The Week Ahead

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Last ‘Friends’ Book Sale for 2012

Friends of the Castro Valley Library will hold their final book sale of the year this weekend: Friday (for members only) 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 to 4; and Sunday (“Bag Day”) from 1 to 4. All proceeds go to benefit the library. For more information on the book sale or how to join the “Friends” at 510-733-3285 or www.friendsofcvlibrary.com.

Saturday, December 1: Free Electronic Waste Recycling

The Smart Energy Club at Castro Valley High School will hod a  free Electronics Waste Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday at the High School at Redwood Road and Heyer Avenue. All electronics, wires, and ink-jet cartridges will be accepted in a convenient drive-through recycling operation for the All Green Electronics Recycling Zero landfill and export policy. All materials will be recycled in California.

Sunday, December 2: Go Birding!

The Hayward Historical Society invites you to observe thousands of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl at 10 a.m. this Sunday, starting at the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve parking lot at Clawiter and Arden Road. For full info, or to register ($8 adults, $5 seniors/students), call 510-581-0223 or visit www.haywardareahistory.org.

Sunday, December 2: Christmas Concert

First Presbyterian Church, at 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley, presents a free Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. this Sunday, featuring a wide variety of music. A reception will follow. For more information, visit www.firstpreshayward.com or call 510-581-6203.

Sunday, December 2: Chanukah Faire & Boutique

Congregation Shir Ami at 4529 Malabar Ave. in Castro Valley (off Redwood Road) will hold a Chanukah Faire and Boutique for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday. Free for adults, the cost is $5 per child, which includes face-painting and crafts. Chanukah food and lots of latkes. For more information, visit www.congshirami.org/

Sunday, December 2: Discussion of Moral Education

Philosophers’ Café / Culture Chat, an informal activity of Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, will be held at 10:45 a.m. this Sunday at Café Rumi, 4799 Heyer Ave., Castro Valley, to discuss “Who bears the responsibility of moral education in our society?” Open to all; non-members are asked to donate $5 per session. For info, call 925-240-5612.

Monday, December 3: Reception for Kunio Okui

The Castro Valley School Board invites the public to a reception for Board Member Kunio Okui, celebrating his 21 years of service to the district, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, in the Exhibition Room of the Castro Valley Center of the Arts at 19501 Redwood Road.

Monday, December 3: Diabetes Support Group

Consulting Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Levine will host a free, public workshop on “Coping Skills” at Monday’s meeting of the Diabetes Support Group at 4 p.m. (an hour earlier than usual) at the San Leandro Surgery Center, 15035 E. 14th Street.

Monday, December 3: Discussion of Therapy Dogs

Local author Patricia Wheeler will share stories and photos from new book, “Successful Tails: The Wonder of Therapy Dogs,” during a book-signing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Castro Valley Library, just before the library’s own therapy-dog-themed program, Paws to Read, begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.aclibrary.org or call 510-667-7900.

Tuesday, December 4: Ohlone Audubon Meeting

Verne Nelson will discuss “East Bay Birds” with a photo presentation, followed by the annual members slide show and holiday cookie exchange at the meeting of Ohlone Audubon Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Ave. Meetings are free, refreshments are served. More info at 925-447-8843 or www.ohloneaudubon.

Wednesday, December 5: Business Person of the Year

Longtime Castro Valley construction company owner Randy Vanderbilt will be honored as “2012 Business Person of the Year” by the Castro Valley / Eden Area Chamber of Commerce at a noon luncheon next Wednesday at Willow Park Event Center. For reservations, call 510-537-5300 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tickets ($25) may be purchased at the door.