Town of Corte Madera Logo of a crane standing in front of hills reflected in water.

O.P.A.L. NEWS

OPAL News For Older People With Active Lives. Good through June 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE WITH ACTIVE LIVES

Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs

(This document is also available as a PDF file, which can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader is available for free download at Adobe's Website.)

General Information

Corte Madera Parks & Recreation, 498 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925. Phone: 415-927-5072. www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us

 

 

 

Table of Contents


In This Issue. . .

Lunch Service for 60+
5th Annual Photo Contest
Free Ballroom Lessons
Beginning/Advanced Beginning Tap for Adults
AARP Driver Safety Program -- One & Two Day Programs
Foreclosure Workshop
Seniors in Balance
Camera Phone Photography -- CLASS CANCELLED
Photo Bookmaking
ZUMBA
Basic Computers
Computers Open Q&A
Excel
Word - 2 Sessions
Photo Editing
Photo Critique -- Improve Your Photography
Photo Walk
Thunder Valley Casino
Winchester Mystery House
Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta
River Rock Casino
Duck Tour San Francisco
Safari West
Bingo
Spaghetti Bingo
Corte Madera Holiday Home Decorating Contest
Big Band Dance

415-927-5072
www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us

 

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large sandwich

LUNCH SERVICE FOR 60 AND OLDER
Courtesy of Good Earth Fairfax, Corte Madera Parks & Rec. serves a delicious well–balanced hot lunch to people 60 and older, their spouses, or those with disabilities for a (very much appreciated) $2 donation on Thursdays from noon to 12:45. Advanced
program enrollment and reservation required. Call for details (415) 927-5073

 

 

 

 

blue camera in a black circle5TH ANNUAL AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST
Entries due by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 5th.
Categories include Landscape and/or Nature, People and/or Animals, Black & White, Youth (taken by 17 or younger), Corte Madera, and Miscellaneous. For entry details call 927-5073 or visit online www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us

 

 

 

 

musical note symbol

Black & white saddle shoes and socksFREE BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS
The second Wednesday of the month Jan - June from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. You’ll learn the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Tango, and more. No partner necessary! Practice your new dancing skills at the Big Band dance that follows, 8 – 10 PM.

 

 

 

 

 

tap shoes

BEGINIING/ADVANCED BEGINNING TAP FOR ADULTS
Tues. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. $74 for 6 classes.
* Jan. 10 - Feb. 14 * Feb. 28 - Apr. 3 * * Apr. 17 - May 22 *

Tap dance increases coordination and balance, improves physical dexterity, and is just flat out fun! In class you will do warm-ups, practice technique, and learn dance combinations. This course is great for beginners and those who want to refresh their tap
dance skills. Janet has loaner shoes, but recommends ge tting your taps from:
D’Lynnes’ Dancewear; 1850 4th St. San Rafael 456-4747 or The Dance Shop; 1202 2nd St. San Rafael 459-4008.

 

 

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AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM

Old Automobile

Sharpen your driving skills and learn how to adjust to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.
Medication and its effects on driving will also be addressed. At the end of this course a certificate of completion, which may save you money on auto insurance, will be given.
$12; AARP members; $14; non members

 

The 8 hour course is split between two days and is for those who have not taken the 8 or 4½ hour courses within the
last three years. You must attend the full 8 hours in order to get a certificate.
• January 6 & 13, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00
• May 11 & 18, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00

traffic light*The 4½ hour refresher course is for those who have taken either the 8 or 4½ hour courses within the last three years.
• March 9, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00
• June 8, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00



 

 

 

CAMERA PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY -- CLASS CANCELLED
camera phone

Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Learn how to bring out your individuality and unique perspective when taking photos with your
cell phone. New applications and filters will be showcased. A working knowledge of your camera/smartphone is necessary. These classes are located at 433 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley (at Valley Circle).

 

 

 

FORECLOSURE OPTIONS WORKSHOP
Free to the public. Please pre-register.

Saturday, January 28th from 10:00 to Noon.
Are you having trouble making your mortgage payment? In this informative workshop we’ll discuss various options available to homeowners who are threatened with foreclosure. Refinance, Loan Modifications, Loan Audits, Short- Refinance, Short Sale, Hybrid Short-Sale, Deed-in-Lieu, Strategic Foreclosure, tax implications,
how to avoid deficiencies, and how to protect your credit rating, will also be covered.

 

 

 

Ballet DancerSENIORS IN BALANCE
Seniors in Balance uses a blend of Tai Chi Qigong, Yoga, and Mind / Body Science and is for those with reasonable mobility who wish to prevent falls
and restore, or maintain, good balance of spirit, mind and body.
Thursdays 1:30 - 2:30. Fee by donation.


 

 


PHOTO BOOKMAKING -- Tues. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

BookMake heartfelt graduation, anniversary, or wedding gifts that will be long cherished! Just bring your favorite pictures. You will end up with a handmade hand-embellished bound book that you’ll be proud to give.
Jan. 17 - 31, 2012 and
March 6 - 20, 2012.
$150 pre-registration + $65
to instructor during 1st class for printing, binding, and materials fees.

 

 

 

 

ZUMBABlue Star

Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. In this fun toned-down version of the latest Latin-inspired dance-fitness craze, you can burn calories and improve coordination while doing easy to follow dance moves, like Salsa, Belly dance and more! All levels welcome.
No experience needed! 8 weeks for $80 (includes CD) or $12 drop in.Blue Star

 

 

 

 

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BASIC COMPUTERS
$50 for 4 classes
Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• January 10 - 31, 2012
• March 6 - 27, 2012
• May 1 - 22, 2012
This class is for those with little to no experience with personal computers. You will learn how to surf the web, how to get an email account and much more ...

 

 

 

OPEN Q&A
Laptop ComputerOPEN Q&A - $50 for 2 classes
Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• January 24 & 31, 2012
• March 20 & 27, 2012
• May 15 & 22, 2012
Bring your laptop. John will attempt to answer your specific questions about email, web surfing, photo editing, choosing a computer, and other concerns.

 

 

 

 

 

EXCEL
spreadsheet$50 for 2 classes
Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
* January 24 & 31, 2012
* March 20 & 27, 2012
* May 15 & 22, 2012
This class is for those who have some familiarity with PCs. You will learn how to create professional looking spreadsheets
which are useful for organizing information - a valuable skills for anyone in today’s job market.








WORD – 2 SESSIONS
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. $50 for 2 classes
• January 10 & 17, 2012
• March 6 & 13, 2012
• May 1 & 8, 2012
Those with some PC familiarity will learn how to create professional looking documents - a very valuable skill for anyone in today’s job market.

 

 

Girl at Computer


PHOTO EDITING
Tues. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
$50 for 2 classes
• January 10 & 17, 2012
• March 6 & 13, 2012
• May 1 & 8, 2012
This class is for those with some PC familiarity. You’ll learn how to change images, crop photos, adjust color and contrast, remove blemishes, and more.
We will cover PhotoShop Elements 9, Picasa Photo Editor, Microsoft Office Picture Manager, and Paint.





PHOTO CRITIQUE -- IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Man holding camera to his eyeA flexible creative environment for artists and photographers who desire constructive feedback on their photobased art. Artists will present work and be asked to participate in feedback on work of other participants. Print services (for a fee) will be offered to those who request it.
February 2 & 16, March 1 & 15, May 3 & 17.
$10 drop in.









Cartoon man with cameraPHOTO WALK
Powerful and engaging images can be found in every day close to home locations and so, this course is designed to help you expand your vision and see the beauty of your community. Plus, you will learn that artful photography and healthy walking are powerful partners!
Meet in front of the Corte Madera Recreation Dept. (facing Tamalpais) on these Saturdays:
• January 21, 2012
• February 18, 2012
• April 21, 2012
$45 pre-registration for 3 walks. You may also bring $15 to each drop in.











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THUNDER VALLEY CASINO -- $28
Mon. January 9th - Try your luck at over 2,400 of your favorite slots! Bus departs 8:00 a.m. 2nd stop at the Smith Ranch Road park ‘n ride.
Return 6:30.





WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE -- $45
Fri. January 27th: We’ll see the bizarre construction and brilliant inventions that draw visitors to San Jose from far and wide. Depart 10:30 a.m. No host lunch at
The Flames Restaurant before our 1:00 tour.
Return 5:30.






River Boat

SACRAMENTO/SAN JOAQUIN DELTA -- $72
Sat. March 24th: Aboard the Delphinus, we’ll explore wetland areas and witness beautiful bird-life. RioVista Museum visit and lunch included.
Depart Corte Madera 10:00 a.m.; return 3:30.







RIVER ROCK CASINO -- $28slot machine
Mon. April 30th: 1300 slots, including everything from penny to $100 machines, await! You receive $20 in slot play.
Depart 10:00 a.m. 2nd stop at Smith Ranch Road park ‘n ride.
Return 5:30.











DUCK TOUR SAN FRANCISCO -- $42
Fri. May 18th: Ride through historic streets and neighborhoods of San Francisco before splashing down into the bay for a fun cruise of famous McCovey Cove.
Depart 10:00 a.m. No host lunch after the tour in San Francisco.
Return 2:30.



 

 

giraffes

 

 

 

 

SAFARI WEST -- $68
Sunday, June 3rd: Explore over 400 acres on a three-hour adventure led in an authentic open-air safari vehicle. No host lunch at the Safari West Cafeteria.
Depart 10:30 am; return 5:30.








 

 

Watch for: Les Miserables at the Orpheum Sunday, July 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bingo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join our group of active older adults for wonderful company, delicious treats like Lappert’s ice cream, and other great perks and surprises.
Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.
It’s only 10 cents for 3 cards to play!

 

 

 

Big plate of spaghetti with sauceSPAGHETTI BINGO
Doors open 5:45 p.m.
We’ll enjoy a buffet-style pasta dinner until 6:50 and then play bingo for prizes until 9:30 p.m. No bingo daubers needed, we play with reusable bingo cards.
5 cards per player. Additional cards $2 each.
2/3/12 Fri. 6-9:30 p.m.
6/1/12 Fri 6-9:30 p.m.
$11 per person


 

 

 


holiday decoration


CORTE MADERA HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING CONTEST
Lights, snow flakes, tinsel - how do you decorate your home during the holidays? If you like to go all out - better yet, if you like to compete with the neighbors, here’s
your chance to win bragging rights as the best holiday home decorator in your Corte Madera neighborhood! To enter, just give us your address. The last day to enter is
December 15th. Judging takes place on the 16th - winners announced on the 23rd. Get contest details by calling (415) 927-5072 or visit www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us.

 

holiday decoration

 

 

 

BIG BAND DANCE
2nd Wednesday of the month 8 - 10 PM. The Ray Simpson Band plays favorites like, “It Had to Be You,” and “Mack the Knife.” No entry fee!
Join us for dancing, refreshments, and great times!
No Entry Fee!

Jan 11, Feb 8,
Mar 14, Apr 11,
May 9, Jun 13
July 11, NO AUG
Dancing Cartoons

 

 

 

 

 

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Mission Statement & Purpose

The Town’s Recreation and Parks strengthens the community’s fabric, health and well-being, economic base and security. Through diverse and innovative programming for all people, plus broad partnerships with the schools and neighboring agencies, community-based organizations and businesses, Corte Madera plays an important role in creating healthy communities. By providing the space to learn and play, space to be safe and secure, and space to create and imagine, this Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality of life.

Your Parks & Recreation provides a wide variety of services, including, but not limited to:
Senior activities; After-school programs; Pre-school programs; Teen programs; Summer camps; Nature & outdoor programs; Health & wellness programs; Sports leagues & instructions; Youth sports coaches & training; Art & dance programs; Special & multicultural events; Emergency preparedness & support.


 

Town Officials

TOWN COUNCIL
Alexandra Cock, Mayor
Bob Ravasio , Vice Mayor
Carla Condon, Councilmember
Diane Furst, Councilmember
Michael Lappert, Councilmember
David Bracken, Town Manager

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Pamela Fong, Chair
Hartley West, Vice Chair
Kitty Prosser
Kim Noble Baez
Joan Fray
Brandon Louie

PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT STAFF
Mario Fiorentini, Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
Brian Hernandez, Recreation Coordinator
Shani Combs, Recreation Coordinator

CONTACT:
498 Tamalpais Drive,
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Tel. (415) 927-5072
Fax. (415) 927-7138
Email: Recreation_dept@ci.corte-madera.ca.us
Rain Line: (415) 927-5076
Kid's Club after hours office phone: (415) 706-5128

Email: Recreation_dept@ci.corte-madera.ca.us

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Americans with Disabilities Act

The Town of Corte Madera and the Parks and Recreation Department are committed to implementing the intent and spirit of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Adults and children with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to fully participate in our classes, programs and activities. If you have special needs that require specific accommodations in order to enjoy one of our classes or facilities, please contact us at (415) 927-5072.


Residency Status Information


The Corte Madera Town Council adopted the following clarifications of residency:

  1. For the use of facilities and programs located on property owned by the Larkspur School District, Reed Union School District, and Tamalpais Union High School District (Neil Cummins Gymnasium, San Clemente School/Park, the Roller Hockey Rink, Tennis Courts at Granada School, and Town Park’s softball and soccer fields), “residents” shall mean individuals who reside in, or groups and organizations which have their principal place of business located within the County of Marin.
  2. For the use of all other facilities and programs located on property owned by the Town of Corte Madera (Town Park other than the areas mentioned in (1) above, Piccolo Pavilion, and Recreation Center) “residents” shall mean individuals who reside in, or groups and organizations which have their principal place of business located within the Town of Corte Madera. Residents are qualified for a $2.00 resident rebate per class. If you have any questions about this information, please call (415) 927-5072.

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Town & Groups Directory

 

Town Hall
927-5050
Town Clerk
927-5086
Finance Department
927-5055
Meeting Schedule
927-5040
Fire Department
927-5077
Planning Department
927-5064
Building Department
927-5062
Engineering Department
927-5057
Lions Club
924-2200
Community Foundation
924-2054
Twin Cities Police
927-5150
TC Little Leagues
924-7525
Women's Club
924-3199
Mother's Club
451-7234
Chamber of Commerce
924-0441
Town Band
924-3202
Corte Madera Library
924-3515
Volunteer Firefighters
924-5077
 
 

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