Alamo Parks & Recreation

Activities Guide - Fall 2006

 

Welcome to the 2006 Fall Alamo Activities Guide.  Below are the course listings and class descriptions. If you are an Alamo resident, the prices shown reflect a 50% reduction of the class fee since the rest of the program costs are being supplemented by your parks & recreation tax dollars from the R-7A Special Tax District. To register, simply fill out the registration form and mail it, along with your payment check, to the address shown on the form.  Please call (925) 451-9176 or email alamorec@sbcglobal.net with any questions. Thank you for your participation.  Enjoy!

 

Table of contents:

 

Tiny Tots

Children/Youth/Teens

Fitness

Adult Dance

Parent Education

Adult Enrichment

Arts & Crafts

Health & Wellbeing

Dog Training

 

 

Tiny Tots (top)

 

Preschool Spanish

Participant's Age:  3-5

Date(s):   Mondays, October 9 - November 13 -- 6 classes

Time:  9:00-11:00 a.m. --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $108 resident; $216 non-resident

Instructor:  Francisca Bustos, A+ Spanish Academy

 

This preschool program is designed for 3-5 year olds.  The curriculum consists on learning language time (vocabulary words), exercise time (command words, i.e. down, jump, etc.), hands on activities (puzzles, books, etc.), songs (singing & playing instruments); family members, and much more.

 

Boogie with Your Baby

Participant's Age:  19-30 months

Date(s):  Tuesdays, September 26-November 14 -- 8 classes

Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $42 resident; $84 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Join the fun as you and your baby "boogie" to their favorite nursery songs.  Hop, jump, and dance with scarves, beanbags, parachutes and more.  This class encourages imagination and creativity and is lots and lots of fun for everyone.  Parent participation is required.

 

Twist and Shout

Participant's Age:  2.5-4 years

Date(s):  Tuesdays, September 26- November 14 -- 8 classes

Time:  10:30-11:30 a.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $42 resident; $84 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

This class encourages creativity and imagination as children and parents twist and shout to some of their favorite preschool songs.  Students explore dance and movement through use of beanbags, scarves, balls, parachutes, and more.  This class is designed to enhance basic motor skills and introduce students to a classroom environment.  Parent participation is required.  Join the fun and prepare to boogie with your favorite tot!

 

 

Children/Youth/Teens (top)

 

Babysitting for Beginners

Participant's Age:  10-15

Date:  Sunday, October 29 - 1 class

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $33 resident; $66 non-resident

Instructor:  Suzy McCreary

 

Learn the skills needed to be a trusted and responsible babysitter.  This class will cover child development, safety, bedtime strategies, and ways to make babysitting fun for you and the kids.  Participants will also learn what to do in an emergency.  Students should dress to play and bring lunch. 

 

Pre-Ballet

Participant's Age:  4-7

Date(s):  Tuesdays, October 3-December 5 (no class on 10/31 & 11/21)   -- 8 classes

Time:  6:00-7:00 p.m.  --  Location:  Rancho Romero Elementary School Multi-Use Room

Cost:  $34 resident; $67 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Aspiring young dancers learn basic ballet positions as well as simple exercise combinations to increase coordination, flexibility, musicality, and grace.  Students are encouraged to use their creativity as they experience the joy of interpretive dance to classical music.  Leotards, tights, and soft ballet slippers are required.

 

Hip-Hop for Kids

Participant's Age:  5-8 years

Date(s):  Tuesdays, October 3-December 5 (no class on 10/31 & 11/21)   -- 8 classes

Time:  7:00-8:00 p.m.  --  Location:  Rancho Romero Elementary School Multi-Use Room

Cost:  $34 resident; $67 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Young dancers have fun learning their favorite upbeat dance moves to the latest music.  Hip-Hop is a fast moving street style of dance made popular by music videos.  Hip-Hop classes are for those students who want to have some serious fun while learning all the latest "moves."

 

Hip-Hop for Youth

Participant's Age:  8-12 years

Date(s):  Wednesdays, September 27- November 15 -- 8 classes

Time:  6:30-7:30 p.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $34 resident; $67 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Do you want to dance like your favorite Hip-Hop video artists?  Hip-Hop is a fast moving street style of dance made popular by music videos. Classes will help the dancer loosen up, gain rhythm, and have controlled isolated movements.  Hip-Hop classes are for those students who want to have some serious fun while learning all the latest "moves."

 

Let's Hear It for Cheerleading

Participant's Age:  5-12 years

Date(s):  Wednesdays, September 27- November 15-- 8 classes

Time:  5:00-6:00 p.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $34 resident; $67 non-resident (a $13 fee will be collected by the instructor at the first class for poms) -- Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Have you always wanted to be a cheerleader?  Now you can!!!  This class will introduce the fundamentals of cheerleading.  Learn sideline cheers, jumps, kicks, turns, and dance routines.  Invite your friends and family as you cheer for your "last class team performance." 

 

Cartoon Workshop

Participant's Age:  7-17

Date:  Saturday, November 4 - 1 class

Time:  1:30-4:30 p.m.  --  Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $36 resident; $72 non-resident

Instructor:  Matthew Luhn

 

Learn to draw all your favorite cartoons from SpongeBob Squarepants to Buzz Lightyear to the characters in "CARS!"  Matthew Luhn PIXAR animator and cartoonist on "Toy Story," Toy Story 2," Monsters Inc.," and "Finding Nemo" will be teaching this one day cartoon workshop.  Matthew's encouraging approach allows all students to have fun drawing cartoons and teaches them to be able to continue their talent after the class is through.

 

Blue Angels Youth Ski & Snowboard Program

Participant's Age:  7-16

Date(s):  Saturdays, January 20-February 24, 2007 (excluding 2/17) - 5 classes

Time:  6:00 a.m.-7:45 p.m.  --  Location:  Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort

Cost:     $420 resident; $839 non-resident if payment received on or before 10/31/06

               $480 resident; $959 non-resident if payment received on or after 11/01/06

Instructor:  Blue Angels Youth Ski & Snowboard Program

 

In its 15th season, the Blue Angels provide youth, ages 7 through 16, an opportunity to ski or snowboard the local mountains with their friends and other snow sport enthusiasts.  The five Saturday coaching program is geared towards everyone from first timers to experts and includes five full days of coaching taught by professional resort instructors, five Saturdays of lift tickets, luxury bus transportation to Sierra at Tahoe Resort, all day adult supervision, lunch, a Pro-Tec helmet, sponsor bag, and rental discounts at select sports shops.  The Blue Angels provide a learning environment that fosters athletic skills, independence, and self esteem. Before the start of the program, there will be a mandatory parent meeting.  Please visit the web site www.BlueAngelSnow.com for more program information.

 

 

Fitness (top)

 

Pilates, Intro Workshop

Participant's Age:  18+

Date:  Saturday, October 21 - 1 class

Time:  9:30-10:30 a.m.

Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $9 resident; $18 non-resident

Instructor:  Connie English

 

Spicing up the traditional Pilates mat work, flexband contributes to stretches and increased resistance for arm and leg sculpting. Increase your overall body strength, body awareness, flexibility and coordination all in one enjoyable and dynamic workout.

 

Sunday Night Yoga for the Mind and Body

Participant's Age:  18+

Date(s):  Sundays, October 1-December 10 -- 10 classes

Time:  7:30-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $66 resident for 10 week series or $8 for a single class

               $132 non-resident for 10 week series or $16 for a single class

Instructor:  Lorey Wallace

 

Each class is geared towards offering working through all of the mind/body issues we face in our daily lives.  A few of the topics include yoga for insomnia, yoga to release body stiffness, yoga to relieve stress, restorative yoga, and many more interesting topics for you to participate in.  The series offers you the flexibility to sign up for one class at time or the whole series at a discounted rate.  Please bring a thick blanket and a yoga sticky mat to class.  Dress in loss comfortable clothing.  Yoga is conducted in bare feet and is best when practiced on an empty stomach.

 

October 1 - Yoga for a Better Night Sleep - Insomnia

If you would like to sleep better at night this is the class for you.  We will utilize specific breathing patterns to relax you with yoga/meditation to create a peaceful mind and body.

 

October 8 - Yoga for Stiff Bodies - Increase Flexibility

We will focus on hamstrings, hips, low back, and shoulders.  We'll explore how yoga can help to prevent and rehab injuries, reduce tension and strain, and just generally make you feel better walking around in your body.

 

October 15 - Yoga and Meditation

We will focus on postures to open your hips and release your spine to allow sitting meditation to be comfortable.  Then we will cover the basics of meditation.  Meditation clears the mind, controls the thoughts, reduces stress, and builds energetic pathways between the breath, stillness and spirit.  Bring a meditation cushion if you have one or a thick blanket.

 

October 22 - Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga uses supported postures, meditative breath, soft lights, and peaceful music to bring about rejuvenation, healing of injuries, and relaxation.  Relax while opening the body and releasing the mind.  Please being three thick blankets and a bolster or a dense cushion.

 

October 29 - Yoga for Your Back

This class will explore how to relieve tightness and stress in your back, to create space in your spine, and release tension with breath and meditation.  We will work with alignment and extension.

 

November 5 - Yoga/Dance Vinysana

A class set to music, utilizing a fun meditative continuous flow of postures designed to guide the student to a deeper awareness of the body, mind, and spirit.

 

November 12 - Yoga for Athletes

We'll explore how yoga can improve your athletic performance.

 

November 19 - Yoga to Release Stiffness in the Shoulder and Upper Back

We'll focus on releasing stiffness of the upper back, neck, and shoulders.

 

December 3 - Yoga Mediation and Essential Oils

We will discover the essentials oils that enhance your mediation and yoga practice, then practice some yoga postures and meditate.

 

December 10 - Yoga to Relieve Stress

Practicing yoga creates a more relaxed, flexible body and a calm, peaceful mind.  We will explore how to use the power of the breath along with yoga/meditation to reduce tension and strain.

 

Stroller Strides

Participant's Age:  18+ with babies 6 weeks and older

Date(s):  Mondays & Wednesdays, September 25 - December 13 (12 weeks, 24 sessions)

Time:  9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  --   Location:  Livorna Park

Cost:  $105 resident; $210 non-resident

Instructor:  Cheryl Ball, Stroller Strides

 

Stroller Strides is a unique workout that you can do with your baby. The classes consist of a Power Walk/Jog and body toning exercises using tubing, your stroller, your baby and the environment.  We turn the outdoors into a total gym.  In 60 minutes you will get a total body workout while improving your cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility.  Whether you're a beginner or an expert exerciser, Stroller Strides can provide you with your ideal workout.  It's up to you to create the intensity, but we will create the fun.

 

 

Adult Dance (top)

 

Hip-Hop for Adults

Participant's Age:  12-Adult

Date(s):  Wednesdays, September 27- November 15-- 8 classes

Time:  7:30-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $34 resident; $67 non-resident

Instructor:  Castro Valley Performing Arts

 

Would you like to learn the latest street-type style of dance made popular by music videos?  Join this energizing and electrifying dance class and get ready to loosen up and have some fun!!  Improve your strength and agility while exercising your mind and body!

 

 

Parent Education (top)

 

Baby Signs® Parent Workshop:  Sign Language for Babies!

Participant's Age:  Adult (Expectant parents, parents of infants and toddlers, caregivers, preschool teachers, childcare providers, or anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of baby sign language)

Date:  Wednesday, September 27 - 1 class

Time:  7:00-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:    $30 resident fee, $60 non-resident

Additional Lab Fee $35 (parent kit)

Instructors:  Julie Burlingame and Julie Corbett

 

Communicate with your baby before your baby can talk! The Baby Signs® Parent Workshop is based on the breakthrough research of Drs. Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn documenting the positive effects of teaching infants to communicate with signs before they can talk. The Baby Signs® Parent Workshop introduces parents to the history of baby sign language, the research behind the program, and most importantly, the many benefits of incorporating signs in everyday routines. Class participants will receive the Baby Signs® Parent Kit ($35 payable to instructors on first day of class) which includes: The Baby Signs® Parent Guide, Welcome to the Baby Signs® Program DVD, My Baby Signs® Sampler DVD, Signs at a Glance Reference Guide, and My Baby Signs® Bookmarks -- all of which provide parents with resources to help implement strategies and knowledge learned in the workshop.

 

 

Adult Enrichment (top)

 

Interior Redesign - No Cost Decorating

Participant's Age:  18+

Date:  Thursday, September 28 - 1 class

Time:  6:30-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $15 resident; $30 non-resident

Instructor:  Connie English

 

Use what you already have! Learn what the professionals already know: how to identify the focal point, furniture placement for flow comfort and how to create harmony, warmth, balance, decorating tips, and more.

 

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

Participant's Age:  25+

Date:  Monday, October 23 - 1 class

Time:  7:00-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:  $6 resident; $12 non-resident

Instructor:  Randall Thompson, Thompson Law Offices & DVC Instructor

 

Every California family should be aware of estate planning choices that can minimize tax, avoid probate, and provide for the children.  Living trusts, wills, and durable powers of attorney are discussed by the instructor who teaches this topic at Diablo Valley College and is a licensed attorney.

 

Clear & Simple Organizing

Participant's Age:  18+

Date:  Wednesday, September 27 - 1 class

Time:  7:00-9:00 p.m.  -   Location: Hap Magee Ranch Park, Cottage

Cost:  $15 resident, $30 non-resident

Instructor:  Gloria Bullock, Professional Organizer

 

Clutter getting out of hand?  Can't find anything?  Don't have enough time for the important things in life?  This is your class!  Learn a simple strategy of organizing that works anywhere from home to business.  Create a plan for your next organizing project tailored to your needs and goals.

 

 

Arts & Crafts (top)

 

Organizing Your Piles of Photos

Participant's Age:  8+

Date(s):              Saturday, September 23  - 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - 1 class

Thursday, October 19 - 6:30-9:30 p.m. - 1 class

Thursday, November 9 - 6:30-9:30 p.m. - 1 class

Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, (9/23, Cottage) (10/19, Swain House) (11/9, Swain House)

Cost:     $6 resident; $12 non-resident

Additional Lab Fee (collected by the instructor):  $35

Instructor:  Carole MacLean

 

Do you have piles and piles of photographs that need to be organized?  Then this 3-hour workshop is for you!  Bring your bags, boxes, bins and envelopes of photos and spend three hours sorting them into a photo safe box that will preserve them safely for generations to come. What relief you'll feel having all your memories safely stored in one place!  Carole MacLean has been teaching photo organization classes for over 10 years and will share tips for organizing your photos, sharing your precious stories, and getting your photos into albums.  A $35.00 materials fee will be collected by the instructor for the photo safe box that holds 2400 photos up to 5x7 in size. 

 

Beginning Plein-Air Painting

Participant's Age:  18+

Date:  Wednesdays, September 27-November 1 -- 6 classes

Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $45 resident; $90 non-resident

Instructor:  Ron Moore

 

Have you ever wanted to stop along the road and paint but didn't know how?  Please join me in learning some simple on-site techniques and have fun painting in nature!  With so many beautiful vistas in the Bay Area, and beyond, there are unlimited opportunities to travel and paint in gorgeous surroundings.  We will start in the classroom with the basics, then work our way outdoors.  Students need to bring an 8 ½ x 11" drawing/sketch/paint pad, brushes, disposable paint mixing palette, basic water based acrylic paints and/or paint pencils, photos of scenes that you would like to paint, and appropriate painting clothes.

 

 

Creative Floral Design

Participant's Age:  18+

Date(s):  Mondays, November 6-27 - 4 classes

Time:  9:30-11:30 a.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $39 resident, $78 non-resident

Instructor:  Najat Nicola

 

This program is designed for people who would like to learn the basics of floral design.  The instructor will demonstrate three arrangements during the first class, and the students will work on one arrangement per class for the next three weeks.  Students will learn how to pick and condition their flowers and create arrangements for many occasions.

 

 

Health & Wellbeing (top)

 

Healthy Eating for Seniors

Participant's Age:  50+

Date:  Thursday, October 19 - 1 class

Time:  7:00-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $24 resident, $48 non-resident

Instructor:  Dr. Robin Plokoff

 

Now that I'm older, what vitamins & minerals do I need?  How much protein, fat, and sugar should I eat?  These questions and more will be answered as you learn how your body's metabolism changes with age.  Learn how to make specific dietary changes that will increase your health and fitness levels.  This course will guide you in establishing a healthy nutritional foundation for the rest of your life.

 

Healthy Eating to Prevent and Treat Disease

Participant's Age 18+

Date:  Thursdays, November 2-9 - 2 classes

Time:  7:00-8:30 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Magee House

Cost:  $30 resident; $60 non-resident

Instructor:  Dr. Robin Plokoff

 

Did you know that many common diseases can be prevented or their symptoms reduced by simply changing your diet? Learn the relationships between diet and cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other common illnesses. This course will teach you how to identify the common disease risk factors in order to protect your health and to make specific changes in the way you eat and supplement to prevent and/or reduce the symptoms of disease

 

Heartsaver First Aid & CPR

Participant's Age:  12+

Date(s)/Time(s):            Saturday, October 14 - 2:00-6:00 p.m.-- 1 class

Sunday, November 5 - 2:00-6:00 p.m.-- 1 class

Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:     $27 resident; $54 non-resident

$16 fee for AHA Text and Certification Card

Instructor:  Rebecca Fontaine

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver Program is designed for the non-health care professional who requires certification in CPR/First Aid.  Students will learn and be certified in basic life support CPR and adult first aid.  This course is designed for the teacher, coach, nanny, life guard, camp counselor, office safety worker, and others who may be required by their employer to perform rescue at their work site.  Certification is valid for two years.

 

Family and Friends CPR and First Aid

Participant's Age:  11+

Date(s)/Time(s):            Friday, October 6 - 9:00-noon --1 class

Friday, November 3 - 9:00-noon -- 1 class

Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Swain House

Cost:     $18 resident; $36 non-resident

$5 fee for AHA Text

Instructor:  Rebecca Fontaine

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) Family and Friends programs prepare people to provide CPR and First Aid in a safe, timely, and effective manner.  Participants will learn to help victims of any age use life saving skills until advance rescue arrives and takes over.  This non-certification class is presented in a fun, non-stress format with plenty of practice opportunities.  A great class designed for grandparents, babysitters, family members, and friends who want to learn skills that could save a life but do not need certification.  Need certification for your job?  Check out the Heartsaver courses offered by Alamo Parks & Recreation.  Please dress comfortably and bring a snack.

 

 

Dog Training (top)

 

Puppy Preschool

Participant's Age:  18+ (humans); 10 weeks-6 months (dogs)

Date(s):  Tuesdays, September 19-October 24 - 6 classes

Time:  5:00-5:45 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Canine Corral

Cost:  $54 resident; $108 non-resident

Instructor:  Cindi Tringali

 

This is a socialization and information course for you and your new puppy. You will learn how to introduce your puppy to other puppies and dogs, how to house break and begin "Passive Training" techniques.    Problem solving for individual issues, selection of equipment for training, toy selection, tricks of the trade as well as chewing, barking, and whining are also covered.  In addition to these topics, the class also provides your puppy with social interaction and exercise with other puppies.  Please bring proof of 2 Dhlp-p vaccinations.  Puppies must be between ten weeks and six months of age at the start of class. 

 

Basic Dog Obedience

Participant's Age:  18+ (humans); 5 months+ (dogs)

Date(s):  Thursdays, September 21-October 26 - 6 classes

Time:  5:00-5:45 p.m.  --   Location:  Hap Magee Ranch Park, Canine Corral

Cost:  $54 resident; $108 non-resident

Instructor:  Cindi Tringali

 

Learn how to train your dog. Understand how a dog learns and thinks.  And, most important, learn to enjoy the dog in your life. This class covers equipment selection, training techniques, instruction on Sit; Down; Stay; Come; Heel; Go to Heel; Go Away; Off.  We will also cover topics as they arise such as house breaking, biting, chewing, jumping up, etc.  Please bring a buckle, chain, or head collar, a six food cloth or leather leash, and treats that your dog loves.  Please do not bring your dog to the first class.