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Publication Date: Friday, December 12, 2003

Winter Class Guide Winter Class Guide (December 12, 2003)

Academic Achievement

Achieva College Prep Center
512 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto (650) 463-5530
Want to make the most out of high school and get into a college you love? Achieva offers college counseling, academic tutoring and S.A.T. preparation. The center provides dynamic workshops where high school students develop their skills for college and beyond.

Five Branches Institute
Santa Cruz (831) 476-9424
Five Branches Institute offers master's degree program courses in traditional Chinese medicine: herbology, acupuncture, etc. Located in Santa Cruz and soon in San Jose as well. Tuition is around $8,000 per year.

Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP)
744 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto (650) 493-4430 www.itp.edu
ITP offers distance learning courses in the areas of transpersonal studies, creative expression, spiritual psychology, women's spiritual development, and wellness counseling. Each course is designed for the independent learner and includes individual supervision with a mentor who is an expert in the field of study. Course content emphasizes the integrative study of mind, body and spirit, and its practical application to the student's personal and professional life.

Primary Plus 333 Eunice Ave., Mountain View (650) 967-3780
Preschool and infant center. Immediate openings: 3 months to 5 years. Enrichment programs include on-site dance classes, computers and extended daycare. Please call for more information.

QWERTY Education Services
1050 Chestnut St., Suite 201, Menlo Park (650) 326-8484 www.qwc.com
Tutoring and Educational Evaluation: Individual tutoring relationships designed to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Organization of writing for paragraphs, essays and reports, a systematic revision process, keyboarding skills and word processing strategies, reading skills, math procedures and problem solving, and organization, motivation and study skills. Also, cognitive and academic evaluation by a licensed educational psychologist.

Stanford University
Continuing Studies Program Building 590, Room 103, Stanford, (650) 725-2650 continuingstudies.stanford.edu continuingstudies@stanford.edu
Stanford Continuing Studies winter courses, workshops and special programs begin Jan. 5, 2004. Register now for more than 90 courses in business, communication, literature, languages, music, art, creative writing, religious studies, history, personal development and others. Register online. Open to all Bay Area adults.

Ventura Youth Activity Center
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto (650) 856-9622
The One-on-One tutoring program at Ventura provides academic assistance to students 7-17 years old. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Family YMCA and Positive Alernatives for Youth (PAY). Trained tutors work with students Monday-Thursday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. during the academic school year. Not offered on days school is not in session. One hour sessions are free and open to all. Call Pari Natarajan for more information.

Business & Technology

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
Hundreds of online classes are offered by the Palo Alto Adult School in conjunction with Education to Go. Computer, language, test preparation and certificate courses are offered from $59. Visit www.ed2go.com/paloalto to see all of the course offerings and find out how to register.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
Need help with career issues? Check out the Palo Alto Adult School's new job and career management classes in the general interest section of the winter class schedule, available online. Call for a brochure and register for classes starting in January.

Dance

Argentine Tango
Palo Alto (650) 463-4940
Taught at the Lucie Stern Ballroom, Palo Alto, by longtime dance instructor Becky Boosalis.

Brazilian Dance Classes
1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto (650) 463-4940
Taught by Anita Lusebrink through the City of Palo Alto Arts and Culture Division. Winter session begins Jan. 12. Mondays/Thursdays, 6:45-7:45 p.m. Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom.

Broadway Tap
701 Laurel St., Menlo Park (650) 330-2200
"Broadway" tap class for adults. Learn tap dance basics and more. Complete full dance numbers to fun and lively music. Levels for beginners and those with experience. Jan. 5-March 23, 2004. Beginner: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $98 residents/$132 non-residents. Advanced beginner: Mondays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $82 residents/$110 non-residents. For questions contact Sue Chiappone at (925) 376-6214.

City of Palo Alto Recreation Dept.
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 463-9000 www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy
Ballroom Dancing - Come learn lifetime social skills of the elegant exquisite Standard Dances as well as the energetic exciting Latin Dances. You do not need a partner to participate. Instructor: Abraham Chen. Ten classes: $100 residents, $112 non-residents, Fridays, Jan. 16-March 19, 2004, adults ages 18 and up. 7-8 p.m. at the Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom or 8:45-9:45 p.m. at the Cubberley Community Center, L-6.

Congolese African Dance Palo Alto (650) 325-1566
Congolese African Dance class with Regine Ndounda, drumming by Massengo, Matingou and others. Ongoing, Sundays, 3:30-5 p.m. The Dance Studio, southwest corner of Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $12 drop-in. No class on major holidays.

Dance Connection
4000 Middlefield Road, L-5, Palo Alto (650) 322-7032 www.danceconnectionpaloalto.com
Dance Connection offers dance instruction for ages 3 to adult in several forms of dance including jazz, ballet and pointe, tap, funk jazz, and hip-hop. Instruction includes beginning to advanced levels with specialty classes such as a boys program, preschool and kindergarten classes, elementary combination classes, and dance performing teams. Graded ballet students will perform in "The Sleeping Beauty" in April, 2004.

Dance Visions
4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 969-2345
Village Beat dance class taught at Dance Visions. Sundays, 9:30-11 a.m. $15 drop-in. Energizing and healing vibrations from world dance cultures. Nourishing and soulful dance for all levels. Taught by Deanna Anderson.

Pacific Ballet Academy
295B Polaris Ave., Mountain View (650) 969-4614 www.pacificballet.org
Offering ballet classes in all levels and age ranges from 3 1/2 years old to adult. Offering daily classes for pre-professional students. Currently preparing for annual Spring Showcase in May, 2004. Morning classes for moms and tots (2 and 3 years old), pre ballet and adult students.

Palo Alto Family YMCA
3412 Ross RoadPalo Alto (650) 856-9622
This family YMCA offers Line Dancing for Active Older Adults on Fridays. Enjoy a variety of line dances, fun moves and music. Class is geared toward older adults, but all adults are welcome. Call for more information.

Palo Alto Salsa
Palo Alto (650) 463-4940
Taught at the Lucie Stern Community Center by longtime dance instructor Becky Boosalis.

Stanford Children's Dance
375 Santa Teresa Ave./Roble Gym, Stanford (650) 365-9620
Delightfully creative movement classes offered for children, aged 3-8 years old. Children learn basic modern dance technique and choreography in an imaginative and playful way. Stories, songs, poetry and drumming are skillfully woven into the classes. Jan. 17-March 13, 2004 (no class Feb. 21). 8 weeks/$56.

Tap Dancing
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 463-4900
Tap dancing to a variety of music while improving coordination and balance. Requires some previous experience. Complete full dance numbers to fun and lively music. Jan. 6-Feb. 24, 2004. Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m. $25 residents/$32 non-residents. Mitchell Park Main Hall.

Western Ballet
2028 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View (650) 968-4455 www.westernballet.org
Western Ballet, the Mountain View Ballet Company and School, offers a pre-professional graded youth program with performing opportunities for dedicated ballet students aged 4-14. The adult program is the most extensive in the area, offering four levels of training and two levels of adult pointe. Adult classes are offered mornings, evenings and Saturdays, to accomodate adult schedules.

Handicrafts

Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School
333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View (650) 940-1333 www.mvlaae.org
The MV-LA Adult School has a long history and commitment to adult education. Offering the following classes: calligraphy, gilding & illumination, ceramics, drawing, gourd workshop, Japanese flower arranging (Ikebana), knitting/crochet, needle arts, oil/acrylic painting, photography, quilt making, sewing and watercolor painting. Classes start Jan. 5, 2004.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto,(650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
In the arts & crafts category, the Palo Alto Adult School's selection includes painting, drawing, stained glass, ceramics, hand tools to advanced woodworking, photography and three jewelry workshops. Nurture your creative side. Schedule available online. Classes begin the week of Jan. 5, 2004.

The Playstore
508 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 326-9070
Children's art class. Third Saturday of every month beginning January, 2004. Ages 4 and up. 11:30 a.m. Free.

Health & Fitness

Awareness and Movement
453 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto (650) 321-0921
Learn ease of movement and gracefulness with these insightful lessons. Helps with daily activities and exercises. Starts Jan. 5, 2004. Tuesdays, 6-7:15 p.m.; Thursdays, 9-10:15 a.m. Contact Elizabeth Robinson.

Black Diamond Sports
162 University Ave. Palo Alto (650) 289-0900
Inline skate classes. For ages 3-adult. Anyone and everyone invited. Classes are free and scheduled 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at Stanford University.

California Yoga Center
570 Showers Drive, Suite 5, Mountain View (650) 947-9642 www.californiayoga.com
The California Yoga Center offers yoga classes in the Iyengar tradition for beginning to advanced students. Classes emphasize individual attention and cultivate strength, endurance, flexibility and relaxation. Ongoing yoga classes are scheduled every day and include special classes such as back care, pranayama, prenatal and gentle yoga. Weekend workshops explore a variety of yoga-related topics.

Center of Balance
1220 Pear Ave., Suite I, Mountain View (650) 967-6414 www.centerofbalance.com
Center of Balance is a yoga and pilates studio offering a variety of drop-in classes morning, noon and evening. Also offering private and group training with certified instructors by appointment. For beginners to advanced practitioners. Visit the extensive Web site for schedules, descriptions and other information.

Crowder Exercise - Forever Fit
701 Laurel St., Menlo Park (650) 330-2200
Classes designed to improve flexibility, core strength, coordination, posture and range of motion, with more than 100 exercises in one hour. All classes move to good music. Light handweights are often incorporated. Jan. 5-March 23, 2004. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; 7:30-8:30 p.m. $62 residents/$85 non-residents. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $74 residents/$99 non-residents. For questions contact Sue Chiappone at (925) 376-6214.

Darshana Yoga
654 High St., Palo Alto (650) 325-9642 www.darshanayoga.com
Excellent instruction in a beautiful new studio. All levels of classes and private lessons for kids, teens and adults. Traditional Iyengar influenced Hatha yoga taught by eight experienced teachers. Catherine De Los Santos director. All classes are drop in.

Every Woman Health Club
611 Jefferson Ave., Redwood City(650) 364-9194 www.everywomanhealthclub.com
Every Woman Health Club is a women-only, body-positive fitness center in downtown Redwood City. Offering a variety of affordable classes during the winter including: Afro-Caribbean Dance (Mondays and Fridays); Afro-Caribbean Dance Plus Pilates (Fridays); Cardio Funk (Tuesdays and Thursdays); Cardio Kickboxing (Fridays and Saturdays); Cardio Salsa (Mondays); Low-Impact Aerobics (Thursdays); Pilates (Tuesdays); Stability Ball (Mondays and Wednesdays); Step & Firm (Tuesdays); Strength & Stretch (Wednesdays and Saturdays); Stretch, Flex & Relax (Saturdays); and Yoga Basics (Wednesdays). Call or visit the Web site for costs and membership information.

Meditative Yoga
3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 857-0919 andrealenox@earthlink.net
Freedom, expansion and balance through inner strength and grace -- yoga in the tradition of Swami Satyananda (Bihar School of Yoga, India). Satsang, Yoga Nidra, and beginning/intermediate classes taught by Andrea C. Lenox. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School
333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View (650) 940-133 www.mvlaae.org
The MV-LA Adult School has a long history and commitment to adult education. Be fit! Offering classes in Afro Brazilian dancing, belly dancing, exercise for the older adult, Feldenkrais, jazz dance, hiking, mat Pilates, Qigong, stretch and flex, Tai Chi and yoga. Classes start Jan. 5, 2004.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
12 week personalized fitness program. This step-by-step program offers guidance, motivation and structure so that you will start and stick with fitness as part of your lifestyle. The program introduces you to appropriate cardiovascular exercise, how to stretch correctly, warm-up and cool-down, strength training instruction with an emphasis on the correct use of the equipment as well as lots of feedback and encouragement. Exercise will be introduced in small, achievable steps.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Cardio Kickboxing: A high-energy, explosive and motivating workout using kicks from the martial arts and the punches from boxing. It is a real calorie burner. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto(650) 858-0661
Indoor Group Cycling: Group cycling is an aerobic/anaerobic workout on a stationary bike designed for all ages and levels of fitness. Beginners welcome. Bring water. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6-7 a.m.; Monday/Wednesday, 12:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Tuesday/Friday, 1:40-2:40 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 6:45-7:45 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8-9 a.m.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Pilates: The hottest abdominal workout on the west coast is available at the Page Mill YMCA. Exercises are based on the techniques of Joseph H. Pilates and are for all fitness levels. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Tuesday/Thursday, 4:15-5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:15-8:30 a.m.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
The Palo Alto Adult School offers great health classes - Dietary Supplements; Good Fat, Bad Fat; and Meditation - as well as low-cost fitness classes such as Belly Dancing, Tai Chi and Yoga. visit the Web site and register now.

Palo Alto Family YMCA
3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto (650) 856-9622
This Family YMCA offers a 12-week Personal Fitness Program, designed to take the unfit individual from inactive to active, and helps members make a commitment to physical activity, includes weekly meetings with a strength trainer. Free for facility members.

Planet Martial Arts of Mountain View
2584A Leghorn St., Mountain View (650) 969-4570
Tae Kwon Do with Mr. Foreman. Drop by Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday at 4:15 or 5:15 p.m., or Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Join directly through Planet or try it out through Palo Alto Recreation at Lucie Stern.

Qigong Institute
561 Berkeley Ave., Menlo Park (650) 329-2527 qi@qigonginstitute.org
Chinese Qigong exercises for health maintenance and stress reduction. Suitable for all ages. Classes meet 8 Mondays, Jan. 12-March 15, 2004. Introductory, 6:30-8 p.m.; intermediate, 8-9:30 p.m. Classes held at the Lucie Stern Center, Community Room, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $115 for Palo Alto residents, $127 for non-residents. CEUs available for registered nurses. Register at the Stern Community Center or by calling (650) 329-2527.

Taijiquan Tutelage of Palo Alto
3790 El Camino Real, P.O. Box 185, Palo Alto (650) 327-9350 www.ttopa.com
Taijiquan Tutelage of Palo Alto. Established in 1973. Learn the classical Yang Chengfu style of Taijiquan (T'ai chi ch'uan). Beginning classes start monthly. Classes are held at the Cubberley Community Center. Call for complete information and free literature, or visit the Web site.

Yoga is Youthfulness
590 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 964-5277
Yoga classes and meditation for all levels, seven days a week, in a variety of styles. New students get three classes for $20.

Language

German Class
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 adultschool@pausd.palo-alto.ca.us
Conversational German covering speaking, reading, writing and basic grammar. The instructor, a college-credentialed teacher with a master's degree, studied in Germany with the Stanford-in-Germany program. Tuesday evenings: Jan. 13-March 2, 2004, 7-9 p.m., $86. Call for registration.

International School of the Peninsula1
51 Laura Lane and 3233 Cowper St., Palo Alto (650) 251-8519
www.istp.org BeatriceBergemont@istp.org
Offering extensive adult language classes and children's after-school program. For adults, offering separate classes for varying proficiency levels for each language: Arabic, English ESL, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. The next 14-week session starts Mon., Feb. 2, 2004. Join the Open House Sat., Jan. 24, 2004, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For children in grades pre-K-8th, offering selection of after-school activities such as art class, chess, Chinese dance, chorus, basketball, soccer and lanugage classes (Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Russian and Spanish). Enrollment starts Tues., Jan. 19, 2004.

Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School
333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View (650) 940-1333 www.mvlaae.org
The MV-LA Adult School has a long history and commitment to adult education. Learn or practice a language! Offering classes in American Sign Language, Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Russian and Spanish. Classes start Jan. 5, 2004.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
Learn French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish with Palo alto Adult School's outstanding teachers. Visit the Web site to see the entire catalog. Classes begin the week of Jan. 5, 2004.

Mind & Spirit

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Adaptive Yoga is full-body flexibility and balance, using props such as belts, blankets and chairs. Great for beginners and older adults. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Tai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. Beginners welcome. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.; Thursday, 1:40-3:40 p.m. Call for session dates.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Yoga: This is an inspiring, energizing, and calming class that teaches the ancient practice of yoga. Breathing and relaxation exercise techniques form a complete mind and body workout. Beginners welcome. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Tuesday/Thursday, 8-9 p.m.; Wednesday, 12:30-1:45 p.m.; Friday, 4-5 p.m.; Sunday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Palo Alto Family YMCA
3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto(650) 856-9622
This family YMCA offers Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement classes. Fun and unusual movements help ease pain and discomfort and increase flexibility. Call for session start dates and fees.

Miscellaneous

Goodparents, Inc.
125 University Ave., Suite 222, Palo Alto (650) 322-KIDS www.goodparentsinc.com
Be prepared for those critical teen years. Classes for parents of teens and pre-teens help you understand your children, how to communicate with them based on where they are developmentally, and provide tools and tips for building lifelong mutual trust, respect and rewarding interaction.

Palo Alto Bowl
4329 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 948-1031
Learn to bowl. A 4-week class offering lessons and instruction of basic bowling, delivery, spare shooting and much more. The "4x10" class is $10 per week/per student. Class time is 6 p.m. Sundays. Call for reservations. Limited availability. Ages 6 and up.

Palo Alto Family YMCA
3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto (650) 856-9622
Come to the YMCA ChildWatch Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Have your picture taken with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus. Enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and refreshments. Free and open to the public. Call for more information.

Music & Art

African Drum Classes for Beginners
Palo Alto (650) 493-8046 www.villageheartbeat.com
These classes are designed for the person with little or no experience in drumming. Zorina Wolf will introduce a basic language of drumming, based on Baba Olatunji's rhythmic patterns. The class uses this language to learn different parts to simple polyrhythms while also developing hand drum technique. There is instruction in singing and playing the drum simultaneously as well. The classes are fun and energizing. Extra drums are always available. Classes are on Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. at 1095 Channing Ave. (in the school library) and Mondays for women only at 4111 Alma St. Call for more information.

Cantabile Children's Chorus
953 Industrial Ave., Suite 118, Palo Alto (650) 424-1410 www.cantabile.org
Now enrolling. Cantabile, celebrating its 10th anniversary season, offers a comprehensive music program for students ages 6 through early high school. Winter/Spring classes begin Jan. 27 & 28, 2004, and are held weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Foothills Congregational Church in Los Altos. See what Cantabile is all about...come visit a class during January or request free tickets to the Winter concert Jan. 24.

Chinese Brush Painting
Palo Alto (650) 948-1503
Chinese Brush Painting with Anna Wu Weakland -- master calligrapher and painter. Class meets eight Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Classes held at the Cubberley Studio in Palo Alto. Learn to paint with minimum strokes and achieve maximum results. The techniques of all the popular subject matters will be taught. Beginners and advanced students welcome.

Chinese Calligraphy
4000 Middlefield Road, H-4, Palo Alto (650) 856-3733
Hua Kuang Chinese Reading room offers Chinese calligraphy for beginners. Call meets year-round, Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.

City of Palo Alto Recreation Dept.
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 463-4900 www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy
Thistle Down Express - Spellbinding curriculum of movement, music, art, dramatics and science. Watch your child's self-esteem, confidence and creativity blossom in instructor Sandi McCreadie's extraordinary creation. It's great fun. $10 materials fee due at first class. Five classes/$62 residents, $74 non-residents/Fridays/Lucie Stern Community Room.
Ages 2-3, 9-9:45 a.m., 1st session: Jan. 9-Feb. 6, 2004;
2nd session: Feb. 13-March 12, 2004.
Ages 3-5, 9:45-10:30 a.m., 1st session: Jan. 9-Feb. 6, 2004;
2nd session: Feb. 13-March 12, 2004.

Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA)
230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View (650) 917-6800 www.arts4all.org
Music and art classes for all ages and skill levels. New state-of-the-art facility and concert hall. Spring classes begin Feb. 9. New digital music & arts programs including drawing, animation and Web site design, music composition and recording, and sound design. One-week vacation camps (K-8) in February and April. Art classes include ceramics, drawing, painting, multi-cultural arts and more. Early-childhood programs (18 mos.-4 years): Adventures in music and art, ceramics, and Suzuki recorder. Music classes include World harmony chorus, jazz combos, children's chorale, intro to keyboard, violin, guitar, music theory, chamber music and more. Private music lesson registration by appointment only. Multi-lingual faculty of 75+ professionals. Tuition aid offered. Register online.

Congolese African Drumming
Palo Alto (650) 325-1566
Congolese African Drumming class with MaBoukaka.
Mixed level, beginners welcome. Drums available. Ongoing, Tuesdays, 7:30-10 p.m. Peninsula School, Menlo Park. $10 drop-in.

Gryphon Stringed Instruments
211 Lambert Ave., Palo Alto (650) 493-2131 www.gryphonstrings.com
Offering group classes and individual lessons for guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, harp, dulcimer, bass and violin. Open 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.- Thurs.; 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. The new series of group classes begins the week of Jan. 5, 2004.

Kindermusik Classes
Mountain View (650) 968-4733 wsnelson@concentric.net
Kindermusik classes, including instrument play, movement, singing and musical games, offered in Cuesta Park neighborhood for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Registration begins in December and continues through January, 2004, or until classes are full. Classes in 8-week units for babies, 14-week units for toddlers and preschoolers, beginning late January or early February and running through May, 2004. Cost ranges from $90 for 8 weeks to $170 for 14 weeks (prices include home materials).

LifePlays Improv
P.O. Box 1985, El Granada (650) 726-9080 www.LifePlays.com
Free your capacity for full presence, spontaneous expression, and creative connection with others through the powerful medium of improvisational theatre. Come let your imagination spark your reality. Weekly classes at all levels, for everyone who wants to enliven their moment-by-moment experience of life. Next session begins mid-January. Classes held in Palo Alto.

Pacific Art League
668 Ramona St., Palo Alto (650) 321-3891
Classes begin Jan. 5, 2004. Classes include: analysis of form; beginning, intermediate and advanced watercolor; Chinese calligraphy and brush painting; figure drawing; collage landscape oil and pastel; photography; printmaking; travel sketching; head and portrait drawing/painting; portraits in plaster; stone carving; sculpture; bronze and resin casting; photography; teen variety classes; kids' classes and much more. Register now.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
Come take piano, harp, learn about jazz and Frank Sinatra, or join a symphonic band. Register now. Class schedule available online.

Ta Ke Ti Na Practice Groups
Palo Alto (650) 493-8046
The art of rhythm can be achieved with our first musical instrument -- our body. You can learn about rhythm and yourself in this simple group process, which involves stepping, clapping and singing. Practice groups are on Tuesday nights in Palo Alto and Redwood City and are led by drum and percussion teacher Zorina Wolf. These groups are free to the public. Donations welcomed.

Outdoors

Common Ground Garden Supply
559 College Ave., Palo Alto (650) 493-6072 www.commongroundinpaloalto.org
Common Ground offers Saturday morning classes on organic gardening topics, including the Grow Biointensive method, garden planning, composting, tree pruning, vegetable and herb gardens, seed starting and saving, and more. Most classes cost $17 or $19. Please register in advance.

Gamble Garden
1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto (650) 329-1356 www.gamblegarden.org
Winter/spring classes run January-April, 2004. Lectures: Tree Care, Pest Control, and Three Garden Heroines. Tours: Santa Cruz Arboretum and Orchids. Demonstrations: Rose Care & Pruning, Plant Propagation, Fit for Gardening, and Flower Arranging. The "Basics for Beginners" series offers two more classes: Irrigation and What to do in April. Creating Topiaries, California's Mediterranean Climate, and Geraniaceae will also have plants available. Visit the Web site or call for more information.

Palo Alto Flying Club
1903 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 494-7248 www.plaoaltoflyingclub.com
Learn to fly! Palo Alto Flying Club is a center for flight instruction at Palo Alto Airport. Ground schools are offered each quarter, in the evenings and on weekends for students working towards the Private Pilot Rating and the Instrument Rating. FAA certified flight instructors provide outstanding, individualized training for students of all ages, based upon your schedule and achievement goals.

Shoreline Aquatic Center
3160 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View (650) 965-7474 www.shorelinelake.com
Shoreline Aquatic Center offers adult/teen windsurfing, sailing and kayaking classes March-October and kids' summer camps for ages 7-14. Price range: $50-$345. The Center also rents pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and windsurfers year-round. Please call for more information.

Schools

Bowman International School
4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 813-9131 www.bowmanschool.org
Discover Bowman's innovative, successful K-8 program that builds confidence, creativity and academic excellence. Proven Montessori approach with individualized teaching and self-directed, hands-on learning. Flexible day and year-round program with no extra charge for summer programs and before and after school activities. Low student-to-teacher ratio. Rich international and cultural programs combined with strong academic skills. State-of-the-art facility (January 2004). Visit the Web site to see why Bowman may be the right school for your child, then call to schedule a tour of the new facility.

Casa dei Bambini School
College Avenue, Palo Alto (650) 473-9401 www.casadeibambini.net
Casa dei Bambini School is an international and multicultural private school serving children 2 years of age through kindergarten. Offering part time and full time programs in a safe and nurturing environment, rich in extracurricular activities. Casa dei Bambini is proud to be NAEYC accredited and a member school of AMI (Association Montessori Internationale).

Challenger School
3880 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 213-8245 www.challengerschool.com
Since 1963, Challenger School has been the choice of parents who know the value of education. Challenger understands that the purpose of education is much more than the mastery of specific knowledge or the memorization of facts. Learning patterns are set early in life, and will be major factors in a child's future success. Children who learn how to learn grow to love thinking and achieving on their own. This independence prepares them to succeed at living happily. At Challenger School, the unique teaching method helps develop students who are excited about both achievement and the process it requires. Their test results -- and their faces -- show it. Open enrollment period has begun, and will continue until classes are full. Challenger has 13 Bay Area locations including Palo Alto, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.

Creative Learning Center
675 Escuela Ave., Mountain View (650) 564-9907
Creative Learning Center offers three PT/FT programs for ages 2-5. Age appropriate subjects include math, language and motor development, along with weekly themes, art, music and movement activities. Creative Learning Center is a year-round school. Costs vary.

Enlighten School
1919 Annette Lane, Los Altos (650) 938-2473
Enlighten is an immersion-based Chinese-English bilingual preschool. Arts & crafts, music, math, pretend play and more. Please call the school for more information.

Living Wisdom School
456 College Ave., Palo Alto (650) 462-8150 www.livingwisdomschool.org
Living Wisdom School excels at providing something every parent dreams for their child -- academic excellence and the tools to become a successful, happy, emotionally mature and self-confident person. Children blossom in this extraordinary learning environment. Kindergarten-8th grade.

Palo Alto Prep
4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 493-7071 www.paloaltoprep.com
Unique, small high school with 50 students. 8 to 1 student:teacher ratio. Challenging academics. Supporting individualized attention. Creating educational and behavioral success. Promoting self esteem through safe community. Making college a reality.

Palo Alto School for Jewish Education (PASJE)
4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 855-9063 www.pasje.org
Non-affiliated, distinctive Sunday school, K-8. Judaic studies. Hebrew instruction optional.

Peninsula School
920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park (650) 325-1584 www.peninsulaschool.org
Offering a non-competitive, non-authoritarian learning environment, where children grow in confidence, responsibility, independence and in the genuine love of learning. Come in to the drop-in tours Dec. 11 or Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. Applications due February.

Saint Francis High School
1885 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View (650) 968-1213 www.sfhs.com
Saint Francis High School is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school. Saint Francis encourages students to achieve their highest potential through spiritual, intellectual and social development. Saint Francis is sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross and admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

St. Joseph Catholic School
1120 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View (650) 967-1839 www.sjmv.org
St. Joseph Catholic School is currently accepting applications for kindergarten-8th grade for the 2004/2005 school year. St. Joseph Catholic School offers a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. In addition to the core curriculum, St. Joseph's also offers a fine arts program, computer instruction and physical education.

The Children's Pre-School Center (CPSC)
4000 Middlefield Road, T-1, Palo Alto (650) 493-5770 www.cpsccares.org
Loving, supportive relationships between teachers and children together with developmentally appropriate practices are the keys to the CPSC's special quality. In partnership with parents, CPSC provides children from 6 weeks through 5 years with an excellent, stimulating, fun-filled program, setting the foundation for self-confidence and success.

The Roberts School
641 Coleman Ave., Menlo Park (650) 322-3535
The Roberts School offers pre-school, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and has been family owned and operated since 1975. Children enjoy a program incorporating age-appropriate academics and a wide variety of developmental, hands-on enrichment activities such as: cooking, art, music, gymnastics, science, gardening and more.

Woodland School
360 La Cuesta Drive, Portola Valley (650) 854-9065 www.woodland-school.org
info@woodland-school.org
Preschool-8th grade. Woodland School's focus is a challenging academic program with a strong enrichment program of art, music, drama, computers, gymnastics and physical education. Science, math and technology are an integral part of the 5th-8th grade experience. Extended Care is offered 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Please call for a brochure or to set up a tour.

Something For Everyone

Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills (650) 949-7777 www.foothill.edu
Foothill College offers more than 1,000 classes every 12 weeks, from Accounting to Martial Arts to Web Publishing. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current job skills, change careers or simply take a class for your own personal enrichment, Foothill College has the courses you want. Register via phone, online or in person. Winter quarter begins Jan. 5, 2004. Registration now through Dec. 29.

George Rubin
Palo Alto (650) 424-1940
Private instruction for all ages in Hebrew, Jewish studies and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring for those affiliated or unaffiliated. George Rubin has an M.A. in Hebrew/Jewish Education.

Istituto Educazione Italiana (IEI)
Atherton, Palo Alto (650) 804-2583 www.italybythebay.org
IEI offers Italian language courses for all ages at different levels plus adult courses (in English) on various aspects of Italian culture such as film, food, travel, etc. This winter's offerings include: Italian Language Level 1, Level 2 and Conversational Italian Vivere Italiano, a four-meeting course on Italian Opera with a live illustration on voices and arias with the participation of a young San Francisco director. All classes begin the week of Jan. 12, 2004. Classes for children held at Jordan Middle School and Addison Elementary School in Palo Alto. Classes for ages 14 and up held at Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto.

Mountain View-Los Altos Adult School
333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View (650) 940-1333 www.mvlaae.org
The MV-LA Adult School has a long history and commitment to adult education. Improve your skills! Classes offered include: arts and crafts, birding, Brazilian drumming, chorus, computers, dance, English as a Second Language (ESL), genealogy, guitar, high school programs, hiking, international relations, foreign languages, memoirs, mental & physical fitness, needle arts, orchestra, parent education, photography, sewing, volunteer opportunities and writing. Older adult classes (55+), $15. Classes begin Jan. 5, 2004.

OICW1200
O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park (650) 330-6429
OICW offers a variety of job-training programs at no cost to most who apply. Let OICW look for your funding. School of Technology, Cisco, Sun, Computer Repair, Certified Nurse Assistant, Office Skills, Culinary, Construction and more. See a counselor 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Racquetball Leagues (3 courts): Racquetball offers both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, with both sustained, high-level heart rate activity and quick bursts of energy required during play. Join the league and meet new friends. Free clinics each month.

Page Mill YMCA
755 Page Mill Road, Bldg. B, Palo Alto (650) 858-0661
Shotokan Karate: A weaponless means of self-defense. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body to maximum advantage. Free with Page Mill YMCA membership. Beginners welcome. Monday/Wednesday, 8:15-9:30 p.m.

Palo Alto Adult School
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-3752 www.paadultschool.org
You will be amazed at the Palo Alto Adult School's selection of unique classes -- to numerous to list. Visit the Web site, stop by or call for a copy of the catalog. Classes begin the week of Jan. 5, 2004.

Palo Alto Family YMCA
3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto (650) 856-9622 www.ymcamidpen.org
The YMCA offers a variety of fitness, enrichment, swim classes, teen programs and sports programs for all ages. Please call for a brochure or visit the facility which includes a gymnasium, indoor pools, a complete fitness center and a climbing wall. The YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650) 329-2111 www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy
Do you wonder about whales? Are you curious about catapults? The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo offers fun, hands-on science classes for children ages 3-10.

Twisters Gym
2639 Terminal Blvd., Mountain View (650) 967-5581
Ten levels of gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, indoor rock climbing, for youth ages 1-18 and adults. Gymnastics includes all the Olympic events, tumbling and trampoline from recreational classes to team. Tae Kwon Do features eight belt levels and indoor rockclimbing has classes and team programs. Birthday parties, camps, mobile outreach programs, field trips, and open gym available.

Village Heartbeat
883 Ames Ave., Palo Alto (650) 493-8046 www.villageheartbeat.com
Village Heartbeat (VHB) is an organization dedicated to building and educating a drumming and rhythmic community. This organization facilitates classes in adapted traditional African drum and dance, and Ta Ke Ti Na, a musical group process. VHB also promotes and organizes trainings and workshops for musical artists and teachers who can enhance and inspire the community. Rhythm has the ability to bring us into the joy of community in a new and different way.

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