January 15, 2009

NEWS BRIEFS

AVCS to hold parenting classes

Almaden Valley Counseling Service is accepting registration for its winter session of Positive Parenting classes, which begin the week of Jan. 26.

The popular STEP Positive Parenting classes are based on the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) model and are designed to help parents meet the challenges of raising their children.

Participants learn to:

- build self-esteem and responsibility
- encourage cooperation and problem solving
- Implement discipline vs. punishment
- Resolve conflicts

The classes are held one night a week for seven weeks, from 7:15 – 9:15 p.m. The schedule is: School age – Monday nights, starting Jan. 26; Teenage - Wednesday nights, starting Jan. 28; and Preschool age – Thursday nights, starting Jan. 29. Classes will not be held the week of February 16 for winter break. The fee is $110 for one parent or $165 for a couple.

If you are interested in attending this session, or would like to be added to the mailing list for future classes, call the agency at (408) 997-0200, or e-mail staff@avcounseling.org or download the class registration form from www.avcounseling.org.

Curves to offer new classes to members and non-members

Curves of San Jose-Blossom Hill is offering free weight-management classes to teach its proven method for losing weight and raising metabolism.

Curves of San Jose also is rolling out the red carpet to members of the award-winning Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program, the nation’s leading exercise program designed for older adults. Beginning Jan. 1, SilverSneakers members are eligible to join Curves of San Jose at no cost.

Curves’ classes are based on the groundbreaking new research findings of the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University. Now, the women of San Jose- Blossom Hill can learn the powerful secret that has helped millions of women lose millions of pounds and keep them off for good. Classes are open to members and non-members.

Classes include: a start-up class (90 minutes) for first-time participants; Phase 3 (30 minutes) to teach the last and most important stage of the Curves Weight management plan and the secret that makes the plan work; and special topics classes (30 minutes) which cover a different topic each month, including smart grocery shopping, choosing the right carbohydrates, eating out, emotional eating and more.

Classes are taught by Curves’ registered dietitian Nadia Rodman and facilitated by weight management coaches from Curves of San Jose-Blossom Hill through a series of DVDs that alternate teaching with hands-on activities. Participants are encouraged to make weekly appointments to weigh in with their weight management coach to provide accountability.

All classes are free to members and non-members, but participants will be able to take advantage of special pricing on essential tools that will enhance their success. Products are available for purchase separately and no purchase is required to attend classes.

“We’re excited to be offering free weight management classes,” said Quyen Chu, owner of Curves of San Jose-Blossom Hill. “This dynamic program and the book are brand-new, and packed with cutting-edge information and lots of practical advice that women can use immediately. Every woman who is even thinking about losing weight should definitely check out the free classes.”

Curves of San Jose-Blossom Hill will be offering classes Jan. 24, at 12 p.m.

“We are so pleased to welcome local SilverSneakers members to Curves of San Jose,” said Chu. “As you age, your risks for debilitating disease increase, and being overweight or obese significantly adds to that risk. At Curves of San Jose, we have programs that help women of all ages do the three most significant things they can do to decrease their risks — manage their weight, exercise regularly, and eat healthfully.”

There are 6,500 Curves locations and more than 2.5 million women in the U.S. who are eligible for the SilverSneakers program.

For more information about Curves of San Jose, contact Macie Lea at (408) 903-7510.

MAEP offers new classes for spring

Start 2009 off right by enriching your mind and body with one of Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP’s) new spring classes. MAEP’s Erikson Center is offering a wide variety of new classes including “Self Defense,” “CPR/First Aid & Emergency Preparedness,” “Bridge,” “Fun with Knitting,” “Income Tax 101,” “You’re Hired” and more than 300 online courses.

New health and fitness classes include “Self Defense,” where students will learn techniques and how to protect themselves in the event of an attack. Learn CPR techniques and basic first aid in MAEP’s “CPR/First Aid & Emergency Preparedness” course.

Dreading doing your income taxes? Take “Income Tax 101” taught by a professional tax expert. Laid off or looking for a new job? Take MAEP’s “You’re Hired” class to learn how to stand out from other job applicants.

Exercise your mind and learn a new hobby at the same time by learning how to play bridge or how to knit in the “Fun with Knitting” class. Both the bridge and knitting class are available in beginning and intermediate/advanced levels.

Don’t have time to come to school for a class? Try one of our more than 300 online classes. Online classes are available 24 hours a day, run for six weeks and are non-credited. For a complete list of online courses, visit www.ed2go.com/metroed.

To register for any of the classes offered at MAEP’s Erikson Center located at 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, call (408) 723-6450 or visit www.MetroED.net. Most classes begin in late January and March. Pre-registration is required before attending classes.

MetroED is the largest career-oriented organization in Santa Clara County comprised of high school and adult career-technical, academic and community programs, which include Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) and the Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP). It annually provides more than 30,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income earning and taxpaying contributors to Silicon Valley.