Events Listings

THURSDAY, DEC. 17 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: StairMaster Without the Gym A vigorous pre-holiday calorie burner, fast paced with a lot of steps and great views. Includes the newly opened Northgate Path. Meet at 10 a.m. at Walnut St. adjacent to the Berryman Path. 520-3876. www.berkeleypaths.org 

Community Menorah Lighting with live music and activities for children at 5 p.m. at CB2, 1730 Fourth St. Sponsored by Chabad of the East Bay. 540-5824. www.chabadberkeley.org 

Climate Change, Agro-biodiversity and Food Security “The Value of Traditional Seeds in an Unstable World” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Donations benefit the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in West Bengal, India. 548-4915. 

GRIP Greater Richmond Interfaith Program Open House & Video Preview from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 165 22nd St., Richmond. Holiday donations to end homelessness hunger during the recession can be made on-line at www.gripcommunity.org 

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

Simplicity Forum What did you learn in 2009 and what are you planning for 2010? At 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby. 

Free Small Business Seminar “Successful Business Plans” from 2 to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Register in advance at www.acsbdc.org 

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, DEC. 18 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Doug Long, Chief Curator of Natural Sciences, Oakland Museum on “The Fascinating World of Evolutionary Biology: Oakland Museum’s New Hotspot California” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $15, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. 527-2173. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Say NO to War! Bring our troops home now! Come Rally for Peace! From 2 to 3 p.m. at the corner of Action and University. 841-4143. 

Not Jewish Enough? Hanukah Sheds New Light on This Question at 6:15 p.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. First-time participants, potluck contribution or $7, RSVP required. www.jewishgateways.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, DEC. 19 

2020 Vision for Berkeley’s Children and Youth Initiative Community Meeting at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Technology Academy auditorium, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Childcare provided. 845-7103. www.berkeleyalliance.org. 

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Fair, with music, crafts and organic produce and lunches, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. www.ecologycenter.org 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

Night Before Christmas Party to celebrate the joy of reading with Kwanzaa and Christmas stories, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rebecca’s Books, 3268 Adeline St. 852-4768. 

Uruhu Pies Benefit for the African Village Survival Initiative will be sold Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Solano Ave., College Ave. and Grand Ave. Safeways. Pies include all-natural apple crumb, vegan blackberry, traditional pecan, sweet potato or pumpkin pie and are $12-$20. You can also donate your pie and Uhuru Pies will deliver to a local shelter serving holiday meals. 625-1106. uhurupies.org  

Santa on Solano Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m. at Albany Chamber of Commerce, 1108 Solano Ave. 527-5358. albanychamer.org 

Hanukah Celebration for Young Children at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways, 409 Liberty St., El Cerrito. Free for first-time participants, RSVP required. www.jewishgateways.org 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios Sat. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Fo map see www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Holidays at Dunsmuir Walk back in time through a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Weekends though Dec. 20. For details see www.dunsmuir.org 

Box It, Bag It, Wrap It Family workshop to make gift bags and wrapping paper, Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda Farmers’ market, Haight Ave. and Webster St., Alameda. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Origami Workshop Learn how to make a variety of holiday stars, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

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.  

Twas the Night Before Chirstmas Celebration at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 932-8966. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 20 

Women on Common Ground Winter Solstice Walk Join a hike to Wildcat Peak, returning to the Tilden Nature Center to a warm fire and hot cider, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For information call 544-2233. 

Winter Solstice Gathering Rain or shine at 4:05 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park, Interim Solar Calendar, Berkeley Marina. www.solarcalendar.org 

Singing through the Dark A winter solstice ritual for women at 8 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut. Donstion $10. 464-4640. 

Sing-along Messiah at 4 p.m. at St David of Wales Church, 5641 Esmond Ave, Richmond. Suggested donation $20 per family. 237-1531. 

Art of the Winter-Tide for Young Children with crafts and a story at 11 a.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. 705-2849. 

Personal Theology Seminars with Jeremy Taylor on “Social Class, Dreams, and the Nature of Paradox” 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.  

MONDAY, DEC. 21 

Winter Solstice Walk in Tilden Nature Area from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Bring seasonal stories, poetry or music to share. 544-2233. 

Free Drop-in Knitting Group from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

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, DEC. 22 

Gingerbread House Party from 9:30 a..m. to 12:30 p.m. at Habitot Children's Museum, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Convio, Inc., 2855 Telegraph Ave. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Oakland Hilton, Hotel Ballroom, One Heggenberger Rd., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

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 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. 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 always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

Uruhu Pies Benefit for the African Village Survival Initiative will be sold Wed. and Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Solano Ave., College Ave. and Grand Ave. Safeways. Pies include all-natural apple crumb, vegan blackberry, traditional pecan, sweet potato or pumpkin pie and are $12-$20. You can also donate your pie and Uhuru Pies will deliver to a local shelter serving holiday meals. 625-1106. uhurupies.org  

“Coral Seas” documentary at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

One-on-one Computer Training Sign up for a free 30 min session at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Family Sing Along at 4:40 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

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. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 24 

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, street artists, merchants and community groups, on Telegraph between Bancroft and Dwight. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 

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, DEC. 26 

Ring in the New Family workshop to make noisemakers and party hats, Sat. and Sun. from 1 to 3 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 9th St., Oakland. Cost is $3-$7. 465-8770. www.mocha.org  

Rendezvous with a Reptile Learn about the reptiles that call Tilden home, and meet some up close, from 11 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area. 544-2233. 

Close the Farm Say goodnight to the animals from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Little Farm, Tilden Park. 544-2233. 

Winter Wonderland at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Cost is $10-$15. 932-8966. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org 

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, DEC. 27 

Rendezvous with a Reptile Learn about the reptiles that call Tilden home, and meet some up close, from 11 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area. 544-2233. 

Tending the Winter Heirloom Garden Join us for winter chores in the garden and take home some sprouts to prepare for spring, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. For ages five and up. 544-2233. 

Personal Theology Seminars “Canticle to the Cosmos, Vol. 11 The Primeval Fireball” 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 

MONDAY, DEC. 28 

Kensington Book Club meets to discuss “Everyman” by Philip Roth at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. 524-3043. 

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, DEC. 29 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Miller Knox Regional Shoreline. Bring water, field guides, binoculars or scopes. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 544-3265. 

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

Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente, Dining Conference Room, 1950 Franklin St., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.helpsavealife.org 

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. 

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 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. 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 always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30 

“Frozen Seas” A documentary at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

One-on-one Computer Training Sign up for a free 30 min session at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720, ext. 5. 

Family Sing Along at 4:40 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave., at Masonic. 526-3720. 

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 CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 31 

Nothing Holding Me Back! Bury dead dreams, dashed hopes, old habits and grudges at a fun funeral sing-along from 3 to 5 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $35-$95. Proceeds will benefit Bay Area organizations dedicated to positively transforming lives and communities. 260 -6279. 

“Dance Like A Star” New Year’s Eve Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. aboard the USS Hornet at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. Tickets are $48-$90. 521-8448, ext. 282. www.uss-hornet.org 

Circle of Concern Vigil meets on West Lawn of UC campus across from Addison and Oxford, Thurs. at noon and Sun. at 1 p.m. to oppose UC weapons labs contracts. 848-8055. 

ONGOING 

Food Donations for the Homeless and Hungry From Dec. 14 to Dec. 23 please drop off food donations to Berkeley Food & Housing Project at 2362 Bancroft Way. Please, first contact Wanda Williams at 649-4965, ext. 506. wwilliams@bfhp.org