Children’s Performer Andy Z Coming to Almaden Valley

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photo: Andy ZAndy Z, singer, songwriter, and children’s performer is performing in Almaden Valley. Andy is the winner of Disney Family’s iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Products.

Andy Z delights kids and kids-at-heart with his musical adventures. He combines music, movement, and storytelling to create an experience that keeps kids engaged and adults entertained.

“Andy is magical! He’s entertaining, funny, creative, and cool! Even to parents!” iParenting Media Awards, Walt Disney Company

“Andy Z has such an easy repartee with the kids. His high energy and clever songs keep the children excited and engaged from beginning to end.” Pandora Video Series, Pandora Internet Radio

Andy Z’s performance is at Almaden Library on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 11:15am – 12:15pm. Check out Andy Z’s blog for a sampling of his songs and videos.

The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is Performing The Tempest in Almaden Valley

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logo: The San Francisco Shakespeare FestivalThe San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is performing The Tempest in Almaden Valley. The performance will delight audiences of all ages as the cast brings to life the humor, romance, and adventure of this enchanted tale.

Throughout its history, The Tempest has been regarded as the pinnacle of Shakespeare’s dramatic output. Widely believed to be his final and most autobiographical play, it utilizes the wisdom and understanding gained from a career as a highly regarded dramatist.

Some of the Bard’s most delightful characters inhabit The Tempest’s magical island. Prospero, the sprite Ariel, the slave Caliban, and the clowns Stephano and Trinculo, all help bring to life the humor, romance, and adventure of this tale.

Shakespeare’s The Tempest will performed be at the Almaden Library on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 6:00 – 6:55pm. Post-show Q&A with the cast will be at 7:00pm. The performance is free.

Deep Gulch History Hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

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logo: almaden quicksilver county parkTake a walk back in time on this 2.5-mile strenuous but leisurely paced trek up the Deep Gulch Trail.

Stop along the way at areas of historical interest, and discover how this route was used back when the mining operation was active.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park encompasses 4,152 acres and is the site of over 135 years of mining history and former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families.

Remnants of the mining era also offer an exciting look into the mining operations of the latter part of the 19th century.

As an added bonus, during the early Spring the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region.

Meet at the Hacienda entrance of Almaden Quicksilver County Park on Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Reservations are required. Call the park office at 408-268-3883. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water.

View the Almaden Quicksilver County Park Historic Trail Guide.

Dance Arts Academy’s Spring 2011 Camp Dance

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logo: Dance Arts AcademyYour child will learn a little bit of everything in this versatile, half-day Spring dance camp taught by Dance Arts Academy – including ballet, tap, jazz, swing, hip hop, gymnastics, cheer, and Hawaiian.

Each camper will have an educational and positive experience, while building their self confidence.

The camp is for boys and girls ages 3-12. Participants are placed in age-appropriate classes. A snack and juice is provided. Recital is held for parents on Friday!

Dance Arts Academy has offered professional dance instruction for over 41 years. Teachers focus on building a strong foundation of dance technique in a well-structured and fun learning environment.

Camp Dance is held daily at Dance Arts Academy Monday, April 11, 2011 through Friday, April 15, 2011 from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The price is $127 per child. Register online or call 408-578-4055.

The New York Times Bestselling Author, Michelle Richmond, Speaking in Almaden Valley

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photo: Michelle RichmondThe New York Times bestselling author, Michelle Richmond, will be giving a free talk and book signing in Almaden Valley. Michelle’s book, The Year of Fog, will also be available for purchase.

“The Year of Fog follows the journey of a young woman through the mysteries of memory and guilt after her fiance’s six-year old daughter disappears while in her care.” Silicon Valley Reads

The event is at Almaden Library and Community Center on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 3:00-4:00pm. The event is sponsored by Silicon Valley Reads and Friends of Almaden Library.

4th Annual / 2011 Walk for Thought at Almaden Lake Park

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logo: Brain Injury Association of CaliforniaThe Brain Injury Association of California (BIACAL) is holding its 4th Annual / 2011 Statewide Walk for Thought fundraiser.

The event promotes brain injury awareness, provides information and resources, and raises critical funds for BIACAL and local host organizations that provide programs and services to persons with brain injuries. The event will also feature music, food, exhibits, and resources.

Local organizations hosting the event include Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Research Center, Services for Brain Injury, and City of San Jose Head Injury Recreation and Leisure Network. All three host organizations will share a percentage of the proceeds from the walk.

Pre-registration is $25 for adults ($30 on event day), $15 for people with brain injuries, and $15 for children ages 5-16. You can register for the event or make a donation online. Walk-up registration is available but participants are urged to sign-up and raise funds ahead of time.

The Brain Injury Association is a non-profit group that uses advocacy, education, and research to bring help, hope, and healing to thousands of Californians living with brain injuries, their families, and the professionals that serve them.

The San Jose Walk for Thought is at Almaden Lake Park on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Pranayama and Meditation Workshop at Almaden Yoga

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logo: Almaden YogaComplete your weekend in harmony at Almaden Yoga. Explore prana – vital life energy of the universe.

You will experience how breath can affect your state of being – quieting your mind and transforming your energy into inner joy. In this session Elena Milyukova will focus on the following:

  • Pranayama – the art and science of the rhythmical control of the breath
  • Key yoga practices and yoga anatomy
  • Establishing a strong foundation to further develop your own practice

The workshop will start with chanting and a short meditation, and finish with discussion and reflection on the experience.

Update: The Pranayama and Meditation workshop with Elena Milyukova is being rescheduled for a later date. The workshop will not take place on Saturday March 26, 2011. The rescheduled date will be announced once it has been confirmed.

The session is at Almaden Yoga on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 3-5pm. The price is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

San José Children’s Faire

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The San Jose Public Library will be holding the 23rd San José Children’s Faire on April 16th. Held at Discovery Meadow Park, this year’s theme is “Play Together, Learn Together: Growing With Giggles And Grins.” There will be hands-on activities for children and information on programs and services for parents and caregivers. For more information visit www.sjpl.org/moyc

Make a Mural for Display at the 23rd Annual San Jose Children’s Faire

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childrensfaire's photostream on Flickr

Participate in the Almaden Library mural making craft. Kids and parents will be decorating a mural with the theme, “Play Together, Learn Together: Growing with Giggles & Grins!”

The mural will be on display at the 23rd Annual San Jose Children’s Faire celebration at Discovery Meadow Park (located in front of the Children’s Discovery Museum). The Children’s Faire is Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10:30am–3:00pm. (See photos from the 2010 faire.)

Displaying children’s art provides insight into the imagination and development of young children. These Children’s Art Displays are a means of helping the public understand the value of childhood creativity.

The mural making craft is at the Almaden Branch Library on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 10:45-11:45am.

Cindy Art Studio 2011 Summer Art Classes

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Summer Art Classes are back! In addition to its regular weekly art classes, Cindy Art Studio is offering special 3-day Summer Art Classes for children ages 4 and older. Choose the week and medium that suits you!

You can choose from a variety of art mediums that interest your child, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and oil.

Summer Art Classes are at Cindy Art Studio. There are ten 3-day Summer classes to choose from. The classes begin June 6, 2011 and end August 12, 2011. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30–5:00pm or 5:00–6:30pm.

The price is $100 per student per week (1 week consists of 3 classes, including supplies). If you do not want to commit to three classes in a week, you can opt to take any one class at a time. The fee is $35 per class. Enroll now!