Recreation Director’s Report
March 18, 2013
On Wednesday, February 20, 2013 the Recreation Department sponsored a School Break Fun Day program. Usually during the February school vacations, the Recreation Department sponsors fun and exciting field trips in order to get children out of the house to engage in some social interaction and to participate in some type of physical activity. We had 24 (1st – 6th grade) students who went “indoor rock climbing” with us at the Green Mountain Climbing Center in the morning. After lunch, the group enjoyed an afternoon of swimming in the Mitchell Therapy Pool at VAC.
On Friday, March 1, 2013, the Pittsford Recreation Department and the Maclure Library hosted our last Family Fun Night of the winter, over 58 people attended. The theme for this Family Fun Night was “Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Each event is held at the Vermont Police Academy. Family Fun Nights are designed for our local families with children in the third grade and younger. The Maclure Library supplies the wonderful art & craft projects. The Recreation Department is in charge of providing physical activities and games for families to take part in, such as “Giant Connect Four, Checkers, Chess, & Dart Ball”. Family Fun Nights are a fun way for the kids to burn-off some of their built up energy and allows parents to socialize a bit.
Sunday, March 3, 2013 the Recreation Department began its fifth season of the Learn to ski & snowboard program at the Middlebury Snow Bowl. Nineteen students of various ages and skill levels are participating in this four week program. The program is designed for around thirty students. (16-2012, 22-2011, 30-2010, 30-2009, & 23-2008). Students are divided in small groups based on skill level and each week will receive a one hour lesson from a Snow Bowl instructor. After each class the students have 2 hours to ski or ride. The kids who can demonstrate to their instructors that they are chair lift ready are given passes which allows them to ride a lift up and work on refining the skills they have learned as they descend the mountain. The remaining students, or beginners, continue to practice their stopping and turning in the “Discovery Zone” (a.k.a. bunny slope). This year 13 of 19 participants are at the beginner level. Unlike last season when we had no real beginners. It’s rewarding to see how much these kids have improved during the 4-week program. The goal for everyone is that by the end of the four weeks each and every child will be proficient enough to ride a chairlift up the mountain and ski or ride down a beginner trail in a controlled manner. The Snow Bowl instructors have been very professional working with our group. They have a great deal of knowledge and are able to pass that on to our skiers & riders. In 2012 the Snow Bowl program ran 3 out 4 weeks due to the mild winter and participants were refunded for the fourth week. This year the Middlebury Snow Bowl (and Pico too) have mid-season snow coverage top to bottom on most of their trails.
On Friday, March 8, 2013 the Pittsford Recreation Department & the Brandon Recreation Department co-sponsored our annual Valentine Teen Dance at the VT Police Academy. This was rescheduled to March due to a winter storm that hit our area on February 8. One hundred thirty-eight (138) teens in grades 7-10 participated in this event. I’d like to thank the parents and other chaperones who volunteered to take time out of their busy schedules, to help us keep a watchful eye during the dance. Thanks to Becky Allen, Carlo & Vicky Falco, Melissa Felkl, Pamela Jones, Heather McDonough, Dawn McKay, Laurie Pelkey, and Tina Wiles. Thank you to Kathy Shortsleeves who did a fantastic job running the concession stand. I must also 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 OV-SRO- Ann Bandy, who was present to provide an extra layer of security.
The next Teen Dance is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2013. Through the efforts of Brandon Recreation Director, Bill Moore the event will take place at THE BRANDON TOWN HALL. Be on the lookout for more details as the date gets closer. We’re excited to be able to offer this program in a different location. It will be set up with the same safety measures that we use now such as parents must be present to sign-in and sign out their kids, etc…We will need volunteer chaperones to help out that night too, please contact Bill or myself if you’re interested.
On Thursday, February 28, 2013 the Recreation Department and the “Pittsford Seniors” sponsored our monthly senior luncheon at the VT Police Academy. On this particular date the Pittsford Seniors Luncheon program served its 3000th meal since the program began in August 2007. Before folks ate we asked Chef “Bob” Fortin to come out of the kitchen to be recognized by the huge senior’s luncheon crowd. Photos were taken and a few kind words thanking Chef Bob and his kitchen staff were said to celebrate this fine accomplishment. Mr. Fortin was complemented many times for things like preparing great tasting healthy meals that are always made from scratch.
Former Asst. Director, June Kelly who was instrumental in getting the senior luncheon program established at the VT Police Academy was thanked too. She knew how important a senior luncheon program like this would be to the residents of the greater Pittsford area. John Gonyea the current Director of Administration at the VT Police Academy was also mentioned he works closely with the Recreation Department to insure these grass-root programs continue.
The monthly luncheons are meant to give local seniors a nutritious meal at an affordable price ($4.50 donation for people 60 and older & $6.00 for everyone else) so they can get out and socialize with neighbors and friends. The next luncheon is scheduled for March 28, 2013. On menu that day is Lasagna, garlic bread, and carrot cake for dessert. A fresh green salad bar is always available too. All foods are homemade, including the soup, bread, and desserts.
I’m happy to report that the “Safe Sitter” babysitter class has begun another year for the Recreation Department. This interactive program is for 11-13 year old students interested in becoming a “Safe Sitter” babysitter. Participants learn about child care essentials, injury prevention & management and how to care for choking kids.
The annual Pittsford Fishing Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2013,
10 am – Noon at the Smith-Wheeler Pond.
The Pittsford Recreation Department will be sponsoring the AARP Safe Driver Course (formerly “55 –Alive”) on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Pittsford Town Offices. This 4.5 hour course is open to all drivers 50 years old and older. The curriculum addresses the normal physical changes brought on by the aging process, how these changes can affect driving ability and behavior and then offers ways to compensate for those changes. Many insurance companies offer a discount to drivers who have completed the classes. Drivers who have qualified for a discount by taking the course must take a refresher course every 3 years.
During the summer of 2012 the Recreation Department sponsored a three (3) Concert Series at the Pittsford Recreation Area, Omya who sponsored Satin & Steel in 2012 has already agreed to sponsor the Aaron Audett Band on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 for.