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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.

Operation Prom Dress 2011 in Almaden Valley

photo: Operation Prom Dress 2011 - Almaden

Photo by Terri Ann Photography

Help prevent the tough economy from discouraging students to attend their Proms. The City of San Jose, in partnership with the Office of Councilmember Madison Nguyen, present Operation Prom Dress 2011.

Donate a new or gently used dress at the donation box inside Almaden Library through April 4, 2011. This is the third year in a row that Ms. Nguyen has led the effort to collect prom dresses for junior and senior girls to wear to their high school proms. In 2010 the drive collected more than 800 dresses.

In past years local dry cleaners, make up artists, and hair stylists have sponsored their services to some of the girls. If you would like to donate your services this year, whether for one girl or several, please contact Lan Thao Nguyen, Council Assistant to Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen, at 408-535-4959.

Register for 10th Annual / 2011 Math Enrichment Summer Program at Leland High School

photo: Math Enrichment Summer Program in Almaden Valley

Photo by Stuart Pilbrow

Registration for the 10th Annual / 2011 Math Enrichment Summer Program at Leland High School begins on February 1, 2011.

Discounts for early registration and families will be available, so check the program website early.

Unfortunately, the program’s website does not yet have information about the upcoming 2011 program. But you can learn a little about it by reading our article covering last year’s program.

If you have questions now, you can contact the program director at 408-667-9277 or info@mathenrichment.net.

Updated on February 6, 2011: The program information for 2011 is now available.

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.

[Read more...]

Leland Drama Department Presents Chicago (a.k.a., Play Ball)

image: Leland Drama Department

Publicity photo of film actress Phyllis Haver (circa 1920-1922).

Leland Drama Department presents Chicago (a.k.a., Play Ball), a satirical comedy about crime in the 1920′s, with the Leland Jazz Band playing live.

Chicago offers social criticism of our judicial system, and a public fascinated by famous criminals. This one has got it all! (The play is Adapted and Directed by Elizabeth A. Taylor, Leland English and Drama Teacher.)

Chicago was written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a Journalist and Playwright who covered the female crime wave happening in the Windy City during the 1920′s.

The play is at Leland High School November 17-20, 2010, at 7pm each night, with an additional matinee show on November 20, 2010, at 1:00pm.

General admission tickets will be sold at the door and are $5 per person. The play is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

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.

Underage Drinking and Driving Community Forum in Almaden Valley

Leland High School, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s Traffic Safe Communities Network, will be holding a community forum in Almaden Valley to discuss a number of topics and issues related to teen drinking and driving.

The event is for students, parents, and interested members of the community. The forum will include presentations by representatives of medical response teams, police officers, the District Attorney’s office, and counseling services. A major component of the forum will be a question and answer segment.

Motor vehicle crashes are the major cause of injuries and deaths for teens, and alcohol is one of the primary causes for the collisions. This community forum was organized in response to the recent fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on September 21, 2010, involving two 2010 Leland High School graduates.

The forum is at Leland High School on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at 7pm.

Drawing & Painting for Teens in Almaden Valley

Leonardo da Vinci's Self-Portrait

Line drawing in sanguine by Leonardo da Vinci

Drawing & Painting for Teens is focused on developing specific skills in representational drawing and painting. Participants will learn through teacher demonstrations, individual instruction, and class critiques.

You will get to choose from acrylic paints, water-soluble oils, and drawing instruments and materials. Each student will also use his or her own choice of subject-matter photos, pictures, etc. to use for inspiration.

You will gain confidence to take on greater challenges in painting or drawing, so you can go on to produce great works of art!

The class is for teens ages 13-18. All levels of experience are welcome. The instructor is Nancy Franck.

Drawing & Painting for Teens is at Almaden Community Center in AL Room 3. Class will be held every Thursday, from 4:30-6:00pm, beginning November 16, 2010 and ending December 21, 2010 (6 meetings). The price is $88 per participant. Register online.

Junior Tennis Classes and Summer Camp at Almaden Country Club

Tennis BallsSign your child up for Junior Tennis Classes or Junior Tennis Summer Camp. These programs are directed by USPTA / USPTR Tennis Pros, Nancy Ghantous and Coach Reggie. The programs emphasize tennis fundamentals and skills in a fun and positive learning environment.

Tennis classes and Summer camp are available for ten weeks, from June 7, 2010 through August 13, 2010. You can sign up for one week or as many weeks as you wish.

Tennis classes and Summer camp are available for children of all ages and skill levels. Lessons are at the Almaden Country Club. To learn more about the programs or to register your child, contact Nancy Ghantous, Head Tennis Pro, at 408-268-4240, ext. 51 or 408-644-6641.

Pee Wee
Ages 4 & 5
Daily M-F, 9:00-9:30am
Introduction to the game of tennis and development of hand-eye coordination.
Price: $10 / 30 min.

Spinners
Ages 6 and up
Daily M-F, 9:00-10:00am
Emphasis on the basics, rules, and how to play. For beginning players.
Price: $15 / 1 hr.

Smashers
Ages 8 and up
Daily M-Th, 5:00-6:30pm
Emphasis on stroke development, tactics, and match play. For intermediate players.
Price: $20 / 1.5 hr.

Strikers
Ages 8 and up
Daily M-F, 4:00-5:00pm
Emphasis on stroke refinement, singles and doubles strategy, and tactics in match play situation.
Price: $15 / 1 hr.

Aces
Ages 12 and up
Friday only, 5:00-6:30pm
Singles and doubles strategy and tactics, match play, and overall development as a tournament player. For advanced players.
Price: $20 / 1.5 hr.

Tennis Camp
Daily M-Th, 9:00-11:00am
Price: $40 / 2 hrs.

Teen Talent Show 2010 Finale in Almaden Valley

[logo: teen talent show] Winners of the regional Teen Talent Show tournaments will by in Almaden Valley to show off their unique talents and compete in the 2010 Teen Talent Show Finale. Come and enjoy the remarkable talent of our local teens.

The regional tournaments are being held at six San Jose branch library locations on Saturday, May 1, 2010, 2-4pm. Prizes will be awarded to 1st – 3rd place winners at the regional events.

The first and second place winners from each of the regional tournaments will participate in a final competition at the Almaden Branch Library on Saturday, May 15, 2010, 3-5pm. Winners of the finale will win even bigger prizes!

You can pick up a registration packet at any library. You must submit the registration form to the tournament location you plan to compete at. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!

Get more information about the Teen Talent Show rules, judging criteria, and regional locations.

Leland High School 2010 Fashion Show Benefit – “The Fifth Season”

{logo: leland high school fashion show} Leland High School is holding its annual fashion show and silent auction – The Fifth Season 2010. All proceeds for this year’s event go to World Concern, a non-profit humanitarian organization providing community development and disaster response to the World’s poor in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The silent auction and raffle will feature a number of brand name items, including Juicy Couture, Ellie Tahari, Banana Republic, iPod Touch, Santana Row’s W’s Salon, Snap Fitness gift baskets, and several gift cards and gift certificates to a variety of restaurants and boutiques. Each guest is automatically entered in a drawing for a $50 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card, sponsored by Silicon Valley REO.

The event is at Leland High School on Friday, April 30, 2010, 7-9pm. Tickets may be purchased on the night of the show at the door for $15 per person.

Teen Break Away Summer Camp for Almaden Valley Teens

{Logo: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom}Join other teens for the hottest destination-style camp in San Jose – Teen Break Away! We visit destinations that will excite and delight any teen. Take a look at our action packed trips. Sign up as early as possible because spaces fill up quickly:

  • Monday: Team Building and Swimming
  • Tuesday: Laser Quest and Rock Climbing
  • Wednesday: SF Zoo
  • Thursday: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
  • Friday: Movie and Nickel City

The registration fee includes admission, transportation (via San Jose vehicles, City Transit, or Charter Bus), and supervision (1 adult supervisor to 7 teens). Each participant must bring their own spending money and lunch.

Each day Teen Break Away will depart from and return to the Almaden Community Center. You can chose from any of the following six camp sessions: 6/21 – 6/25/2010, 6/28 – 7/2/2010, 7/6 – 7/9/2010, 7/19 – 7/23/2010, 7/26 – 7/30/2010, and 8/2 – 8/6/2010. Each day (Mon-Fri) camp begins at 9am and ends at 5pm. Price is $254 for residents and $258 for non-residents.

Register online at San Jose Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services.

Swim Lessons at Almaden Cabana Club – Spring 2010

Almaden Cabana Club

Photo by Philms

Spring Swim Lessons are back at the Almaden Cabana Club! The club offers small group lessons for children ranging from beginners learning to blow bubbles and put their faces in the water to competitive swimmers looking to refine their swimming strokes, diving, and flip turns.

Lessons are open to members and non-members. There are four lessons on Saturdays, from April 24 through May 15, 2010. Each lesson is 30 minutes. You can choose from the following times: 10am, 10:30am, 11am, and 11:30am. The price is only $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

All you need to do is complete the swim lesson sign-up form and drop it off along with your payment in the mailbox on the front gate of the Almaden Cabana Club. We look forward to seeing you at the pool!

Almaden Little League Baseball – Senior Division Sign Ups for the 2010 Season

Almaden Little LeagueSign up for the Almaden Little League Senior Division 2010 Season. The Senior Division is for teens ages 15 and 16. The Senior Division baseball season begins mid May, after the high school baseball season ends.

The price is $225 per player. Registration is at Amato Pizzeria on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 7-8pm. More information about Almaden Little League.

2010 Citywide Youth Track Meet in Almaden Valley

The 2010 Citywide Youth Track Meet is being held in Almaden Valley. The meet is free for all participants, and is being sponsored by the City of San Jose and the San Jose Police Amateur Athletic Foundation.

The meet is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14, and includes various running races (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 meter and 4 x 100 meter relay), standing long jump, and softball throw.

The meet is at Leland High School on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Registration is from 8am to 9am, and the events from 9am to 3pm.

The top three winners in each event, with the exception of relay teams, will participate in the Hershey’s Nor-Cal State Track Meet, which will be held at Oak Grove High School on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

More information about the 2010 Citywide Youth Track Meet:

Or contact Judi Baxter, Track Meet Director, at Judibax@sonic.net or (707) 546-3986.

Logo Design Contest for 34th Annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival

Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival LogoAlmaden Valley Women’s Club has announced its 2010 Logo Design Contest for the 34th Annual Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival. The winning logo design will be displayed on all festival merchandise and promotional materials.

To qualify as an entrant you must be a student between the ages of 11-18 and reside within the 95120 zip code. All entries must be received by April 23, 2010. All logo finalists will be contacted by April 27, 2010 and invited to attend the Almaden Valley Women’s Club awards presentation on May 4, 2010 at Joint Venture Church in Almaden. More…

Check out the 2009 Logo Design Contest winner, Jessica Cheng.

9th Annual Math Enrichment Summer Program at Leland High School

Math Enrichment Summer Program further develops each student’s intellect and knowledge in mathematics and language arts. The curriculum is tailored to the grade the student will be entering for their upcoming school year.

Kindergartners through sixth graders learn math, reading, writing, and computers. Middle school students receive a broad education in college preparatory math courses, from pre-algebra to math analysis. Students can also participate in a wide variety of recreational activities planned throughout the summer, including Toy Story 3 movie day, on-campus carnival, Wii time, field trip to Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, and end of Summer raffle and banquet.

Math Enrichment Summer Program is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Math Enrichment tuition and any after school care fees are eligible for flexible spending plans (FSA).

Math Enrichment Summer Program is being held at Leland High School from June 14 to July 23, 2010. Class is Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm. Care is available before school starting at 7:45am and after school until 6pm. Tuition is $900 (less than $5 an hour). Register by Friday, April 16, 2010 and receive a $50 early registration discount.

More about the program…

College Planning Seminar in Almaden Valley

Campus PathwayHigh school parents and high school juniors and seniors are invited to a free college planning seminar titled, “How to Choose the Best College for Your Student and Your Pocketbook.” You will learn how many families have found ways for their children to attend the best colleges without wiping out their wealth. The speaker is Jeffrey Morrison, Principal of Campus Pathway, a college consultancy focused on helping families find, select, and afford the best college education possible for their children. The seminar is being held at the Almaden Community Center on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 7-9pm. A reservation is required. You can register online.

Almaden Valley Realtor, Therese Swan, specializes in Almaden Valley homes and real estate. She been the #1 Almaden Valley Real Estate Agent for 2011, 2010, and 2009. During each of these years she has sold more Almaden Valley houses than any other agent. This includes both the total number of homes sold and total dollar volume when measured per individual real estate agent. This website will help you learn about the Almaden Valley real estate market in order to buy and sell Almaden Valley homes.