The Shadelands Scene
Community news, updates, and insights
AMERICAN SWIM ACADEMY
American Swim Academy has been teaching the San Francisco Bay Area how to swim since 1973 with facilities in Fremont, Newark, Livermore, and Dublin. Now, American Swim Academy Walnut Creek will open for lessons on January 2, 2020, at the Shadelands SportsMall in a year round, 15,000-SF state-of-the art swim instruction facility that sports a 60’ x 60’ indoor pool heated to 92 degrees (to take the cold component of swim lessons out of the experience), an expansive climate controlled viewing area, and an innovative family changing room.
 
The facility is designed for swim lessons only—no recreational swimming or swim team—with 30-minute small group classes for children from the age of four months (Aqua Babies) up through adult. The pool is four feet at its deepest with eight lanes, which can be used at both ends for lessons.
 
“Swimming is a life skill,” says Rebecca Sol, director of American Swim Academy Walnut Creek. “Swimming is the only sport you have to learn that will save your life. If a child doesn’t learn how to swim, there’s every potential of it not ending well. It’s important to all of us here—it’s our life mission to teach children how to swim. We have a lot of fun here, but we take our jobs very seriously."
 
At American Swim Academy, instructors teach water safety and loving the water first. "We want children, especially the youngest babies and preschoolers, to develop a lifelong love of the water," says Rebecca. "We also teach what to do if they do fall into a body of water. We teach them to turn around, grab the wall, and pull themselves back out. So we work on motor skills and grip strength and how to turn their bodies in water.”
 
Some parents just want their children to be able to swim in the backyard and be safe at parties and gatherings around water. "Other parents want their children to be ready for a swim team," says Rebecca. "We teach all four competitive strokes and we have an elite program with instructors who coach swimmers as they swim laps in prep for competitive swimming.”
 
Among the many innovative amenities of the new facility, the Family Change Room—the alternative to separate men’s and women’s changing areas—stands out. “We really got it right this time,” says Rebecca, who points out that young boys and girls often feel uncomfortable going into the opposite gender’s changing area with one parent or the other.
 
“Our family changing area has private changing rooms and restrooms within the larger open area. It doesn’t matter what age you are and it doesn’t matter what gender you are, you have a private changing room to change into and out of your swimwear.”
 
Rebecca says the entire team is excited to be at the Shadelands SportsMall. "American Swim Academy has been teaching swimming for more than 45 years, so it’s exciting to be a part of this premier athletic complex where it’s all about getting kids healthy, active, and moving.”
 
American Swim Academy is now taking enrollments and offering tours of the facility. Visit the website or call 925.452.7946 (SWIM) for more information.
2650 Shadelands Drive
Suite C
Walnut Creek
925.452.7946
ASPIRING TO CHANGE THE GAME
COPA Soccer Training Center (COPA STC) will officially open on January 2, 2020, and that is a great way to start the new year.

COPA STC’s elite development center strives to create a data-based environment of deliberate practice for athletes of all shapes and sizes. This all-inclusive facility provides a welcoming and fun atmosphere in a large variety of training spaces which feature technology, sports science, and vibrant aesthetics.

Read the profile of COPA STC in the September 2019 issue of The Shadelands Scene, where you'll discover what's inside COPA STC's 100,000-SF hi-tech assessment, training, and competition center.

COPA STC has recently launched a new website , where you'll find information about the facility, equipment, programs, classes, fitness offerings, hours of operation, and staff bios. While you're on the site, sign up for a tour of the facility to get a sneak peek inside.

COPA Kids classes are designed for children 18 months to 7 years, and this month (December 2019), COPA Kids is offering free demo classes with World Cup and Olympics soccer player Marcia Tafarel. Kids can take one free demo class before the end of the year. Sign up here .

COPA STC is about more than just soccer. COPA Fit is a full-service fitness gym and sports performance training center for people of all ages and athletes of every sport. Spin classes, group exercise, cardio loft, weight room, and personal training are among the many offerings for COPA Fit members. The SpeedLab at COPA STC combines technology and expertise to help anyone run faster, move better, or re-learn how to be active without pain or asymmetries.

2640 Shadelands Drive
Walnut Creek
925.357.8999

Click here to sign up for
a guided tour of COPA STC.

Or contact info@copastc.com.

PROFILE BY SANFORD
Profile by Sanford , a weight loss and nutritional counseling business, will open soon in The Orchards in Walnut Creek . Located between Lunchbox Wax and Mattress Firm, Profile is owned and operated by local resident Jordan Richards and is the first Profile in the East Bay.
 
“Our primary goal is to help people who are looking for a permanent solution to weight loss by providing weight loss and nutritional counseling for short-term and long-term solutions,” says Jordan, who is planning a mid-December opening. “We do that through one-on-one coaching, genetic testing, customized meal planning, and helping people establish long-term healthy shopping and eating habits.”
 
Profile by Sanford counselors are certified through its partner company Sanford Health , one of the largest health systems in the United States. Profile programs and protocols are medically backed—designed by doctors and nutritionists at Sanford Health and based on science and data.
 
Jordan cites its genetic testing, which helps determine how a person's metabolism works, as one of the reasons for client weight loss success. “Once we understand a client's metabolism, we can structure meal plans that have a more ideal ratio of carbs, fats, and proteins in them based on how that person's body converts food and drink into energy."
 
“In the short term, we have food products that we’ll sell in the showroom. In the long term, however, the goal is to get people to develop lifelong healthy habits regarding shopping, cooking, activity, and lifestyle."
2846 Ygnacio Valley Road
The Orchards in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek
925.218.1314
Jordan chose to open Profile in The Orchards because “I wanted to be in a grocery anchor retail outlet—that was my goal. It’s easy for our clients to come in and meet with their coaches and then, once they have their grocery list, walk right over to Safeway and make their healthy purchases.

"Parking is easy; getting around is easy. There are a number of services in this center and now we’re adding another piece to the health and wellness space here in The Orchards.”
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Even the buckets are motivated to finish the job at 2405 Shadelands Drive where the first floor of Muir Orthopedic Specialists (MOS) is being renovated. An upgraded first floor suite will become the new location for Orthopaedic Express by MOS , the health organization's innovative urgent care center, opened in 2018, that currently operates on the 3rd floor.
 
“It’s more convenient for patients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions to be seen at an urgent care facility that specializes in orthopedics than to be seen at an ER or at a general practice urgent care that sees a broader range of conditions, such as coughs, colds, and rashes” says Tomi Barton, MOS marketing coordinator. “With our new first floor location, we will offer expanded hours and improved access to a facility that is purpose-built for the treatment of patients who need urgent care for orthopedic issues."

No doubt the positive attitude of the construction crew (and their buckets) are keeping the project on schedule, with expected completion early in the new year.
CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER #GIVINGTUESDAY
December 3 is #GivingTuesday , a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage giving and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Every year, on #GivingTuesday, millions of people across the globe mobilize to show up, give back, and change their communities.

The Contra Costa Crisis Center will be hosting tours on December 3, inviting advocates, supporters, and newcomers to use #GivingTuesday to stop by and learn more about area resources and programs and to share success stories. Contact the Crisis Center to request a tour, make a donation, or submit your story here . 

Founded in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in.
307 Lennon Lane
Walnut Creek
925.939.1916

With help comes hope.
HOLIDAY TEAS & CRAFTS AT SHADELANDS RANCH MUSEUM

Featuring a three-course luncheon with scones, homemade lemon curd, and secret Shadelands Tea Blend held inside the historic 1903 Hiram Penniman home.
Tea Luncheons
November 30-December 15
Seatings every day
11:00am & 1:30pm

Champagne Teas
Friday, December 13, 1:30pm
Saturday, December 7 & 14, 4pm

Call for reservations
925.935.7871

November 30–December 15
Daily 10am-4pm

Free admission & parking
More than 30 artisan vendors

Special hours until 5pm
December 7 & 14

A seasonal tradition since 1983!


2660 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek
925.938.7871
SAVE THE 2020 DATE:
STARS TO THE RESCUE XXIX
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) stages its 29th annual musical gala Stars to the Rescue XXIX on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek.

This year, ARF welcomes country music legend Trace Adkins as lead performer, along with Grammy-winning local group Pacific Mambo Orchestra, rock guitarist Al Pitrelli with vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, and comedian Elayne Boosler.

Proceeds from Stars to the Rescue allow ARF to save dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and bring people and animals together to enrich each other's lives.


2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.256.1ARF
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Lesher Center for the Arts 
Walnut Creek

Tickets go on sale
Wednesday, December 4
Lesher Center for the Arts Box Office More information here .
Country music star Trace Adkins headlines ARF's Stars to the Rescue XXIX
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ARTS: CRAFTS, FLUTES & JAZZ
Shop for everyone on your list at the popular Center for Community Arts Handcrafted Holiday Sale , December 6-8, at the Shadelands Art Center. Shop ceramics, jewelry, prints, glass, paintings, and more, all handmade by Community Arts teaching artists and students.

• Fri, December 6, 5-8pm
Opening Reception with wine & beer, appetizers, festive craft-making, live entertainment, and shopping
• Sat, December 7, 10am-5pm
Shopping, snacks, and crafts
• Sun, December 8, 10am-4pm
Shopping, snacks, and crafts


Flock of Flutes, Jazz Band Concert
Sun, December 15, 3-4pm
Shadelands Art Center Auditorium

Enjoy an afternoon of music featuring Flock of Flutes, the East Bay's premiere flute choir, followed by classic jazz tunes performed by the Community Arts Jazz Band. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased at the door or online at communityarts.org.


Shadelands Art Center
111 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek
935.943.5846



CALICRAFT HOLIDAY MARKET & CRAFT FAIR
Calicraft Brewing Company is holding a holiday craft fair on Saturday, December 21, noon-8pm, to support and showcase the talents of local artists and to help customers with their last minute holiday shopping.

Inspired by European Christmas markets, the Calicraft Holiday Market & Craft Fair will be staged outside the taproom with more than ten artisans showing jewelry, bags, body care products, plants, and more.

There will be food trucks, holiday activities, and of course beer!

Interested in being a vendor? Contact marketing@calicraft.com before December 12.

2700 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.478.8700
Calicraft Brewing Company
Holiday Market & Craft Fair
Saturday, December 21 Noon-8pm
HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE FAMILY
AT THE ORCHARDS
JINGLE JAM
Tues., December 10, 5-7pm

• Enjoy live musical performances by children of the Walnut Creek School District.

• Enjoy appearances from your favorite winter princess, her sister, their silly snowman, and rivals from a galaxy far, far away!

• Enjoy kids crafts, a "build your own hot cocoa" station, and other holiday goodies (supplies available to the first 400 kids).

• Enter to win a variety of gift cards from merchants of The Orchards and a Grand Prize "Day of Pampering" Gift Basket!


C orner of
Ygnacio Valley Road &
Oak Grove Road
Walnut Creek
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR FAMILIES LESS FORTUNATE
LunchboxWax is teaming up with Marine Toys for Tots to help bring joy to families in need this holiday season.

Now through December 17, you can visit any LunchboxWax Bay Area salon and drop off toys in their Marine Toys for Tots collection box. 

When you place a toy in the box, you know that toy will be under the holiday tree in a family's home bringing a smile to the face of a precious child Christmas morning.

2848 Ygnacio Valley Road
The Orchards at Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek
925.271.9099
CAMP ARF FOR WINTER FUN!
Fill your child's winter break with a snowstorm of animal-themed fun at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation's Winter Camp ARF .

Activities, games, crafts, and daily visits with animals will help campers in grades 1-5 explore a variety of humane education topics.

A purr-fect mix of fun & education!

Dec. 26 & 27, 9am-Noon

Jan. 2 & 3, 9am-Noon

2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.256.1ARF
Write to us at Shadelands@walnut-creek.com.
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