The best of what's happening on the Midpeninsula

Opening

Mixed media paintings by Dolly Cahill Johnson will be exhibited at the new Palo Alto Mission of the Church of Scientology opening Feb. 18 and running through April 13. The exhibit will coincide with the grand opening of the Mission and will be the first of the bi-monthly shows to be displayed. The Mission will open its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7:30-10 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 410 Cambridge Ave., Suite C, Palo Alto. Call 853-0602.

Mindscape, the Abstract World of Unconsciousness Mixed-media paintings and prints by Yunsun Lee opens Feb. 19 and runs through March 25 at the Center for Integrated Systems Building and School of Engineering, Terman Building, Stanford University. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-3622.

Continuing

The Ocean Refuses No Rivers by Naomi Wells is on exhibit through March 15 at the Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 494-0972.

Original watercolors by Susan Kraft Running through the end of February at Great American Framing Gallery, 229 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Call 493-7742.

Oil paintings by Palo Alto artists Adrienne Gillespie and Risa Hackett on display through Feb. 29 at Great Western Bank, 2846 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monotypes and Valentines by Carollee Williams-Schuegraf Through Feb. 29, Elizabeth Norton Gallery of the Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Collages by Helen Kang On display at Cook Book Restaurant, 127 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. The exhibit will run through April 21. Call 321-7500.

Original handmade dolls by Margie Dayman On display through Feb. 28 at Expressions, 252 Main St., Los Altos. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 941-3443.

Carnival Dreams and The Chaos Game Two exhibits featuring oil paintings by Pavel Tayber and large scale computer graphics by Michael McGuire running through Feb. 24 at Gallery House, 538 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays until 9 p.m. Call 326-1668.

Kinshasa, The Walls Which Speak Photographs of Kinshasa, Zaire, by Philippe Parisel. Running through March 12 at the School of Humanities and Sciences, Bldg. 1, Stanford University. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-3622.

Watercolors by Carol Mead An exhibit of watercolor paintings of local scenes and architecture of California. Running through March at Los Altos Hills Town Hall Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills. Exhibit hours Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Call 941-7222.

Palo Alto Cultural Center Presents two exhibitions running through April 21. The first is by artist Larry Thomas, featuring the artist's mural-scale drawings on paper using pure pigments and charcoal, as well as his intimate-scale silver point drawings on prepared panels. The second is "The Essential Object," presenting contemporary abstract sculpture referencing either biomorphic forms or utilitarian tools. Palo Alto Cultural Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. Exhibit hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 7-9 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call 329-2366.

Picturing the Future: American Modernism from the Lois Q. Spreckels Collection A selection of 20th-century American paintings running through April 28 at the Stanford University Art Gallery, Serra Street near Hoover Tower, Stanford University. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Call 723-4177.

Photographs by Brett Weston An exhibit of photographic works covering the years between 1940 and 1981. Running through Feb. 17 at The Photographer's Gallery, 536 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Call 328-0662.

The Enduring Illusion: Photographs from the Stanford University Museum of Art Featuring 100 pieces selected from the Museum's collection of more than 3,000 photographs. Running through April 28 at the Stanford University Art Gallery, Serra Street, near Hoover Tower, Stanford University. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Call 723-4177.

Robert Aichele Fine Arts The first exhibition of 1996 will feature paintings by Maurice Logan and works on paper by Joseph Yoakum. Running through Feb. 17. Gallery hours, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, at 1618 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 462-9030.

Watercolor Members of Leona Moriarty's watercolor class at Little House are showing their work in the Little House Gallery, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. The exhibit will run through February. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Call 326-2025.

Gallery House Juried Show An exhibition of works by more than 50 artists from all over California. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Gallery House, 538 Ramona St., Palo Alto. Call 326-1668.

Vladimirov's Russia Impressions of the early days under Bolshevik rule, by Ivan Vladimirov. Through March 1, Herbert Hoover Memorial Exhibit Pavilion, Stanford University. Free. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 723-3563.

Anderson Collection of Contemporary Art Free docent-led tours of the private collection of works by some of the major post-World War II artists (David Park, Richard Diebenkorn, Sam Francis, David Gilhooly and Richard Arneson, among others) are offered the third Thursday of each month. The collection is housed at Quadrus, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. Call 854-5160. (Note: Through Feb. 28, a selection of works from the Anderson Collection are on display at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. Call (408) 247-9340.)

Off the Wall Art Sale The Portola Valley Art Gallery will be selling works by 14 Bay Area artists including jewelry, pine needle baskets, sculpture, photography, pottery, pastels, illustrations and more. The sale runs through Feb. 27 at the Gallery, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Hours are Wednesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 581-0332.

Contests

A Voice for Animals Essay Contest The Humane Education Network of Menlo Park is holding its sixth annual contest. The contest is open to all high school students, with prizes awarded those essays that best promote the humane treatment of animals in the United States. First prize is $500, second $250, and third $100. Deadline for submission of entries is March 13. For an official entry form call 854-8921.

Classes

First Aid Herbal Gardening This class will cover growing, harvesting, and making basic herbal remedies. Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Common Ground, 2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. $30. Call 328-6752.

How to Land an International Job Feb. 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Career Action Center, 445 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto. $35 members; $50 for non-members. Call 324-1710.

Dairy-Free Vegetarian Cooking Learn to prepare delicious dairy-free meals in this class held four Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 21, 6:30-9 p.m. at Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road, Room 103, Palo Alto. $45 plus $28 for food costs. Call 329-3752.

Palo Alto Cultural Center Spring Art Classes The center offers an assortment of classes from ceramics to calligraphy, jewelry making, painting, drawing and collage. Mail-in registration begins Feb. 21. Walk-in registration begins March 8. Spring classes begin April 15 and run through June 24. The Palo Alto Cultural Center is located at 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. Call 329-2366 for a class schedule.

Love & Logic for Dads This class will cover techniques and how-to's for dads to learn new parenting behaviors. Feb. 22 and 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 7:30-9 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 330 Ravenswood Ave., Menlo Park. $30 donation. Call 326-2083, ext. 14.

Trends and Opportunities in Telecommunications Feb. 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Career Action Center, 445 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto. $35 members; $50 for non-members. Call 324-1710.

Low Cost and No Cost Business Information Resources Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Career Action Center, 445 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto. $75 members; $90 for non-members. Call 324-1710.

Gryphon Stringed Instruments offers individual lessons and group classes for guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, harp, dulcimer, bass, and violin at its store located at 211 Lambert Ave., Palo Alto. The new series of group classes begins the week of March 25. Call 493-2131.

Computer Training Courses Courses range from beginning level Macintosh usage, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, multimedia, and Internet to intermediate and advanced levels at Learnarium, 4600 El Camino Real, Suite 104, Los Altos. $20 per hour. Call 948-7888.

Stanford University Continuing Studies Program Classes are available in a variety of topics for both 10-week and 5-week sessions. Tuition is $135-$145 per unit. Register now. Classes begin April 1. Call 725-2650 for a catalog.

Chinese Calligraphy for Beginners Lessons in Chinese calligraphy will be offered the first Saturday of each month 10-11 a.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.

Polymer Clay Classes Learn complex geometric cane techniques to make polymer clay beads, buttons & jewelry. Beginning class March 2, noon-4:30 p.m. Advanced Geometric Canes class March 23, noon-4:30 p.m. $40 plus materials per class at The Artifactory, 226 Hamilton (between Emerson & Ramona), Palo Alto. Call Dotty at 968-1981.

Computer Training Classes Learn how to use the computer to create newsletters, play with photos, scan images for Web pages, or build 3D scenes. The Creative Computer Workshop offers small classes where each person has their own workstation using Power Macintosh 8100/80 and Pentium PC workstations, Wacom drawing tablets and NEC 21-inch monitors. Most classes meet one afternoon or evening; a few meet two or more times. The Creative Computer Workshop is located at 145 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Call 328-5048.

Relationships with Children Discover your ability to create mutually nurturing, trusting relationships with children of all ages. Led by Connie Allen, M.A., this four-session class is held Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. Call 493-9384.

Internet ABC's In this ongoing workshop, learn to surf the net, send e-mail and download files. Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m. at Media City, 526 Bryant St., Palo Alto. $25 admission. Learn Netscape Navigator 2.0 Feb. 20, 7-10 p.m. $49. Reservations requested. Call 800-572-6334.

Constance Wise Productions offers Beginning Improvisation and Acting, Wed. 7:30-9 p.m.; Advanced Acting and Improvisation, Tuesdays 7-10 p.m. and Voice and Diction for Public-Speaking, Wednesdays 5:45-6:45 p.m. Classes meet in Palo Alto. Call 326-0556.

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.

Drum Jamshop and Dance Classes with Cherry Gilbert and Robert Bornn, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-8 p.m. $8. On Fridays, the $8 includes admission to "Drummers and Dancers in a Jam," a drum jam session is held Fridays from 8-9:30 p.m. $3. Palo Alto Baylands Boathouse. Call 323-1946.

Congolese African Drumming meets Tuesdays 7:30-10 p.m., Peninsula School, Menlo Park. $10. Call 325-1566.

Computer Training Courses range from beginning level Macintosh usage to word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and multimedia to intermediate and advanced levels at Learnarium, 4149 El Camino Way, Palo Alto. $20 an hour. Call 856-2378.

Immerse your child in Japanese culture Registration is underway for the 15th annual session of Medaka no Gakko, a Japanese cultural summer program for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. The program features arts and crafts, language, music, cooking, social studies, literature, and physical exercise. Professional artists demonstrate such aspects of Japanese tradition as painting, taiko drums, and martial arts. The program runs June 17-28, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Call 494-1733.

Readings

Kepler's Books Feb. 16: E.J. Dionne Jr. will read from "They Only Look Dead." Feb. 20: Margaret Livesey will read from "Criminals." Feb. 27: Marilyn Wallace & Gillian Roberts will read from "Lost Angel" and "In the Dead of Summer." All readings begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321.

Printers Inc. Feb. 20: Helen Cassidy Page, John Speer Schroder, M.D., & Tara Coughlin Dickson, M.S., R.D., will discuss "The Stanford Life Plan for a Healthy Heart." Feb. 22: David Filo will read from "Yahoo! Unplugged: Your Discovery Guide to the Web." Feb. 27: Lyall Watson will read from "Dark Nature: A Natural History of Evil." All readings begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 310 California Ave., Palo Alto. Call 327-6500.

Stanford Bookstore Poet and Stanford Professor Eavan Boland will read from her work Feb. 21, 7 p.m. at the Stanford Bookstore. Call 725-1208.

Seniors

Computer Learning Center of the Senior Coordinating Council will offer Mac and PC classes Feb. 20-23, for those 50 and older. The classes will cover graphics, PC basics on Windows 95, Intermediate Windows 95, and Personal Finance. The classes will be held at the Senior Center of Palo Alto, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Call 327-2811.

Healthwise for Life Workshop for adults 50 and older. Learn to recognize health problems, communicate with doctors, and take part in health care decisions Feb. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center of Palo Alto. No fee. Call 327-2811.

Senior Luncheon Program at First Presbyterian Church meets the second Saturday of every month at, 11 a.m., 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto. $2 donation. Call 325-5659 for reservations.

Income tax preparation assistance Every Tuesday, 12:30-5 p.m., through April 4 at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. There is no fee but reservations are necessary. Call 326-2025.

Health Screenings at the Senior Center of Palo Alto Blood pressure screening every Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dental screening Feb. 20, 2:15 p.m. Audiology screening Feb. 22, 10 a.m. Appointments may be made at the front desk at the Senior Center of Palo Alto, 353 University Ave., Palo Alto, or by calling 327-2811, ext. 11. No appointments necessary for blood pressure screening.

Free income tax help for low- and moderate-income persons 60 and older or disabled is available Fridays, through April 12, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center of Palo Alto, 425 Bryant St., Palo Alto.

Caring for an Older Spouse An ongoing group that meets twice a month on Tuesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Senior Center of Palo Alto. Newcomers are welcome to share in mutual support and practical advice. Call Mimi Goodrich at 327-2811 for dates and more information.

Senior Friendship Days The Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, hosts Senior Friendship Day every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Events include exercise and craft classes, dancing, English conversation classes and more. Call Betsy Dickie at 856-7750.

Mitchell Park Senior Dancers meet Fridays 7:45-10:15 p.m at 3800 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Enjoy ballroom dancing on hardwood floor to a live band. Music from the '30s, '40s and '50s. $4. Call 326-1483.

Senior Programs presented by Lehrhaus Judaica and the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center All programs at 12:30 p.m. in the Senior Community Room at the JCC, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. $6 general; $4 JCC members. Call 493-9400.

Senior Touch Half-hour massages are the newest addition to the services offered by the Senior Center of Palo Alto. Appointments will be scheduled every Wednesday from 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 353 University Ave., Palo Alto. $10. Call 327-2811.

Armchair Opera at Little House The monthly series of opera will present "Candide," a video presentation with commentary. Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m. at Little House auditorium, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 326-2025.

Brush up on your Bridge An eight-week series of Bridge classes will begin Feb. 22, 1-3 p.m. at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. $10. Call Jackie Scaroni at 854-3600.

Sunday Programs at Little House All programs begin at 1:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Feb. 18: Pianist John Bergues. Feb. 25: Pianist Renee Chevalier. Call 326-2025.

Monday Movies at Little House Members and friends of Little House are welcome to attend the movies on Mondays at 1 p.m. in the auditorium at 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Feb. 19: No movie. Feb. 26: "Pocahantas." Call 326-2025.

Hiking with Little House Join Nancy Hawtrey as she leads 3-5 mile hikes on Mondays through the parks in the Bay Area. All hikes depart from Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park at 9 a.m. and return by 3 p.m. $45 for three hikes, $20 for a single hike. Transportation is by chartered bus. Feb. 26: Tennessee Valley. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lunch and water. Call 326-2025.

Senior Home Repair Low-cost electrical, plumbing, painting, furnace and handyman repairs for all Palo Alto/Stanford homeowners 55 and older. Subsidies for low-income seniors. A service of the Senior Coordinating Council of the Palo Alto Area (SCC). Call 327-2811, ext. 25.

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.

Film

The French Cine Club of Palo Alto Films shown at 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center Auditorium, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. $6 general, $4 members, seniors and children under 12. Discussion with refreshments follows each film. Feb. 28: "Le Colonel Chabert." Call 329-2366 or 325-3831.

The Great East European Film Classics Feb. 18: "The Shop on Main Street." Films shown at 4 p.m. at the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. $3 seniors and students, $4 JCC members, $5 non-members. Call 493-9400.

Sports

Stanford campus walk and run Meets the fourth Sunday at the Track House, Angell Field just west of Stanford Stadium on Galvez Street at 8:45 a.m., leave at 9 a.m. There is an easy walk option. Call Mildred King at 328-7225.

Palo Alto Masters swim meets the last Sunday of every month at Rinconada Masters Swim Club, 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, at 10:30 a.m. Swim from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Call 323-6160 or 329-2351.

East Palo Alto/East Menlo Park Tee-Ball Pitching Machine sign-up Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Jack Farrell Park.

Singles

Singles Supper Club Chinese New Year banquet and dance Feb. 16 at Ming's Villa in Palo Alto. $37 members; $52 guests. Reservations are required. Call Barbara at 327-4645.

Chinese New Year Dinner Dance with Heart to Heart Dining Club Feb. 23 at Ming's Villa in Palo Alto. $59 non-members; $49 members. Call Sovy Medved at 946-3000 for reservations.

Sephardic/Ladino recording artist Judy Frankel gives a concert Feb. 25, Congretation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. An egalitarian minyan begins at 7:45 p.m.; concert starts at 8:15 p.m. Dessert follows. A presentation of Pegishot, a new Jewish singles group. $7 in advance; $10 at the door. Call 948-7498.

Miscellaneous

Women in Business Breakfast The topic for the Feb. 21 meeting will be a panel discussion dealing with marketing techniques, changing marketing styles and the aging customer. The meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. $13 members; $16 non-members; $18 walk-ins. Advance registration is required. Sponsored by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce.

Gourmet Vegetarian Dinners Every Monday, 6:30 p.m. Sit down $11 or takeout $10. A suggested donation of $5 for lectures that follow the dinners at First Baptist Church, 305 North California Ave. at Bryant Street, Palo Alto. Sponsored by the Peninsula Macrobiotic Community. Call 599-3320.

Filoli estate tours Beginning Feb. 20, docent-led tours will be offered of the Filoli estate in Woodside. Tours cover the ground floor of the 36,000 square foot mansion and the 16 acres of formal gardens. Tours are every Tuesday-Saturday through late November. Advance reservations are required on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. No reservations are needed on Friday and Saturday as tours are self-guided on these days. $10 adults; $1 children ages 2-12; children under 2 are free. Call 364-2880.

Spiritual

Coffee Break Women's Bible Study Informal Bible discussions Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 687 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Childcare for infants and toddlers. Free. Call Judi at 941-5344.

St. Bede's Lenten Devotional Concert featuring the St. Bede's Choir with orchestra, directed by Jane Boothroyd, with organist Dan Golden. Central work will be a requiem Mass by the French baroque composer, Marc Antoine Charpentier. Also, "Agnus Dei," from Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem," with the tenor solo being sung by visiting tenor, Rogers Covey-Cump of Gothic Voices. Free to Friends of the Arts at St. Bede's members; $8 general; $5 students and seniors. Call 854-6555.

Life After Death The Bahai's of Menlo Park are sponsoring a series of free lectures on the topic of "Life After Death" Feb. 18, 4:30 p.m.; March 3, 4:30 p.m.; and March 10, 4:30 p.m. Call 854-8259 for information and location.

Community

Clean Water Forum The League of Women Voters' Clean Water Forum II will feature Project Manager Walt Wadlow of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, who will talk on imported water sustainability Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Los Altos Library Program Room, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.

The Palo Verde Neighborhood Association representing the community between Middlefield and Highway 101, Loma Verde and East Meadow, will hold its winter general meeting Feb. 29, 7 p.m. at Palo Verde School, multi-purpose room, 3450 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Guests will include Alice Fischgrund and Wendy Van Camp of the Palo Alto Mediation Program and Lisa Grote, Palo Alto Zoning Administrator who oversees the permit process for homeowners. Call Bonnie Packer at 493-5077.

Tours of the Police Department The Palo Alto Police Department is launching a new tour program for young people in the community. The PAPD has made arrangements to offer tours of the police station to groups of young people age 5 years and older. The group may be a class, a scout troop, or a sports team. Young people will see firsthand what law enforcement officials really do. Call 329-2524 for more information or to arrange a tour.

Politics

Health

Herbs for Medicinal Use A new group is forming for those interested in discussing and learning about the many uses of herbs. The group will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Call Lynn at 326-7613 for information and location.

Open Your Heart to Healing A six-week program of education, stress management and group support based on the book "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease" Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 20-March 28, 7-9 p.m. at Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center, 655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. $250. This program is sponsored by the Cardiac Therapy Foundation of the Midpeninsula Program. Call Donna Louie or Robin Wedell at 494-1300.

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. $40 for 12 sessions with a $30 annual Basic Membership, free to facility members. The YMCA is at 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto. Call Gordon Balena at 856-YMCA.

Breast Cancer/Depression Study Stanford University Medical Center researchers are looking for women with breast cancer (stage II, III, or IV) who are also depressed. This is a study for the effectiveness of medication treatment for depression in women with breast cancer. Call Betsy at 725-4620.

Subjects needed for reproductive function study Dr. Martha Morrell and associates in the Stanford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center are conducting a study of menstrual, ovulatory and sexual function in women. Seeking women ages 18-50 who have been diagnosed with epilepsy, and women who have not been diagnosed with epilepsy to serve as a comparison group. Call Jen at 725-6648.

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

Fun on the Farm Become a member of Hidden Villa's Farm Team by joining other volunteers and staff for a morning of animal care chores Feb. 24, 9 a.m.-noon. No experience necessary, just the desire to be outdoors and participate in fun work. Meet at the picnic tables across from the Hostel, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. Registration required. Call 949-8655.

Prepare children to be safe, strong and free The Mid-Peninsula YWCA Child Assault Prevention Project (CAPP) is recruiting interested volunteers to help teach children personal safety skills in schools throughout northern Santa Clara County. CAPP offers training Feb. 26-March 4 on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7-9 p.m. and one Saturday March 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mid-Peninsula YWCA, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. After completing the training, volunteers can schedule 2-4 hours shifts per week to work directly with children from elementary schools. Call Mary at 494-0993.

Volunteers needed for senior programs Volunteers are needed by the Council on Aging Services which help Santa Clara County home-bound, frail older people retain their independence, security and life satisfaction. Needed are Friendly Visitor, Nursing home Cheergiver, and Care Call Volunteers. The next training session for any of these positions is Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Meeting Hall, 463 College Ave., Palo Alto. Registration is required. Call 329-0888 or (408) 296-8290.

Volunteer Tutors are needed to tutor at Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School for the after school program that runs Monday-Friday, 3:15-5 p.m. All subject areas are needed. Also needed is assistance with the Build a Bike Program. Experience working on bikes is helpful. Call Candice Reimers at 856-1713.

Community Impact organizes a variety of one-day volunteer projects all over the Bay Area. No commitment; everyone welcome to participate in these opportunities for flexible volunteering. Call 323-7131 for information on upcoming projects.

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.

Lytton Gardens needs volunteers to staff reception desks. Lytton Gardens offers housing, assisted living and health care for seniors. Volunteers should be energetic and enjoy working with seniors. Call Kris Meade at 328-3300, ext. 123.

The Palo Alto Cultural Center needs volunteers to staff its galleries, serve as docents, host artists' receptions, and work on special projects. No art background is necessary. Training is provided. Daytime, evening and weekend volunteers are welcome. Call 329-2370.

Family Service Mid-Peninsula needs volunteers in its consignment clothing resale shop, Repeat Performance. Staff shop, sort and tag clothes and assist customers, 3-4 hours per week, flexible. The shop is located at 2323 Birch St., Palo Alto. Call Pauline Sly at 322-3657.

Kara Children's Grief Program offers informational meetings for prospective volunteer facilitators to serve in semi-monthly support groups of children, adolescents and parents grieving the death of a loved one. The meetings are held at the First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto. Call 321-5859 to register.

Pied Piper Theatre needs volunteers to build sets, make costumes, gather props, distribute tickets, usher, and help with dozens of other tasks. All ages needed. No experience necessary. Call Pied Piper Theatre at 493-3747.

The Weeks Street Community Garden at 831 Weeks St. needs volunteers every Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The garden is a collaborative project of the East Palo Alto Historical and Agricultural Society and Bay Area Action. Call Denise at 852-9629 or Michelle at 327-8035.

UNA Center in downtown Palo Alto needs volunteers to sell UNICEF cards and international gifts. Call Lori Gendzel at 327-5026 or Leoni Faustino at 326-3170.

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.

Stanford University Hospital is recruiting volunteers as Patient Relations Associates (PRA's). PRA's offer support, solve problems and provide a link between the patient and the hospital. A one-year commitment of four hours a week and completion of a training program are required. Call 725-2890.

Environment

Conferences

Reunions

Support Groups

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).

T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meets Mondays, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Room 1, 3149 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Call 967-4967.

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.

Support Group for Single Dads A group for non-custodial fathers meets four Thursdays in March, 7:30-9 p.m. in Palo Alto. $100 for the series. Call Grady Kase at 494-1747.

Nicotine Anonymous Palo Alto Nicotine Anonymous, a fellowhsip of men and women helping each other to quit the tobacco habit, meets Saturday in the rectory basement of Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 745 Waverley St., Palo Alto. The newcomers meet at 9:15 a.m., followed by the regular meeting at 10 a.m. Smokers welcome. Call 327-6734.

Natural Menopause Circle A seminar, support group and speaker series exploring medical and non-medical natural alternatives for a healthy menopause. The group meets 12 Mondays, Feb. 26-May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. Early registration discount. Call Wellness Enterprises at 321-2717.

Personal Life Coaching and Support Teams Regular meetings to clarify goals, stay on course, increase motivation and break procrastination routines in personal, professional and academic life. Special interest in helping women entrepreneurs. Flexible times during the week and Saturdays. Various Peninsula locations. Groups: $10/meeting. Private consultations by arrangement. Call Laura at 424-8744.

A.R.T.S. A 12-step group for artists focusing on healing and fulfillment of creative potential. Meets Saturdays, 4-5:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 463 College Ave., Palo Alto. Newcomers welcome. Call 941-0627.

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

Shyness, How to Deal With It Drop-in sessions are sponsored by the Shyness Institute, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., and the first and third Friday evening of each month, 407 Burgess Dr., Menlo Park. The Institute also sponsors a drop-in for Parenting the Shy Child on the last Friday evening of each month at 7 p.m.. Call 328-6115.

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

Women's Support and Growth Group focusing on codependency issues meets Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m., in Menlo Park. The group is led by Maggie Smith, M.A., MFCC. $20. Call 306-0391.

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 will meet 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.

ADD women's group meeting in Palo Alto twice a month, invites others to join for support, companionship and laughter. Call 327-2125.

Infertility Support Group for Women meets every two weeks, Monday evenings at Stanford University Hospital. Call 723-6533.

Single Mothers Network, a self-help organization providing social activities for members and children, parent education, and peer support. Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter and a member directory. Call Lorraine Zeller at 858-1076.

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 Susan Campbell at 493-5315 or Deborah Rosenberg at 342-3749.

Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step support group, meets Saturdays 10-11:15 a.m. at the Unitarian Church, E. Charleston Road in Palo Alto. Newcomers welcome. Call Mimi at 493-8531. The group also meets Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call Jerry at 967-2884.

The Secular Organization for Sobriety meets Fridays, 8 p.m. at The Bridge, 640 Campus Drive East (between Mayfield Avenue and Alvarado), Stanford University. This is a support group for those with alcohol or other chemical dependency problems. This is not a 12-step program. Call Chip at 637-8000.

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

P-Flag Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a family support group that 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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