Super Smash Tournament

Posted by Aaron on 22 May 19

Put your Smash skills to the test at this fun tournament. All levels welcome! Extra controllers are not necessary but would be appreciated.

For teens in grades 6+

Candy Sushi

Posted by Aaron on 22 May 19

We’ll provide all the ingredients you need to create tasty and beautiful candy maki and nigiri. Prizes will be awarded for the top sushi chefs!

For teens and tweens entering 6th grade +.

Earth’s Moon, Apollo 11 & Binocular Astronomy

Posted by bonnie on 15 May 19

Michael Patrick, a member of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, will be giving a presentation on various aspects of Earth’s Moon – physical characteristics, influences on Earth, eclipses, etc. – and identification of the location of the Apollo 11 landing site.

In addition, he will give a demonstration of the efficient use of binoculars and, time and weather permitting, will lead the audience next door to the 5th Avenue front patio of San Rafael City Hall where we will use binoculars to observe the Moon, identify the general area of the Apollo 11 landing site, and observe several other celestial objects.

If you plan to attend and own binoculars,  bring them to the presentation. If you don’t own binoculars please attend anyway as they are not necessary for the presentation.

Amateur Radio Communication

Posted by on 10 May 19

Led by the Hamilton Wireless Association

Free and open to all licensed amateur radio operators.*

In the Communication Class we discuss what to look for in obtaining a radio, general radio range, radio interference, communications protocol and many other basic concepts. This is a great class to attend if you are just getting started and are unsure what benefits our Team Radio program has to offer.

The classes offer a first introduction to radio, and we hope a fun introduction to radio communications.

*Interested in getting your license? Join the Ham Radio Club this July! Call the library for more information (415) 485-3323

5/23 Class session 1 – General Radio Information. This class is intended as an orientation class to newly licensed amateurs who are unfamiliar with radio and need the “next step”. The class is focused on neighborhood communications. We describe what a radio is, how to get one, what to expect, and go through basic communication exercises. The class information distributed includes ideas of what to look for in radio equipment and specific recommendations on what equipment to purchase.

5/30 Class session 2 – Radio Configuration. VHF/UHF (Very High Frequency, and Ultra High Frequency) hand-held radios in the amateur spectrum are a bit complicated to set up. The concepts of simplex and radio repeaters are explained and training is provided for programming class member radio equipment. While computer programs are available to configure radio transceivers, our training is focused on programming radios in the field. This is probably the most popular session of the series.

6/6 Class session 3 – Communications in a Group. Communications in Amateur Radio is usually based on a one-to-one exchange. We introduce a protocol and a “net” operation in order to accommodate numerous incidents and manage a high communications capacity with limited communications resources.

6/20 Class session 4 – Communications as a Service. A simple but effective protocol is introduced and exercised that emphasizes accurate messaging. Accuracy is crucial if important information is transferred over radio.

Amateur Radio Communication

Posted by on 10 May 19

Led by the Hamilton Wireless Association

Free and open to all licensed amateur radio operators.

In the Communication Class we discuss what to look for in obtaining a radio, general radio range, radio interference, communications protocol and many other basic concepts. This is a great class to attend if you are just getting started and are unsure what benefits our Team Radio program has to offer.

The classes offer a first introduction to radio, and we hope a fun introduction to radio communications.

8/15 Class session 1 – General Radio Information. This class is intended as an orientation class to newly licensed amateurs who are unfamiliar with radio and need the “next step”. The class is focused on neighborhood communications. We describe what a radio is, how to get one, what to expect, and go through basic communication exercises. The class information distributed includes ideas of what to look for in radio equipment and specific recommendations on what equipment to purchase.

8/22 Class session 2 – Amateur Radio is a contact sport!  Concepts of simplex and use of radio repeaters are applied in a workshop to set up radios brought to the class. While computer programs are available to configure radio transceivers, our training is focused on programming radios in the field. This is probably the most popular session of the series.

8/29 Class session 3 – Communications in a Group. Communications in Amateur Radio is usually based on a one-to-one exchange. We introduce a protocol and a “net” operation in order to accommodate numerous incidents and manage a high communications capacity with limited communications resources.

9/5 Class session 4 – Communications as a Service. A simple but effective protocol is introduced and exercised that emphasizes accurate messaging. Accuracy is crucial if important information is transferred over radio.

Amateur Radio Communication

Posted by on 10 May 19

Led by the Hamilton Wireless Association

Free and open to all licensed amateur radio operators.*

In the Communication Class we discuss what to look for in obtaining a radio, general radio range, radio interference, communications protocol and many other basic concepts. This is a great class to attend if you are just getting started and are unsure what benefits our Team Radio program has to offer.

The classes offer a first introduction to radio, and we hope a fun introduction to radio communications.

12/5 Class session 1 – General Radio Information. This class is intended as an orientation class to newly licensed amateurs who are unfamiliar with radio and need the “next step”. The class is focused on neighborhood communications. We describe what a radio is, how to get one, what to expect, and go through basic communication exercises. The class information distributed includes ideas of what to look for in radio equipment and specific recommendations on what equipment to purchase.

12/12 Class session 2 – Radio Configuration. VHF/UHF (Very High Frequency, and Ultra High Frequency) hand-held radios in the amateur spectrum are a bit complicated to set up. The concepts of simplex and radio repeaters are explained and training is provided for programming class member radio equipment. While computer programs are available to configure radio transceivers, our training is focused on programming radios in the field. This is probably the most popular session of the series.

12/19 Class session 3 – Communications in a Group. Communications in Amateur Radio is usually based on a one-to-one exchange. We introduce a protocol and a “net” operation in order to accommodate numerous incidents and manage a high communications capacity with limited communications resources.

1/2 Class session 4 – Communications as a Service. A simple but effective protocol is introduced and exercised that emphasizes accurate messaging. Accuracy is crucial if important information is transferred over radio.

Next Class Series: Introduction to Ham Radio here

Amateur Radio Communication via Zoom

Posted by on 10 May 19

Led by the Hamilton Wireless Association

Free and open to all licensed amateur radio operators.

In the Communication Class we discuss what to look for in obtaining a radio, general radio range, radio interference, communications protocol and many other basic concepts. This is a great class to attend if you are just getting started and are unsure what benefits our Team Radio program has to offer.

The classes offer a first introduction to radio, and we hope a fun introduction to radio communications.

Want to join in? This class will be happening online using Zoom.
Please email the instructor at wbs@hbco2.com. He will provide a link to register and participate via Zoom.

5/14 Class session 1 – General Radio Information. This class is intended as an orientation class to newly licensed amateurs who are unfamiliar with radio and need the “next step”. The class is focused on neighborhood communications. We describe what a radio is, how to get one, what to expect, and go through basic communication exercises. The class information distributed includes ideas of what to look for in radio equipment and specific recommendations on what equipment to purchase.

5/21 Class session 2 – Radio Configuration. VHF/UHF (Very High Frequency, and Ultra High Frequency) hand-held radios in the amateur spectrum are a bit complicated to set up. The concepts of simplex and radio repeaters are explained and training is provided for programming class member radio equipment. While computer programs are available to configure radio transceivers, our training is focused on programming radios in the field. This is probably the most popular session of the series.

5/28 Class session 3 – Communications in a Group. Communications in Amateur Radio is usually based on a one-to-one exchange. We introduce a protocol and a “net” operation in order to accommodate numerous incidents and manage a high communications capacity with limited communications resources.

6/4 Class session 4 – Communications as a Service. A simple but effective protocol is introduced and exercised that emphasizes accurate messaging. Accuracy is crucial if important information is transferred over radio.

ZOOM Instructions

Our online programs use the Zoom software program. If you have not already used Zoom, you can either create a free account (zoom.com) or not, but you will need to complete an approximately minute long software download for your computer, phone or tablet. We recommend having this done well before the class start so that you can focus on the fun!

To login to our event, follow the provided link and then;

1.  ‘Join Audio Conference by Computer’ –(Green button)
2. Once in the event, you can choose to turn on your video (recommended!) and audio (recommended!) in order to participate. As moderators, we will selectively mute your audio in order to maintain focus on the presenter.
3. There is a button in the top right to toggle between ‘Speaker View’, which gives the focus to the presenter and ‘Gallery View’, which shows the gallery of the audience (including you!)

For online programs, I have read and agree to the City of San Rafael’s online legal and privacy information.

Summer Reading Blast-Off Party

Posted by on 04 May 19

Get an early start on summer with our Summer Reading Blast-Off Party!

We’re kicking off the start of summer reading with food, fun and games. This year’s reading theme is “A Universe of Stories” and we’ll be celebrating with space-themed activities and programs all summer long. Drop in to the blast-off party, sign up for summer reading, and get in on the fun.

• Sign up for Summer Reading!
• Explore Space with NASA ambassador Ron Rosano
• Learn Morse Code with the Hamilton Wireless Association
• Teen and Adult Trivia contest to win an awesome Apollo 11 Anniversary Book.
• All Ages coloring contest.
• Photo Booth
• Free Popcorn
• Fun and games

Click here for more info about Summer Reading 2019.

How to Improve Your Self-Confidence When Speaking to Groups

Posted by bonnie on 22 April 19

How to Improve Your Self-Confidence When Speaking to Groups

Do you hate public speaking?
Does the thought of presenting to a group make you sweat and want to hide in some far-away bunker?
Do you wish you could feel more open, free and self-confident in sharing your ideas?

With public speaking being one of America’s greatest fears, learning to speak to groups is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your peers and create new opportunities and recognition… and it doesn’t need to be so hard!

In this training, you’ll learn:

• The 4 elements of self-confidence (and techniques for learning each one)
• Skills for diffusing the tension and relaxing as you speak
• How to structure a talk or presentation effectively for your audience

Andrew Vargas-Delman has a passion for constructive, effective and emotionally intelligent communication. As a coach, he guides his clients in building self-confidence, communicating effectively and creating meaningful, satisfying relationships in their personal and professional lives. Entrepreneurs, Millennial professionals and small business owners have used his techniques to increase their income, improve relationships with colleagues and customers, and sharpen their public-speaking skills.

An enthusiastic public speaker, Andrew is excited to share his expertise with audiences seeking three things: confidence, connection and communication.

To contact Andrew for individual or group coaching, or to book a speaking event, please visit: http://andrewvargasdelman.com

Health Benefits of Meditation

Posted by on 18 April 19

Research has proven the benefits of regular meditation in decreasing stress-related diseases, calming anxiety and emotional turmoil, and increasing survival rates in cancer and heart disease. Now, there is recent evidence that meditation can also slow the aging process itself; improve sleep; and lessen the pain of loss, grief, and depression. Please join Marshall Zaslove, MD, board certified psychiatrist and 45-year meditator, for a fast-moving and entertaining discussion of these new benefits–and their place in improving your life.

All attendees will be given a firsthand experience of instructed meditation.