The Easter Bunny coming to downtown
The Los Altos Village Association has scheduled its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Children’s Party 9:30 a.m., Saturday, in the Community Plaza, Main and State streets next to Citibank.
The Easter Egg Hunt is free and includes candy treats in eggs, some containing certificates for free prizes from local merchants. After the hunt, bunny-ear hat-making, face painting, a jellybean guessing contest and candy tasting is planned.
Local magician Hank Vlcek, “The Master of Mystifying Magic,” will perform at 10:15 a.m.
Children, 1-6, will hunt for eggs hidden in front of stores on Main Street, children, 7-10, on State Street. Bring a basket.
For more information, call 949-5282.
Community reads ‘Kite Runner’
A Community Read of “The Kite Runner” will be held as part of the 20th annual Writers Week at Los Altos High School. Members of the community are invited to read Khaled Hosseini’s widely acclaimed novel, then join in discussions led by the English department faculty.
The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., March 31, at the high school.
Hosseini will discuss his work in the Eagle Theater at 7:30 p.m., April 5. After his talk, the author will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.
The novel contains subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger children.
The events are free and open to the public.
Los Altos High School is located at 201 Almond Ave.
Ukranian eggs subject of class
Gosia Hoot will give a class on the art of creating Ukranian eggs noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, at Union Presybeterian Church in Los Altos.
The instructor, who has been creating such eggs since she was a child, described the traditional art as putting a stained glass window on an egg. Although its history predates Christianity, Ukranian eggs has become a popular Lenten project. Artists typically paint religious symbols from crosses to the star of Bethlehem on the eggs. Hoot describes the art as inexpensive and fun.
The class fee is an $18 donation for supplies. For more information, call Hoot at (408) 379-3124.
City holds Easter egg hunt March 26
The Los Altos Recreation Department and the Los Altos Library have scheduled a variety of activities at the annual Easter egg hunt 9:45 a.m., March 26, at the Hillview Soccer Field. Activities include a guessing jar contest, coloring and a special appearance by Mr. Fun E. Bunny.
The egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp, and participants will be divided into age groups: walking to 5 years, 5-7 years and 8-10 years. Two golden egg prizes will be offered per age group. The Los Altos Library will host spring and nature stories for school-age children with Ane Carla Rovetta at 10:20 a.m. in the program room. No registration is required.
To donate, volunteer or obtain more information, call Recreation Coordinator Jennifer Weiss at 947-2890.
‘Physics for Poets’ class at Foothill College
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “miracle year” - when the scientist, named “Person of the Century” by Time magazine, published his first ideas on the theory of relativity and put forward other notions that would revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
Foothill College astronomy instructor Andrew Fraknoi is offering a course titled “Physics for Poets: Everything You Wanted to Know about Einstein’s Work but Were Afraid to Ask,” 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 5 to June 21.
This nontechnical course introduces students to some of the most exciting areas of modern physics, with a focus on Einstein’s contributions. The approach is nonmathematical, with humor, analogies and demonstrations. No background in science or math is required.
To register, call 949-7325 or log on to www.foothill.edu/reg/spring05.html. For a course syllabus in PDF format, log on to www.foothill.edu/psme/Physics.12.Web.pdf.
Easter biscuit hunt for dogs in LAH
The second annual Los Altos Hills Doggie Easter Biscuit Hunt is scheduled 9 a.m., March 26, at Byrne Preserve at Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills. The event is sponsored by the Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Department and Five Paw Bakery; the latter will also provide the biscuits.
All dogs must be on leashes. A $5 donation is suggested, and proceeds benefit Palo Alto Animal Services.
For more information, call 941-7222, ext. 241, or 941-5729; or logon to www.losaltoshills.ca.gov or www.fivepaw.com.
‘Backroads’ McConnell, ABC’s Finney at forum
Doug McConnell, host of the long-running “Bay Area Backroads” on KRON 4 TV, is scheduled to appear 7 p.m., Thursday, at Main Street Cafe & Books in Los Altos as part of the Main Street Forum speaker series.
McConnell will discuss his travels and autograph his new “Bay Area Backroads Deck.”
The deck contains information on 50 “Backroads” outings, from Point Reyes to San Luis Obispo, showcased on cards in a container that can be stashed in a glove compartment for quick reference on impromptu day trips. Detailed directions to each site are included.
ABC consumer watchdog Michael Finney follows with a 2:30 p.m., Sunday, speaking engagement and signing of his latest book, “Consumer Confidential.”
Finney hosts the popular “7 On Your side” and “Finney’s Friday Free Stuff.”
Main Street Cafe & Books is located at 134 Main St. For more information, call 949-0144.
American Legion seeks funding for programs
American Legion Post 558 of Los Altos is raising funds for a new Legion baseball program in Los Altos and Mountain View and a new community emergency preparedness program.
The Legion will accept checks and stock donations payable to American legion Post 5589, P.O. Box 126, Los Altos 94023.
Contributions are tax deductible.
For more information, call Ken Girdley, finance officer, at 961-1819 or e-mail kengirdley@yahoo.com.
Turnbull receives AAUW award
The American Association of University Women, Los Altos-Mountain View Branch, will present the 2005 Status of Women Award to Jane Turnbull, president of the local branch, at its annual business meeting and luncheon scheduled noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, at Don Giovanni Restaurant, 235 Castro St., Mountain View.
Since 1975, the AAUW has given the award to a woman in the community who has elevated the status of women. AAUW promotes education and equity for women and girls.
For more information or to make reservations, due by Tuesday, call 949-4643. The lunch is $25.
Stegner tribute at history museum
The Los Altos History Museum is housing the largest retrospective to date covering the life and influence of Wallace Stegner, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, teacher and environmentalist, “Wallace Stegner: Throwing a Long Shadow.”
The admission-free exhibit is open to the public noon to 4 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, through June 12.
The exhibit includes a comprehensive pictorial timeline, a re-creation of Stegner’s home study with personal artifacts, prizes and awards; a section profiling his important environmental contributions; a special children’s section; and interactive audio and video stations.
For more information on the exhibit and associated events, call 948-9427 or logon to www.losaltoshistory.org.
Riding institute seeks volunteers
The Westwind Riding Institute, located at Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills, is searching for energetic volunteers to help groom and lead horses, as well as walk beside riders during lessons.
The institute is a non-profit organization that offers riding lessons to children with physical handicaps 3:45-5 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays.
No experience is needed to volunteer, just a love of animals and dedication to the very special children of the community.
For more information, call 947-8680.
