Therese Swan, Almaden Valley Realtor, Sponsors AccessAlmaden

photo: Therese Swan

We’d like to take a moment to welcome and thank Therese Swan as a new Sponsor of AccessAlmaden.

Therese is a Realtor with Alain Pinel Realtors, and is focused on Almaden Valley real estate. You may recognize Therese’s name through her ongoing involvement in the Almaden Valley community, as well as her numerous Almaden listings and sales.

According to Multiple Listing Service data, Therese is the #1 Real Estate Agent for Almaden Valley in 2009 and 2010 for both total number of homes sold as well as total dollar volume.

Therese’s unique mix of sales and analytical abilities, proven market tenure, and personal brand recognition in Almaden Valley gives her clients a distinct advantage and positive experience when buying and selling their homes in the area.

For the past two years Therese has made generous donations to a number of Almaden Valley elementary schools. She supports Williams Elementary School by promoting its Annual Crab and Pasta Feed, which is the school’s biggest fundraising event of the year. She also makes contributions to our community through sponsorships of the Williams Wins Foundation, Graystone Spring Celebration, and Almaden Country School Yearbook.

Prior to becoming involved in real estate, Therese worked in the high tech industry, starting as a programmer and eventually growing into a top sales performer for both software and high-end business and technology consulting services. She leverages both her technology background and vast network of contacts when marketing and selling Almaden Valley homes for her clients.

logo: Therese Swan

Therese’s personal network extends beyond Almaden Valley and greater Bay Area to an international audience of potential home buyers and sellers through the leading real estate companies of the world and Alain Pinel’s own luxury home division, Luxury Portfolio. In fact, just this month she consummated a deal with buyers from overseas on one of her high-end listings.

Contact Therese today if you plan to buy or sell a home in Almaden Valley or the surrounding area. You can reach her at 408-656-8240 or tswan@apr.com, or go to her website at www.AlmadenValleyRealEstate.com.

As a Sponsor of AccessAlmaden, Therese helps make it possible for residents of our community to easily learn about all of the fun and interesting events and activities happening in Almaden Valley.

Spring 2011 Activity Guide for Almaden Community Center

logo: Almaden Community Center Activity GuideSan Jose Parks Recreation & Neighborhood Services has released its City Wide Activity Guide for Spring 2011.

The Activity Guide includes all of the programs and classes planned for the Almaden Community Center in Spring 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 Spring 2011 activities begins on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10am. You can register online.

Almaden Valley to Host 4th Annual / 2011 Battle of the Bands Competition Finale

logo: Battle of the BandsThe Battle of the Bands concert finale is back! The top five finalists for the 4th Annual / 2011 Battle of the Bands will compete for prizes in a live concert here in Almaden Valley.

You are invited to attend this exciting live concert showcasing local talented bands and solo musicians from throughout San Jose.

Each of the five finalists will have up to 20 minutes to perform their set in front of an audience and judging panel of local music experts. The judging panel will determine the grand prize winner of the competition.

The Battle of the Bands concert is at Almaden Branch Library and Community Center on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 3-6pm.

Get the latest contest details for this year’s Battle of the Bands. The last day to submit participation entries is Saturday, February 19, 2011.

See the coverage by San Jose Mercury News of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition.

Meet Smokey the Bear and Learn About Fire Safety in Almaden Valley

Smokey the Bear and Santa Clara County Firesafe Council are coming to Almaden Valley!

This special event features stories, songs, and essential information about fire prevention and fire safety. And an opportunity for the kids to meet Smokey the Bear! This will be a fun and educational event for kids of all ages.

Almaden Fire SafetyThe Santa Clara County FireSafe Council is a non-profit organization composed of individuals, public and private agencies, and private sector businesses that share a common interest in preventing and reducing losses from wildfires.

This event is at the Almaden Branch Library on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 12:00-12:30pm.

Learn the Art and Science of Professional Trail Work in Almaden Quicksilver Park

logo: Almaden Quicksilver ParkHelp the expert County Parks Trail Crew with new trail construction, tread work, and brushing.

Work along some of the most beautiful and pristine trails in Santa Clara Valley while learning the art and science of professional trail work. No special skills are required but the work may be moderately strenuous.

This volunteer work day will focus on brushing trails near the Mockingbird entrance of the Almaden Quicksilver Park. Tools, work gloves, and snacks will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle, which we can refill for you.

The mission of the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department is to provide, protect, and preserve regional park lands for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations.

This event is at the Mockingbird entrance of Almaden Quicksilver County Park on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 9:15am to 11:30am. RSVP online.

View the Almaden Quicksilver Historic Trail Guide.

Winter 2011 Mission Fitness Boot Camp for Women in Almaden Valley

photo: Mission Fitness Boot Camp - Almaden ValleyCongratulations to Mission Fitness Boot Camp for being voted the Best Fitness Program by the readers of Almaden Times!

Mission Fitness Boot Camp helps the women of Almaden Valley become stronger and more fit, feel better, lose body fat, and increase their confidence.

The program delivers great results for working women, athletes, and stay-at-home moms. The camp environment is fun, non-competitive, and supportive. Sessions are run by Lindsay Barker, Exercise Physiologist.

Mission Fitness Boot Camp is holding its next four-week session in Almaden Valley beginning February 14, 2011 and ending March 11, 2011. You’ll get in shape and look great just in time for Spring!

Camp is held at Leland High School, Monday through Friday, 5:30am to 6:30am. This four-week session includes 20 workouts for one low price of $200. You decide on the frequency and days you want to participate. Just show up and get a great workout. You can register online or call 408-309-1059.

Registration Now Open for 10th Annual / 2011 Math Enrichment Summer Program at Leland High School

logo: Math Enrichment ProgramRegistration is now open for the 10th Annual / 2011 Math Enrichment Summer Program at Leland High School in Almaden Valley.

Math Enrichment is an independent Summer program for students going into Kindergarten through 11th Grade.

The program provides a superior Summer educational experience in a diverse, family-oriented environment, and meets all the academic, social, creative, emotional, and physical needs of the individual student. The academic curriculum is focused on reading, writing, and mathematics.

Math Enrichment’s staff is comprised of California Credentialed teachers from various school districts throughout the Santa Clara County, and is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Math Enrichment is at Leland High School in Almaden Valley. Classes begin June 13, 2011 and end July 22, 2011. Class is held Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Before and after school care is provided.

More Information:

Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Performing in Almaden Valley

logo: Firebird Youth Chinese OrchestraBring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a live musical performance by Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra (FYOC).

In the past few years, FYCO’s concerts and performances have received exceptional praise from audiences, including arts organization observers. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) declared FYCO as “one of the very few ensembles in the United States dedicated to educating young people, their families and communities through traditional Chinese music, and is carrying out its mission with great success.”

FYCO was founded in 2000 by Gordon Lee along with thirteen musicians. FYCO currently has about one hundred musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. Most of the students are American born Chinese youths ranging from nine to seventeen years of age.

The mission of FYOC is to train young musicians and promote Chinese music as an integral part of Chinese-American culture, thereby strengthening the Chinese community and enhancing the cultural diversity and richness of American Society.

The performance is at the Almaden Community Center on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 2:00 to 3:00pm. No pre-registration required. Just go and enjoy!

Happy Chinese Rabbit Year!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Williams Elementary School Crab Feed

Enjoy all you can eat crab in this fundraising event to benefit WINS foundation. Saturday, February 12 2011 from 6pm to 11pm. For more information visit http://www.sjusd.org/williams/elementary/school/calendar_event/crab/