Town of Pittsford, Vermont

Recreation Director's Report

November 6, 2008

It's hard to believe fall is nearly over. The bright colors of September and October have come and gone. The Halloween ghosts and goblins are peacefully resting until next year, and now even the much anticipated elections are behind us.

The fall is a busy time of year for the Recreation Department. Youth soccer games, the Pittsford Pumpkin Party, the Halloween Teen Dance, and the Senior Luncheons are just a few items that has kept the Recreation Department active.

            On Saturday, October 18, the Recreation Department and the Maclure Library co-sponsored our seventh annual Pittsford Pumpkin Party at the Recreation Area. Approximately 200 people attended which shattered our previous high of 140 that we had in 2007. It's remarkable to me how many folks attended this a hour and one half event. The last two years we've had absolutely fantastic autumn mornings to host our event. The sun was shining and temperature began cool & crisp and warmed throughout the event. Secondly I was able to advertise our program in the Town of Pittsford Newsletter that went out to residents just a couple weeks before. As I said time after time, it helps the Recreation Department when the newsletter is consistently being published 3 to 4 times a year and is mailed to every Pittsford residence. Thank you to Mark Winslow and his family for donating approximately 100 sugar pumpkins for the event. Children like to be able to "hunt" for their "own" favorite pumpkin and decorate it they way they see fit. Its always interesting to me to see the unique and interesting creations the kids minds come up with. Back by popular demand Hocus Pocus Magic Show (Blaine Goad) did a show which helped keep kids engaged throughout the entire event. People enjoyed his jokes and magic tricks, but most of all they liked the "real rabbit" he made disappear. Families also enjoyed going on a real hay wagon ride. I'd like to say thank you to Allen Hitchcock for donating the use of his wagon. Also thanks to Rob Ketcham who volunteered his time to drive the Recreation Department's Kubota that pulled the hay ride around. Thank you to the Pittsford Lions Club for allowing us to borrow their popcorn maker. Everyone enjoyed eating fresh popped corn.

            On Friday, October 24, the Recreation Department and the Brandon Recreation Department co-sponsored our annual Halloween Teen Dance at the VT Police Academy. This year's dance was very successful with 172 teens (7-10 graders) attending, some of which were dressed in costume. I'd 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 evening went smoothly, and teens had a fun and safe time. Thank you to the parents who volunteered to chaperone. I appreciate the fact that Pittsford parents have been so willing to volunteer to help when asked. I'd like to thank the parent chaperones who volunteered to take time out of their schedules to help us keep a close watch on everything. Thanks to Kyri Cimonette, Scott Eugair, Kelly Giard, Rob Ketcham, Christine Maseroni, Lorna & Mark Poljacik, and Mark Winslow. I'd also like to extend a "special" thank you to Kathy Shortsleeves & Laurie Hemple for doing another fantastic job with the concession stand. I'm thankful, as are the teens, for the services they provide to the event. Thank you to 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's 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 Rutland City Police Officer Michael Nesshoever who was present that night to provide an extra layer of security. Time after time these officers have done an outstanding job assisting us and I want to let everyone know that we appreciate it. Our next teen dance is the Holiday Freeze and is scheduled for Friday, December 5.

On Thursday, October 23 (the 4^th Thursday of the month), "Pittsford Seniors" sponsored their third monthly luncheon at the VT Police Academy. 37 seniors pre-registered and took advantage of the program. Each luncheon features a keynote speaker. State Representative Peg Flory, and her opponent in the recent election Ellen Garneau, each spoke about why they wanted to be our State Representative and fielded questions from the gallery. The Sr. Luncheons are meant to give local seniors a nutritious meal at an affordable price ($4.50 for people 60 and older & $6.00 for everyone else) so they can get out socialize with neighbors and friends. The next monthly luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, November 20 @ 1:00 pm. Keynote speaker will be Lt. Notte, VT State Trooper Station Commander, Rutland. (*Note due the holidays the November & December luncheons will happen a week earlier than normally scheduled.) The Pittsford Recreation Department and the Pittsford Seniors are sponsoring a bus trip to the Paramount Theatre to see the Vermont Symphony Orchestra: "HOLIDAY POPS" (Festive Music of the Season). This show takes place on Sunday afternoon December 14 at 3:00 pm. The fee is just $10.00 (includes transportation by "The Bus" & admission to the Paramount).

On Saturday, November 22, 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.

On Saturday, December 13, The Pittsford Recreation Department and the Sugar Hollow Sno Mads (Pittsford's Snowmobile Club) will co-sponsor a State of VT Snowmobile Safety Course at the Pittsford Fire Station. This class is mandatory for anyone who wishes to operate a snowmobile in VT and was born after 1983. This will be the 5^th year in a row and 6^th time in seven 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 riders be taught the proper laws, and techniques that govern the snow highways.

Over the past several weeks, the Recreation Department has been working on putting the youth basketball program together. We are expecting a large number of participants in our 1^st - 4^th grade program this winter and have tried to plan accordingly. Like last season the first graders will have its own co-ed team that will have it's own coaches and practice times. The second graders will work exactly the same way as the first graders, they will have their own coaches and separate practice times. The third graders will have its own boys team and its own girls team. The fourth graders will have a boys team as well as a girls team. Since we have the numbers to split the third and forth grade teams both the fourth grade teams will begin the first week December, a month earlier than normal.

            Along with the basketball program I've also been busy putting together a proposed Budget and Capital Budget Plan for FY 2010. I presented these plans to the Select Board at their regularly scheduled meeting on November 5.

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