Friday, Dec. 11

2 to 3:30 p.m. HIV and Hep C Testing: Free and confidential testing and support referrals. For information and location, call Alameda Family Services, 629-6300.

5 to 7:30 p.m. Alameda Art Association: Reception and art show. Free to the public. Alameda Art Association Art Gallery, 2242 South Shore Center. (Info: 523-4475)

6:30 to 7 p.m. Tot Shabbat: Celebrate the first night of Hanukah wit the short service geared toward children to age 5. Hanukah treats follow. Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road.

7:30 p.m. Wit: Opening night. Presented by the Encinal High School Drama Department. Final performance Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10, general admission; $5, seniors and students. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the American Cancer Society. Encinal High School Cafeteria, 210 Central Ave. (Info: 748-4023, Ext. 2200)

9 p.m. Zydeco Music and Dance: Featuring Lil' Pookie and his Zydeco Band. Dance lessons at 8. Tickets sold at the door; $15. Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave. (Info: 415-285-6285)

Saturday, Dec. 12

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. H1N1 Vaccination Clinic: Free for high-risk residents. Old Gymnasium, Alameda High School, Oak Street and Alameda Avenue. (Info: 814-4362)

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "The Magic Continues": Holiday Home Tour 2009. Alameda Family Service League's annual tour, boutique, gourmet shop, dessert tea, drawing and optional lunch. Shuttle transportation, parking provided from Encinal Yacht Club. Benefit for Alameda Family Services. Tickets: $30, presale; $35 the day of the tour. (Info, tix: www.alamedaholidayhometour.info)

2 to 3 p.m. Catch of the Day: Discover what's new in the Visitors Center. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. (Info: 544-3187)

2 to 5 p.m. Community Tree Trimming Party: Bring an ornament to decorate the tree. Refreshments, sing-along holiday carols. Sponsored by the West Alameda Business Association. Corner of Webster Street and Pacific Avenue.

7 to 9 p.m. Second Saturdays: Prose and poetry reading. Featured poets, followed by open mic. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St. (Info: www.frankbette center.org or 523-6957)

7:30 p.m. Wit: Final performance. Encinal High School Cafeteria, 210 Central Ave. (Info: 748-4023, Ext. 2200)

8 p.m. "Sounds of the Season," a holiday concert presented by the Alameda Civic Light Opera. Tickets for the party and concert are $34 and $30. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 864-2256 or www.aclo.com)

Sunday, Dec. 13

8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast: Open to the public.; $15, adults; $4, children 4 to 11; 3 and younger, no charge. Alameda Elks Rathskeller, 2255 Santa Clara Ave. (Info: 522-1015)

1 to 2 p.m. "The Lorax Lives": Hear Dr. Seuss' story about the Lorax, then make a puppet using recycled objects. Free for all ages. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. (Info: 544-3187)

2 p.m. "Sounds of the Season," a holiday concert presented by the Alameda Civic Light Opera. Tickets for the party and concert are $34 and $30. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 864-2256 or www.aclo.com)

2 to 3 p.m. Catch of the Day: Discover what's new in the Visitors Center. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. (Info: 544-3187)

4 p.m. Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah: 15th annual community performance. Free to the public. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1420 Lafayette St. (Info: 523-0659 or www.singityour selfmessiah.org)

6 p.m. "I Wish You Christmas": 130th annual Christmas concert; refreshments follow. Free to the public; free will offering for the Alameda Food Bank. First Congregational Church of Alameda, 1912 Central Ave. (Info: 522-6012)

Monday, Dec. 14

7:30 p.m. Y.L.I.: Meeting. St. Joseph's Parish Center, 1119 Lafayette St. (Info: Eleanor, 523-8852)

7:30 p.m. Encinal Parlor, #156, Native Daughters of the Golden West: Meeting. (Info, address: Lois Hoffman, 865-1635)

Tuesday, Dec. 15

10 to 11:30 a.m. Sea Squirts: "Whales Tales." Outdoor exploration and a theme-related craft and snack for children 3 to 5 and an adult. Fee: $6. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. (Registration required: 888-327-2757)

Noon: Soroptimist International of Alameda: Luncheon meeting. Cost: $10. (Info: Carole Finnegan, 521-8381)

Noon: Rotary Club of Alameda: Luncheon meeting with guest speaker. Buffet lunch: $20; no lunch, $5 donation requested. Grandview Pavilion, 300 Island Drive.

Wednesday, Dec. 16

7 to 9 p.m. Alameda Democratic Club: Special meeting to discuss Measure B. Representatives of opposing viewpoints will speak. Free to the public. Conference Room A, Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Ave. (Info: 522-3361 or www.alameda-demo.org)

Thursday, Dec. 17

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trinity Seniors: Annual Christmas party begins at 10 a.m.; musical program starts at 11. Christmas lunch served at noon; December birthdays will be celebrated. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1323 Central Ave.

10 a.m. Holiday Sing-Along: Sing holiday songs and stay around for a visit from Santa and refreshments. Free for seniors. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave. (Pre-registration required: 747-7506)

10 a.m. to noon: Dental Consultation: Free consultation, by appointment, with Dr. Alfred Chong. Offered every third Thursday of the month. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave. (Info, reservs: 747-7506)

11:30 a.m. AARP, Chapter #20: Meeting. Social Hall, Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave. (Info: 522-1519)

7:30 p.m. Alameda Women Artists: Meeting. Prospective members call ahead to confirm location. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1910 Santa Clara Ave. (Info: 865-0541)

Friday, Dec. 18

8:30 to 10 a.m. "The Top 10 Most Costly HR Issues Small Businesses Face": Free seminar for business owners offered by the Alameda Chamber of Commerce and the Alameda One Stop Career Center. Cardinal Point, 2431 Mariner Square Drive. (Reservs, info: 748-5215)

10 a.m. to noon: Blood Pressure Testing: Free. Lobby Alameda Hospital, 2070 Clinton Ave. (Info: 814-4362)

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Express Yourself!: Share the arts, music, poetry or just observe. Suggested donation: $5 to $10 with some of the proceeds going to charity. Bring a snack to share. (Info: Cathy Dana, 523-7853)

8 p.m. Taize - Prayer Around the Cross: An ecumenical candlelight service of mantra-style chants, meditation, contemplation and reflection, silence, solitude and serenity. Free to the public. St Joseph's Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St.

9 p.m. Zydeco Music and Dance: Featuring Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic. Dance lessons at 8. Tickets sold at the door; $15. Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave. (Info: 415-285-6285)

Sneak Peek

Dec. 19, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blood Drive: Alameda Farmer's Market, Haight Avenue and Webster Street. (Appts, info: 800-448-3543 or www.HelpSaveALife.org/NC; sponsor code: AFMARKET)

Dec. 19, 6 p.m. Holiday Bash: Music, face painting, refreshments, followed by a program of storytelling, music and poetry. Tickets: $10 for all ages; proceeds will benefit the Frank Bette Center for the Arts and Rhythmix Cultural Works. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. (Info: 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org or 523-6957, www.frankbettecenter.org)

Dec. 19, 7 p.m. and Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Nutcracker Ballet: Fifth annual production presented by Alameda Civic Ballet. Tickets: $27, adults; $17, children. Sugar Plum Party follows the matinee: $5. Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave. (Info, tix: 864-2256 or www.AlamedaNutcracker.com)

Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon Bagel Breakfast: For new and prospective members. Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road. (Info: 522-9355 or www.templeisraelalameda.org)

Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. "Dance Like a Star": New Year's Eve party featuring dancing to the big band classics by 3 O'clock Jump. Food and beverages available for purchase; silent auction; free dance lessons. Tickets: $48 to $90. USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave. Pier 3, Alameda Point (Info, tix: 521-8448, Ext. 225 or www.hornetevents.com )

Jan. 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Gentleman's Agreement: Final part of a series of four film nights in the Temple Israel's Adult Education Committee "Jewish Film Series. Tickets: $10 at the door. Snacks included. Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road. (Info: Mindy Myers, 593-5285)