December-January 2008 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

CALENDAR DEADLINE

Whew! We are on vacation for a month. So the next Noe Valley Voice will be the February 2009 issue, appearing in Noe Valley Feb. 3. Mail calendar items by Jan. 15 to calendar@noevalleyvoice.com or write the Noe Valley Voice, 1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco, CA 94114. Note: Events in Noe Valley get preference, but we'll consider items from all over the city.

Dec. 1: Photographer John Montgomery and writer Diane LeBow present "Images and Stones" from trips to India, Bhutan, and Micronesia, at the ODD MONDAYS series at the Noe Valley Ministry. 7 pm; dinner Noe Valley Pizza, 5:30 pm (RSVP jlsender@webtv.net). 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Dec. 1-12: A hands-on interactive mummy is part of an exhibit, "Agatha Christie's EGYPT: Life on the Nile in the 1930s," in Room 510, Humanities Building, SF State. Mon.-Fri., 11 am-4 pm. 1600 Holloway. 405-0599.

Dec. 1-31: OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets Monday through Saturday, 7 to 8 am. Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Dec. 1-31: Learn the wish lists of La Casa des las Madres clients or how to "ADOPT a family" this holiday season, by calling Valerie Labanca at 503-0500 or valerie@lacasa.org. 1663 Mission, Suite 225. www.lacasadelasmadres.org.

Dec. 1-Jan. 2: Children and their caregivers are invited to KIDS GYM at the Upper Noe Rec Center. Mon.-Fri., 10-11:30 am. Enjoy the Music Man on Mon., 10:30 am; Wed., 11 am. Day & Sanchez. 695-5011.

Dec. 1-Jan. 30: Noe Valley SENIOR CENTER serves hot lunches for people over 60, weekdays at 12:30 pm. Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 648-1030.

Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 22: The Instituto Italiano di Cultura celebrates the 150th anniversary of Puccini's birth with free video screenings of his OPERAS. 6:30 pm. 425 Washington, Suite 200. 788-7142.

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Chris Sequeira gives a beginners TAI CHI class Tuesdays, 6 pm. Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. Register: 773-8185 or 650-756-6857.

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Sing along with Patrick Sosa at Phoenix Books' Tuesday-morning STORY HOUR, for newborns to age 4. 10 am. 3850 24th. 821-3477.

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Kadampa Buddhist Temple holds MEDITATION on Tuesdays. 7-8:30 pm. 3324 17th. 503-1187.

Dec. 2, 16, 23 & 30: The Noe Valley Library sponsors LAPSITS, 10:15 to 10:40 am, and preschool STORY TIME, 11 to 11:30 am. 451 Jersey. 355-5707; www.sfpl.org.

Dec. 2 & Jan. 6: The SPCA offers a free PET LOSS support group. 7:30-9 pm. 243 Alabama. 554-3050.

Dec. 2-31 & Jan. 6-28: LANGO holds weekly classes in Tot/Parent (Mon., 10 am) and Preschooler SPANISH (Tues., 2 pm; Wed., 3 pm) at the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317; www.langokids.com.

Dec. 3-20: Little Tree Gallery hosts an ART SHOW, "The Dissemblists," featuring Callyann Casteel, Maeghan Reid, and Lyla Rose. Wed.-Fri., 3-6 pm; Sat., noon-6 pm. 3412 22nd. 643-4929.

Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Mobu Studio's Pal-ersize Adventures in Fitness presents PAL TIME-4-TOTS, a class to practice motor skills for mommies and tots age 18 months to 3 years. 9-9:40 am. 1605 Church. 550-PALS.

Dec. 3, 10. 17, 24 & 31: Eureka Valley Library's Wednesday LAPSIT, for newborns to age 3, begins at 3 pm; an afternoon story time for ages 3 to 5 starts at 3:30 pm. Tiny Tots Room, 100 Collingwood. 557-4353.

Dec. 3-Jan. 28: The Upper Noe SENIORS group meets on Wednesdays for socializing and bingo. Noon-3:30 pm. Upper Noe Rec Center, Day & Sanchez. 970-8061.

Dec. 3-31 & Jan. 7-29: Maria Tam teaches a new YIJIN TAI CHI class at Upper Noe Rec Center on Wednesdays and Fridays. 7-8:30 pm. Day & Sanchez. 828-9436.

Dec. 4, 11 & 18: A Thursday STROLLER WALK starts at Holey Bagel at 11 am and rolls through Noe and the Castro. 3872 24th. www.noestrolls.com.

Dec. 4-20: The Victoria Theatre presents MOLIERE's satiric comedy George Dandin. Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm. 2961 16th. 863-7576.

Dec. 4-21: Theatre Rhinoceros stages "The Rhino Christmas Panto," a MUSICAL spoof in which a "fairy" reveals the meaning of Christmas. Wed.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 3 or 7 pm. 2926 16th. 861-5079; www.TheRhino.org.

Dec. 4-30: Fifty24SF Gallery exhibits "Ghosts of the BARBARY COAST" by Jeremy Fish. Reception Dec. 4, 7-9:30 pm; Tues.-Sun., noon-6 pm. 248 Fillmore. 252-9144.

Dec. 5-7: Fogbelt Studio's 16th annual Holiday Arts & CRAFTS SALE features items by 25 local artists. Fri., noon-8 pm; Sat., 10 am-6 pm; Sun., noon -6 pm. 2528 25th Ave. 244-8402; www.fogbeltstudio.com.

Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26: CLARE tells tales for children at Cover to Cover's Friday mornings, 10:30 am. 1307 Castro. 282-8080.

Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26: Bird & Beckett bookstore hosts CHILDREN'S STORY TIME Friday mornings at 11 am. 653 Chenery. 586-3733.

Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26: CHESS CLUB at the Excelsior Branch Library (ages 6 and older) runs from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. 4400 Mission. 355-2868.

Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26; Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Yell "BINGO!" at St. Paul's Friday nights at 7 pm (doors open at 5 pm). Parish Hall, 221 Valley. 648-7538.

Dec. 5-30: The HOLIDAY ART SALE at Creativity Explored includes masks, T-shirts, painting, and sculpture. Dec. 5, 6-9 pm; Dec. 6 & 7, 1-6 pm; regular hours are Mon.-Wed. and Fri., 10 am-3 pm; Thurs., 11 am-7 pm; Sat., 1-6 pm. 3245 16th. 863-2108.

Dec. 6 & Feb. 2: The Swinging GUITARS of Tom Huber and Misisipi Mike (8:30 am) and Failure to Disperse (10:30 am) play the Farmers' Market. 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332; www.noevalleyfarmersmarket.com.

Dec. 6: SF School holds the annual eighth-grade YARD SALE in the parking lot of Noe Valley Pediatrics at 24th & Dolores. 8:30 am-3 pm. Rain date Dec. 13. 641-7146.

Dec. 6: See an array of gifts, food, and ornaments at the 25th annual Swedish Christmas FAIR. 9 am-4 pm. St. Mary's, 1111 Gough. www.swea.org/sanfrancisco..

Dec. 6: The Golden Gate Park Senior Center offers jewelry, ceramics, and other handmade art at its Holiday CRAFT SHOW. 10 am-2 pm. 6101 Fulton. 666-7015.

Dec. 6: Photographer Josie Iselin brings Heart Stories and her other books and prints to Kitchen Table Studio's HOLIDAY FAIR. 10 am-6 pm. St. Teresa's, 19th & Connecticut. www.josieiselin.com.

Dec. 6: Lindsey Boullt's MUSICIAN'S SHOWCASE performs its 75th show, an eight-hour band marathon at Club 23 in Brisbane. Noon-8 pm. 23 Visitacion. 468-3080.

Dec. 6: The authors of Organic Marin discuss their philosophy of food at Omnivore Books. 2-3:30 pm. 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 6: Roy Zimmerman and Stevie Coyle perform a holiday PEACENICK CONCERT. 8:15 pm. Noe Valley Music Series at the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 454-5238; www.noevalleymusicseries.com.

Dec. 6 & 7: The Women's Building's 30th annual Celebration of CRAFTSWOMEN offers crafts, music, and food. Herbst Pavilion at Ft. Mason, Buchanan & Marina. 10 am to 5 pm on two weekends. 248-1373; www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org.

Dec. 6 & 7: The Conservatory OPERA THEATRE performs Mozart's The Magic Flute, especially for young audiences. 1 & 4 pm. SF Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, 50 Oak. 503-6275; www.sfcm.edu.

Dec. 6 & 7: The SF Choral Society performs J.S. Bach's Christmas ORATORIO at St. Paul's Church. Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 7:30 pm. 221 Valley. www.cityboxoffice.com; www.sfchoral.org.

Dec. 6, 13 & 20: The Greening of GUERRERO continues; help plant the center median on Guerrero between 21st and 22nd (Dec. 6), 20th and 21st (Dec. 13), and 22nd and 23rd (Dec. 20). 9 am-1 pm. 285-8188; www.sanjoseguerrero.com.

Dec. 6-22: Young Performers Theatre presents J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan. Sat. & Sun., 1 & 3:30 pm; also Mon., Dec. 22. Fort Mason Building C, Room 300. 346-5550; www.ypt.org.

Dec. 6-Jan. 18: Agelio Batle exhibits two- and three-dimensional work at ArtZone 461 Gallery. Reception Dec. 6, 5-8 pm. 461 Valencia. 441-8680.

Dec. 7: Sharon Art Studio holds its Winter Holiday POTTERY and Craft Sale. 11 am-5 pm. Golden Gate Park next to the Children's Playground. 753-7005.

Dec. 7: Santa will visit the Haas-Lilienthal House, a Queen Anne Victorian owned by the San Francisco Architectural Heritage, for a HOLIDAY Open House with period decorations. Noon to 3 pm (Santa at 2 pm). 2007 Franklin. 441-3000.

Dec. 7: The SF Bicycle Coalition's WINTERFEST fundraiser features an art show and auction. 6-10:30 pm. SomArts Gallery, 934 Brannan. 431-BIKE; www.sfbike.org.

Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28; Jan. 4, 11, 18 & 25: The "Which Way West?" live jazz SHOWS continue at Bird & Beckett. 4:30 pm. 653 Chenery. 586-3733; www.birdbeckett.com.

Dec. 7-29: David Hirata & Friends perform MAGIC HOLIDAY at the Marsh. 1 pm. Sat., Sun. & Mon., Dec. 22 & 29. 1062 Valencia. 641-0235; www.themarsh.org.

Dec. 7 & Jan. 4: Rocket DOG RESCUE has homeless dogs. Noon-4 pm. Zephyr Real Estate, 4040 24th. 642-4786.

Dec. 7 & 21, Jan. 4 & 18: SF City Guides leads free WALKING TOURS of Noe Valley on first and third Sundays through April. 1-3 pm. Meet at the Noe Valley Library, 451 Jersey. 557-4266; www.sfcityguides.org.

Dec. 9: Noe Valley Library shows FILMS for preschoolers, including Pete's a Pizza, at 10:15 and 11 am. 451 Jersey. 355-5707; www.sfpl.org.

Dec. 9: The SF TREE OF HOPE lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 pm at City Hall.

Dec. 9: A RADAR READING hosted by Michelle Tea features Antonia Crane, Jillian Lauren, Kriss de Jong, and Ace Morgan. 6-7:30 pm. Main Library, 100 Larkin. www.sfcb.org.

Dec. 9: Small Claims Management offers a FREE CLINIC on "How to Present a Case in Small Claims Court." 6 pm. 760 Market., Suite 1042. 693-9811.

Dec. 10: Brad Kintzer from Sharffen Berger Chocolate leads a HOT CHOCOLATE TASTING and presentation. 7-8:30 pm. SF Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. 9th Ave. at Lincoln. 661-1316.

Dec. 11: Registration for spring semester classes at CITY COLLEGE, including those held at James Lick Middle School, begins. 239-3127; www.ccsf.edu..

Dec. 11: U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan reads from her work, and reps from the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS explain their new website, www.myLOC.gov. 10 am-noon. Main Library, 100 Larkin. 557-4400; sfpl.lib.ca.us.

Dec. 11: CHEF Eric Ripert from Le Bernardin in New York City discusses and signs On the Line at Omnivore Books. 5-6 pm. 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 11: Marxist economic analyst Dr. Bob Price and socialist feminist Nancy Reiko Kato discuss "CAPITALISM'S MELTDOWN: A Left Perspective" at the Radical Women meeting. Dinner, 6:15 pm; program 7 pm. New Valencia Hall, 625 Larkin. 864-1278.

Dec. 11-20: Intersection for the Arts hosts the 2008 Hybrid FESTIVAL of New Works, including live music, hip-hop, and spoken word. Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm. 446 Valencia. 626-3311; www.theintersection.org.

Dec. 12: Cindy Mushet and Maren Caruso talk about The Art and Soul of BAKING. 5-6 pm. Omnivore Books, 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 12 & 13: The HOLIDAY FAIR at the SF Center for the Book features artist's journals, handmade cards and calendars. Fri., 6-8 pm; Sat., noon-5 pm. 300 De Haro. 565-0545.

Dec. 12-14: The third annual Circus Drag BURLESQUE Festival at CounterPulse begins at 8 pm. 1310 Mission. 1-800-838-3006.

Dec. 13: The Noe Valley Farmers' Market hosts MUSIC by the Faux Brummels (8:30 am) and They Call Me Lucky (10:30 am). 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332; www.noevalleyfarmersmarket.com.

Dec. 13: The LEGO League Robotic Challenge features teams of middle school students from around the world, including the Randall RoboTects. 9:45 am-4:30 pm. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way. 554-9600.

Dec. 13: CRAFTICON 3.0 at Modern Times Bookstore offers creative work for sale. Noon. 888 Valencia. 282-9246; www.mtbs.com.

Dec. 13: Clark Wolf discusses his new book, American CHEESES, at Omnivore Books. 2-3:30 pm. 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 13: SCRAP cosponsors a decorative tin box workshop for teens and adults at the Glen Park Library. 2-4 pm. 2825 Diamond. 337-4740.

Dec. 13: "Does the Secret Mind Whisper?" is a celebration of the life of BEAT POET Bob Kaufman; cosponsored by the African American Center. 2-4 pm. Main Library, 100 Larkin. 557-4400; sfpl.lib.ca.us.

Dec. 13: Friends of Dolores Park Playground hosts a Golden Shovel DEDICATION of the new playground, featuring holiday caroling with the SF City Chorus, beginning at 3:30 pm.

Dec. 13: Emmanuel Williams reads TRUMAN CAPOTE's A Christmas Memory at 7:30 pm, at the holiday party at When Modern Was. 4-9 pm. 1504 Church. 970-1030.

Dec. 13: 24th Street shops will be lively from 5 to 9 pm for the annual NOEL STROLL, featuring carolers, cocoa, wine and cheese, latkes, cider, and Santa (Zephyr Real Estate, 11 am-2 pm and 5-8 pm). Readings of Dylan Thomas' Child's Christmas in Wales will take place at Cover to Cover, 1307 Castro, 6:30 pm; and Fima Photography, 1414 Castro, 7:30 pm. www.noelstroll.com.

Dec. 13: Singer/songwriter J.D. SOUTHER, co-founder of the Eagles, performs at the Noe Valley Music Series at the Noe Valley Ministry. 8:15 pm. 1021 Sanchez. 454-5238; www.noevalleymusicseries.com.

Dec. 13 & 14: AUDITIONS for Polyphnia Youth Choir, led by two former Kitka singers, are open to ages 11 to 19. Call 510-435-7844 for information.

Dec. 13 & Jan. 10: Meet local doulas and MIDWIVES at a second-Saturday event at Natural Resources. 2-4 pm. 1367 Valencia. 550-2611; www.naturalresources-sf.com.

Dec. 14: The Noe Valley Ministry hosts "The Animals Talk," a community Christmas PAGEANT especially for children. 10:30 am. 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Dec. 14: Community Music Center's free HOLIDAY PARTY includes a performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors by the Ina Chalis Opera Ensemble, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa. 11:30 am. 544 Capp. 826-8670; wwwsfcmc.org.

Dec. 14: The SINGLETARIANS, age 45 and up, gather for a Christmas potluck with dancing. Bring an entree or salad, and a gift ($10 or less). 2 pm. First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin. 821-7865 or 922-3033.

Dec. 14: The Sisters of PERPETUAL INDULGENCE make a guest appearance at the monthly PFLAG support group meeting. 2-4:30 pm. St. Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church. 921-8850.

Dec. 14: Noe Valley CHAMBER MUSIC presents a crossover jazz concert by Quartet San Francisco. 4 pm. Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 648-5236; www.nvcm.org.

Dec. 15: Lois Hoskins discusses surviving the Depression, and Prof. Barry Schutz offers insights on the State Department, at ODD MONDAYS at the Noe Valley Ministry. 7:30 pm; dinner Noe Valley Pizza, 5:30 pm (RSVP jlsender@webtv.net). 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Dec. 17: Andrea Nguyen takes us Into the VIETNAMESE KITCHEN at Omnivore Books. 5-6:30 pm. 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 17: Plan what to do during the ECONOMIC depression at a free "Talks!" event at CounterPulse, 1310 Mission. 7:30 pm. 626-2060; www.counterpulse.org.

Dec. 17: A benefit for the SF FOOD BANK features Pirate Radio, the Burning Embers, the Earl Brothers, and Bob Harp. 8:30 pm. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia. 552-7788.

Dec. 18: The Bernal Heights Library BOOK CLUB discusses Joyce Cary's The Horse's Mouth. 4 pm. 500 Cortland. 355-2810.

Dec. 18: Author MARIE SIMMONS talks about Things Cooks Love. 5-6 pm. Omnivore Books, 3885A Cesar Chavez. 282-4712; www.omnivorebooks.com.

Dec. 18: Marine ecologist Scott Benson discusses the Leatherback SEA TURTLE program at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. 7:30 pm. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way. 554-9600.

Dec. 19: BARRY GIFFORD reads Memories from a Sinking Ship, with Michael Parsons' jazz piano accompaniment. 8:30 pm. Bird & Beckett, 653 Chenery. 586-3733; www.birdbeckett.com.

Dec. 20: Jude (8:30 am) and Noe Valley Flutes (10:30 am) play the Noe Valley FARMERS' MARKET. 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332; www.noevalleyfarmersmarket.com.

Dec. 20-25: Bring canned goods, turkeys, and gently used clothing, especially coats, to St. Anthony's annual curbside DONATION DRIVE. 8 am-6 pm weekdays; 9 am-3 pm weekend days. 121 Golden Gate. 592-2737; www.stanthonysf.org.

Dec. 21: The Paul Scheffert Trio plays at a free JAZZ VESPERS at the Noe Valley Ministry. 5-6 pm. Upper Hall, 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317; www.noevalleyministry.org.

Dec. 21: "A Night of Wonder" at Bethany United Methodist Church unfolds with CHRISTMAS MUSIC, carols, and bells. 6 pm. 1268 Sanchez. 647-8393.

Dec. 24: Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church holds a Christmas Eve FAMILY SERVICE, with music, story, and a candle-lit circle. 5:30 pm. 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Dec. 24: Bethany United Methodist Church hosts a CHRISTMAS EVE program for children at 5 pm and candlelight caroling at 8 pm. 1268 Sanchez. 647-8393.

Dec. 24: The SF Gay MEN'S CHORUS performs at the Castro Theatre. 5, 7 & 9 pm. 429 Castro. 621-6120; www.castrotheatre.com.

Dec. 28: Diane di Prima reads poems in memory of ROSETTA REITZ, founder of blues label Rosetta Records. 4:30-6:30 pm. Bird & Beckett, 653 Chenery. 586-3733; www.birdbeckett.com.

Dec. 29: The SF CHAMBER ORCHESTRA performs a free New Year's concert with jazz singer Amanda King. 7 pm. Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness. 248-1640.

Dec. 31: The Joe Goode Performance Group presents "Small Experiments in SONG 7 DANCE." 9:30 pm-1 am. Brava Theater, 2789 24th. 561-6565.

Dec. 31: Attend a New Year's Eve BALLROOM DANCE party with desserts and performances by Ohio Star Ball semifinalists Michael Koptke and Chelsea Farrah. 9 pm-. Cheryl Burke Dance, 1830 17th. 252-9000.

Jan. 1-31: City Art Gallery displays ART by 30 members. Reception Jan. 2, 7-10 pm; Wed.-Sun., noon-9 pm. 828 Valencia. 970-9900; www.cityartgallery.com.

Jan. 3: RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT performs at 8:15 pm. Noe Valley Music Series at the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 454-5238; www.noevalleymusicseries.com.

Jan. 6, 13, 20 & 27: The SFSPCA Academy for Dog Trainers presents a lectures on DOG BEHAVIOR. 7-9 pm. 243 Alabama. Register at 554-3095 or www.sfspca.org.

Jan. 6, 13, 20 & 27: Kadampa Buddhist Temple holds MEDITATION on Tuesdays. 7-8:30 pm. 3324 17th. 503-1187.

Jan. 7-9: Noe Valley Ministry welcomes VOLUNTEERS (children included, over age 6) to three nights of serving the hungry at Interfaith Winter Shelter, St. Mark's Church, Gough & Geary. 5:30-7:30 pm. 282-2317.

Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28: Eureka Valley Library's Wednesday BABY RHYME TIME, for newborns to 18 months, begins at 3 pm; a family story time for ages 2 to 5 starts at 3:30 pm. Tiny Tots Room, 100 Collingwood. 557-4353.

Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29: A Thursday STROLLER WALK starts at Holey Bagel at 11 am and rolls through Noe and the Castro. 3872 24th. www.noestrolls.com.

Jan. 11: The Cypress Quartet performs at Noe Valley CHAMBER MUSIC. 4 pm. Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez. 648-5236; www.nvcm.org.

Jan. 12: Jude (8:30 am) and They Call Me Lucky (10:30 am) play the Noe Valley FARMERS' MARKET. 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332.

Jan. 15-21: The 14th annual Berlin & Beyond FILM FESTIVAL includes an appearance by director WIM WENDERS. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro. 621-6120; www.castrotheatre.com.

Jan. 16-18: Musical THEATRE Works students, grades 3-12, perform The Sound of Music at the Randall Theater. 7:30 pm; Sun. matinee, 1 pm. 199 Museum Way. 641-5988.

Jan. 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31: A workshop led by Nature Trip's Eddie Bartley on the WILD BIRDS of SF includes three Saturday field trips and two Thursday evening discussions. SF Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Preregistration required: 661-1316, ext. 400; www.sfbotanicalgarden.org.

Jan. 18: The free JAZZ VESPERS at the Noe Valley Ministry features jazz songstress Clairdee and accompanist Ken French. 5-6 pm. Upper Hall, 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317; www.noevalleyministry.org.

Jan. 19: The Noe Valley Farmers' Market hosts MUSIC by the Faux Brummels (8:30 am) and Devil's Slide (10:30 am). 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332; www.noevalleyfarmersmarket.com.

Jan. 19: The "Down to a Science" LECTURE series continues at Atlas Café. 7-9 pm. 3049 20th. 648-1047; www.sciencecafesf.com.

Jan. 19: The ODD MONDAYS series at the Noe Valley Ministry honors President-Elect Obama with a screening of film from his trip to Africa. 7:30 pm; dinner Noe Valley Pizza, 5:30 pm (RSVP jlsender@webtv.net). 1021 Sanchez. 282-2317.

Jan. 21: CounterPulse hosts a free WIKI WORKSHOP on digitally shaping San Francisco history. 7:30 pm. 1310 Mission. 626-2060; www.counterpulse.org.

Jan. 22: Entomologist Leslie Saul discusses "The Amorous Adventures of INSECTS," all ages welcome. 7:30 pm. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way. 554-9600.

Jan. 23: Blair Kilpatrick introduces her new book, Accordion Dreams: A Journey into Cajun and CREOLE MUSIC. 7:30 pm. The Booksmith, 1644 Haight. 863-8688; www.booksmith.com.

Jan. 24: St. Paul's hosts FAMILY BINGO Night, featuring ice cream and lots of prizes. 6-8 pm. Parish Hall, 221 Valley. 648-7538.

Jan. 26: Deborah Crooks (8:30 am) and Sandy Ross (10:30 am) play MUSIC at the Farmers' Market. 24th & Vicksburg. 248-1332; www.noevalleyfarmersmarket.com.

Jan. 27: Guest speakers discuss the colorful history of our city at the monthly meeting of the SF HISTORY Association. 7 pm. St. Philip's Church, 725 Diamond. 750-9986; www.sanfranciscohistory.org.

Jan. 29: UPPER NOE Neighbors meet at 7:30 pm at the Upper Noe Rec Center, Day & Sanchez. 285-0473.

Jan. 29: You are invited to an OPEN HOUSE at Saint James School from 5 to 7 pm. 321 Fair Oaks between 24th and 25th. 647-8972. www.saintjamessf.org.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

Whew! We are on vacation for a month. So the next Noe Valley Voice will be the February 2009 issue, appearing in Noe Valley Feb. 3. Mail calendar items by Jan. 15 to calendar@noevalleyvoice.com or write the Noe Valley Voice, 1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco, CA 94114. Note: Events in Noe Valley get preference, but we'll consider items from all over the city.