By Michelle Moday
Published: January, 2007
Back to Nature
Over One Million Birds and You
This 3-day birding festival in San Francisco Bay celebrates the return of over one million shorebirds and hundreds-of-thousands of ducks and geese, hawks and even monarch butterflies, which migrate through the area during the winter. Mare Island Naval Shipyard will host free events, including guided hikes, riverboat trips, birding outings and wetland walks. Call 707-649-WING (9464) or visit www.sfbayflywayfestival.com
Treecycling
Over 33 million real Christmas trees are sold in North America every year. Instead of throwing it out, the National Christmas Tree Association says give it back to the environment. Find a Christmas tree recycler in your area by entering your zip code. Call 1-877-Earth911 or visit www.earth911.org.
Carpool & Hike to Lighthouse
Take an easy hike from Rodeo Beach to Point Bonita Lighthouse, with a guided tour of the lighthouse by a docent. Then, hike back down to the visitor center. Thu., Jan. 18, with carpools from Mill Valley (9:30AM) and Rodeo Beach (10:15AM). Back by 1:30PM. Share carpool cost. Rain cancels. Please bring your food & drink. Contact: Richard Watson (415) 461-9255, rgwatson@pacbell.net
Life as Art
Hands in Motion at FLOAT
FLOAT Gallery & The African Outlet, present works by Nigerian-born, Bay Area award-winning artist Adekunle Kabir Adejare, whose inspiration stems from his culture, which is rich with stories about good & evil, kindness & selfishness, fate & determination. Proceeds go to Paths of Native Africa, a not-for-profit organization that undertakes self-sustaining projects, education and cultural exchange to help African people improve their quality of life. Adejare’s works will be shown from Jan. 16-Feb. 15. After visiting the gallery, visit the floatation tanks. (510) 282-0425 or www.thefloatcenter.com
Be a Hunk of Burnin’ Love
On Sunday, Jan. 8 from 11AM-2PM, the Pavilion Stage in Jack London Square’s Farmers’ Market will be gyrating with Elvises. All Elvis wanna-bes are invited to show up in costume, shake & snarl with smokey gazes in a look-alike contest. Judging begins at Noon. Several prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. If you need any more information than this, call (925) 825-9090.
Studios / Shops at the Shipyard
The shipyard has eight new studios / shops currently available for lease. Of course, these studios are 8 x 20’ containers & 8 x 24’ Matson boxes with fancy hardwood floors. The Berkeley Shipyard has a large shared indoor fabrication / welding area, with two, yes two, in-ground pneumatic car lifts. Interested? Call Jim Mason (510) 812-3656 or email jimmason@whatiamupto.com. ww.theshipyard.org
Food, Wine, Music
This One’s for the Foodies
The Sixth Annual Dine About Town is here, and over 100 San Francisco restaurants are offering three-course prix-fixe menus: $21.95 for lunch and $31.95 for dinner (taxes & gratuities not included). The catch is: pay with your Visa. You’ll earn miles anyway, right? No matter. It’s time to eat as if the holidays never happened. Go somewhere new. Go somewhere you love. Try the organic wine & ask what herb is in the omakase. Do it now, because it ends Jan. 31. Reservations online www.OpenTable.com
Carols in the Caves
Carols in the Caves are performed in a cozy, intimate cave of Byington Winery, Los Gatos. The final performance on Jan. 7 at 2PM, Cave of the Spirits: A Twelfth Night Afternoon, honors the venerable time of Epiphany & Twelfth Night. This is a day for reverence & revelry, connected to the Magis’ journey, the solstice rites of Yule, Calends, Saturnalia & other winter celebrations. David Auerbach performs ancient instruments & percussion in stunning natural acoustics. Wine sold during intermission. Children must be over 10 years old to attend. Tickets $40. Call (707) 224-4222. For details, visit www.cavemusic.net
