Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills reopened Tuesday to the public. It will remain open from 9 a.m. until dusk, Tuesdays through Sundays. The farm has been closed since June while its summer camp programs were in progress.
Hidden Villa is a farm and wilderness preserve offering programs that promote environmental awareness and multicultural understanding. The public is invited to participate in special activities, enjoy guided farm tours, and hike the wilderness trails. Guided visits with the farm animals are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sundays. There is a $5 parking fee for visitors.
Autumn activities include bug and animal tales with Yolanda Rhodes, this Saturday; stories and music with Kevin Carr, Sept. 11; a puppet show with the Johnson brothers, Sept. 26; Halloween haunts, Oct. 29 and 30; and campfire stories with Anne Rovetta, Nov. 12. For information, fees, and reservations, call 949-8653.
Hidden Villa is also seeking volunteers to lend a hand in the organic gardens, greet visitors, help in the administrative offices, and lead farm tours. Program participants park free. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 949-8655.
Los Altos Art Docents needs volunteers
The Los Altos Arts Docents are recruiting volunteers to bring art lessons to students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the Los Altos School District. Those interested will spend the next five months training in several hands-on art appreciation units including watercolor, clay, and graphic design.
An introductory coffee is slated for 10 a.m., Sept. 1, in the boardroom of the Los Altos School District offices, 201 Covington Road.
For more information call 941-4010, ext. 18.
Westwind Barn hosts hoedown
Westwind Barn hosts its 16th annual fund-raising barbecue and hoedown Sept. 11. The popular event begins with a 5 p.m. "parade of breeds," and a 4-H riding exhibit featuring handicapped young riders. Dinner will be at 6:15 p.m., followed by a program of belly dancing. Throughout the evening, there will be a silent auction. Tickets are $20.
Westwind Barn is a 1930s-era stable owned by the town of Los Altos Hills that offers a 4-H riding program, as well as riding for handicapped children. The barn is located at 27210 Altamont Road, adjoining the Byrne Preserve, near Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills. For more information, call 941-6113.
Chefs Who Care at Michaels in MV
Chefs Who Care, a fund-raising dinner program which donates half the dinner price to the food and nutritional center of the Mountain View-based Community Services Agency, is back. The next dinner will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 13, at Michaels At Shoreline Restaurant, 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd., in Mountain View. Cost is $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Dinner will be an Italian country buffet, with Caesar salad, barbecued rosemary chicken, penne masta marinara, sorbet, tea and coffee.
For more information, call 961-3548. Do not call Michaels. Advance payment can be made by mailing a check to Chefs Who Care, 204 Steirlin Road, Mountain View.
Music for Minors recruits docents
Music For Minors is recruiting volunteers for the 1999-2000 school year. Docents visit classrooms once a week during the school year, sharing songs, games, rhythm instruments, music appreciation and movement activities with students. Volunteers need not be trained musicians.
Training classes begin the week of Sept. 14. For more information, call 941-9130 or e-mail at mfmexec@mfm.org.
Newcomers club hosts brunch
If you have recently moved to this area, consider joining the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Newcomers Club as the group kicks off a new season at its annual champagne brunch, Sept. 19 at the Stanford Faculty Club.
For more information, call (408) 735-9612.
For membership information, call (408)732-0892.