Events Around the Bay – Week of October 20, 2017

Splendor in the Glass for the 2017 Holidays

November and December

Just in time for the holidays: classes and workshops in glassblowing, borosilicate flameworking, and soft glass flameworking are offered now by The Bay Area Glass Institute, affectionately known as BAGI, which was founded by four San Jose State University (SJSU) students in 1996: Mike Binnard, Bobby Bowes, Mariko Takada, and Jonathan Tepperman – who by now are world-renowned glass artists and who I had the pleasure of interacting with on many occasions (and of collecting some of their glass pumpkins). Create your own original ornaments to wow your family and friends while learning an intricate and fascinating technique of amazing glass art. Students must be 16+ to enroll in the adult level glassblowing, flameworking, and fusing classes.

Information
Prices range from $49 to $125
408-993-2244
https://www.bagi.org/
635 Phelan Avenue in San Jose
Photo courtesy of BAGI

Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival

October 21 through November 12

The 26th Annual Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival (SVJFF), one of the best festivals in the Bay Area, is presenting an amazing selection of twenty-four films with eight of the films being West Coast premiers, starting with the opening night’s screening of Jungle starring Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as the title character in eight Harry Potter movies. The closing night will feature a screening of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue, a documentary that reveals Ben-Gurion prophecy and a life filled with self-examination. Ben-Gurion was the primary founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of Israel. David Ben-Gurion’s grandson, Alon, will join for a discussion after the screening. The Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival promotes cultural diversity by providing opportunities to the community to expand its knowledge of Jewish themes and culture through films that document, entertain, and educate. Join me at the OFJCC for two weeks of thought-provoking films that showcase Jewish spirit, culture, traditions, and humor. Follow my daily updates and reviews at Lina Broydo TravelLina on Facebook.

Tickets and Information 
Prices range from $11 to $45
Locations: AMC Saratoga at El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose
Oshman Family JCC at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto
408-498-0904
www.svjff.org

Time to Visit the Tide Pools 

Located in Moss Beach

Fall is the perfect time for hands-on beachgoers who like to learn about their oceanographic surroundings. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located in Moss Beach, just 15 minutes north of the city of Half Moon Bay (my favorite getaway destination in Northern California) is in a Marine Protected Area: this means NO collecting of organisms, shells, rocks, or driftwood is permitted. Just look, observe, learn, and enjoy!  Also, dogs are not allowed, so leave your favorite pooch in the comfort of your home. While on this nature outing, stroll along Highway 1; other popular places to starfish gaze nearby include Pillar Point Harbor, Redondo Beach, Cowell Ranch Beach, and Pescadero State Beach. And that’s why we live in the most stunning place on earth.

Tickets and Information
Free admission
650-728-3584
www.fitzgeraldreserve.org
The reserve opens at 8 a.m.
200 Nevada Avenue in Moss Beach

Photo courtesy of FMR

Moon Mouse – A Space Odyssey

October 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Join Marvin the Mouse on the cosmic adventure of a lifetime as he builds his own homemade rocket and sets off for the surface of the moon, where he meets a surprising crew of strange creatures and discovers the spellbinding beauty of space. Presented by the Lightwire Theater, you will be enchanted by a unique storytelling troupe that uses electro-luminescent wire to portray its characters. Combining dance, puppetry, and technology, these glow-in-the-dark shows will captivate and entertain visitors of all ages. Well, we all need some imagination and dreams in our lives.

Tickets and Information
Prices: $25 and $35
650-223-8649
www.paloaltojcc.org/moonmouse  
Oshman Family JCC- Schultz Cultural Arts Hall
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Photo courtesy of Lightwire Theater

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.