5 Ways to Love Los Altos—Friday

1. The town of Los Altos Hills sure knows how to throw a holiday party! Join your neighbors for the annual Holiday Barn Lighting Sunday from 1-4 p.m. There's just about nothing this celebration doesn't have on the agenda. To name just a few activities—you can purchase a commemorative wine glass for $10 and sample various wines or cider throughout the afternoon; watch community group performances; let the kids enjoy crafts, the petting zoo or games; shop from a selection of locally made gift items; pose for pictures with and tell your wish list to Santa; sing holiday carols; and, of course, watch the lighting of the barn's holiday lights! It all takes place at the Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Rd., Los Altos Hills. For more information, call 650-941-7222.

2. Bring the whole family for a very special Afternoon with Artist/Author Elisa Kleven this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Kleven has published more than 15 popular children's books. The afternoon will begin with a potluck lunch, followed by Kleven reading from her newest book, Welcome Home, Mouse. At 1 p.m., Kleven will sign copies of her books while children enjoy arts and crafts activities. This event is sponsored by The Third Place, and 35 percent of any book sales from this event will benefit The Third Place. It all takes place at Christ Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 1040 Border Rd., Los Altos. To RSVP, e-mail elisa@thethirdplace.org.

3. Get a little holiday shopping done while benefiting a local school at the same time, today from 12:30-4 p.m. at the Blach School Holiday Faire. More than 190 students will fill 120 booths with unique, hand-crafted gifts and foods, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Blach PTA. The faire will take place in the Multipurpose Room at Blach Intermediate School, 1120 Covington Ave., Los Altos. Admission is free. For more information, call Carol Dockery at 650-619-6226, e-mail quilterbynight@msn.com or visit blachschool.org.

4. Qigong is the Mandarin Chinese term for various Chinese systems of physical and mental training for martial arts, general health and well-being and self-enlightenment. Join Meg McDonald and the staff of Firefly Willows each Friday at 10 a.m. for free Qigong sessions. Firefly Willows is at 111 Main St. in Los Altos. For more information or to RSVP, call 650-947-9300, e-mail info@fireflywillows.com or visit fireflywillows.com.

5. This weekend is your last chance to view the incredible exhibit, "Cuba from Inside and Out," at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College. In September, 18 photographers from the U.S.—including Foothill College professor and art photographer Ron Herman—traveled to Cuba to participate in a research and cultural exchange program with 18 Cuban photographers. These two groups are now sharing the art that resulted from their experiences. The Krause Center is at 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. Admission is free. For more information, contact Ron Herman by calling 650-949-7082, e-mail hermanron@foothill.edu or click here.