837-2902.

Trails Maintenance
East Bay Trail Dogs is an all-volunteer group that has built, repaired and helped maintain single-track trails in the East Bay Regional Park District, the Mt. Diablo State Park, and Walnut Creek open space. Volunteers meet the fourth Saturday and one weekday each month. To participate, call Harry at 443-3925.

Volunteer Drives Needed for the Senior Support Program
Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley is looking for volunteer drivers to transport seniors to their medical appointments. Volunteers must have a valid driver�s license, a registered vehicle, carry automobile liability insurance, and have a clear DMV record. To sign up, call Jennifer Cullen at 931-5387 or e-mail [email protected].