UPDATE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Hills Members, 

The January rain appears to be headed into February but for the most part we've been fortunate and prepared here at The Hills.  As I currently write this, it is clear, sunny and 70 degrees outside, definitely the warmest day of the year thus far. But the forecast is calling for two new storms to be arriving later this week and into the weekend. Whether stormy or not, the clouds have been providing some epic sunrises and sunsets throughout this season. Here is a spectacular photo of the Masters swimmers during sunrise last week that was captured by member and Masters swimmer Jeff Everett!

We recently trimmed a number of our oak tree limbs which created plenty of piles of branches scattered over the property. I could not have dreamt of a better way to have these limbs hauled away than by our new partnership with the Oakland Zoo. Two of their incredible employees came to load up and haul two truck loads of limbs back to the Zoo. Why you may ask? To satisfy the appetite of one adorable elephant named Osh. I want to give a shout out to our staff landscaper Mat, as well as Anthony, for their assistance in making this happen!

Lastly, February is our month to show appreciation to our staff with our popular "Spread the Love" campaign. There will be plenty of paper hearts up at the front desk for you to write a small message of appreciation to any Hills employee. Our staff truly loves serving the members here and they love to hear that you appreciate their service. These hearts filled with encouragement and appreciation decorate the walls behind and surrounding the front desk all month long. Then, at the end of the month each staffer gets his/her bundle. A little note of praise goes such a long way for any and all who work so hard to operate the club. Thank you in advance to all members who take part in this annual campaign! 

Happy February everyone!

-Nick

Call for Artists!

In the past couple years we have featured some wonderful artists in our lobby. The above image is a collage of their work. Would you like to be considered for a show?  If so, please send a couple photos and any information about your art to Sally Landis at [email protected]. We hope to display your work here at The Hills in 2024!

2024 Summer Camp Registration Open

Registration for 2024 Summer Camp opened last month and some of the weeks are filling up fast! Non-members are welcome to register for all but Weeks 1 & 10. Kids ages 5-12 years old welcome.

We offer 11 weeks of FULL day summer camp, 8:30am-5:30pm. Campers participate in a variety of activities each day including (but not limited to) swimming, other outdoor sports, hikes, games, arts and crafts and theater. All pool activities will be supervised by a certified lifeguard.

• Week 1: May 28 to May 31 (*no camp on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day*)
• Week 2: June 3 to June 7
• Week 3: June 10 to June 14
• Week 4: June 17 to June 21
• Week 5: June 24 to June 28
• Week 6: July 1 to July 5
• Week 7: July 8 to July 12
• Week 8: July 15 to July 19
• Week 9: July 22 to July 26
• Week 10: July 29 to August 2
• Week 11: August 5 to August 9

Cost: $510 per week* per camper *$410 for Week 1 since it will only be a 4-day camp

Cost for non-members is an additional $100/week 

To register via your member portal, log onto your Club Automation account (cachstc.clubautomation.com)

1. Click on "Register for Programs" from list on left and it will bring you to "Programs" page
2. Click on either "Kids Camp" or "View"
3. Click "Sign Up" and you will be prompted to "add family member"
4. Click "Add to Cart"

To register via The Hills Swim & Tennis Club app:

1. Select "Programs"
2. Under Category select "Kids Camp"
3. Click on "Show Programs" and it is there where you will find the list of available weeks

Any questions related to Summer Camp 2024 or if you are having difficulty trying to register, please contact Summer Camp Director Anthony Lum, [email protected].

Grab Your Racket, It's Spring Clinic Time!

Hey Tennis Players,

In addition to our freshly resurfaced courts, Playmate ball machine and brand new Wimbledon style tennis net – we are once again home to a thriving youth and adult tennis program for the first time in over a decade. We can say with confidence that tennis at the Hills is on the rise!

The relationship between The Hills Tennis Program and our beloved members is of the utmost importance to the club. For that reason, the format of the Winter Season has been adjusted to accommodate more recreational play during the rainy season and daylight savings. We hope that you all enjoy increased access to Diablo court! 

Cheers, 
Coach Sydney
[email protected]

Contact Coach Sydney for pricing. Non-members are welcome to join our clinic program for an additional $20 non-member registration fee per session. Private lessons are currently available to members only. 

Spring Session Dates 2024:
February: 1/28 - 2/22 (4 weeks)
March: 3/3 - 3/28 (4 weeks)
April: 4/7 - 5/2 (4 weeks)
May: 5/5 - 5/16 (2 weeks)

Youth Clinics (6 players per class)
Little Stars age 6&7: Sundays @2-3pm
Rising Stars age 8-11: Sundays @3-4:30pm and/or Mondays @4:30-6pm
Supernovas age 12-17: Tuesdays @4:30-6pm

Adult Clinics (6 players per class)
Adult Intermediate: Tuesdays @6-7:30pm

All Spring (including Winter)
The 'All Spring' package is available for all clinics and is a chance to sign up for all sessions from January to May at a discounted rate! If you are late to join, the price can be prorated. Contact Coach Sydney to make an arrangement. 

Private Lessons Available with Coach Sydney
Private lessons are available by request. Contact Coach Sydney to schedule [email protected]
Private (1 player): $100/hour
Semi-Private (2 players): $70/hour/player
Small Group (3+ players): $50/hour/player

In-House Match Play
If you are looking to meet new players and spend more time on court, Sign-up for The Hills In-House Match Play League. This program runs from February through November annually and gives members an opportunity to have coordinated match play at The Hills Club. While this program is competition based, each match is meant to be friendly and played in good-spirit. Sportsmanship and courtesy are regarded above all else in this league.

Motivation & Accountability Through Group Exercise

It has been a great start for Group Fitness in 2024! Our team has many new attendees, and we have enjoyed meeting the new members. Feel free to introduce yourself when trying a new class! New participants always make our day. 

This month we will have our first Baby and Me aqua class starting on February 7th. Please check the schedule and sign up if you have a baby/toddler between the ages of 6-24 months. After registering, you will receive more information. Space is limited to 10 members with their child. An adult guardian will be required to be in the pool at all times. 

Unfortunately, we have suspended a few classes. Dance Fitness on Fridays is canceled starting February, as is Tuesday morning HIIT and Tuesday 7am Spin. We hope to replace those classes soon.

In other news, our schedule has several outdoor classes including Tai Chi on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:50am, Power Hour on Mondays at 9am, and various morning Spin classes offered throughout the week. In the case of inclement weather, these classes may be moved or canceled. Please check the online schedule for the latest information. Or take advantage of pre-registration which will allow you to receive updates in your email.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!
- Angelique Pine, Group Exercise Director, [email protected]

Peak Fit Offering a Prenatal Yoga Series

New class alert! Prenatal Yoga with Amber starting Friday,Mar 1, 2024
Class time: 12:30-1:30pm
5-Class Series: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29
Location: Group exercise studio
Cost: $100 for the entire series
Register here!

Embrace the journey of motherhood with our Prenatal Yoga Series, an exploration designed to support and empower you through each stage of pregnancy. Delve into addressing common aches and pains, discovering optimal baby positioning, and building strength while finding space in your growing body. Each session is crafted to guide you through the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, providing a nurturing space for both you and your baby. Beyond the asanas, we'll introduce tools such as mantra and breath, equipping you with valuable techniques for labor and delivery. Join us on this transformative path, connecting with your body, your baby, and a community of expectant mothers as you navigate the incredible journey of pregnancy.

Monday, 6:15am Rise and Grind with Jenn
Get fitter, faster and stronger with this weekly workout. We'll focus on agility, power and strength exercise intervals to get you moving more efficiently. 

Monday, 11am All About Strength with Sara
This beginner class focuses on strength building, using your body weight, the TRX and other equipment we have in the Peak Fit studio.

Wednesday, 9am Winter TRX Conditioning with Tori
This class is great for beginners or experienced members on TRX who are looking to improve their muscle imbalances, mobility and overall endurance. 
** This class is sold as a program and must be purchased as a whole i.e. 4 classes for $80.  REGISTER HERE!
The program can be prorated if you know that you'll be missing some classes. Email me at [email protected].

Thursday, 12pm Strength and Stability with Jenn
This class integrates strength, balance and flexibility movements utilizing TRX straps, kettlebells and other fun pieces of equipment. Getting you stronger for whatever you're looking to achieve.

You must register for our classes in order to participate. We require a minimum of 3-4 participants per class. You can unregister online, up to 24 hours prior to the start of class. We're offering a 10 class package at $180 and your drop in fee is $20 per class. Please reach out to me with any questions. We hope to see you there.

We're looking forward to seeing you in our classes!
-Jenn Sanchez, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]

Maybe It's Time to Mix Up Your Exercise Routine

Most of us have settled back into our routines and workouts. If you haven't, reflect on what is keeping you from working towards your goals. Maybe you need a change in your workout regimen: try out a new group exercise class, maybe you need someone to tell you what to do: try out some personal training or small group training, maybe you need an appointment and some accountability: find a workout buddy. 

If you have any questions or aren't quite sure how to get started in your exercise routine, reach out to me at [email protected].

-Jenn Sanchez, Hills Fitness Coordinator, [email protected]

To freshen up your workout with a PT session or to book your complimentary fitness orientation, email any of our certified personal trainers. We're here for you:

Jeff Allen, [email protected]
Jenn Nasab, [email protected]
Angelique Pine, [email protected]

Stay Tuned for The Hill's "Biggest Loser Contest" with Host/Trainer Jeff Allen

Master Trainer Jeff Allen is gearing up for his biggest loser program. Looking to shed some unwanted weight? All ages are welcome. Get ready for fun, strength training, muscle toning and a motivating approach to weight loss. This 12-week program will include nutritional tips, bi-monthly progress checks, group training workouts and prizes. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

Jeff Allen 510-339-0234 x118 or [email protected]

Happy Valentine's Day - Sharing the Love & Sharing Pilates

This year our Pilates program is celebrating 20 years of offering regular reformer Pilates classes on our STOTT (Merrithew™) equipment! What we have observed over the years is that Reformer Pilates training is a great overall workout, but some of the less known "side effects" are the friendships and the camaraderie that form in our weekly classes.

Our reformer students are an amazingly fit and amazingly consistent bunch who meet 1, 2 or sometimes even 3 times a week. One of our longtime classes is actually the Men's Reformer class on Wednesday afternoons. During these meetings, the jokes, the laughter, the happy shrieks of horror as we bring out various Pilates props are all part of the experience. Many of our students take time to meet for coffee before or after class, and although we kept going with Pilates training over Zoom during the height of the pandemic, everyone agrees that what we missed the most wasn't doing Pilates, per se, but it was meeting and training in a group.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our long time Pilates students and to our newer students for choosing to train together in our studio! The fun continues!

This month we are offering our Reiki certification course. Reiki and other healing practices are simple but effective ways in which we can show care and love for ourselves and others. Read more below.

With Love and in Good Health,

Therese, Barbara, Lawrence, Anne, Colleen and Elizabeth

Ballet is Back

Our popular ballet program is in full swing this spring semester with Ballet Master Lawrence Chen. Please note our new schedule. There is still time to sign up!
The Spring semester started on Monday January 22 and will end on Monday May 6 with a recital.
Pre-ballet (4-6 year olds), 4:10-4:50pm 
Ballet (7 years old and up), 4:50-5:35pm
You can download and fill out the registration form here:
Hills Ballet Registration Spring 2024

Cost: $368 for members, $396 for nonmembers. Late registrations are prorated, and a 15% sibling discount is available. Drop off your registration form at the club or email use the email below.
For information and to register for our spring semester, please contact [email protected]

Reiki Training & Reiki Therapy at The Hills

The Hills offers Reiki in our Pilates and wellness space where we also offer training and certification in Reiki. 

Join our upcoming trainings:
Usui Reiki I Training and Certification 
Saturday, February 24, 9am-6pm
Usui Reiki II Training and Certification
Sunday, February 25, 9am-6pm

Cost: Reiki I $175, Reiki II $275, $400 for both

To learn more, try a Reiki session, or to register for our upcoming training(s), please contact our studio: [email protected]

What IS Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese healing technique involving light touch and working with energy, or Ki. Imagine an acupuncture treatment, but without the needles. 
Reiki can be a very helpful tool used along with conventional medicine. A good example is Reiki being used at many cancer centers to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments. 
Just like meditation and acupuncture, Reiki is a stress buster that helps us drop into our parasympathetic nervous system. During and after a Reiki session we can move into a more relaxed state where our body and mind can rest, heal, and recover. Anyone can learn Reiki and can benefit from doing Reiki on a regular basis.
Learn more about Reiki here: /services/massage[email protected]

Hills Reformer Pilates Program 

The Hills Pilates Studio reformer classes are very popular, in fact many of our classes are waitlisted. We are thrilled that so many members have discovered Pilates and its benefits. To meet the demand we have added more classes to our schedule this month.
You find our schedule here:
 PILATES STUDIO SCHEDULE JANUARY 2024

Are you interested in trying Pilates on the reformer? 
Contact our studio to get started today: [email protected]

Book classes here and on the Hills app:https://cachstc.clubautomation.com/

Pilates Studio Policies 

Our Pilates studio policies are developed with everyone's safety and benefit in mind: PILATES STUDIO POLICIES

Get news, updates, and inspiration for Pilates through our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hillspilatesandwellness/

Free Adult Tennis Clinics Feb 12

For those adults new to the club, new to tennis or looking to improve your backhand, we welcome you to join Eddie Pasternak on the second Monday of each month for our complimentary Adult Tennis Clinics! This month's clinic will be held on February 12. This monthly event is free, and open to members only. From 6-7pm, beginners get an hour of instruction; 7-8pm is for intermediate/advanced players. Eddie leads these clinics each month for adults with all skill levels. We are asking that members register in advance here for the beginner clinic or here for the advanced clinic.

Kids Learn Discipline Through Tae Kwon Do

Our Tae Kwon Do program, led by Sensei Jeff, is where kids learn the Korean style of martial arts. Tae Kwon Do is a great sport for school-aged kids, as it provides a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Physically, it helps kids improve their coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, while also teaching them self-defense skills. There are currently 12 students enrolled, ranging in age from 5-13. Register your child/children today!

Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30–4:45pm Beginner
6–7:15pm Advanced

Members: $95 per month
Non-members: $110 per month

For more information or to register your child for Tae Kwon Do, please contact Jeff directly via email or by calling 510-339-0234 x118.

Pool Rules

Lap Lane Swimming Rules:

• Lap Lane reservations remain weekdays from 9am-2pm in lanes 4, 5, & 6. All other lanes and times are available for shared member swimming. Our reservations open at 8am 3 days in advance. For example, on Friday morning at 8am, members can log in and book a lap lane for Monday.
• Please Note: Hills Hurricane Swim Team will be using no more than 4 lanes from 4-8pm, Monday-Friday.

It's Never Too Late to Learn to Swim

If you are interested in swim lessons for yourself or for your child(ren), we offer both private and semi-private lessons for all ages. To request a swim lesson, please email an instructor with the age and skill level of the swimmer and the times/dates that work best for you. The more flexible you are the more likely an instructor will have a spot available. Please be aware that instructors may only respond if they have availability. Learn more about our offerings here!

Swim Team: Pre-Comp Tryouts This Month  

Pre-Comp Swim Team Tryouts Feb 27-28
It's time for Spring tryouts for swimmers ages 5-10. Please sign up for your spot, only one tryout per swimmer. Register here. The upcoming session dates are listed below.

Pre-Competitive Schedule
Winter Session: Jan 10-March 1 (Wed/Fri) (8 weeks) Mem: $270 Non-Mem: $320 (SESSION FULL)       Tryouts Feb 27 or 28 Spring Session: March 6-May 24       Tryouts in May (TBA, if needed) Summer Session: June 4-Aug 9

New Non-Hills Member procedures: 

1. Submit this non-member agreement form and submit it to either the club front desk or email to [email protected]. 
2. Once added to the group, please submit this Auto Pay Authorization Form to the club front desk or email to [email protected].
   
   Group prerequisites
   Manta Rays: AGE 6-10, 4-4:30pm Swimmers must be able to tread in deep water for 60 seconds. Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted for 25 yards. Swimmers will learn basic swimming skills of all four strokes. Team activity skills and group swim safety is introduced. Instruction will be conducted out of the water.
   
   Tidal Waves: AGE 6-10, 4:30-5pm
   *50 yards of freestyle with side breathing *25 yards of back swimming *Treading water for 120 seconds *Streamline off the wall for 10 yards. This group will prepare swimmers for the swim team. This class will incorporate on-deck coaching.

Summer Group Swim Lessons

We are offering afternoon group swim lessons this summer for intermediate swimmers. Each session will be one week in length and meet five days a week.  Members: $95/week  Non-Members $115/week (New Non-Hills Members must complete this non-member agreement form prior to enrolling).  Registration begins February 15. Waitlists for full classes will open on May 15.

Minnows Learn freestyle stroke technique with side breathing. Introduction to swimming on back, deep water swimming and kneeling dives. Requirements: Must be able to swim 15 yards unassisted and tread water for 30 seconds.  Children 4–7 years.  3-3:30pm

Guppies Focus on freestyle side breathing and backstroke technique. Breaststroke and butterfly kick is introduced.  Requirements: Must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted and tread water for 45 seconds.  Children 5–8.  3:30-4pm

Cancellation / Change Date Policy
*cancellations prior to 7 days are fully refundable.
*cancellations for 6 days up to the start date are non-refundable.
*change of date fee if available is $20.

Junior Lifeguard Camp 

Our program is designed as a community-based water safety program for youths 10–15 years old. The Junior Lifeguard Training Program has been developed to serve many purposes where water safety is our primary goal. Along with water safety activities we engage in CPR and First Aid training. A secondary benefit is the unique combination of establishing the foundation for good work skills, responsibilities, skill development, competition, and leadership skills.

In providing a well-rounded training experience, we include 30-minute daily fitness/workouts, lectures, demonstrations, and team building activities. An additional two hours per week of volunteering may be required by each JR guard. Course Prerequisite: 50 yards of freestyle or breaststroke. Retrieve a 10-lb. brick from a depth of 12 feet. Swim underwater 15 feet.

Lunch/Snacks are not currently provided.
Time: 9am-2pm daily
Sessions Available: June 10-14 & July 15-19
Members $405 Non-Hills Members $445
Registration opens February 15.

Pickleball Popularity Continues

Pretty sure pickleball is still trending as the fastest growing sport, so if you haven't tried it, now's your time! Our sport court is reserved exclusively for pickleball from 11am to 1pm on weekdays. Games during these "open" weekday hours are friendly, social games with some accommodations made for beginning players. Pickleball is fun for people of all ages and athletic ability and it's good for you, improving your cardiovascular condition, working memory and reaction time. The best way to learn the rules of play and scoring and the order of serving is if you play with someone who already knows them, so mark your calendar and/or book a reservation and head up to the club to join in on the fun!

Whether it's pickleball or basketball (or maybe even both!) members can book an hour "block" of time to use the court. In other words, if our "open" weekday pickleball hours don't fit into your schedule, you have no excuses!

Your reservation does not mean that the court has to be used solely by one family unit during the hour; feel free to welcome and/or challenge other members to a friendly pickleball or basketball game. Pickleball paddles and balls are available in the Pickleball Bag at the front desk, as well as basketballs. All we ask is that you kindly return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing.

Just outside of our enclosed court, we have 2 ping pong (or table tennis) tables. The front desk also has paddles and balls for members to borrow. All three of these activities are a great excuse to come up to the club, get some exercise and maybe even make new friends! All we ask is that you kindly return any borrowed equipment to the front desk when you are finished playing. 

Celebrate February Employee Birthdays  

Please join us in wishing each of them a happy birthday and thanking them for all of their hard work!

Neely Walker, 02/11
Mat Borawski, 02/13
Noemi Arias, 02/17
Mat Lacounte, 02/18
Glenda Larios, 02/18
Deb Pulver, 02/19
Stephanie Murray, 02/19
Andrea Scott, 02/19
Anthony Lum, 02/23
Sydney Williams, 02/28