Los Altos Hills Has Come A Long Way When It Comes to Recreation

Six years ago I opened my mailbox and found an Activity Guide from the Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Department. I said to myself, "Wait, we have a Rec Department? I should teach yoga for them." I called up and arrangements were made.  My class has been running ever since and has developed a sense of community; students from Los Altos Hills and Los Altos have gotten to know each other over the years. 

Under the leadership of Eric Christensen, with assistance from Sarah Gualtieri and the Parks and Rec committee, the Rec Department has expanded its offerrings. In addition to my yoga class, classes now include Pilates, Nature Journaling, Creating a Sustainable Future, Stepping Strong, Rally Training for Dogs, Bridge, Life Stories, and Current Events discussion.

Except for the Nature Journaling class, which meets for one morning, these classes meet once a week for about two months, with no drop-ins. Two of the classes offer a free sample ("informational meeting") before you sign up. Here is more information: 

Pilates with Teresa, a mat class taught by a dancer who toured worldwide as a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company of New York City, develops core muscles with the use of a mini-ball and resistance band. The class meets Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m., starting March 16.

Nature Journaling, taught by Kelyn Dewar and Scott Vanderlip, leads participants on a hike near Westwind Barn, stopping to draw, paint and describe observations,in order to make the experience of nature more profound. One day: Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. to noon.

Creating a Sustainable Future is taught by an honest-to-gosh Buddhist nun who lives in Los Altos Hills. Sister Santussika will teach participants to steady and strengthen their mind and cultivate a compassionate heart, toward clarity to empower their action. Free informational meeting on Sunday, March 20, 2-4 p.m. Class meets Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.

Stepping Strong from Lifelong Fitness Alliance is a 10-week walking and wellness program for seniors, meeting on Thursday afternoons, 2-3:30 p.m., starting June 16, with a free informational meeting Thursday, June 9, at 2 p.m.

Rally Training, with Rosalie Alvarez, teaches handlers to reinforce good dog behavior in competition. This is for dogs that have already graduated from basic obedience training. Wednesdays 9-10 a.m., with the first session starting March 30.

Bridge Club, with Prudence Saunders, offers a short lecture followed by play of a game that has been shown to improve neural plasticity of the brain. Beginning to advanced. Fridays, 2:30-4 p.m., starting April 8.

Life Stories, taught by Sheila Dunec, guides students toward easy, enjoyable, creative ways to write about the events of their lives, with a search to discover enduring values to pass on to future generations. Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., starting April 6.

Current Events Discussion Group, lead by Ben Medved, promises a lively discussion of world problems. Fridays, 1-2 p.m., starting April 15.

In Los Altos Hills, our widely-spaced properties offer lots of privacy, but tend to isolate us from our neighbors.  By taking a local class, you could meet some of your neighbors and relate to them over an activity that you both are exploring. 

For real-time information and updates, you can find Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation on Facebook at facebook.com/LosAltosHillsParksandRec, or follow them on Twitter, @LAHParksnRec. To register or for more information visit losaltoshills.ca.gov/parks-and-recreation/activity-guide or contact Eric Christensen at echristensen@losaltoshills.ca.gov or 650-947-2506. 

About This Column: Each week Pam Walatka will explore life in Los Altos Hills. Contact Pam at pamwalatka@yahoo.com or visit the Pam Portugal Walakta Facebook Page.