Showing posts with label san jose families. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose families. Show all posts

Sunday, May 15, 2016

May is National Foster Care Month

There are over 6,000 children in foster care in the Bay Area and 60,000 in California. I think foster parenting is one of the most important way you can contribute to making the world a better place and have a tremendous impact on a child's life. This topic is very close to me since my mother participated in foster care for two decades and made the lives of dozens of children better.

Seneca Family of Agencies was founded 30 years ago in the Bay Area. The agency helps at-risk children and families in the region with a multitude of challenges. Below is a profile of one of their San Jose foster parents, Beatriz Alvarez. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit the Seneca Center website.


Beatriz Alvarez is excited about what's to come next in life. That's because she's in the process of becoming a certified foster parent, fulfilling a dream that has its roots in her early childhood. As the second youngest of 14 children, it was a struggle and a bit lonely, as ironic as it seems being in a big family. It's comparable to being lost in a crowd. It was during that time, at about 10 years old, that Beatriz remembers gravitating toward young people in need and learning about orphanages, a term less used now in the U.S., but often still used in many foreign countries. In fact, her mother had been raised in an orphanage in Mexico from age five to nine years old, and learning about it had an impact on Beatriz.

As Beatriz grew up she became involved in volunteer work with kids, the homeless and others in need. She also has a son, now 23 years old. Beatriz also became close to fiancé Marco Vazmendes and he learned of her interest in foster parenting. Without prompting, Marco did some research and learned about Seneca Family of Agencies in San Jose, an organization that was founded in the Bay Area more than 30 years ago to help children and families overcome life's biggest challenges. Not only did Marco learn about foster parenting and advise Beatriz, he enthusiastically joined her in the foster parenting certification program.

They have both enjoyed the process, which includes classes and a wide range of topics to help them learn all the ins and outs of being foster parents. Beatriz and Marco don't have a preference about fostering a boy or a girl, but their current thinking is a child in the age range of seven years old. They are excited about the joys that lie ahead, the opportunity to help a young person have a better life and how it will enrich their own lives.

For more information about foster parenting and foster-to-adoption call Seneca Family of Agencies at 877-380-5300, or attend Seneca's Community Foster Care Day event on Saturday, May 14, Noon-to-3pm at Mayfair Community Center, 2039 Kammerer Avenue, San Jose.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Saturday Stats: San Jose is the 3rd Best City to Raise a Family!

A recent study done by Healthline looked at a variety of factors such as job prospects, public schools, health care, and lifestyle amenities to come up with a list of the 10 best cities to raise a family in. San Jose came in at a very respectable 3rd place. Dallas took the top spot while Boston was second. San Francisco barely made the list at 9th place.

Source: Healthline, hat tip to Alex Shoor for sending this in!


Sunday, June 7, 2015

Playful People Productions Presents: Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS


What's a cat to do? In Disney's The Aristocats KIDS, Madame's jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O'Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! This fun musical, based on the Disney film, features many of your favorite characters from Thomas O’Malley the Alley cat to Amelia and Abigail the bold Geese Sisters

This feline adventure is sure to get you tapping your feet to its upbeat, jazzy beat with a score that includes the Disney favorites "The Aristocats," "Scales and Arpeggios" and "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat.”

Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times:
Friday, June 19th - 1:00 and 7:00pm
Saturday, June 20th - 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4pm  and 7:00pm
Sunday, June 21st - 11:00am, 2:00pm and 5:00pm

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under,  and $6 Children’s floor seating

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating

For questions: barb@galiotto.com

Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.

Playful People Productions is run by a mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’ Arcey, who between them have approximately 50 years of experience in the musical theater world. Both are Positive Discipline trained and worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in the theater.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Rotary PlayGarden is Now Open!

A brand new two-acre playground built as part of the Rotary Club's 100th anniversary is now open off Coleman in the Guadalupe River Park. The $6 million playground was designed specifically so that all children can play together, even if they have special needs. There are slides, a merry-go-round, teeter-totters, swings, musical elements, sand-and-water play, and climbing structures. It is quite possibly the nicest playground in the Bay Area, so go check it out with the younger members of your family!

For more information on the Rotary PlayGarden, head over here.



San Jose Rotary PlayGarden Ribbon Cutting 2015 from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Saturday Stats: San Jose is in the Top 10 Best Cities for Newlyweds List

Rent.com has proclaimed that San Jose is among the best cities for newlyweds and specifies two key metrics. The first is that 55% of households are led by married couples, the highest among the 10 cities. The second is salary. The annual mean income for San Jose is $69,000 a year, which is again the highest among the top 10. The cities were listed in no particular order, but it was pretty clear that San Jose would have very likely taken the #1 spot had it been more empirically ranked. It was also specifically called out in both the Rent.com article and the Forbes article (which also mentioned that San Jose topped the list for 10 Happiest Cities for Young Professionals).
  • Houston, Texas – Rent.com says: “The fourth largest U.S. city offers a plethora of neighborhood options for newlyweds to make their own niche and find a community that works for their growing family.  Couples can take advantage of the thriving bar and brunch scenes downtown to socialize and meet other young married couples.”
  • Seattle, Wash. – Rent.com says: “With an above average mean income, the highest percentage of any city on our list with children under six years old, and also having recently legalized same-sex marriage, Seattle is definitely a place for all newlyweds to check out. Newly married couples and young parents alike may enjoy browsing the Boeing Museum of Flight or checking out the Ballard Locks.”
  • Dallas, Texas – Rent.com says: “The heartland of Texas pulls at the heartstrings of many newlyweds looking for a friendly town with lots of opportunity to both play and settle down.  With everything from amusement parks to pro sports teams, the town offers something for excitable young families–and with a fairly low cost of living, they will actually have the means to be able to get out and have some fun.”
  • Raleigh, N.C. – Rent.com says: “Come down South if you want to enjoy the sweet, seductive life that only this unhurried region can offer.  More than 25% of children are under the age of six in Raleigh, for lots of options when it comes to finding friends for play dates and get-togethers. Get to know new families at the Marbles Kids Museum or try out the historic carousel and train at Pullen Park.”
  • Washington, D.C. – Rent.com says: “The nation’s capital city offers a wide breadth of romantic opportunities for newlyweds to enjoy depending on what strikes their fancy – everything from cultural excursions (the Smithsonian), to political events, to walking through slices of history at every street corner.  With a high mean annual income, newlyweds are more likely to be able to enjoy all that the city offers.”
  • San Jose, Calif. – Rent.com says: “San Jose reigns supreme in the percentage of married households with almost 55% percent of households led by married couples and the highest annual mean income available across our list at $69,000 a year.  As the largest city within Silicon Valley, it is no wonder the young and flexible set up shop for both business and a prospective family.”
  • Minneapolis, Minn. – Rent.com says: “The City of Lakes is a great spot for newlyweds to settle down. With an above average mean income rate, newlyweds can take advantage of all that the city has to offer, including the romantic views off Lake Harriet or the Minnesota Fringe Festival.”
  • San Diego, Calif. – Rent.com says: “The second largest city in California offers newlyweds a myriad of options for entertainment to enjoy together – everything from a bustling downtown scene to a gorgeous beach life to iconic landmarks such as the San Diego Zoo is sure to keep couples hopping. Not to mention, San Diego is close enough to many other landmarks in California for loads of mini-romantic, weekend getaways.”
  • Charlotte, N.C. – Rent.com says: “Don’t let its Southern charm fool you, Charlotte is a hot-bed of activity as the second largest financial center in the U.S. after New York City in terms of assets due to the headquarters of Bank of America and the East coast operations of Wells Fargo. Despite these titans of industry making Charlotte their own, the cost of living is fairly low and newlyweds can enjoy all that the city has to offer.”
  • Tulsa, Okla. – Rent.com says: “With the lowest cost of living on our list, Tulsa offers newlyweds a great foothold when it comes to stepping out on their own. As the cultural capital of the state, newlyweds can experience the ballet, the opera, several major museums and even be immersed in nature via the Tulsa Garden Center or the nearby Ozark Mountains.”
Source: Forbes

San Jose, Calif.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Artists to create Holidays Unboxed: A Spectacle of Cardboard and Tape at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose


Holidays Unboxed

November 29, 2012 - San Jose, CA:  Imagine what would happen if cardboard and tape were given the chance to come to life…

This weekend, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose (CDM) will begin the creation of Holidays Unboxed: A Spectacle of Cardboard and Tape.  Building off the most basic of holiday materials – tape and cardboard – artists and makers will transform the inside of the Museum’s streetscape through two iconic art installations.  Emerging from rolls of packing tape, Tape Scape by Eric Lennartsonwill become a maze evocative of an ice sculpture.  Constructed out of ordinary cardboard, a large scale hanging sculptureby the Cardboard Institute of Technology will reach high overhead in the center of the Museum

Armed with more than 300 rolls of packing tape donated by Molex Corporation, artist and architect Eric Lennartson will lead CDM staff and volunteer helpers on a journey to construct Tape Scape.  Reminiscent of ice crystals forming, fourteen miles of tape will be stretched and interlaced over a metal structure, creating an immersive, interactive ice inspired environment to delight children and adults. 

A steel armature built by Protoform shoots up twenty-five feet into the middle of the Museum, ready for the San Francisco-based artist collective known as the Cardboard Institute for Technology (CIT) to install a large-scale hanging sculpture.   Made from recycled cardboard, the creation will unfold, flex, and fan out into newfound forms.    Visitors will be awestruck at the unlimited possibilities of recycled materials. 

Come see cardboard and tape coming to life as you’ve never seen them before, curling, bending and folding into wondrous worlds that will reach from floor to ceiling at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. 
Holidays Unboxed: A Spectacle of Cardboard and Tape will be open to the public from December 15, 2012, through February 3, 2013.  At the close of the exhibition, the materials will be reused, giving them a chance to experience life for a third time, and inspiring visitors to think “outside the box.” 

Artist installation schedule:
·         Tape Scape – Artist Eric Lennartson and volunteers will be onsite Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.  Installation will continue with volunteers daily through Wednesday December 5.
·         Hanging sculpture – Cardboard Institute of Technology will be onsite to install Monday, December 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

ABOUT CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE
With over 150 interactive exhibits and programs, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose (CDM) is one of the largest museums of its kind in the nation.  Since opening its doors in 1990, CDM has welcomed over 6 million visitors and has offered new exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs. The striking 52,000 square foot purple building was designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta and is a beacon of discovery. Encompassing the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations.  For more information about the Museum, visit www.cdm.org.

ABOUT ERIC LENNARTSON

Eric Lennartson is an Architectural Designer and Marketing Development Coordinator for Paulson Architects in Minnesota.  Eric has over 13 years of professional design experience, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.  Eric is also the Building Chair and board member of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, a new emerging museum based in the Mankato area and the first home of aTape Scape installation.

ABOUT CARDBOARD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

At its core, The Cardboard Institute of Technology (C.I.T.) is a collective of artists, technologists and handymen dedicated to the development, functionality and everyday practice of art...through cardboard and other means. The Institute is a multifaceted hub for Collective Art Practice, Educational Workshop Development and Instruction.  C.I.T. is an Epic Design and Fabrication and storytelling collective Studio.

The Cardboard Institute of Technology was formed in 2007 by Joshua Short and Scott Falkowski. In 2008 CIT created its first official show "Welcome to Cardburg.”  Since its inception the group has grown into an art collective that reaches far and wide.

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Sunday, July 8, 2012

History San José Hosts Series of Family Days: Gold Rush Day on July 15 Launches Series

San JosĂ©, CA – June 18, 2012  – Summer is a good time to have an adventure, and History Park will provide the backdrop. Gold Rush Adventure Day will allow families to be a ‘49er for a day---as in the original gold rushers of 1849---Sunday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be family activities, including panning for gold, cowboy grub (food available for purchase) and good old-fashioned music. Other activities will include the hand car, trolley rides, pony express relay and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach will be available for photo opportunies.

The second of the series of Family Days will be on Sunday, August 12, Happy Birthday Car 124!, a celebration of Trolley #124’s 100th birthday party. This signature red trolley will be running on its track, there will be a horse car, and hand-car rides will be available. The newly-acquired caboose will also be featured. Vintage vehicles on display will include fire engines, an electric car, and Model T’s.

There will be choo choo crafts for the kids, live music featuring the Peninsula Banjo Band. And what a birthday party! Even the San Jose Giants will celebrate. Party-goers can stay, picnic and watch the fireworks after the baseball game. Food typical of the Gay Nineties will be available for purchase.

The following week, Sunday, August 19, is the annual Fandango at Peralta Adobe, in the heart of the new San Pedro Square Market.

This date is signifant in that it commemorates the death 161 years ago of Maria Luis Peralta. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and was one of the first Accolades (mayor) of Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descedant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers.

On Saturday, October 13 the last in the series of Family Days, is Filipino-American Heritage Day, celebrating Filipino American Month and to honor the current exhibit, Through My Father’s Eyes. That celebration will include filipino foods, dancing and music, and other activities.

The series of Family Days at History Park is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José.

Upcoming events include:
·      Haunt History Park, safe trick-or-treating, on October 28;
·      Happy Birthday San Jose! At the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House at the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, November 18;
·      Children’s Holiday Festival with Santa Claus at History Park on Saturday, December 8;
·      the Heritage Holiday Tea is on December 1 at the Fallon House.

General admission is $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID and children under five are free. Admission is free to members of History San Jose.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

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About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San JosĂ©     1650 Senter Road     San JosĂ©, CA  95112       408.287.2290
www.historysanjose.org

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter Everyone!

If you're looking for something fun to do with the family today, there is an Easter Egg hunt in St. James Park today at noon. Details below:

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Easter Egg Hunt in Downtown San Jose

from Downtown San Jose Real Estate 

easter-eggs-basket1.jpg Spring is slowly creeping in and events are blossoming outdoors in Downtown San Jose. On Sunday, April 8th at noon, the quest for eggs will begin at the Children’s Play Area in St. James Park.  Egg hunts, a popular holiday tradition enjoyed by children of all ages, will take place in big piece of real estate known as St. James’ Park lawn area so take some time to enjoy the spring breeze, fresh air and candy-filled eggs. Please RSVP with Ragan Henninger at district3@sanjoseca.gov if you plan on attending. If you live in one of the nearby communities, such as Park TownsendThe Plaza350 N. 2nd Street Lofts, or City Heights, plan on hopping on by for some good old fashioned Easter fun.

What: Easter Egg Hunt
When: April 8th at noon
Where:  Children’s Play Area in St. James Park (2nd St and St James St, Downtown San Jose)

Saturday, December 10, 2011

History San Jose Hosts Children’s Day at History Park this Sunday, December 11

Looks like a great family event tomorrow at History Park:

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The holidays at History Park have become a tradition. Children’s Day at History Park will be Sunday, December 11 from noon to 4 PM. 
 
Santa will be on-hand for photo opportunities. Children can ride the trolley with Santa Claus on the 1 PM and 3 PM runs. A highlight every year is that children can experience operating the hand-cart along the tracks.
 
There will be holiday crafts and activities for children, and story times with the Snow Queen between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
 
The St. James AME Youth Choir will enhance the holiday spirit by singing from the bandstand at 2 PM.
 
History Park affiliates will add to the diversity of the holiday: the Hellenic Heritage Institute, the Portuguese Historical Society of California and the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project are just some of the participants. There will be arts and crafts projects at the Umbarger House, the Markham House, the Hill House and the Associated Oil Service Station.  In addition, the Print Shop and Trolley Barn will be open, as will the Leonard and David McKay Gallery.
 
Admission is $8 per family of four, $2 per additional person; HSJ members are free with a membership card. History Park is located at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue, at the south end of Kelley Park. City of San Jose regular parking is $6; seniors, active military, and handicap parking $2.

Monday, October 24, 2011

MathWorks @ TheTech

Just a quick post to mention a free program at the Tech to teach children and their families about math and science. Contact Tammy for more details!

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Event Name:
2011-2012 MathWorks 

Event Description:
MathWorks is a free, bilingual Spanish program for children and their families. These math and science activities are designed to teach parents and families how to help reinforce math skills that are being taught in school. These basic skills have been identified as those needed in order to be successful in math and science. Snacks are provided for participants. 

Event Time:
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 2:00-3:30

MathWorks schedule: 
October 22 - December 3, 2011 (No class on Thanksgiving weekend)
January 7 - February 11, 2012
February 18 - March 24, 2012
April 14 - May 19, 2012

Each MathWorks session is 6 weeks of Saturday classes.

Cost:
Free

Event Venue:
The Tech Museum 
201 South Market Street  
San Jose, CA 95113

Event Contact:
Tammy DelaMora
Tdelamora@thetech.org
408.795.6330