South Bay Tennis Academy’s Winter 2011 Junior Recreation Classes in Almaden Valley

logo: South Bay Tennis Academy in Almaden ValleySouth Bay Tennis Academy is holding junior recreational tennis classes in Almaden Valley. Classes include Mini Tennis (ages 4-7), Rally Ball I (ages 8-12), and Rally Ball II (ages 8-14).

Using the new quick start format, which uses a games-based approach, players will be able to quickly learn the fundamentals of the game and rally in a fun, social environment.

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Nationally Recognized Author and Astronomer Speaking in Almaden Valley

photo: Solar System

NASA Photo (nix.nasa.gov)

As a part of the Doris Dillon Author Series, author and astronomer, David Aguilar, will be giving a talk about the solar system and space science in Almaden Valley.

David is the author of 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System and other space-themed nonfiction for elementary-school students.

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U.S. Baseball Academy’s 2011 Baseball Camps in Almaden Valley

logo: U.S. Baseball AcademyU.S. Baseball Academy is running camps in Almaden Valley for players in grades 1 through 12. Players have the choice to be instructed in hitting, pitching, and catching.

Leland High School’s Head Baseball Coach, Mike Sparrer, is the camp director. Instructors will include other coaches from around the San Jose area. The player-to-coach ration is 6-to-1.

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Papa Hugs Musical Performance Coming to Almaden Valley

logo: papa hugs productionsPapa Hugs is coming to Almaden Valley to share his original program of singing, dancing, and fun! Children and their families will laugh and sing along to the songs.

Papa Hugs, a.k.a. David Sharpe, will be accompanied by his Playtime Characters, including Wonder The Kangaroo, Scary Bug, Robbie the Robot, Fitness the Frog, and Stinky Beetle.

PapaHugs’ music is educational, interactive, upbeat, silly, and fun. It teaches children about relationships, health, our environment, and the world around us. PapaHugs songs are straight from the heart and welcome you with open arms.

The show is at Almaden Branch Library on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. The program is made possible by the Friends of the Almaden Library.

2010 Breakfast with Santa at Almaden Community Center

photo: Breakfast with Santa in Almaden

Photo by By Axel Bührmann

Attend the annual Breakfast with Santa event. The morning starts with a tasty breakfast for your entire family.

Children will then be able to participate in a variety seasonal arts and crafts, and take their creations home with them.

Santa will be making a special visit. Children can get a picture taken with Santa and receive a special gift. (Pictures will also be available for purchase.)

Breakfast with Santa is at Almaden Community Center on Saturday, December 11, 2010, from 9:30am to 12:00pm.

Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The price is $10 per person. Children one and half years of age or younger are free.

North Pole Party in Almaden Valley

Photo by Ian Muttoo.

Make the holidays extra special for your kids with a fun-filled party in winter wonderland.

The party will include singing, art activities, food, and a special gift from the North Pole. The party is for children ages 4-7.

The North Pole Party is at the Almaden Community Center on Monday, December 6, 2010, from 5-7pm.

Register online by December 6, 2010.

Star Party and Heavenly Story Time in Almaden Valley

Photo by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Join the San Jose Astronomical Association for Stories Under the Stars and Star Party.

From the stargazing station telescopes, see Jupiter, Ring Nebula, Great Global Cluster in Hercules, Coathanger, Albireo, and other show objects of the autumn sky.

The event is at the Almaden Library and Community Center on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 5:30-8:00pm. Story time starts at 5:30pm, followed by the star party at 6:00pm. For more information, call 408-808-3040.

Check out the star party etiquette and helpful tips. You can also subscribe to Ephemeris, San Jose Astronomical Association’s monthly newsletter.

Winter 2011 Almaden Community Center Activity Guide

photo: Almaden Community Center Activity GuideSan Jose Parks Recreation & Neighborhood Services has released its Citywide Activity Guide for Winter 2011. The guide includes all of the activities planned for the Almaden Community Center.

Almaden Valley residents have a variety of activities to choose from, including the following: arts and crafts, camps, dance, early childhood recreation, education and enrichment, health and fitness, music and theater, sports leagues and drop-ins, cooking, specialty programs, senior programs and events, and family events.

Registration begins Saturday, December 11, 2010. Programs and classes begin the week of January 18, 2011. Download the guide and register online.

View the most recent Almaden Community Center Activity Guide.

Mysterious Mountain Lions in Almaden Valley

photo: mountain lion

Photo by Doug Reynaud, Open Space Authority Technician

Did you know that mountain lions are the fourth largest cat in the world? An adult male may be more than eight feet long from nose to the end of his tail.

Join Teri Rogoway, Open Space Interpreter, from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, for an evening of exploring these mysterious and incredible animals.

Learn what they eat and how they hunt, where and when you may spot one, and what to do if you encounter one while hiking.

The presentation is at the Almaden Library on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 6:30pm.

Magician Brian Scott’s Access to Oddities Show Coming to Almaden Valley

photo: Magician Brian ScottAccess to Oddities is a hilarious and interactive one of a kind show. Magician Brian Scott combines magic, comedy, and pure fun that the whole family with enjoy.

Brian Scott has spent a lifetime being intrigued by the bizarre and strange world of magic, and has integrated into his show entertaining oddities from around the world. With these oddities, he creates an experience that allows the audience to not only see but also partake in these strange occurrences first-hand.

Brian Scott will have you laughing, scratching your head in wonder, and being just plain amazed. The show features baffling and comical magic, audience participation, and surprising mind-reading demonstrations that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief.

Brian Scott’s Access to Odditiesis will be entertaining you at the Almaden Community Center on Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 1:00-2:00pm.