calendar

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 31, 2008 | by BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

-- ASSE International Student Exchange Programs -- Need area representative volunteers to interview families and council exchange students. Training, materials and reimbursements provided. Details: Windy, 800-733-2773, 520-319-2773.

OUTDOORS

Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club -- Free lessons 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Saturdays. Groups by appointment. Equipment provided, flat-soled shoes or sneakers required. Good activity for seniors. 2270 Acton St. Details: 510-841-2174.

-- Regional Parks Botanic Garden -- Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Learn about California native plants in naturalistic 10-acre garden. docent-guided tours 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visitor Center, Tilden Park. Admission, parking and tours are free. 510-841-8732, www.nativeplants.org.

-- University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley -- free docent "Around the World" tours 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Saturdays- Sundays. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission first Thursdays monthly, closed first Tuesdays monthly. 200 Centennial Drive. 510- 643-2755, botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.

FILM/DANCE/STAGE

Soul Sanctuary Dance -- All-ages community freestyle dance, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. www.soulsanctuarydance.com.

-- Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center -- Dance classes. Afro-Cuban, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing and more. 1317 San Pablo Ave. 510-525-5054.

HEALTH

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center -- "Healing Yoga for Cancer" classes, 11 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Drop-in yoga class teaches cancer patients a series of gentle movements to let go of stress. Comprehensive Cancer Center Conference Room, 2001 Dwight Way. Free. Details: 510-508-1653.

-- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center -- "Look Good"...Feel Better," 10 a.m.-noon fourth Mondays monthly. For women with cancer. Cosmetologists and wig consultants demonstrate ways to cope with appearance changes and other physical side effects of cancer treatment. Cancer Center Salon, Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. Free. Registration required: 510-204-4785.

-- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center -- "Pregnancy and Childbirth Preparation" classes available. Birthing Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Registration required. Details: 510-204-1334.

-- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center -- Tele-Care Program. Telephone contact service for the elderly; homebound, convalescent and isolated in Alameda county. Daily calls monitor clients' well- being, refer them to outside sources for help and information, if needed, and help them maintain a connection to their community. Free. Details: weekdays 8:30-11:30 a.m. call 510-204-4487.

-- Buddhist Meditation -- 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Berkeley. Weekly introductory-level classes led by ordained nun Kelsang Choyang. Learn art of relaxation and stress-release, discover far- reaching benefits. Kadampa Buddhism. $7-$10 donation. 510-559-8183, www.kadampas.org.

-- YWCA Health and Community Education -- Features drop-in classes in dance, fitness, yoga, martial arts and more. University YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. 510-848-6370.