2nd Annual / 2011 Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Fundraiser in Almaden Valley

logo: Scleroderma FoundationThe Northern California Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation is pleased to announce its Second Annual / 2011 Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Fundraiser.

This event includes a 2-Mile Walk / Fun Run, 10K Competitive Run, and fun for the entire family with silent auction, food, and music.

For families who enjoy getting outside, the 2-Mile flat distance is perfect for a morning walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

For individuals who are training for late Spring and Summer events, the 10K distance is an excellent way to kick start the racing season. New for 2011, the course is professionally managed so the distances will be accurately measured, well marked, and timed.

The course also has a new starting point that sets the walk and run courses off in opposing directions so runners can focus on being competitive and families won’t have to dodge runners.

Lastly, don’t forget your wallet because once the finish line is crossed there will be raffle and silent auction items to browse. All proceeds go towards supporting the Scleroderma Foundation, the leading non-profit supporter of Scleroderma research and patient support in the United States.

In 2010, an impressive 600 people came out for the inaugural Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Fundraiser, and the Northern California chapter hopes to double that number this year.

The event is at Almaden Lake Park on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Registration will begin on race day at 8:00am, and the walk/run will start at 9:00am. You can register online before race day. Entrance fee for the 10K is $40, 2-Mile is $30 for adults and $20 for youth. Ages 4 and under are free.

When you register online be sure to check out the online raffle. Purchasing raffle tickets will give you a chance to win the “San Jose Sharks Experience” or tickets to see World Series Champs, San Francisco Giants!

Become a member of Jane Johnson’s fundraising team. Jane is a resident of Almaden Valley.

For more information about this event, view the press release or call 916-832-1102.

Children’s Discovery Museum’s Laboratory Stories in Almaden Valley

logo: Children's Discovery Museum of San JoseChildren’s Discovery Museum will create a laboratory for young scientists to investigate chemical reactions with dry ice as they solve a dilemma presented within a folktale.

Laboratory Stories stimulates kids to explore the wonders of science. The program integrates language arts and science with interactive experiments that:

  • Develop experimental design and problem-solving skills
  • Promote essentials of observation
  • Spark student curiosity

This event will be held at the Almaden Branch Library inside the Program Room on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 from 3:30-5:00pm. The program is for children ages 5-12.

Having the Children’s Discovery Museum’s Laboratory Stories program in Almaden Valley was made possible through the generous contributions of the Friends of the Almaden Branch Library.

Summer 2011 Swim Lessons at Almaden Swim & Racquet Club

logo: Almaden Swim & Racquet ClubAlmaden Swim & Racquet Club is offering group (4:1) and private (1:1) swim lessons during the Summer of 2011.

Lessons are available for members and non-members. Lessons are designed to make your child water safe and swim team ready. Lessons are available for swimmers ages 4 and older.

The instructor’s goal is to find your child’s strengths in swimming and work with them to enhance it. Determine your child’s level based on their ability.

Groups lessons start June 6, 2011 and are held Monday through Thursday for two weeks, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Lessons are 30 minutes. The group lesson price is $95 for members and $155 for non-members. You can register online.

Private lessons are available by appointment only starting May 1, 2011 (weekends only) and June 6, 2011 (7 days a week). Private lessons are $25 per half hour for members and $35 for non-members. You can add additional students for $10 (member) $15 (non-member) per half hour. Students must be of the same relative age and ability. To schedule an appointment email Eric at: asrcswimlessons@earthlink.net.

Play-Well TEKnologies’ Engineering with LEGO® 2011 Summer Camps in Almaden Valley

logo: Play-WellPlay-Well TEKnologies Summer Camps are back in Almaden Valley. Designed by engineers, the curriculum challenges both new and returning students.

The camps explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and architecture through fun-filled projects that:

  • Develop and enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Expose children to concepts and vocabulary of Engineering, Architecture, and Physics
  • Provide an opportunity to have a great time with a terrific and versatile building system

The following week-long Engineering with LEGO® camps are available:

PRE-Engineering with LEGO® (5-6 years olds)

  • 6/27/2011 – 7/1/11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 7/11/2011 – 7/15/11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 7/18/2011 – 7/22/11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 8/1/2011 – 8/5/11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 8/15/2011 – 8/19/11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Engineering FUNdamentals with LEGO® (7-9 years olds)

  • 6/27/2011 – 7/1/11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 7/11/2011 – 7/15/11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 7/18/2011 – 7/22/11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 8/1/2011 – 8/5/11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • 8/15/2011 – 8/19/11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Visit Play-Well TEKnologies for more information and to register online.

FamilyLife’s The Art of Marriage Seminar is Coming to Almaden Valley

logo: FamilyLife - The Art of MarriageWhether you are newlyweds or have been married for over 50 years, whether you just got engaged or you feel your marriage is at a crossroad, The Art of Marriage seminar is for you!

Learn how to build a stronger and healthier marriage, how communication and conflict resolution leads to real intimacy, and how to build a lasting legacy – not just a great marriage.

The Art of Marriage is at South Hills Community Church in Almaden Valley on Friday, May 6, from 7:00-9:30pm and Saturday, May 7, from 9:00am-4:00pm.

Early bird price is $60 per couple; $80 per couple after April 25, 2011 and at the door. More information and to register.

Summer 2011 Activity Guide for Almaden Community Center

image: Spring 2011 Activity Guide for Almaden Community CenterSan Jose Parks Recreation & Neighborhood Services has released its City Wide Activity Guide for Summer 2011.

The Activity Guide includes all of the programs and classes planned for the Almaden Community Center in Summer 2011.

Almaden Valley residents have a variety of activities from which to choose. There’s something for everyone – from toddlers to seniors.

Choose from arts and crafts, camps, dance, early childhood recreation, education and enrichment, health and fitness, music, sports leagues and drop-ins, cooking, specialty programs, senior programs and events, and family events.

Registration for Summer 2011 activities begins on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10am. You can register online, in-person (at Almaden Community Center), mail-in, or fax-in.

Register for Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League’s 2011 Fall Recreational Program

logo: Almaden Valley Youth Soccer LeagueRegistration for Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League’s 2011 Fall Recreational Program is open May 1, 2011 through July 15, 2011. Register by June 5, 2011 to lock in the early bird rate!

AVYSL is offering the following three Fall Recreational Programs based on the player’s age:

U5 Kicker’s Club: For players born between August 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007. Players will be assigned to a team and will meet on Saturdays or Sundays. These weekend sessions will begin with clinics run by professional trainers utilizing fun activities and games to teach skills to the children. The sessions will end with 3v3 scrimmages between teams. There are no weekday practices or games.

U6 – U12 Fall Recreation: For players born between August 1, 1999 and July 31, 2006. Multiple teams will be formed in each age group. U6, U7, and U8 teams will practice once a week. U10 and U12 teams will practice twice a week. Games will be played between teams on Saturdays and on Sundays. Practices and games are held at local schools and parks.

U14 and U16 Fall Recreation Play Through: For players born between August 1, 1995 and July 31, 1999. A small number of teams will be formed in these age groups. These teams will play against each other and against teams from other leagues in the South Bay. Teams will practice twice a week at a local Almaden location. Some games will be played at other league locations. The number of teams formed will be based on the number of players who register and the number of coaches who volunteer.

The price to register is $130 for U5 players, and $185 for U6-U16 players. No paperwork is required at the time of registration. A $25 fee will be charged for late registrations after June 5, 2011.

Practices start mid August, 2011. The first game of the season is August 27, 2011, and the last game is late October, 2011 / early November, 2011.

Visit the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League (AVYSL) website for more information about the 2011 Fall Recreational Program. You can register online.

If you have any questions about the 2011 Fall Recreation Program, please contact Norbert Schmied n_schmied@yahoo.com. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact the Recreation Registrar at recregistrar@almadensoccer.org.

2011 Summer Art Camp at Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery in Almaden Valley

Lord of the Light Art Studio & GalleryLord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery is holding its 2011 Summer Art Camp for kids in 1st – 7th grade. The studio has a unique camp curriculum that is designed to bring out and develop a child’s imagination and creativity, while teaching them the fundamentals of fine art.

The Summer Art Camp is a one-week, fun-filled learning experience that includes color theory, animation, and much more! Students will learn pencil drawing skills and how to use medias such as oil pastel, soft pastel, and watercolor. Your child will experience new freedom and a new love for art.

You have three Summer Art Camp sessions to choose from:

Session 1: Animal Drawing & Animation
Dates: June 20-24, 2011, 1:30-3:00pm

Session 2: Flower Drawing & Animation
Dates: July 18-22, 2011, 1:30-3:00pm

Session 3: Still Life Drawing & Animation
Dates: August 8-12, 2011, 1:30-3:00pm

The 2011 Summer Art Camp tuition is $135 per student, per session. Sessions fill-up on a first come first basis, so register now! See the flier for more information and Registration Form.

You can also register your child at the Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery located in the Old Almaden Plaza next to Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley or call the studio at 408-997-3112.

Weekly Program

Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery also offers a Weekly Program that consists of a unique curriculum called Basic 1 through 14. The curriculum focuses on themes, media, color theory, and art history that helps students to visually understand and experience the techniques and basics of fine art.

This step-by-step curriculum is designed to improve the student’s artistic skills from 1st grade up through 12th grade, giving them the self confidence and the inspiration to further broaden their education in fine art.

Please call Lord of the Light Art Studio & Gallery to request a tour of its lovely studio and gallery and to learn more about its programs.

Andy Z at Almaden Library

Children’s singer/songwriter Andy Z will be at Almaden Library on April 20th, 2011 for a free performance. For more information visit http://www.sjpl.org/almaden

Almaden Valley Women’s Club Offering College Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

logo: Almaden Valley Women's ClubAlmaden Valley Women’s Club (AVWC) is once again offering college scholarships to graduating seniors who live in Almaden Valley.

These scholarships, funded through the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival, promote student service and academic achievement, and recognize high school students for outstanding leadership in service within our community.

AVWC has several scholarships to award to deserving students this year. Individual scholarships range from $500 – $2500.

Winners will be selected based on outstanding volunteer experience, academic performance, school activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.

Application and supporting documents must be returned by April 9, 2011. Check the Almaden Valley Women’s Club website for pre-requisites and the application packet.