Spring 2011 Wildflower Scavenger Hunt in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

photo: Wildflower Scavenger Hunt - Almaden Quicksilver

Photo by Jason Hollinger

New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association is holding its annual Wildflower Scavenger Hunt.

Join Docent Kitty Monahan and Friends of New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association as they take you on a wildflower scavenger hunt in beautiful Quicksilver Park.

This outdoor hunt for flowery delights will take you through various stations at Jacque Ridge along Wood Road Trail in Almaden Quicksilver Park.

The meeting location is at the Wood Road Trail parking lot. The event is Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10am to 12pm.

The event is free. Registration is required. You can register online. For more information call 408-355-2240 or view the flier.

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.

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.

Hanley’s Chess Academy Holding Chess Tournament for Kids in Almaden Valley

photo: Almaden Chess Tournament

Photo by Adam NFK Smith

Hanley’s Chess Academy is holding a Scholastic Chess Tournament for Kids in Almaden Valley.

The tournament is a Quad format. Players are listed from highest to lowest based on rating. The top 4 are placed in Quad 1, the next highest 4 in Quad 2, and so on.

Participants play one game against each player in their Quad for a total of 3 games each. The time control for each game is G/40 with a 5 second delay. Trophies are awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners in each quad.

The tournament is at Round Table Pizza (1159 Redmond Ave) in Almaden Valley on February 12, 2011 from 5pm to 9pm. The price to participate in this tournament is $28 for each player, which includes tournament play and a kid’s pizza meal (pizza and drink).

All participants must also be members of United States Chess Federation (USCF). The price for this membership is $25 annually.

The USCF membership entitles your child to play in any tournament he/she wishes. Each child will earn an official rating and receive the bi-monthly USCF magazine, which includes articles, pictures, and stories about youth chess tournaments throughout the USA.

You can register online for the chess tournament and USCF membership.

Winter 2011 Open House Schedule for Almaden Valley Child Development Centers (CDCs)

logo: Almaden Valley Child Development CentersAlmaden Valley Child Development Centers (CDCs) are holding open house for the new year. CDC programs offer before and after school educational and recreational opportunities for school age children.

Child Development Centers aim to enrich the lives of children through quality, accredited child development programs that support emergent curriculum based on the child’s learning style, temperament, and needs. CDCs put children at the center of an interconnected circle of families, teachers, and the community.

Read more

Almaden Senior Program 2011 Trip Schedule

logo: Almaden Senior ProgramAlmaden Senior Program has a number of domestic and international trips planned for 2011, including South Pacific, Copper Canyon, Canadian Rockies, and the Nile. These trips are a wonderful and hassle-free way to see the world with your significant other and/or friends.

Read more

Sustainable Home Vegetable Gardening in Almaden Valley

logo: Master Gardeners of Santa Clara CountyGardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild climate here in Almaden Valley. Learn from Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County how to have a successful, environmentally responsible food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of the year.

This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting, integrated pest management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

This six-week course is taught by Bette Lloyd, Master Gardener. The class meets at the Almaden Community Center on Saturdays, January 22 – February 26, 2011, from 10am-12pm. Register online or by calling 408-268-1133. The price is $70 per person.

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.