|
|
|
|
|
Recreation Director’s Report February 10, 2006 On Friday, February 3, 2006 the Maclure Library and the Recreation Department cosponsored our second “Family Fun Night” of 2006 at the VT Police Academy. The theme for the evening was “Winter Wonderland”. Approximately 152 people signed our registration form. Bonnie Stewart, Maclure librarian rolled out long pieces, over 6 feet long, of print roll and the children had an opportunity to help decorate pieces of art that will be on display during Town Meeting. Children also enjoyed making mitten trees and three dimensional snowflakes. The Recreation Department provided games and activities that kept the little people busy burning through some of their built up energy. Pittsford resident and Magician Tom Joyce was the main attraction of evening. He kept the kids entertained with his clever tricks and pleasant personality. Most kids found the magic interesting and it kept their attention the entire 45 minute show; however there were other kids who just couldn’t sit still that long and had to get up and do other things. I’m eager to report that in January the Recreation Department sponsored two free, 1 hour each, adult computer classes in the computer lab at Lothrop School. I’m excited because 13 people, in each class, were registered to take advantage of these classes. In the past the Recreation Department has offered very similar classes that weren’t quite as popular. Last month’s classes were targeted for beginner and novice users who were looking to gain knowledge to become more comfortable using their own computers. The first class was “Basic Computer Skills for Windows XP”. This class discussed how to set up an address book, print envelops & labels, and how to print pictures. The second class was a bit more focused as it was designed to introduce basic terminology and usage of Excel 2003. Participants learned about entering and editing & formatting data along with how use equations. Paul Wood, IT Coordinator for Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, was again the instructor for our computer classes, and based on my conversations with people who attended the classes did a fine job presenting the information in a manner that everyone understood what he was trying to get across. January is the time of year that I like to begin planning the upcoming spring and summer programs. During the last month or so I’ve have talked with or at least touched base with 99% of the potential returning employees. Now I have clearer idea as to who’s returning and who isn’t, which allows me to begin filling in the voids sooner rather than later. Emma Clerihew has informed me that she will not be returning this summer as a camp counselor. She has done a marvelous job for the Recreation Department the last two summers and her friendly character will unquestionably be missed by the campers. Although Ms. Clerihew’s vast expertise in theater & drama will be difficult to replace I do have two former campers who have worked the summer day camp the last three summers as Jr. Counselors, that have shown an interest in the filling the position. It’s actually going to be a difficult selection process because both gentlemen are talented people who have been great assets to summer day camp and mean a lot to the program. This past month I meant with Joanne Pye, lead teacher at Caverly Preschool School in Pittsford to discuss summer programs but more specifically summer day camp options for 4-5 year old children. Traditionally, until last summer, the preschool ran two separate summer day camps, one for the 4 year olds, and another for the 5 year olds that had become highly anticipated by Pittsford families each June. Last summer due to financial cuts in their funding neither camp was able to operate. There were so many disappointed children who missed out on their own opportunity to participate. When I heard of this I knew the Recreation Department could some how assist the program so something like that didn’t happen again, so the Recreation Department and Caverly School have reached an agreement to work collectively and pool our resources to make certain these day camps run again this summer. The Recreation Department has agreed to sponsor and run the five year old portion of the camp which will run simultaneously at the Recreation Area with the Caverly School four year program. By operating the camps at the same time we will share expenses like supplies to keep everyone’s costs minimal. We will run the 5 year old program just like it always has been with a couple minor differences. There will be two counselors, one will be a Recreation Department employee and the other will be a teacher from the Caverly School. These two people will work side by side to plan out and manage an age appropriate curriculum, which will run concurrent with the 4 year old program that will incorporate arts & crafts, nature study, literature, hiking, and swimming. The other significant difference is the Recreation Department will charge a minimal fee for its, week long, five year old camp where the four olds or the Caverly day camp will be free as it always has been. These day camps are scheduled to take place June 19 – 23, which will not interfere with our Summer Day Camp, and will be totally independent of one another. Recently I received conformation from the VT Dept of Fish & Wildlife that the Recreation Department has been approved to receive fish for this year’s Pittsford Fishing Derby, which has been scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2006 at the Smith/Wheeler Pond. Last year 56 children caught approximately 88 fish. Prizes were awarded in two different age groups, but everyone received a prize and went home a winner. Keith’s Country Store donated food and beverages and everyone was treated to a FREE BBQ lunch. I have again asked Don Lajoie, who was the main person behind the scenes when the Sunshine Rotary Club used to sponsor the event, if he’d be willing to assist us again. He’s checking his schedule and will get back to me; however he was delighted to hear that the Recreation Department was continuing this long running tradition. The Pittsford Day Committee has begun meeting again to plan this year’s event which is scheduled for Sunday, July 2, 2006. With the success of 2005 event behind us the group is determined to host another town wide celebration that everyone will enjoy. At last couple of meetings we have been evaluating last year’s program to see what changes we can make to enhance this year’s experience! The next Pittsford Day Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8 at the Municipal Office at 6:00 pm. The 2006 Winter Celebration program that was scheduled for Sunday, February 26, 2006, has been canceled due to the lack of snow. Today, February 14 was the deadline to make a decision either way. Kids are on vacation next week so to advertise the Winter Celebration through Lothrop School I would have to include the information in our 2006 Spring Brochure that will be going home with students on the Friday before vacation. This family oriented program was supposed to be a day time version of the Moonlight Snowshoeing event that the Recreation Department and the Trails Committee have cosponsored together the past 3 years. Planned events included guided snowshoe hikes around the Cadwell Trails with snowshoes being provided by The Great Outdoors, sledding, and finally roasting hotdogs over the an open fire. It’s too bad there is such a lack of snow because I really think that this program would have attracted much more attention than the night time Moonlight event. I’ll certainly keep this idea a live for next year. |
|
|
