Today's Happenings About Town

1. The announces a new exhibit, "Luminaries," featuring oil paintings by Aondrea Maynard and sculptures by Rebecca Szeto. The pieces for this two-artist collection were inspired by the French and Italian countrysides. This exhibit is on display at the Gallery, 532 Bryant St. in Palo Alto, through Jan. 31. For more information, call 650-321-8155, e-mail bryantst@mac.com or visit bryantstreet.com.

2. Studies have shown that getting outdoors for a brisk walk is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body—it gets the heart rate going, fills the lungs with fresh air and is easy on the joints. Join fellow seniors for the Senior Walking Group each Thursday morning, 8:30-11:30 a.m. The group meets in the Avenidas parking lot, 450 Bryant St. in Palo Alto. For more information, call Hal Makin at 650-796-7316, e-mail hmakin@att.net or visit avenidas.org.

3. The Palo Alto Children's Theater presents a production of "Madeline's Christmas" all week through Sunday. This delightful holiday show is fun for the whole family, and is sure to get the kids in the spirit of the season. The show takes place at the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd. Tickets are $12 per adult and $8 per child, or special Saturday Playhouse tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child. For more information, call the main office Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 650-463-4930; or call the box office Tuesday-Saturday, 2-6 p.m., at 650-463-4970. Visit the website here.

4. Dr. Priscilla Sarinas of the (PAMF) will host a free lecture Thursday on the subject of insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects more than 30 million Americans. Her talk will cover reasons for not being able to fall asleep, behavioral strategies and sleep medications. The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session. The lecture will take place from 7-8:15 p.m. at the Fight Insomnia building, 701 El Camino Real, 3rd Floor, Room C, in Mountain View. For more information, call PAMF at 650-934-7373, e-mail awake@pamf.org or visit pamf.org/healtheducation/lectures/mv.html.

5. Get the blood flowing, and start your day off right with a quick round of Jump-Start Yoga, four days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6-6:30 a.m. at , 780 Arastradero Rd. in Palo Alto. For more information, including costs, call 650-559-1950.