Special Interest Youth ........................... 30–32 Adaptive Program Sidekicks Camps Holiday ......................... 34–37 Adults Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38–41

Sidekicks: Adaptive Programming

Because Every Super Hero Needs a Sidekick!

The Piedmont Recreation Department (PRD) is committed to meet the needs of the community by creating safe, fun and affordable inclusive programs for school-aged kids with neurodiverse needs. While our school year classes are specially designed to address various special needs, during summer, our goal is to integrate children into our mainstream camps. Our Teen Sidekicks will be paired with campers to help them build relationships and strengthen their recreational skills while having a blast! Shake, Rattle & Roll PRD has created an after-school enrichment program called Shake, Rattle & Roll. Classes are taught by Nancy Henderson, retired Albany Unified School District Adaptive P.E.. Specialist and Raul Jorcino, Piedmont Unified School District Adaptive P.E. Specialist. With the assistance of paraprofessionals and Teen Sidekicks, classes are designed to get kids moving, socializing and having fun with their peers throughout the school year! Summer Camp Sidekicks Beginning Summer 2022, PRD will offer Summer Camp Sidekicks. This program pairs Teen Sidekicks with each camper and together they explore, learn and play at camp while creating a lasting relationship. Campers can choose any PRD camp they would like—a complete list of camps will be listed in the Summer Activity Guide.

For more information contact Eva Phalen at ephalen@piedmont.ca.gov.

Seeking Teen Sidekicks If you are interested in creating lasting memories and playing an integral role in supporting the growth and overall experience for a child with neurodiverse needs, contact Eva Phalen for an application (ephalen@piedmont.ca.gov). Must be at least 14 years of age and commit to volunteering for an entire session of Shake, Rattle & Roll (Thursday afternoons for 6 weeks) and/or at least one week of camp during the summer. Community service hours available upon request. Volunteers may receive a letter of recommendation. No experience necessary.

Holiday Camps

Crazy Chemistry

ages 6–11 r$330 N$360 Use your hands as a real Mad Scientist in this whirlwind class on how a lab works! Students will learn to recognize chemical reactions and mix up reactive ingredients for some sensational results. We will explore the pH extremes with our Reaction Tubes in what is sure-to-be a popping experience! Create slime using the Mad Science recipe and then enter the Slime Olympics to test your polymers. Probe the properties of light and explore some unusual applications of glow-in-the-dark technology. Learn the power of a catalyst and freeze water with just a breath of dry ice. Material Fee: $30

M–W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Mad Science Location: Wildwood Elementary Schoolmates Min: 12; Max: 20

Creative Drama: Make Your Own Show

ages 6–11 r$198 N$223 This class focuses on learning how to create a show to perform with friends and family, while emphasizing the creativity, enjoyment, and personal growth of each child. Activities such as mime, clowning, singing, improvisation, joke telling, and schtick are used to develop individuality and group cooperation.

M–W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 11:00am–5:00pm Instructor: Fool Moon Theatre Arts Location: Veterans Memorial Building Min: 4; Max: 12

One Village Soccer Camp

ages 7–10 r$220 N$245f Designed for maximum fun with curriculum to give your player a skills boost. We’ll help build your player’s confidence and inspire the love for the game. Players will improve their ball-handling, passing, receiving, shooting, finishing and team strategy skills through skills training and lots of fun games. Players learn from professional coaches.

M–W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 8:45–11:45am Instructor: One Village Sports Location: Becker Playfield Min: 6; Max: 14

Schoolmates November Break Camp

grades tk–5 r$86 N$101 School is out and it’s time to play with Schoolmates! Join your Schoolmates friends and staff for one-day adventures during the holiday breaks this year. One-day camps will feature creative themes, special activities and crafts and all the fun we can pack into one day. Fee is per day.

M/T/W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 9:00am–5:00pm Instructor: Schoolmates Staff Location: Beach Schoolmates Min: 6; Max: 40

Artist’s Workshop

grades k–2 r$215 N$240 Let’s make art inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keefe, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet and more famous artists. We’ll paint, draw and sculpt together. Come and create your own masterpieces. Material Fee: $35

M–W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 1:00–4:00pm Instructor: Giena Vogel Location: Recreation Building Attic Min: 10; Max: 14

Holiday Workshop

grades k–2 r$225 N$250 Let’s create fun gifts for the people we love. During our workshop, we’ll make a treasure box, charm bracelets, bird feeders, tie dye shirts, cookie mix and more. Each day, we’ll share wonderful stories and work on fun projects to keep or give away. Material Fee: $45

M–W Nov 22–Nov 24 (3×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Giena Vogel Location: Recreation Building Attic Min: 8; Max: 14

Photo: Julie Reichle

Triple Threat Academy: Kris Kringle Offensive Moves Clinic

ages 6–14 r$345 N$375 This is our signature winter basketball camp that began in 2003. Triple Threat isn’t just our name around here—it’s what every scorer aims to be. Your kids will learn how to score from triple threat position, off the dribble, off the pass. They will learn to finish strong at the basket as they become a stronger offensive threat. Every player reaches a moment when they’re ready to move past the basics. If your “next NBA star” is ready to do just that, this camp is the right place for them. This camp takes place once yearly over winter break.

M–Th Dec 20–Dec 23 (4×) 9:00am–3:00pm Instructor: Triple Threat Academy Location: PMS Morrison & Buzz Gyms Min: 15; Max: 60

Slime and Stories

grades k–2 r$290 N$320 Come and make squishy, gooey, stretchy slime. Each day you’ll make a new kind of slime to take home. We’ll also listen to fantastic stories and make fun art projects to go with them. Material Fee: $50

M–Th Dec 20–Dec 23 (4×) 1:00–4:00pm Instructor: Giena Vogel Location: Recreation Building Attic Min: 10; Max: 14

Crazy Chemistry

ages 6–12 r$440 N$470 Use your hands as a real Mad Scientist in this whirlwind class on how a lab works! Students will learn to recognize chemical reactions and mix up reactive ingredients for some sensational results. We will explore the pH extremes with our Reaction Tubes in what is sure-to-be a popping experience! Create slime using the Mad Science recipe and then enter the Slime Olympics to test your polymers. Probe the properties of light and explore some unusual applications of glow-in-the-dark technology. Learn the power of a catalyst and freeze water with just a breath of dry ice. Material Fee: $40

M–Th Dec 20–Dec 23 (4×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Mad Science Location: Wildwood Elementary Schoolmates Min: 10; Max: 20

Fantastic Fairies

grades k–2 r$290 N$320 Do you love fairies? If so, you’ll love this camp! Each day we’ll make something wonderful to take home: a fairy garden, a fairy home, a fairy wand, a fairy doll and much more. We’ll share lots of fairy stories to learn all about what fairies do and how they live. Material Fee: $50

M–Th Dec 20–Dec 23 (4×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Giena Vogel Location: Recreation Building Attic Min: 10; Max: 14

Creative Drama: Make Your Own Show

ages 6–11 r$264 N$294 This class focuses on learning how to create a show to perform with friends and family, while emphasizing the creativity, enjoyment, and personal growth of each child. Activities such as mime, clowning, singing, improvisation, joke telling, and schtick are used to develop individuality and group cooperation.

M–Th Dec 20–Dec 23 (4×) 11:00am–5:00pm Instructor: Fool Moon Theatre Arts Location: 801 Magnolia East Wing Min: 4; Max: 12

Schoolmates December Break Camp

grades tk–5 r$86 N$101 School is out and it’s time to play with Schoolmates! Join your Schoolmates friends and staff for one-day adventures during the holiday breaks this year. One-day camps will feature creative themes, special activities and crafts and all the fun we can pack into one day. Fee is per day.

M/T/W Dec 27–Dec 29 (3×) 9:00am–5:00pm Instructor: Schoolmates Staff Location: Havens Schoolmates Min: 6; Max: 40

Pickleball for Padawans

ages 7–11 r$150 N$165f Pickleball is a fun and easy game to play. Do you like the idea of whacking a ball back and forth? It’s a great way to burn off some extra energy. It’s a game for all ages, Padawans to Jedi Masters. You don’t need the force to learn to play. All you need is a paddle and those will be provided. Material Fee: $25

Tue-Fri Feb 22–Feb 25 (4×) 1:00–2:30pm Instructor: Darlene Vendegna Location: PUSD Sport Courts Min: 3; Max: 8

Pokémon Engineering using LEGO® Materials

ages 5–7 r$160 N$185 Join Ash and Pikachu as you build, capture, train, and explore the vast world of Pokemon with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts. Design your own Poke Balls, explore the Kanto region, and fly with Charizard. Explore engineering through the fun world of Pokemon with the guidance of a Play-Well instructor.

Tue-Fri Feb 22–Feb 25 (4×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Play-Well TEKnologies Location: 801 Magnolia East Wing Min: 10; Max: 16

Winter Art & Action Camp

ages 5–7 r$470 N$500 A dynamic small group Holiday camp to exercise your creativity with cool art projects and challenging, fun activities. Students will create art projects working with clay (3 days) and making crafts such as, Mosaics, exploding chalk, marbleized rocks, slime, and light jars are examples. When students are in action, there will be fun circle time and active games such as, Sharks and Minnows, Poison Dart frog, Steal the Bacon, Bocci, Pool Noodle tag, Obstacle course. Two special snacks will be provided each week. Material Fee: $45

Tue-Fri Feb 22–Feb 25 (4×) 9:00am–3:00pm Instructor: Catrina Marchetti Location: Recreation Building Attic/Outdoors Min: 5; Max: 10

Holiday Recreational Soccer Fun Camp

ages 6–11 24-7 UK Soccer Academy fun camps are a great way to spend the week and develop your soccer skills! Different topic of practice each day (dribbling, passing, shooting, moves, turns, skills, small-sided games), fun games, technical development, World Cup, trivia, coaches contest, tournaments, prizes. Coaches are available from 8.00am for early drop-off. Players should bring their own water and their own soccer ball if they have one. session i r$325 N$355f

Tue–Fri Feb 22–Feb 25 (4×) 8:30am–3:00pm session i r$375 N$405f

Mon–Fri Apr 11–Apr 15 (5×) 8:30am–3:00pm Instructor: 24-7 UK Soccer Academy Location: Beach Playfield Min: 8; Max: 40

Spring Art & Action Camp

ages 8–12 r$565 N$595 A dynamic small group Holiday camp to exercise your creativity with cool art projects and challenging, fun activities. Students will create art projects working with clay (3 days) and making crafts such as, Mosaics, exploding chalk, marbleized rocks, slime, and light jars are examples. When students are in action, there will be fun circle time and active games such as, Sharks and Minnows, Poison Dart frog, Steal the Bacon, Bocci, Pool Noodle tag, Obstacle course. Two special snacks will be provided each week. Material Fee: $45.

Mon–Fri Apr 11–Apr 15 (5×) 9:00am–4:00pm Instructor: Catrina Marchetti Location: Recreation Building Attic/Outdoors Min: 5; Max: 12

Aloha Mind Math

ages 6–12 r$190 N$215 Become a math rock star! This program will present math in a hands-on, engaging and fun environment. Your child will learn to use an abacus and mental math techniques that broaden their understanding of math. Students will develop agility with numbers, acquire visualization skills and improve concentration and focus. Abacus and workbook included.

Mon–Fri Apr 11–Apr 15 (5×) 1:00–4:00pm Instructor: Aloha Mind Math Location: 801 Magnolia East Wing Min: 4; Max: 15

Animal Architects with LEGO® Materials

ages 5–7 r$200 N$225 Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts as we design and build leaping dolphins, buzzing beehives, and towering giraffes. Play, create, and learn in a world inspired by the animal kingdom. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.

Mon–Fri Apr 11–Apr 15 (5×) 9:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Play-Well TEKnologies Location: 801 Magnolia East Wing Min: 10; Max: 16

Adults

Wood Bending Workshop: Wooden Coat Hangers

adults r$220 N$245 Wood bending is an ancient and rare artform…so rare, that there are only a handful of extreme wood benders in the world— Jenny Wong-Stanley is one of them! While wood bending is typically used in furniture making, even novices can learn the techniques and tricks it takes to manipulate this organic material. Unlike other woodworking skills, wood bending is not about squares and angles but radius and rounds. See adjacent page for image of final class project. Material Fee: $20

Mon Jan 24–Feb 7 (3×) 1:15–2:15pm Mon Feb 28–Mar 14 (3×) 1:15–2:15pm Instructor: Jenny Wong-Stanley Location: Veterans Memorial Building Min: 5; Max: 8

Wood Bending & Bubbly: Art Night for Adults

ages 21+ r$220 N$245 Grab a friend and enjoy an adult night out complete with wood bending and bubbly. Jenny Wong-Stanley, founder of Art of Plants, will teach you the art of wood bending in a fun and social environment. No experience necessary! After just three sessions, you will have a brag-worthy modern coat hanger to keep or give as a gift. This class is both engaging and unique—check out Jenny’s websites for more information, www.artofplants.com and www.ellipticdesigns.com. See adjacent page for image of final class project. Material Fee: $20

Mon Feb 28–Mar 14 (3×) 6:00–7:00pm Instructor: Jenny Wong-Stanley Location: Veterans Memorial Building Min: 5; Max: 8

Puppy Head Start

adults r$200 N$225 Get a head start on socialization and puppy manners by enrolling your pup in this fun and safe interactive class. Your pup will roll and play with other puppies and interact with new people. We cover house breaking, manners, rudimentary obedience, leash training and coming when called. All puppies must be accompanied by a handler who is 18 years or older. Puppies must have a validation of veterinarian care. Contact instructor if your pup is younger or older than 12–20 weeks of age.

The first class is mandatory and will be vir-

tual. The remaining 5 classes are in person.

Tue Mar 1–Apr 5 (6×) 10:00–10:45am Tue Apr 19–May 24 (6×) 10:00–10:45am Instructor: Dog Dynamics, Inc. Location: Coaches Field Parking Lot Min: 5; Max: 12

Beginning Obedience: Building a Relationship

adults r$200 N$225 Beginning Obedience, Building a Relationship: The foundation for good obedience hinges on clear communication, with a good time sprinkled in. Beginning Obedience teaches you how to motivate your dog to want to learn the basics of heel, sit, and down. We teach you how to train the safety commands of “leave it” “come” and “wait” to prevent your dog from bolting through doors. This is a critical step in developing a healthy bond and puts your dog on the road for obedience success.

The first class is mandatory and is held vir-

tually. This class helps you and your dog prepare for coming into a group session. The remaining five classes are in person. Minimum age limit for handler is 18.

Tue Mar 1–Apr 5 (6×) 11:00–11:45am Tue Apr 19–May 24 (6×) 11:00–11:45am Instructor: Dog Dynamics, Inc. Location: Coaches Field Parking Lot Min: 5; Max: 12

Ladies’ (Art) Night Out

ages 21+ Ladies’ night out—unwind and get creative! Bring a friend or come solo. We will explore sculptural and functional clay projects. Do you have an idea for a ceramic project? This is the perfect class to work it out it—bring your creativity! Instructor will demonstrate different projects each week although you may choose to work on your own idea. Basic and advanced tool use, hand building and throwing techniques will be covered in this class. All tools provided. Masks must be worn indoors. Material Fee: $33 (Session I & II), $40 (Session III) session i r$263 N$293

Wed Jan 12–Feb9 (5×)* 6:30–8:30pm session ii r$263 N$293

Wed Mar 2–Mar 30 (5×)* 6:30–8:30pm session iii r$315 N$345

Wed Apr 20–May 25 (6×) 6:30–8:30pm Instructor: Catrina Marchetti Location: Recreation Building Attic Min: 5; Max: 15 *No class Feb 16 & Apr 6

Bicycle: Roadside Repair

ages 13–adult Free How to fix things that might go wrong while on a bike ride. We will cover pre-ride safety check, flat fix, chain care, and gear adjustments. This is a demonstrative class, not interactive. Must register in advance.

Thur Feb 17 (1×) 6:15–8:00pm

Instructor: Cycle Sports Location: Cycle Sports, 3530 Grand Ave #2, Oakland Min: 3; Max: 20

Piedmont Community Meditation Group

ages 12–adult Free Treat yourself to a mid-week breather, calming your mind and nourishing your body. The meditation session is casual, non-religious and for anyone; from beginners to experienced meditators. No experience meditating is required. Chairs are provided. You are welcome to bring a yoga mat, cushion and blanket if you prefer sitting or lying on the floor. Mark Herrick, long-time Piedmont resident and 45 year meditation practitioner, hosts the meditation. This class may be moved online for COVID safety purposes. Join anytime. Must register in advance.

Wed Jan 12–May 25 (20×) 7:30–8:15pm Instructor: Mark Herrick Location: 801 Magnolia Min: 6; Max: 30

Bagpipe Band

ages 15–adult Grab your pipes (or drums) and join the Piedmont Highlanders Pipe Band! We are an award-winning traditional Scottish bagpipe band, welcoming all levels. We emphasize individual improvement and ensemble playing. Don’t let our fun attitude fool you—we work a lot on getting a quality sound. Pipers need own pipes/practice chanter; drums provided for drummers if available. If you have questions email lionscourt@hotmail.com. session i r$45 N$55

Mon Jan 10–Feb 14 (5×)* 7:00–9:00pm session ii r$54 N$64

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×)

7:00–9:00pm

session iii r$54 N$64

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 7:00–9:00pm Instructor: Herschel Ellison Dunlap Location: Community Hall Min: 2; Max: 50 *No class on Jan 17

Scottish Highland Dance: Beginner

ages 7–adult Join a Piedmont tradition! Learn the dances of the Scottish Highlands while building strength, stamina and spatial awareness. Learn the Fling, Sword Dance and Strathspey/Reel in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. No previous dance experience required. Wear shorts or tights leggings and flat-soled dance slippers. Bring mat and water. session i r$125 N$145

Mon Jan 10–Feb 14 (5×)* 7:00–9:00pm session ii r$150 N$170

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×)

7:00–9:00pm

session iii r$150 N$170

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 7:00–9:00pm Instructor: Ann McGrael Galvez Location: PHS Dance Studio Min: 2; Max: 10 *No class on Jan 17

Scottish Highland Dance: Beginner (1 hour)

ages 7–adult For beginners and students who are not able to stay for the full 2-hour class. session i r$63 N$75

Mon Jan 10–Feb 14 (5×)* 7:00–8:00pm session ii r$75 N$87

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×)

7:00–8:00pm

session iii r$75 N$87

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 7:00–8:00pm Instructor: Ann McGrael Galvez Location: PHS Dance Studio Min: 2; Max: 10 *No class on Jan 17

Scottish Highland Dance: Intermediate/Advanced

ages 10–adult Dancers will add more Highland, National and other Scottish dances to their repertoire such as Seann Triubhas, Lilt and Flora. Dancers will continue to build strength and stamina and improve their technique. session i r$125 N$145

Mon Jan 10–Feb 14 (5×)* 7:00–9:00pm session ii r$150 N$170

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×)

7:00–9:00pm

session iii r$150 N$170

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 7:00–9:00pm Instructor: Ann McGrael Galvez Location: PHS Dance Studio Min: 2; Max: 12 *No class on Jan 17

Essential Yoga

adults Join our easy-going class and wipe away the stress of the day. The class is designed to foster a deep connection with the heart of yoga practice. Through this practice you will gain increased flexibility, strength, balance and mindfulness. Laura is certified in Iyengar and Amirit yoga and has advanced training in meditation, prenatal and restorative yoga. Students that are new to yoga are always welcome. Please come a few minutes before the start of class to get settled. Wear comfortable clothing, have bare feet and an empty stomach, and bring a firm blanket and a yoga mat. session i r$84 N$99

Tue Jan 11–Feb 15 (6×) Thur Jan 13–Feb 17 (6×)

5:15–6:30pm 5:45–7:00pm

session ii r$84 N$99

Tue Mar 1–Apr 5 (6×) Thur Mar 3–Apr 7 (6×)

5:15–6:30pm 5:45–7:00pm

session iii r$70 N$82

Tue Apr 19–May 24 (5×)* 5:15–6:30pm Thur Apr 21–May 26 (5×)* 5:45–7:00pm Instructor: Laura Timothy Location: Piedmont Community Hall (Tue) Min: 4; Max: 12 *No class May 17 & May 19

Tennis: Women’s Intermediate/Advanced Clinic

adults r$325 N$355f Come on out for cardio, fun, and socializing. This clinic will entail a mix of drills, strategy, and competition. Focus will be on many strokes of the game including volleys, overheads, serves, forehands, and backhands. Minimum skill level of 3.5 recommended. (Please visit this website if unsure of your level www.erra.us/ntpr-skill-level-guide). Bring water.

Tue Jan 11–Feb 20 (6×) Instructor: Andrew Wendel Location: Corey Reich Tennis Center Min: 4; Max: 8 7:00–8:30pm

Taekwondo

adults Taekwondo, the ancient Korean Martial Art, over 10,000 years old, and an Olympic sport. It will help the student to learn about the philosophy, and history of Taekwondo as a martial art. It brings the person as a unit in mind, body and spirit. Through forms develops patience, concentration and attention to details. Through free sparring develops quick reflexes and humility. Through meditation develops inner awareness and confidence. All these aspects teach a person: self-confidence, self-discipline, self-control, self-defense, self-respect and respect to others. Bring water bottle and running shoes. session i r$225 N$285

M/W/F Jan 10–Feb 18 (17×)* 5:30–6:30pm session ii r$225 N$285

M/W/F Feb 28–Apr 8 (17×)* 5:30–6:30pm session iii r$270 N$300

M/W/F Apr 18–May 27 (18×) 5:30–6:30pm Instructor: Arnoldo Bolanos Location: PMS Multi Purpose Room Min: 5; Max: 15 *No class on Jan 17 & Mar 25

adults This cardio dance workout will get your heart rate up and blood pumping. We dance around the world and through time, alternating Pop, hip-hop, Bhangra, Latin styles, Bollywood, retro-Americana, African, and more. Classes are all follow-the-leader style, high energy and easy to modify. You’ll be having so much fun, you won’t even realize how hard you’re working! All levels welcome. Talia has amazing taste in music so you can be assured that each class will be upbeat and unique. She has been performing, choreographing and teaching for more than 13 years and currently teaches several heart-pumping classes at Hipline on Lakeshore. Wear good sneakers and bring water, towel, sunblock, hat for sunny days. session i r$125 N$145

Mon Jan 10–Feb 14 (5×)* 9:00–10:00am session ii r$150 N$170

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×) 9:00–10:00am session iii r$150 N$170

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 9:00–10:00am Instructor: Talia Litle Location: Community Hall Patio Min: 8; Max: 20 *No class on Jan 17

See p. 17 for Adult Music Classes

Heather Morrison has filled hundreds of journals with her personal stories since she started writing as a kid. She holds a degree in English Literature, studied TV and screenwriting, and has written and directed several award-winning short films. In 2019, she completed a 50,000 word novella in 30 days (during NaNoWriMo). Last year, Heather began helping clients write their personal stories about living through the pandemic. Her clients reported that they found their voices and even started other writing projects—while finalizing their memoirs. Heather was inspired to expand into coaching groups. Heather believes writing in a community has so many benefits: mutual support, different perspectives, and new insights—plus it’s a lot of fun! See Heather’s class, Write Your Personal Story, on page 43.

Piedmont Adult School Moonlighter offers a broad range of classes on subjects such as arts & crafts, computers, language, and music as well as creative retirement activities. See all the offerings in the Adult School’s Moonlighter catalog at piedmontadultschool.org, or call 510 594-2655 for more information.

Older Adults

Walking on Wednesdays

ages 50+ Free The Walking on Wednesdays group meets every Wednesday at the Exedra (Highland & Magnolia Avenues) at 10:30am. Everyone is invited to join the group. New walkers and their friendly K-9 best friends are especially welcome. Registration with the Piedmont Recreation is required please call 510 420-3070.

Every Wednesday 10:30am–12:00pm Instructor: Dick Carter, Prisicilla Wanerus & Carol Long Location: Exedra Arch, Highland & Magnolia Avenue

First Mondays Reading Group

ages 50+ Free A fun, and intellectually stimulating activity for active adults. Registration with the Piedmont Recreation Department is required please call 510 420-3070.

First Monday of the Month 1:30–3:00pm Instructor: Dick Carter, Prisicilla Wanerus & Carol Long Location: Piedmont Tea House

Write Your Personal Story

ages 50+ r$205 N$230 Participants will map out and draft (at least) 1 important personal story around a theme in their lives. Visual elements such as photos and printed items (such as a ticket, a recipe, a newspaper article, for example) will also be added to deepen storytelling. The goal is for each person to create a digital book of their work by the last meeting. Bring pen/paper, tablet, or laptop for writing in class. Plan to write at home as well. Friends and family are invited to celebrate on the last day of the session and share creative work. Material Fee: $15

Sat Jan 15–Feb 19 (6×) 11:00am–12:00pm Sat Mar 5–Apr 9 (6×) 11:00am–12:00pm Sat Apr 23–May 28 (6×) 11:00am–12:00pm Instructor: Heather Morrison Location: Veterans Memorial Building Min: 6; Max: 26

Ensemble Performance Creation: An Invitation to Wonder

ages 55+ r$200 N$225 Do you have a story to tell? Would you benefit from the creative support from a professional performance artist eager to help you bring your story to life? Join acclaimed performer and playwright Evan Johnson (Pansy, Barn Owl) for a supportive cohort-centered workshop designed to support the creation and development of original scenes and stories. Learn how to make use of theatrical elements like sound effects, lighting, set design, props and costume pieces, to help translate your original idea from the page to the stage. Offer and receive valuable feedback and delve into your imagination through a collaborative process with others, honoring your intentions and unique perspectives and prioritizing your project goals. This workshop culminates in a live presentation for invited guests.

Mon Feb 28–Apr 4 (6×) 11:30am–1:00pm Instructor: Evan Johnson, See p. 15 for instructor bio Location: 801 Magnolia Min: 4; Max: 12

Theater Games for Older Adults

ages 55+ r$200 N$225 Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Join a supportive group of spontaneous creatives. Make new friends, channel your energy into something fun and creative. Improv is all about listening, responding in the moment, and creative risk-taking. Learn how to create compelling characters and develop scenes and sketches on the fly, embrace your innate sense of humor, and tap into your enthusiasm! Seasoned comedians, actors, and performers are encouraged to join this fun and interactive workshop, however no experience is required.

Mon Apr 18–May 23 (6×) 11:30am–1:00pm Instructor: Evan Johnson, See p. 15 for instructor bio Location: 801 Magnolia Min: 4; Max: 12

ages 55+ r$90 N$105 This therapeutic yoga class is designed for people who would like to learn how to use mindful movement, brief centering and breathing practices and yogic philosophy to improve their physical and mental health and well-being. Total beginners welcome! We use props and modifications to make poses accessible to all. Students should have the ability to stand unassisted and come down to a mat. Petra is a certified yoga therapist specializing in working with seniors. Learn more at www.petrayogatherapy.com. Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring blanket, 5-6 feet long resistance band, and yoga block.

Thur Jan 13–Feb 17 (6×) 10:30–11:30am Thur Mar 3–Apr 7 (6×) 10:30–11:30am Thur Apr 21–May 26 (6×) 10:30–11:30am Instructor: Petra Fibrichova Location: Piedmont Community Hall Min: 5; Max: 15

Piedmont Seniors Group

seniors A bit of “Joie de Vivre” for Piedmont seniors— especially senior singles— but couples and older “baby boomers” are also encouraged to join. We welcome you to join us as we cultivate new friendships, provide guest speakers, and plan enjoyable excursions such as theaters, museums, restaurants, historical places, and more. Our goal is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of seniors, as well as promote the pursuit of intellectual development. Please join us for refreshments at our next friendly and informal Wednesday gathering!

Usually 4th Wednesday of the month 10am–12pm Instructor: Janet Epstein, PRD Staff Location: Piedmont Community Hall

Seniors Meet-ups

PRD is creating community through our new Senior Meet-up Groups. A meet-up is simply that—a group people that meet up to enjoy a common interest. Send your creative meet-up ideas to Recreation Supervisor, Eva Phalen, ephalen@piedmont.ca.gov