News

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce urges you to support the following nonprofit members and their upcoming events. The events are listed in chronological order.

MARCUS A. FOSTER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE – The 35th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration, celebrating years of service to the Oakland public schools, students, teachers and parents, will be "A Retrospective Look to the Future," held on Friday, Nov. 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave. Admission is free. Info: (510) 835-0391.

SIGMA BETA CLUB – The first "Night with the Golden State Warriors" of the NBA basketball season will be held on Friday, Nov. 7 when the Warriors take on the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. at Oracle Arena. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a great night of basketball. A portion of each ticket sold goes directly to the Sigma Beta Club. Info: (510) 482-8900 or (510) 867-8436.

OAKLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA (OYO) – The Fall Concert on Sunday, Nov. 9 will celebrate 45 years of musical moments. The concert, held at the Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd. beginning at 2 p.m., will be conducted by Maestro Michael Morgan and OYO principal conductor Bryan Nies. Admission is free. Info: (510) 832-7710.

MUSEUM OF CHILDREN’S ART (MOCHA) – A family extravaganza, the 5th annual Mr. Potato Head Beauty Pageant, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 538 9th St., suite 210. Everyone in the family will have a chance using this garden-variety vegetable to cook up a potato personality. Info: (510) 465-8770.

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA – The 39th annual Fungus Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7. Learn about the lives of mushrooms and explore the role of fungi and mushrooms in the aftermath of California’s devastating forest fires. Info: (510) 238-2022.

ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK – The Holiday Food Drive Drop-In Clinic will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7900 Edgewater Drive. Attend the clinic between 7 and 9 a.m. or between 4 and 6 p.m. and receive time-proven tips on a successful drive. You’ll also receive promotional materials to encourage participation. Info: (510) 635-3663.

OAKLAND YOUTH CHORUS – The winter concert, "Let the Music Ring," will be held at the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Info: (510) 287-9700, ext. 110.

OAKLAND EAST BAY SYMPHONY – The Symphony opens its 20th anniversary season on Friday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. In a program entitled "Cool Jazz, Hot Romance," Maestro Michael Morgan conducts the world premiere of "Zipperz," set to the music of Bay Area composer Nathaniel Stookey and inspired by the "zipper" poetry of Dan Harder. Info: (510) 444-0801.

OAKLAND BALLET – Ronn Guidi’s "Nutcracker" will run with seven performances at the Paramount Theatre from Thursday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 24 at the Paramount Theatre. "Nutcracker" will light up Oakland’s holiday season again with Michael Morgan conducting members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (510) 625-8497. Info: (510) 465-6400.

OAKLAND ZOO – This year’s version of ZooLights will begin on Friday, Dec. 5 and run through Sunday, Jan. 4, featuring larger-than-life light displays to mirror the zoo’s fulltime animal residents. Holiday music will fill the air. Friday-Sunday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Info: (510) 632-9525.

THE CRUCIBLE – The "Gifty" Holiday Art Sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14 at The Crucible, 1260 7th St. It’s likely to be the Bay Area’s most unusual shopping experience -- you can shop for handcrafted holiday gifts while experiencing art in action. Over 60 vendors offer their handmade jewelry, paper products, glass creations, sculpture, clothing, ceramics and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: (510) 444-0919.

DUNSMUIR HELLMAN HISTORIC ESTATE – The annual Holiday Elegance will run from Saturday, Dec. 6 to Saturday, Dec. 20 at the estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, featuring tours of the mansion, musical entertainment, homemade crafts, and breakfast with Father Christmas. Info: (510) 562-0328.

CHILDREN’S FAIRYLAND – For ten days Fairyland will present its "Fairy Winterland" celebration from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 21 at 699 Bellevue Ave., featuring live performances celebrating the holidays from many cultures, with daily appearances by Santa, special decorations and thousands of twinkling lights. Park hours: noon to 7 p.m. Info: (510) 452-2259.

CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER – The Oakland Raiders’ "Taste of the NFL" will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sample food and wine from the Bay Area’s finest restaurants, meet current and former Raiders players, and bid on one-of-a-kind auction items. Info: (510) 336-7373.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE – The popular Movie Classic series continues with "North by Northwest," on Friday, Nov. 7; "Singin’ in the Rain" on Friday, Nov. 21; and "Mary Poppins" on Friday, Dec. 26. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the Paramount Theatre Box Office, ticketmaster.com or by calling (510) 625-TIXS (8497). Info: (510) 465-6400.

MILLS COLLEGE – The 2008-2009 Art Lecture Series at the Mills College Art Museum will run through April. Info: (510) 430-2164.