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Recreation Director's Report I'm delighted to report that in January the Recreation Department sponsored two free adult computer classes in the computer lab at Lothrop School. Ten participants were registered in each class to take advantage of these free offerings. Last month's classes were targeted for beginner and novice computer users who were looking to gain knowledge to become more comfortable using their own computers. Our first class was "BEGINNER GRAPHICS (Photo Manipulation)". This class was for those who wanted to learn how to locate & organize photos on their computers. They learned about how to edit & add effects to their photos, and how to share photos using e-mail and the web. The second class was designed to introduce basic terminology and usage of Excel 2003. Participants learned about entering and editing & formatting data along with how to use equations. Paul Wood, IT Coordinator for the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, was again the instructor for our computer classes. Based on what Mr. Wood told me the students gained a lot of useful information that they'll be able to use. On January 23, the Pittsford Day Committee started meeting to work on planning the annual July town wide celebration. Members enjoyed viewing pictures from the 2006 event before beginning to work on the 2007 edition. The date for this year's celebration is Sunday, July 1. I as the Recreation Director suggested that perhaps the group should think about hosting the event on July 4, which is a Wednesday this year, because I thought it would be nice to fill the Recreation Area during the middle of the week. However, no one else liked my idea and it was voted down. Members who were present all agreed that we should stick with hosting the event on the first Sunday of July as we have the past two years. In December 2006, I met with local resident Kelley Lyon to discuss a few ideas she had in reference to starting a community music program. Ms. Lyon who is a licensed music instructor and a musical therapist, her idea has three specific goals. Her first goal is to start a Youth Chorus or a Town Chorus, her second goal is to start a Town Band, and her third goal is to perhaps start some type of music therapy program. After meeting with her I told her that the Recreation Department might be interested in pursuing some or all of her ideas, and that the Recreation Department would be willing to host a meeting at the Town Offices to see if the idea could gain interest. On Monday, January 29, a meeting was held at the Town Offices to determine what kind of community interest there was in to such a program. Amazingly 7 interested individuals showed up to demonstrate their support of beginning some type of town music program. Most all of the people at the meeting were more interested in playing an instrument in a band setting, however there were a couple folks who didn't play instruments and who were more interested in participating in a chorus. The group asked me to look into scheduling a few practices at the either the Lothrop cafeteria or gym during the month of February. On Friday, February 2, at the Lothrop Gym, the Maclure Library and the Recreation Department cosponsored the second of three Family Fun Nights that are scheduled for this winter. The theme for the night was "Pirates of Pittsford" with approximately 80 people, which was down from the 122 in January. There were two specific reasons why the numbers were a bit lower than the January event. First, the Family Fun Nights are usually held at the larger VT Police Academy gym, not at the Lothrop Gym, but due to scheduling conflicts with Police Academy programs it was decided back in October when we were originally scheduling it to host the event at Lothrop. Secondly, a fast moving snowstorm that dumped 4 - 6 inches in less than 2 hours moved through the area beginning at around 6 o'clock right as families were getting ready to leave to attend the fun night. Since it was the first significant snow storm of the winter I know some families decided not to venture out. However the folks that did brave the elements and made it had a great time. Children made eye patches, treasure chests, and cool parrots that sat on their shoulders when they were finished. The Recreation Department provided an obstacle course that kids had to crawl, run, and jump through. Our main entertainment of the night was "Captain Tom" who showed the kids what it was like to be a "real pirate" through singing old pirate songs, doing different pirate jigs, and of course showing off his treasure chest full of gold. Bonnie Stewart, the Maclure Librarian and myself would like to thank Otter Valley students Megan Bradley, Stephanie Grimes, Carl Maxham, and Ray Shortsleeves who helped out to make this program a success. On Friday, February 9, 2007 the Pittsford Recreation Department & the Brandon Recreation Department co-sponsored our annual Valentine Teen Dance at the VT Police Academy. 246 teens in grades 7-10 participated in this event. I'd like to thank the parent chaperones who volunteered to take time out of their busy schedules, to help us keep a watchful eye during the dance. Thanks to Michael Balch, Dr. Joe Corbett, David & Marie Fitzgerald, Kelly Giard, Linda Hunt, Rob Ketcham, Christine Maseroni, Patty Morale, Susan Nordmeyer, Lorna & Mark Poljacik, Tom Shannon, and Kathy Shortsleeves. I'd also like to thank John D'Esposito for coordinating the police officers we have present at each of our teen dances at no cost to the Recreation Departments. These officers are sponsored by the Rutland County START (Stop Teen Alcohol Risk Team) in an effort to help bring about healthy, drug and alcohol-free fun activities for the area kids. Thank you to Brandon Police Officer Ben Herrick, the Otter Valley Resource Officer, who was present to provide an extra layer of security. And finally, on Sunday, February 11, 2007 the Pittsford Recreation Department in conjunction with the Pittsford Trails Committee co-sponsored our fifth annual Winter Celebration at the Caldwell Trail. Participants of all ages were invited to get outdoors and enjoy an afternoon of exercise and fun with family and friends. Participants could take a guided or unguided tour on cross country skis or snowshoes through the meadows that meander along Otter Creek and Furnace Brook. There was sledding available for the kids (and the kids at heart). Folks enjoyed plenty of free hot dogs, brownies, and hot chocolate while standing next to the bonfire to keep warm. Thank you to Ernest & Mary Lou Brod, Bruce Faulkner, Allen Hitchcock, Baird & Betsy Morgan, and Beth Saradarian who volunteered their time, and expertise, to make sure everyone had a memorable experience. Our first session of Kapalu Yoga is already finished. The six week program was shaved just to five nights due to a wintry storm that left Pittsford under a coating of ice on Jan. 15 and I had to cancel the program for the evening. A make up date was not possible due to school vacation therefore participants who pre-paid the entire amount will be given a credit to our second session of Kapalu Yoga in March or any other recreation program. Over the five sessions, the program averaged 7 participants per class which was ideal for the size of the Maclure Library basement. The second session is scheduled to take place at the Lothrop gym and is able to accommodate many more participants which has already reached its minimum number of 6 needed to run the class.
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