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I can't believe that we're at the end of another year. Time certainly seems to pass by quicker and quicker each year. Happy Holidays to every one who has supported the Recreation Department in one way or another over the last year. I would like to thank all the organizations, the individuals, & the parents who have donated their time, their expertise, and/or their resources so that the residents of Pittsford could reap the benefits. Just as importantly, I'd also like to thank the countless number of volunteers who help out and assist the Recreation Department. Volunteers are the key component to the success or failure of just about every program that the Recreation Department has to offer. As the Recreation Director I depend a great deal on these wonderful people to facilitate the programs we offer and I would like to make sure they know how much I appreciate what they do by saying "thank you, thank you very much." Finally, I would like to recognize the Recreation Committee for their assistance and support they provide throughout the entire year. As I've said before, many of the programs, classes, and events could not have been planned, offered, or sponsored without the assistance and support of the Recreation Committee. On Sunday, December 2, the Recreation Department held its 10th Annual "Caroling on the Green" event on the Village Green. For the fifth year in a row the Recreation Department held this event in conjunction with the Pittsford Lions Club and their 19th annual lighting of the Memory Tree. We had a great evening to sing carols, it was snowing lightly as a significant snow storm was moving into the area. Folks joined us around the fire to sing carols, and "light" the Memory Tree. After the tree lighting ceremony everyone was invited back to Fellowship Hall at the Congregational Church to enjoy dessert treats and hot chocolate. I'm pleased to inform you that we had +30 people attend this year's event which was down some from the previous years. December marks the beginning of another basketball season for the Lothrop School and the Recreation Department. Lothrop 5th/6th teams will practice the month of December and games will begin after the New Year. New this winter the Recreation Department also began the two 4th grade teams at this same time. Normally the Recreation Department's Youth Basketball program for grades 1- 4 begin in early January. However because of an increase in participants in the 3rd & 4th grades we were able to split the 4th graders from the 3rd and the 4th graders began in early December just like the older teams. The 1st, 2nd, and two 3rd grade teams will begin Saturday, January 5 and will run the next six Saturday mornings ending on February 9. Registration for the Youth Basketball closes on Friday, December 15, but so far numbers are pretty near to what I expected. The 1st & 2nd grade programs are designed to teach kids some basic skills and to give them an opportunity to be on the court side by side with teammates. New for 2008 the 3rd graders will be at a interesting transition level this season of practicing old drills and learning new skills in practice, and applying what they learn in their games. The 4th grade teams will be a little more advanced with higher expectations. At this level they work a little harder and longer on skill development. They at the same time will need to start to learn and understand positioning on the court because they do play games also. On Friday, December 7, the Brandon and Pittsford's Recreation Departments co-sponsored the Holiday Teen Dance at the VT Police Academy. This was the second year that we held a dance in December (this same dance was scheduled for December 2005, but a fast moving storm dumped about 6" of snow on the day of the dance and we had to cancel the event). It was a successful dance with 176 teens attending. December is understandably a very busy time of year for everybody and Otter Valley had some activities of their own taking place at the same time that most likely cut into our attendance some. Our participants had a wonderful time and really seemed to enjoy themselves. I'd like to thank the many volunteers who helped make the event go smoothly. Thanks to Kathleen Ramsay, Kathy Roberts, Jean Corbett, Jennifer Shannon, Kyri & Michael Cimonette, and Mark Winslow who all helped out as chaperones. Thank you to Kathy Shortsleeves & Laurie Hemple for administrating the concession table. For the first time in over 10 years the Recreation Department had to find someone to run the table. Previously April Hutchins & her family ran it for us. She was certainly missed however the show went on without any problems or concerns. And finally a special thanks goes out to June Kelly and the VT Police Academy for allowing use to use the fantastic space that they have. The Town of Pittsford is fortunate to have such a generous relationship with the State of VT as they're getting more stringent with their policies of who can use it and who cannot. |
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