Events Listings

THURSDAY, JAN. 7 

West Branch Library Project Meet the architects and discuss the rennovation plans at 6:30 p.m. at West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave. 981-6195. 

Native Plant Propagation Join a friendly group of volunteers to propagate and maintain plants for the Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s plant sales. The group meets at the garden in the Potting Shed area of the Juniper Lodge building on Thursday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Botanic Gardens in Tilden Park. 544-3169. www.nativeplants.org/ 

propagate.html. 

“Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Mathaai” Film about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement in Kenya to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy, at 7:30 p.m., followed by discussion at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. Donation $5. 681-8699. www.humanisthall.net 

Windrush School K-8 Information Night Meet faculty, parents, and our Head of School, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 1800 Elm St., El Cerrito. 970-7580. www.windrush.org 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Center Foyer, 300 Lakeside Drive., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

FRIDAY, JAN. 8 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with James A. Martin, photographer and author on ”Islands of the San Francisco Bay” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“They Killed Sister Dorothy” A documentary of the life and death of American nun, Sr. Dorothy Stang, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Chapel, 1640 Addison St. Free. 499-0537. 

“The Hospital at the End of the World” a presentation by Joe Niemczura on a hospital in Nepal, at noon at Taste of the Himalayas, 1700 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10, buffet lunch included. 849-4983. 

Womensong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women, with Kate Munger, at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donatoin $15-$20. betsy@betsyrosemusic.org 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, JAN. 9 

EcoHouse Workshop: Fruit Trees 101 with Winter Pruning An introductory class from 10 a.m. to noon at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St. Enter via garden entrance on Peralta. Cost is $10-$15. To register call 548-2220 ext. 239.  

Rabbit Adoption Fair Start the year off right with a new house bunny, from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

“What’s in a Pellet?” Have you wondered what owls eat for dinner? They swallow their prey but can?t digest it all. Join us for a pellet dissection and see what bones we find! For ages 7-12 at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757.  

New Year’s Potluck Lunch with Slow Food Berkeley from noon to 3 p.m. at Berkeley Adult School, 1701 San Pablo Ave. Bring a dish to share, donation to The Bread Project is suggested. RSVP to events@slowfoodberkeley.com 

“The Fight For Our Very Breath: Some Lessons From The Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change” at 2 p.m. at Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library for Social Research, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, bet. Alcatraz and 66th. Recommended readings are available at the library. 595-7417. www.marxistlibr.org  

Peralta House Tours California history and the stories of today’s Fruitvale community from 2 to 4 p.m. at Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th St., Oakland. Free. www.peraltahacienda.org 

San Francisco Girls Chorus Auditions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. For information call 415-863-1752, ext. 333. sfgirlschorus.org 

Game Day at the Albany Library with board and Wii games from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

Free Family Dance Class from 10 a.m. to noon at Luna Kids Dance, The Sawtooth Building, 2525 8th St. 644-3629. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, JAN. 10 

“Lichen 101” Fruticose, Foliose, or Crustose? Come learn some interesting facts about the three main types of these composite organisms on a short interpretive hike. For ages 18 and up at 2 p.m. at tilden nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

“Obama’s War” The PBS documentary followed by discussion with Conn Hallinan at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. Sponsored by Grandmothers Against the War. 

Old Time Radio East Bay Collectors and listeners gather to enjoy shows together at 4 p.m. at a private home in Berkeley. For more information please email DavidinBerkeley at Yahoo. 

California Writers Club Memoir Workshop with Marilyn Abildskov, at 10 a.m. Cost is $9-$29. For details on location and to register contact cwcworkshops@gmail.com 

Berkeley Rep Sunday Sampler of winter session classes for children, teens and adults at 1 p.m. at 2071 Addison St. 647-2972. berkeleyrep.org 

Personal Theology Seminars with Barbara A. McGraw on “America’s Sacred Ground and the Market Place” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

A Jewish Celebration of Trees for Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. RSVP required. 559-8140. rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org 

Bagel Brunch with Noah Alper, founder of Noah’s Bagels at 10 a.m. at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Donation $7.50-$10. www.kolhadash.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “Emotions, Intellegence, and the Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

MONDAY, JAN. 11 

“Environmental Ethics” with Bob Traer at 12:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

KPFA Local Station Board meets at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. The public is invited and can participate during Public Comments. 

Contra Costa Chorale will be accepting new singers, all voice parts and levels of expertise. Rehearsals begin at 7:15 p.m. at Hillside Comunity Church 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito. 527-2026. www.ccchorale.org 

Stagebridge Classes in acting, improv, storytelling, musical theatre, playwriting, scenic design, singing, tango and more, begin at Stagebridge, 2501 Harrison St., at 27th St., Oakland. For adults 50+. Cost varies, scholarships available. To register call 444-4755. www.stagebridge.org  

Free Drop-in Beginning Computer Class, Mon. at 6 p.m. and Thurs. at 10 a.m. at bekeley Public Library, 3rd flr., 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6148. 

Write to Read Adult Literacy Program Classes begin at Alameda County Library, 2450 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont. Free, but registration required. 745-1480. 

“What You Need to Know Before You Build or Remodel” with architect Andus Brandt, at 7 p.m. at Building Education Center, 812 Page St. 525-7610. 

Drop-in Knitting Group for all ages from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

East Bay Track Club for ages 3-14 meets at 6 p.m. at the running track of Berkeley High School. For more information call Coach Walker at 776-7451. 

TUESDAY, JAN. 12 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Open House at 10 a.m. at Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St. 642-9934. olli.berkeley.edu 

“Dream Exploration” with Marcia Emery at 2 p.m. at Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, behind library. 559-7677.  

“Unresolved Contradictions, Driving Forces for Revolution” Part 2 of a talk by Bob Avakian at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

Family Storytime, for ages preschool and up, at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Learn How to Tune & Wax Your Skiis/Snowboard at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Homework Help at the Albany Library for students in grades 2 - 6, Tues. and Thurs. from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Emphasis on math and writing skills. No registration is required. For more information, call 526-3720. 

Homework Help Program at the Richmond Public Library Tues. and Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 325 Civic Center Plaza. For more information or to enroll, call 620-6557. 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 

North Branch Library Project Meet the architects and discuss the rennovation plans at the Board of Library Trustees Meeting at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 981-6195. 

“When Medicine Got It Wrong” A documentary on the treatment of schizophrenia at 7 p.m. at Wildwood School, 301 Wildwood Ave., Piedmont. Sponsored y Piedmont Diversity Film Series. diversityfilmseries.org 

“The Trap” A documentary by Adam Curtis on the rise of game theory during the Cold War, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland State Building, Training Room 1, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

One-on-one Computer Training from noon to 1 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. Sign up in advance. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Poetry Writing Workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Sing-Along with Dale Boland for toddlers and their families, Weds. at 4:30 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www. 

geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, JAN. 14 

“Bonding with Pets” at 2 p.m. at Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, behind library. 559-7677. 

Native Plant Propagation Join a friendly group of volunteers to propagate and maintain plants for the Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s plant sales. The group meets at the garden in the Potting Shed area of the Juniper Lodge building on Thursday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Botanic Gardens in Tilden Park. 544-3169. www.nativeplants.org/ 

propagate.html. 

City of Berkeley Marina Volunteer Program Learn about the history of the Bay, marine habitats, Bayshore plant and animal life and how to teach children creatively and have fun. The training will take place at the Shorebird Nature Center at the Berkeley Marina. Sessions begin Jan. 14 and continue through March. For details call 981-6720. www.cityofberkeley.info/marina 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oakland Police Dept. Lobby, 455 Seventh St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Babies and Toddlers Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

Free Drop-in Beginning Computer Class, Mon. at 6 p.m. and Thurs. at 10 a.m. at bekeley Public Library, 3rd flr., 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6148. 

Homework Center for grades 2-6 Tues. and Thurs. from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5 

Community Yoga Class: Gentle Yoga, Thurs. at 10 a.m. at James Kenney Parks and Recreation Center, 8th St. and Virginia. Cost is $6. Mats provided. 207-4501. 

FRIDAY, JAN. 15 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Bert Lubin, MD on “The Latest News about Stem Cell Research and Its Promise to Families of the World.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

“Israel and Nuclear Weapons” with John Steinbach at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Donation $10-$15. 841-4824. www.bfuu.org 

“What Makes Someone A Jew?” at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Cost is $7 or potluck contribution. RSVP to Rabbi Bridget 559-8140. 

Meditation 1: Practice of the Body at 7 p.m. at Center for Transformative Change, 2584 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. 549-3733, ext. 0. 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Stand With Us Stand for Peace Stand with Israel vigil every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. www.sfvoiceforisrael.org 

SATURDAY, JAN. 16 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that call the Nature Area home. Meet a few up close and personal at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

“Mr. Potato Head Beauty Pageant” Create your own potato personality from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. All ages welcome. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Small Animal Adoption Day with rats, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 1 to 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Winter Storytime for pre-schoolers and their families at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720. 

Origami Workshop Learn to make a Chinese dragon from 2 to 4 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., Albany. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lawn Bowling on the green at the corner of Acton St. and Bancroft Way every Wed. and Sat. at 10 a.m. for ages 12 and up. Wear flat soled shoes, no heels. Free lessons. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, JAN. 17 

Life Under Logs Can you imagine living under a dark, damp fallen tree? Who would your neighbors be? Get up-close and personal with these critters while investigating this micro-habitat. For ages 5-12 at 2 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Botanical Art Walk at 1 p.m. at UC Botanical Garden. Cost is $10-$12. Registration required. 643-2755. 

California Writers Club meets to discuss “Book Selling and Book Buying-–for Today and  the Future” with Hut Landon, Executive Director, Northern California Independent Booksellers Association at 1:30 p.m. at West Auditorium, Oakland Public Library, 125 14th St., Oakland. Free. 238-3134. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Hana Matt on “Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism” at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. at 2 p.m. and Sun. at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org