Recreation
Committee Meeting – March 29, 2006
Present: Denise Brennan, Mike Prevoznik, Dede Conlan, Bob Wilson, Catherine Bakewell (student representative), Celia Flynn, Mike Davies
Absent: Peter Holmberg, Debbie Bednar, James Smith, Ed Kubliski, Scott Richards, Louise Davis
Minutes: The minutes of the February 21, 2006 were approved.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Easter Egg Hunt: Due to the fact that Spring Vacation falls just prior to Easter many on the Commission will be out of town during the scheduled Easter Egg Hunt. Denise will send out an email requesting all hands on deck for anyone available to help. Denise purchased 1,000 stuffed eggs for the hunt and Michelle Dietrick and Katie Happer from MLHS will dress up in the large bunny costumes this year. Other MLHS students will help out as well and are to arrive at 12:30 for set up. This event is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00, Saturday, April 8th. A volunteer is still needed to pick up hot chocolate and coffee from Starbucks at 12:00. Milk will need to be supplied (usually about two gallons for coffee and to cool hot chocolate). Cookies will be dropped off by MLHS student volunteers who will also lead some games and face painting for the young children. Denise has made a flyer that will go out to both Wildwood and local preschools in the area.
Trout Derby: The lake will be stocked with fish on April 21st, Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm. The Derby will take place the next morning from 8:00 to 12:00. Admission is $10.00 per family, which is the same as last year. All is in place for this event.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
New Programs:
YOUTH GOLF: This is a new program that will now be available to Mountain Lakes students (K – 8th graders) and will be offered county wide. The program works in cooperation with the Morris County Park Commission, Public Golf courses and Golf training Facilities. Denise distributed a flyer regarding the program that explains many of the details. Both clinics and some competition will be available. The Mountain Lakes training facility will be in Wayne at the Willowbrook Golf Center. This is a wonderful feeder program for the MLHS golf team. We do not need to supply funding only publicity announcing the program to our local youths.
TRI-TOWN TENNIS: This is a new program that will be offered for 6th – 9th graders in Mountain Lakes, Boonton and Boonton Township. Tennis courts in all three towns will be utilized and Bill Gaitlin (coach of the MLHS team) is organizing. He is providing instructors and court time. Denise presented the idea of using a punch card for tennis court use. The members of the Commission agreed this is good idea to monitor local court use by participants. Again, this will help support the MLHS tennis team by instructing younger athletes interested in the sport. Old tennis program led by Joe Hollis will also be available. Hollis is now contributing a fee to cover insurance expenses for this program.
Ongoing Programs:
USA SOCCER: Soccer program for young children ages 3 – 5 (Squirts) will be held at Taft field during April break and the summer months.
MULTI-SPORT CAMP: This camp program will run out of Midvale field from Tuesday – Friday the week after Labor Day. They will present 15 or so different sports during the 4 day camp. A variety of sports from around the world (Bocchi, Rugby, Cricket and others) will be offered. The Recreation Commission will receive $10.00 a camper.
MIDVALE FIELD: This field will be closed from June to mid-August to rest in preparation for fall sports.
MOVIE NIGHTS: Denise will speak to local businesses hoping to find some funding for this event.
COACHES CLINICS: These clinics will be well attended. They will be held March 30th (12 have signed up), March 31st (15 signed up) and April 5th (16 signed up). Denise distributed an “Athletic Parent Code of Conduct” for the Commission to review and provide comments.
CHILI COOK-OFF: This event was a grand success and a lot of fun for all those who attended. The evening brought together many individuals who haven’t always had events focused on their attendance. Media coverage was excellent as well and plans are to have it be an annual event for area residents.
YOGA ON THE BEACH: This is a new program that will be introduced in June. Twice a week, from 7:00 to 8:00 am Denise has organized an instructor to teach Yoga at Island Beach. Commission members were very enthusiastic about this new program.
SUMMER RECREATION: Denise is working hard organizing this program. Applications for counselors will be due April 18th. Many supportive activities such as “The Lizard Guy”, “Puppets on a String”, Bowling and a Magician have been programmed by Denise. She is continuing to investigate activities that will be exciting for the campers. Two parent nights are tentatively scheduled to distribute information. Dede will instruct First Aid to counselors and Denise will schedule additional training sessions to address rules and conduct. This year’s program will run from June 26th to Aug 11th.
Other Business:
FACILITIES TOUR: The Commission will hold this tour either April 30th or 23rd.
THE LAKELAND A’S: Will not be held at Birchwood this summer as originally scheduled.
NEXT
MEETING: APRIL 18, 2006 – 7:00 PM DPW BUILDING