Almaden Resident

Community

Lunchtime turns into game time at Almaden Community Center

By Emilie Crofton

When lunchtime comes around, several San Jose residents head to the Almaden Community Center to grab a basketball instead of a sandwich.

Every Monday through Thursday more than 20 players--young and old--stop in to play basketball sometime between noon and 2 p.m.

Ranging from real estate agents and personal trainers to retirees, the players come down for exercise, fun and socialization.

"This is a very popular program here," says Lacy Kortsen, recreation program specialist at the community center.

Real estate agent and Almaden resident Bob Maskey has been coming to the community center to play lunchtime basketball three to four times a week since the opening of the center.

"Coming here you get good people, good camaraderie and a good workout," Maskey says.

Maskey says the workout gives him a boost and a fresh mind for the rest of his workday.

For many of the players, the noon games fit well into their schedules, says San Jose resident Matt Chmelka, who works nights as a personal trainer.

The gym at the Almaden Community Center is a relaxing atmosphere where the majority of the players know one another, Kortsen says.

All skill levels are welcome; however, the participants say the more advanced players come out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

San Jose resident Gregory Lee is retired but comes twice a week to play with his friends.

"You can get some excellent games at this time, especially during school breaks when college players come down to play," he says.

It's the atmosphere that has players heading for the basketball courts instead of the treadmill.

"I like playing team sports like basketball for the camaraderie and socialization," Lee says. "It's a great workout, and you get to jive with the rest of the guys."

The Almaden Community Center is located at 6445 Camden Ave. For more information, call 408.268.1133.