Town of Pittsford, Vermont

Recreation Director’s Report 
November 6, 2006

            September and October have flown right by in a blink of an eye. It seems like it was just last week that the lifeguards were going back to college and kids were returning to school. Fall time is typically productive time for me, this year this fall was no different. Besides administrating our usual fall programs and actually getting out on the soccer field to instruct the Saturday morning Youth Soccer programs for kids 4 – 7 years old I have busy formulating a Work Plan and Budget for FY 2008. As requested by the Selectboard the Recreation Department’s FY 2008 budget was level funded from the previous year. The selectmen have heard from a many Pittsford taxpayers about their unhappiness with their property tax increases that came from the town wide reappraisal, so after some discussion, they directed the Town Manager to present a level funded budget for FY 2008.

            In early October, First Line Security of Rutland installed a new security system in the bathhouse at the Recreation Area. After the building being broke into 3 times in the last year and half and Mrs. Leclair losing over $600.00 of equipment & inventory out of the concession area this summer I had no choice but to install an up to date security system that will protect the towns interests. It’s really to bad that it had to come down to that but unfortunately that’s what kind of world we’re living in now.

            On Saturday, October 21, the Maclure Library and the Recreation Department co-sponsored our 5^th Annual Pittsford Pumpkin Party at the Recreation Area. Despite a full day of unrelenting rain the day before making the ground soggy and cool temperatures during the event over 110 people attended this family party. Thanks to Mark Winslow and his family who donated 100 sugar pumpkins, the participants were able to “hunt” for their perfect squash, which was easier for some than others. The children did an outstanding job decorating their pumpkins many the kids took their time and were very particular creating their masterpieces. The wagon rides around the Recreation Area were another popular activity that entire families were able enjoy together. Kids like the thrill or experience of the wagon ride while parents enjoy the fact that they can sit down for the 6 – 7 minute trip and visit with their friends and neighbors. I’d like to thank Allen Hitchcock who has allowed the Recreation Department to borrow his wagon each year we have sponsored this event. Usually Mr. Hitchcock pulls the wagon with his own tractor but this year, the new Kubota tractor that was purchased by the Recreation Department was able to pull the wagon around. I’d like to thank Rob Ketcham who was kind enough to drive the tractor for us. Due to the cool temperatures during the event the hot chocolate and the freshly popped popcorn were huge hits with folks.

            On Friday, October 27, at the VT Police Academy, the Pittsford and Brandon Recreation Departments co-sponsored our annual Halloween Teen dance. This year’s dance was very successful with 219 teens (7-10 graders) attending, many of which were dressed in costume. A special thanks goes out to John D’Esposito the instructor of the Public Safety Class at Stafford Technical Center and two of his students for providing some drug & alcohol prevention activities during the event. John’s two students provided demonstrations using “fatal vision goggles”, which are prismatic glasses that alter the eyesight of the individual wearing them and mimics being intoxicated. I’d also like to thank John D’Esposito for coordinating the police officers we have present at each of our teen nights at no cost to the Recreation Departments. Overall, the dance went smoothly, and teens had a fun and safe time. Thank you to the parents who volunteered to chaperone. I’d like them to know how much I appreciate the fact that Pittsford parents have been so willing to volunteer to help when asked.

            The Pittsford Recreation Department and the Sugar Hollow Sno Mads (Pittsford’s Snowmobile Club) co-sponsored a State of VT Snowmobile Safety Course at the Pittsford Fire Station. There were 9 participants who took advantage of this educational program. This class is mandatory for anyone who wishes to operate a snowmobile in VT and was born after 1983. This was the 4^th year in a row and 5^th time in six years that the Recreation Department has co-sponsored this particular program. Over the last 5-10 years, snowmobiling has grown in popularity, and every year there are more riders on the trails so it’s crucial that new and young rider be taught the proper laws, and techniques that govern the snow highways.

            The Adult Aerobics/Kickboxing program is off to another great start. For the third straight year, there has been enough interest to begin the weekly program in October rather in January. Participation numbers are up by eight individuals after just 1 month of classes. Based on past experience I expect November participation numbers to be larger than Octobers. On November 7 there were 19 participants, average on any given night is 8-9 individuals so it was a real positive way to kick off the month.

            On Saturday, November 18, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Lothrop Gym the Recreation Department is sponsoring a Holiday Craft Sale. There will be many unique items for folks to purchase. I’ve always felt that sponsoring programs like this one helps the Recreation Department reach a larger cross-section of our community.

            I have been coordinating with the Pittsford Lions Club to arrange this year’s “Caroling on the Green” event scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 3 along with the annual lighting of Memory Tree ceremony. In early October, I wrote a letter to both the Otter Valley Chorus director and the Lothrop Chorus director to ask them if they would be interested in participating in this year’s caroling event. I have not received a reply from the Otter Valley’s chorus administrator, but I did speak with Lothrop’s coordinator and even though she can not help out personally because of prior commitment that afternoon she did say that she’d be willing to discuss event with her students and encourage them to participate with their families on an individual basis.

            At this time I’m also working on putting together the 2007 Winter/Spring Program Brochure. I hope to have the brochure out the last week of November or the first week of December.

            And finally, I just received notice that the Recreation Report for the 2007 Annual Town Report is due by Friday, December 29, 2006. If the Recreation Committee would like to assist writing this report please feel free to discuss it with the Recreation Director.

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