Grandparents Week 2025 Class Descriptions

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GRANDPARENTS WEEK 2025 – CONFIRMED CLASSES

Prices of Classes: $5 for GPC members; $7 for non-members.

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SPORTS

(Alphabetical)

2-Day Tennis Clinic – Coordinator Arnie Herskovic

Ages 7 to 13; Tuesday, 7/22 & Wednesday, 7/23; 2-day session: 9:00-10:30; max 16;

West Rec Courts

This is for children who have some tennis experience. Tennis Club members will work with players for two sessions to improve their skills and have fun playing with others. Bring your own racket, if possible, but there will be loaner rackets available. Must wear non-marking-soled shoes and attend both days.

3-Day Golf Clinic – Coordinator Khiana Schmuhl; Instructor James Perkins

Ages 8 and up; Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, 7/21, 22, 23; 9:00-11:00; max 20 children;

back practice range, Valley of the Moon Golf Course

All instruction & equipment included, along with VOM hats, certificates of completion, borrowed clubs for those who need them, Gatorade, water, & snacks. Bring own clubs, if possible. Instruction will be at the back practice range of the Valley of the Moon Course (7025 Oakmont Drive). Call VOMGC for questions (707-539-0415. Children must do all three days of golf clinic.

Cost is $120 per child, payable to VOMGC.

Bocce Ball – Coordinator Ellean Huff

Ages 6 and up; Wednesday, 7/23 & Friday, 7/25; 2 sessions: 10:00-11:15; max 24 per session;

Bocce Ball Courts near West Rec Center

Come learn the world’s oldest sport – rolling four round balls toward the pallino at the end of the court. Closest ball wins! Bocce Club members will coach the children. All equipment provided. Must wear closed-toed shoes. Grandparents – bring a folding chair, if you desire to sit.

Golf Putting Contest — Coordinator Khiana Schmuhl

Ages 6 and up; Thursday, 7/24; 3:00-4:00; Sugarloaf Golf Course putting green (557 Oak Vista Court)

Valley of the Moon Golf Course staff offers a fun putting contest on the green near the Sugarloaf Clubhouse. There will be prizes and fun activities. Bring own putter, if possible. FREE!

Golf with Grandparents — Coordinator Khiana Schmuhl

All ages; Thursday, 7/24; tee-off times beginning at 4:00; Sugarloaf Golf Course

Using golf cars, children may play a few holes or even 9 with their grandparents. Clubs may be provided, if necessary. Costs: $5 per child, $15 for grandparents who are not VOM members; $12 for cart rental. A waiver form must be signed and brought to the first class. Make separate checks payable to VOMGC, and bring it and the waiver to the first class. Only grandparents may drive golf carts.

Intro to Tennis – Coordinator Arnie Herskovic

Ages 7 to 13; Monday, 7/21, 9:00-10:00; West Rec Courts; max 12

This is a fun class for beginners. Learn basic skills. Bring your own racket, if possible, but there will be loaner rackets available. Tennis balls provided, with instruction by Oakmont Tennis Club members. Must wear non-marking-soled shoes.

Kundalini Yoga for Children – Instructors Noelle Ruiz & Granddaughter Milena

Ages 7 to 11; Tuesday, 7/22; 10:00-11:00; Berger Room D; max 12

Bring a yoga mat and get ready to relax to music by breathing, stretching, posing, and singing. Grandparents may assist or just enjoy watching.

Lawn Bowling – Coordinator Marilyn Garland

Ages 8 and up; Thursday, July 24, 9:30-10:30; Lawn Bowling Green next to CAC; max 20

Similar to Bocce & Pétanque, lawn bowling is, however, played on grass. Bowls are not completely round and are weighted in a way that requires them to travel in a curved path. Your ability to judge where your ball will end up is where the challenge of the game comes in. Children will use a half court. Oakmont Lawn Bowling Club members will demonstrate the techniques and help the children with their skills. All equipment provided. Wear closed-toed, smooth-bottomed shoes to protect the grass.

Partner Play with JoRene – Instructor JoRene Woodworth

Ages 8 & up; Wednesday, 7/23; 10:30-11:30; Berger Center; max 30, including grandparents

Have fun and work out, too! This class will focus on a playful time of movement to music, doing activities with the whole group and with partners, using balls, bands, and towels – nothing too serious! Grandparents are encouraged to work out, too – and they make wonderful work out partners. Share in the fun! Wear gym shoes. All equipment provided.

Pétanque – Instructor Richard Goodwin

Ages 8 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 9:00-10:00; at courts next to OVA offices; max 12

A French game, Pétanque is similar to Italian Bocce and British Lawn Bowling. Club volunteers will work directly with the grandchildren to practice technique and learn the rules, along with scoring and strategy. Placing the jack, point, and shooting will

be demonstrated. Wear closed-toed shoes.

Pickleball – Coordinator Maggie Schmidt

Ages 8 and up; 2 sessions: Monday, 7/21 & Friday, 7/25; 9:00-9:45 & 10:00-10:45;

East Rec Courts; max 12 per session

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic whiffle ball on a half-size tennis court. All equipment provided, with instruction by Oakmont Pickleball Club members. Must wear closed-toed, non-marking-soled shoes.

Table Tennis – Coordinator Phyllis Guttman

Ages 8 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 2 sessions: 1:30-2:15 & 2:30-3:15; max 16 per session;

Upper West Rec

Also known as Ping Pong, children will be taught basic skills by Oakmont players and have fun playing several games with partners.

Wii Bowling – Coordinator Terry Leuthner (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 5 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 12:30-1:30; East Rec Center; max 48 (12 lanes)

Nintendo Wii simulates the experience of bowling without the weight of a bowling ball.

It’s lots of fun for all, including grandparents. Members of the Wii Bowling Club will assist

with how to play the game and with scoring.

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CRAFTS/HANDS-ON

(Alphabetical)

An Eric Carle Experience – Instructors LeeAnn Ferrone & Janis Moskowitz (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 4 to 7; Monday, 7/21; 2 sessions: 10:15-11:00 & 11:15-noon; CAC Art Room;

max 12 per session

Come join us as we read Eric Carle’s books for inspiration. We will then create masterpieces

in his style of collage. Will it be a ladybug, a caterpillar, or a dragonfly?

Drop-In Fun with Paper Crafts – Instructor Patricia Cosgrove (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 2 to 5; Friday, July 25; 9:00-11:30; CAC Art Room; max 20

Come and enjoy paper crafting projects including card making. Grandparents are encouraged

to participate. All materials provided.

Fairy Believers – Instructor Ann Berman

Ages 6 to 12; Thursday, 7/24; 2 sessions: 9–10:30 & 11-12:30; Berman residence:

375 Riven Rock Court; max 15 per session

“An enchanted world where fairies reign and kindness rules.” The children will have a chance to discover fairy gardens throughout our home and outside yard. They will be treated to a very special book entitled, “Through the Fairy Door,” read by Grandma Susie. From there, they will begin their craft project, a Fairy Pot!

All participants must be accompanied by an adult, must park at the East Rec Center and follow the posted directional signs until they reach their destination. Grandma Ann and Grandpa Dan look forward to our magical morning together….

From Trash to Treasure – Instructor Peggy Ensley

Ages 6 and up; Thursday, 7/24; 9:30-10:45; Berger Center; max 17

We can keep trash and reuse it in all kinds of wonderful treasures. Come to this class and use your imagination to make trash become a wonderful treasure for you to take home. All supplies are provided, including a few shoe boxes for those who remember “It’s Not a Box” class. Lots of new items to create with this year.

Hand Beading Party – Instructor Danielle Guttman (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 4 to 6 & 7 to 10; Thursday, 7/24, 2 sessions: 10:15-11 (ages 4-6) & 11:15-noon (ages 7-10);

Berger Patio; max 12 per session

Calling all kids, young and old! Join us for 45 minutes of hand-beading, using pony beads of all colors. We will have pipe cleaners for easier beading for the younger ones or to make a crown, and stretch string to make as many bracelets and necklaces as time allows. Grandparents are welcome to make a piece of jewelry, too.

Let’s Make Clay Animals – Instructor Peggy Ensley (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 3 to 6; Wednesday, 7/23; 9:15-10:00; East Rec Center; max 12

After reading a book on animals, children will create an animal using clay, with help from Oliver, Kaila, and their grandmother, Peggy.

Let’s Make Slime! – Instructors Nancy Holman & Amy Wise (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 5 and up; Friday, 7/25; 2 sessions: 9:00-9:45 for ages 5 and up & 10:15-11:00 for ages

8 and up; CAC Birch Room; max 12 per session

A fun class where children learn how to make and decorate their own slime. Children will learn a little about science and a little about math but will have fun making, decorating, and playing with slime. They will be working with glue and food coloring.

Make Bead Animals – Instructor Kaila Seyms

Ages 11 and up; Thursday, 7/24; 11:00-noon; Berger Center Room D; max 12

This class lets you pick from two animal designs to make and take home. All supplies and instructions

are provided.

Make Your Own Natural Bug Spray – Instructor Katya Miller

Ages 8 and up; Wednesday, 7/23; 11:00-noon, East Rec Center; max 16

We will make a Natural Kids Bug Spray for pests and Cooling Spray for the warm weather that children can use and take home. The spray is made with all-natural essential oils, such as lavender, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, and peppermint in a base of witch hazel. These are safe for children and a great lesson in making and using natural products.

Make Your Own Pasta – Instructor Matthew Blankenheim

Ages 8 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 9:15-10:15; Berger Center; max 18

Join us for a fun and engaging cooking class where children will learn to make delicious pasta from scratch! In this hands-on session, kids will explore the basics of pasta making, including mixing dough, rolling it out, and cutting it into various shapes. Our experienced instructor will guide them every step of the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable culinary adventure. Instructor Matthew Blankenheim, who has been in the industry for 13 years, is currently sous chef at Lynmar Estate Winery in the Russian River Valley.

Make Your Own Personal Greeting Cards – Instructor Paula Scull

Ages 8 and up; Wednesday, 7/23; 10:15-11:45; Berger Center Room D; max 12

Children will use their creativity to handmake three greeting cards: “Christmas in July,”

“Birthday Fun,” plus a special one for their grandparents. All materials provided.

Metal Jewelry Making – Instructor Katya Miller

Ages 9 and up; Monday, 7/21; 1:00-2:15; OVA Suite B; max 16

Have fun learning basic jewelry techniques. Learn how to use pliers, bend wire, open jump-rings, and make ear wires, to make your own earrings or pendants. Bring beads or small stones, if you have them. We will have beads to share. Kids will receive pliers to take home, along with their beautiful jewelry creations.

Painting Pals – Instructor Roz Frommer

Ages 10 and up; Thursday, 7/24; 10:00-11:30; Picnic Tables at West Rec (lower level parking lot);

max 24, including grandparents

Have fun exploring art together, then bring your paintings home!

Yes, You Can Play with Your Food! – Instructor Nancy Crosby (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 2 to 5 + ages 6 to 9; Monday, 7/21; 2 sessions: 10:00-10:45 (ages 6-9)

& 11:00-11:45 (ages 2-5); East Rec Center; max 12 per session

This class will include paper plates for the “canvas,” sample pictures, fruits and vegetables to design various animals or other designs with the food items. A fun way to encourage healthy snacking! Take a photo, take it home, or eat it there!

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NATURE

Pond and Trail Experience – Instructor Marie Kay Hansen

Ages 8 to 11; Monday, 7/21; 10:00-11:15; East Rec Pond Area; max 10

Observe, discover, wonder about nature on a trail in the Oak woodland (quarter of a mile). Take a turn being leader. Make a leaf rubbing, draw a map, sketch a grass, or paint a rock. Discuss life here 5,000 years ago. Must wear closed-toe walking shoes and clothes that might get dirty. Meet at top of East Rec parking lot. Children must be accompanied by an adult (parent or grandparent).

Visit the Community Gardens – Coordinator Kathy Reynolds

Ages 6 to 12; Wednesday, 7/23; 10:30-11:45; Community Gardens on Stonebridge Road; max 12

Visit Oakmont’s Community Gardens and see all the vegetables and flowers scattered throughout the individual spaces gardened by Oakmont residents. Plant your own succulent in a pot to take home, make a flower leaf print, watch for garden visitors that fly or crawl, listen to sounds of the garden, and enjoy a tasty treat.

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MUSIC, DANCE, IMPROV

(Alphabetical)

Acting Out! Improv – Instructor Catherine Jones

Ages 10 and up; Monday, 7/21;10:00-noon; Berger Center Room D; max 12

Using props and theater games, join us to participate in improvisational dialogue, mime, and a skit of your own creation … no talent needed! Just an interest in having fun and “acting out!”

Acting Out! Open Studio – Instructor Catherine Jones

Ages 10 and up: Monday, 7/21; 1:00-2:30; Berger Center Room D; max 12

For those who took the Improv class last year or for experienced thespians, join us for improv games and practices and creation of your own presentations (props and costumes)!

Dogs & Songs – Facilitators Donna Forst & John Derby (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

All ages; Tuesday, July 22; 11:00-noon; Berger Center

Come and hear the sweet sounds of ukuleles play children’s songs while the kids pet friendly dogs. The Oakmont Ukesters Club will perform childhood favorites and Paws for Healing will provide children-loving therapy dogs! FREE!

Fun with Hand Chimes – Instructor Monika Scoby

Ages 8 and up; Friday, July 25; 10:00-11:00; Berger Center; max 18

Hand Chimes are similar to Hand Bells, but easier to play! Children and even their grandparents may participate and learn a little music theory, too. No experience in playing or reading music necessary … just show up and have fun learning a new instrument. Instructor Monika Scoby teaches music to elementary students in the Roseland School District.

Fun with Music & Movement – Instructor Monika Scoby (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 4-6; Friday, July 25; 11:15-noon; Berger Center; max 20

Children will have a blast moving to music and singing! Instructor Monika Scoby teaches music

to elementary students in the Roseland School District.

Line Dancing – Instructors Leslie Gossage & Joan Moore

Ages 9 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 2 sessions: 2:30-3:15 & 3:30-4:15; Berger Center;

max 15 per session

Come learn some favorite line dances and get your grandparents to dance, too. The dances will be

fun and easy to learn. There will be a performance at the Family Picnic that evening!

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OTHER

(Alphabetical)

Afternoon Tea – Host Lori Crownover

Ages 6 and up; Monday, 7/21; 1:00-3:00; max 24, including grandparents

Enjoy a three-course experience with savories, scones, and dessert. Similar to the British concept of afternoon tea, children will learn about Tea Etiquette, Tea Party Ideas, how to fold a beautiful napkin that holds a real flower in the center, and more.

Japanese Kamishibai Storytelling – Storyteller Gary Andersen (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

Ages 4 to 6 and 7 and up; Wednesday, 7/23; 2 sessions:10:15-11:00 (ages 4-6) &

11:15-noon (ages 7 and up); Berger Patio; max 12 per session

Kamishibai storytelling was popular in Japan in the 1930s and 1940s. Since the storytellers (Kamishibai men) tended to be rather poor, they had their wooden theater mounted on a bicycle and traveled to different village or other parts of town to gather children and tell them stories. After the story, they would sell candy or small toys. With the advent of television, Kamishibai began to die out, but has made a comeback now and is used to tell stories in schools, libraries, parks, and even senior living homes. Gary Andersen will tell age-appropriate history to grandchildren, using his wooden theater atop a bicycle, just like in the “olden days.” The classes will conclude with Japanese treats for the children.

Partner Trivia & Lunch – Facilitator Joanne Phillips

Ages 8 and up; Monday, 7/21; 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.; Berger Center; max 24, including grandparents

Bring your sack lunches to a special session of trivia with grandparents and grandchildren. Teams will compete with each other for prizes. Drinks and desserts provided. Facilitated by Oakmont’s Trivia Night founder, Joanne Phillips. How fun!

Slot Car Racing – Instructor Ray Wells

Ages 6 and up; 2 sessions: Wednesday, 7/23 and Thursday, 7/24 1:00-2:45 p.m.; Sugarloaf Clubhouse (557 Oak Vista Court – across from first tee); max 24 per session

Participants will drive the 1/32 electric cars and everyone should rescue de-slotted cars when watching races. We will run 12 cars with 10 minutes of practice, followed by a 10-minute race. After that, we will shuffle the drivers and repeat. Races winners and fastest-lap winner will take selfies with the trophies. Grandchildren may sign up for one or both sessions.

Treasures & Treats Coin Tosses at Central Pool (Also listed under Other)

Ages potty-trained to 14; in half-hour sessions, youngest begin at 1:00, followed by other groups

through age 14, ending before 4 p.m.; Central Pool; FREE!

Finish Grandparents Week with fun coin tosses in the CAC pool! In age groups, children will get into the pool (step or jump) upon the signal and collect as many coins as they can before the whistle blows again; 2 or 3 coin tosses per age group. Children may take home all of their findings … dinner at the Oak, anyone? Ice cream treats will be provided after each session. Must wear bathing suit and bring towel; goggles are suggested; no other items allowed. Age groupings and specific times will depend on signups.

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SMALL TOT CLASSES: (Ages 2 to 5)

(Listed by Monday-through-Friday)

Small Tot Playtime – Story & Art – Instructor Janis Paoli

Ages 3 to 5; Monday, 7/21; 9:30-10:15; CAC Birch Room; max 10

Please bring your grandparents and join your toddler friends for story time and an art project.

An Eric Carle Experience – Instructors LeeAnn Ferrone & Janis Moskowitz (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 4 to 7; Monday, 7/21; 2 sessions: 10:15-11:00 & 11:15-noon; CAC Art Room; max 12

Come join us as we read Eric Carle’s books for inspiration. We will then create masterpieces

in his style of collage. Will it be a ladybug, a caterpillar, or a dragonfly?

Yes, You Can Play with Your Food! – Instructor Nancy Crosby (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 2 to 5; Monday, 7/21; 11:00-11:45 (ages 2-5); East Rec Center; max 12

Small Tot Playtime – Water Play – Instructor Janis Paoli

Ages 3 to 5; Tuesday, 7/22; 9:30-10:15; on the grass in front of the CAC pool; max 10

Wear your bathing suit or play clothes and prepare to get wet! We will have squirt guns, bubbles, ice-age dinosaurs, and more!

Dogs & Songs – Facilitators Donna Forst & John Derby (Also listed under Music, Dance, Improv)

All ages; Tuesday, July 22; 11:00-noon; Berger Center

Come and hear the sweet sounds of ukuleles play children’s songs while the kids pet friendly dogs. The Oakmont Ukesters Club will perform childhood favorites and Paws for Healing will provide children-loving therapy dogs! FREE!

Wii Bowling – Coordinator Terry Leuthner (Also listed under Sports)

Ages 5 and up; Tuesday, 7/22; 12:30-1:30; East Rec Center; max 48 (12 lanes)

Nintendo Wii simulates the experience of bowling without the weight of a bowling ball. It’s lots of fun for all, including grandparents. Members of the Wii Bowling Club will assist with how to play the game and with scoring.

Let’s Make Clay Animals – Instructor Peggy Ensley (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 3 to 6; Wednesday, 7/23; 9:15-10:00; East Rec Center; max 12

After reading a book on animals, children will create an animal using clay, with help from Oliver, Kaila, and their grandmother, Peggy.

Japanese Kamishibai Storytelling – Instructor Gary Andersen (Also listed under Other)

Ages 4 to 6; Wednesday, 7/23; 10:15-11:00; Berger Patio; max 12

Family Bingo, 7/23 — Berger Center: 3:00–4:30 p.m. (Also listed under Family Events)

All ages. Parents & Grandparents are welcome, too.

This is one of the most fun times during Grandparents Week, when the Berger is filled with excited children and grandparents, hoping to win one of the CASH PRIZES. Upon check-in, each child and adult may select up to two Bingo cards each. As play progresses and there are cards still available, players may select an additional one or two cards. There will be the final blackout game at the end, with a top prize of at least $20. Fees: all grandchildren are $5 for GPC members and $7 for non-members; adults play FREE!

Small Tot Playtime – Sensory Play – Instructor Janis Paoli

Ages 3 to 5; Thursday, 7/24; 9:30-10:15; Berger Center Room D; max 10

Come get your hands in some messy stuff! There will be play dough, kinetic sand, and all the toys to keep those little hands busy!

Hand Beading Party – Instructor Danielle Guttman (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 4 to 6; Thursday, 7/24, 10:15-11; Berger Patio; max 12

Small Tot Playtime — Ride the Bus – Instructor Janis Paoli

Ages 3 to 5; Thursday, 7/24; 1:45 on the Berger Patio; bus leaves at 1:50 sharp; max 10

Grandparents (1 per child, only) and kids ride and sing their way around the west side of Oakmont aboard the Oakmont bus. We will follow the ride with a short art project on the Berger patio.

Class ends at 2:30.

Let’s Make Slime! – Instructors Nancy Holman & Amy Wise (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 5 and up; Friday, 7/25; 9:00-9:45; CAC Birch Room; max 12

Drop-In Fun with Paper Crafts – Instructor Patricia Cosgrove (Also listed under Crafts/Hands-On)

Ages 2 to 5; Friday, July 25; 9:00-11:30; CAC Art Room; max 20

Come and enjoy paper crafting projects including card making. Grandparents are encouraged

to participate. All materials provided.

Fun with Music & Movement – Instructor Monika Scoby (Also listed under Music, Dance, Improv)

Ages 4 to 6; Friday, July 25; 11:15-noon; Berger Center; max 20

Children will have a blast moving to music and singing! Instructor Monika Scoby teaches music

to elementary students in the Roseland School District.

Treasures & Treats Coin Tosses at Central Pool (Also listed under Other)

Ages potty-trained to 14; in half-hour sessions, youngest begin at 1:00, followed by other groups

through age 14, ending before 4 p.m.; Central Pool; FREE!

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FAMILY EVENTS

Welcome BARBEQUE, 7/20 – Oakmont Gardens Patio; Noon to 2:00 p.m.

All ages. Parents & Grandparents are welcome, too.

Have lunch before the carnival! Oakmont Gardens is graciously offering a delicious barbeque lunch to children, grandparents, and parents. Choices for food will be burgers, brats, and hot dogs, along with potato salad, chips, sodas & waters. Fees: $10 for age 11 and up, including all adults; children 10 and under are FREE. Sign up for number of people attending only, then pay at the door – cash or checks (payable to Oakmont Gardens).

Welcome Carnival, 7/20 — Berger Plaza: 2:00–4:00 p.m.

All ages. Parents & Grandparents are welcome, too.

This is fun for the whole family! Carnival games and concessions (popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy); prizes; temporary tattoos; face painting; animal balloons; and Oakmont Ukesters for your musical enjoyment. Fees: all grandchildren are $8 for GPC members and $10 for non-members; adults are $5 each.

Family Picnic, 7/22 – Berger Center and Plaza: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Fun for the entire family! Bounce houses, outdoor games, free books, Mello-Tone entertainment, cookies, Hokey Pokey, and more. Bring your own picnic OR pre-order hot dogs or ham/cheeseburgers with chips, thanks to Chef Pete Hardy. Bring your own drinks.

Fees: all grandchildren are $5 for GPC members and $7 for non-members; adults are FREE!

Optional Food Fees: hot dogs & chips: $6; hamburgers & chips: $7; cheeseburgers & chips: $8.

Family Bingo, 7/23 — Berger Center: 3:00–4:30 p.m. (Also listed under Small Tot Classes)

All ages. Parents & Grandparents are welcome, too.