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2001 ... 'J ~c~\~~{) ~ \. t ~\ 10'N. Town of Wappinger Recreation Annual Report 2001 Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission Chainnan Ralph 1. Holt Members James Chappas Joseph Ennesser Ronald Friedman Ellen Korz Stephen Miller Joanne Vazquez Director Steve Lowery Senior Citizen Director Kathi DeLisa Secretary Peggy Roe Maintenance Director Steve Tompkins Town Supervisor Constance O. Smith T own Board Joseph Ruggiero Joseph Paoloni Robert Val dati Vincent Bettina Town Clerk Gloria Morse 2001 Annual Program Report Programs: Boys and Girls Basketball (Summer and Winter) Boys and Girls Gymnastics (Winter) Adult Volleyball (FaIVWinter/Spring) Summer Volleyball (Summer) Tennis Instruction (Spring/Summer) Schlathaus Race (Fall) Summer Concert Series (Summer) Family Fun Night Program (Summer) Christmas Tree Lighting (Winter) Aerobics (Fall/Winter/Spring) Easter Egg Hunt (Spring) Halloween Parade (Fall) Summer Playground/Swim Program (Summer) Senior Citizens Program (On-going) Bus Trips (Throughout the year) General Recommendations for next year: 1. More advertising of our programs. We should use different mediums to get our message out 2. Explore the possibilities for more teen programs (13-17 years of age) 3. Expand our bus trips to different events (Broadway Shows, overnight package deals, etc.) 4. Explore the possibilities for and after-school program. The Programs Boys and Girls Basketball-Winter Age range--7 to 12 year olds Director (s)-Chris Iverson, Diana Rossetti, Erin Prunty Location-Sheafe Road Elementary School Cost--$15 Description-The program ran Saturday mornings from early January to the end of March from lOam to 12 Noon. The program contained between 20-- 45 youngsters on the average. Recommendations for 2002- I still feel that the Age group should be reduced to 11. There is a feeling of a large gap between 7 and 12 year oIds. Boys and Girls Gymnastics-Winter Age range-7 to 12 year olds. Director (s)-Art Goldner, Robin Hassett Location-Myers Comers Road Elementary School Cost--$15 Description-The program ran Saturday mornings from early January to early May. Many experienced gymnastic instructors aided the directors. The program remained popular (Enrollment was 85). This was down from the previous year's enrollment; however, it was a manageable number. Recommendations for 2002-Nothing significant should change. We really do need our own facility so we don't have to rely on the schools. Boys and Girls Basketball Program-Summer Age Range-7 to 12 year old Director (s)-- James Cancelleri, and Matt Sherer. Location-Sheafe Road Elementary School Cost --$15 Description-The one week summer program ran from July 9 to July 13. 2 returning staff members ran the program. 35 people signed up from the program, which focused on drills, fundamentals, scrimmage games, and instructional techniques for playing basketball. This number was up from 2000 Recommendations for 2002-1 recommend we use Sheafe Road Elementary School again, due to the cooperation with Mr. Miller. Adult Volleyball Director-Walter Leczinski Location-Myers Comers Road Elementary School Cost--$15 Description-The program completed in May of 200 1, and restarted on October 2,2001 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Walter participates, and directs the 55 participants that attend the program each Tuesday. RecoI,Illllendations for 2002- The recreation department is fortunate enough to have a director like Walter. Again, more of an effort should be made to pay him more so we can continue to have his services. Summer Volleyball Director-Walter Leczinski Location-Sand Volleyball Courts, Monfort Road. Description-This is an outdoor program that runs from late June to early August on Thursday evenings. Turnout was between 15--40 participants. Recommendations for 2002-Again, lights should be added to the volleyball courts to accommodate residents who work late, and wish to participate in our program. Schlahtaus Race-October 6, 2001 Director-Linda Stowe, Mid-Hudson Road Runners club Location-Schlathaus Park Description-This was the 22nd annual race sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club. The race was in 2 parts: 5k run for adults, and a 1 mile pumpkin run for the children. This year, 62 adults participated in the race. Winners of the race received atrophy, which were purchased from ABC awards this year. Each child that raced received a pumpkin courtesy of Meadowbrook farms. Recommendations for 2002- We should continue our funding for this race. We should continue to use ABC awards that had the trophies well in advance of the race, and were cooperative to deal with. Summer Concert Series Director-Steve Lowery Location-Schlathaus Park Dates-June 28-August 2 Description-The concert series began with a rainout on the first night. Scheduled to perform was Vinnie Bo and Final touch. Weather was not a factor this year for the concerts. Also, performing this year was: Thunder Ridge, Hot Rod Band, Hearts/Desire and the Harvest Band, George Fletcher and the Handsome Men, and the Klassics. Recommendations for 2002-More concerts will be held this year. I feel that we should try to run some concerts on alternate Sunday afternoons in the summer to attract more people to our great concert series! Family Fun Night Program Director-Steve Lowery Location-Schlathaus Park Dates-July 6 to August 3, 2001 Description-Program was held on Friday nights, at 7:30pm. It featured entertainers who were family orientated. On the last 2 dates, a movie projector and screen were rented. After the performance on these last 2 occasions, a children's movie was shown on the stage at Schlathaus. The performers were: Steve Max the Simon Sez Guy, Mr. Bullhorn Glen Super, Steve Johnson's Magic Show, and Ken Spano the Yo-Yo Man. Ned Gelfars the Family comedian was cancelled due to rain. The turn out this year was better than last year. For Glen Super, we averaged close to 250 people. Recommendations for 2002More advertising should go into this program, and word of mouth should help the attendance in 2002. Recreation Guide Director-Steve Lowery Description-This was the development of the Town of Wappinger Recreation's 2nd recreation guide. The guide contained information on all of our programs throughout 2001 The guide cut down the number of phone calls the department received about various events. Recommendations for 2002-Again, the guide should be more "user" friendly. It should contain more graphics, larger font, and shorter paragraphs (information) on our programs. '. Family Fun Night Program Winter/Fall 2001 Director-Steve Lowery Description-This was new to the recreation department in 200 1. We had a show on February 23,2001 at 'Wappingers Junior High School, March 31, 2001 at Roy C. Ketcham High School, and October 19,2001 at Wappingers Junior High School. The February show featured Steve Johnson's magic and Ned Gelfars the Family Comedian, the March show featured Paul Veneir, and the October program featured Steve Max and Ned Gelfars. The fIrst 2 shows had attendance close to 100. October's show had 35 people. This low turnout could be due to the national tragedy of September 11, 2001. Recommendation for 2002- These programs should continue into the fall of 2002. I recommend we continue to use Wappingers Junior High School because of its ideal location, and performer friendly venue. Special Concert October 21,2001 jointly with the Town of East Fishkill Recreation. Description-This was a free fall concert offered to the residents of both the Town of East Fishkill, and the Town of Wappinger. The goal of the concert was to uplift the residents due to the September 11,2001 tragedy. Bob Martinson, a local band, donated his services for the afternoon. The program was free, and did not cost the town's anything. Bus Trips Director-Steve Lowery Dates-Various Description-This year we took trips to the following locations: Mohegan Sun (Spring and Fall), Foxwoods, the Yankee-Met Game, Cooperstown, and the Radio City Christmas Show. A theme park trip was cancelled due to low turn out, and a Do what you wish day to NYC was cancelled due to security Issues. Recommendations for 20021n 2002 we will again expand our bus trips to accommodate more residents, as well as, engage in different events. Christmas Tree Lighting--December 22001 Location-Schlathaus Park Description-- This year's tree lighting was held in warm conditions. The Hudson Valley Council Band provided entertainment. The New Hackensak Fire Company delivered Santa Claus in one of their fIre tracks. Town supplied smiley ornaments and apples while the Wappingers Soccer Club and Little League supplied candy for the children. We had many volunteers who served donuts, cider, and hot chocolate to the people. Connie Smith lit the tree at 5:45pm. This was the biggest turnout to date! Approximately 500 people attended the event. Recommendations for 2002--1 recommend we re-hire the Hudson Valley Council Band again. Halloween Party-October 27,2001 Location: Schlathaus Park Description--14th Annual Halloween party was held under winter-like conditions. We had a total of 50 children attend the party. Prizes were awarded in various categories and judged by Connie Smith, Elaine Snowden, and Sylvia Holt. Refreshments included: Cider, Donuts, and Candy supplied by the Town of Wappinger Soccer Club, and the Town of Wappinger Little League. Prizes were donated by: Wendy's, Hudson Valley Renegades, Video Update, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Fun Central, Party city, Subway, and Eddies Gourmet Pizza. We had a new entertainer perform for the children this year. Ellen Korz, and Joanne Vasquez did a wonderful job in coordinating the event. Recommendations for 2002- The program needs to be moved back to a Sunday setting. We should consider the use of Myers Comers Road Elementary School because the event is usually cold. Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 7, 2001 Location: Schlathaus Park Description-This was the Recreation Department's third Egg hunt. We learned from our previous year's mistakes by limiting the number of eggs, and having an area for late comers. Recommendations for 2002- We should keep the program as is. We have successfully dropped the age group, and have worked out the problems with late comers. The recreation department should be commended for another successful year. Our programs have expanded, and have reached a variety of residents. We should continue another successful year in 2002. Respectfully submitted, Steve Lowery Town of Wappinger Recreation Director TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 2001 REPORT Kimberly Allen Summer Program Director Clare Rottkamp Assistant Director Town of Wappinger Summer Day Camp Program The 2001 summer day camp program ran for seven weeks, beginning on Monday, June 25 and ending on Friday, August 10. The four camps, Castle Point, Martz Field, Quiet Acres, and Spook Hill were open daily from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The total number of children registered was 555. The average daily attendance was 248. Participants were charged for the camp program only. The charge was $30.00 for the first child, and $20.00 for each additional child in the family. Each child also received a free tee shirt. Planned events/Trips Each camp attended the following trips for the summer of 200 1: · Four trips to Splashdown · Movies · Bowling trips · Two Trips to Fun Central 223 Children attended the end of the year picnic at Schlathaus Park. Activities that were held at the individual camps are discussed in more detail in each camp's summary. ? 2001Town ofWappin2;er Recreation Staff Summer Program Director: Assistant Director: Kimberly Allen Clare Rottkamp Castle Point Director: Director: Counselors: Martz Field Director: Director: Counselors: Quiet Acres Director: Director: Director: Counselors: Spook Hill Director: Director: Counselors: Courtney McDonnell Chad Waxman Mike Brown, Lisa Ciesluk, Nicole Dohrenwend, Melissa Graff Jason J utt Kimberly Holley Patricia Borbon, Catherine Chappas, Heather Crawford, Erika Ditton, Elizabeth Emard, David Felipe, Bobby Joe Haas, Dawn Haas, Chris Jones, Rob Morano, Andrew Nikola, Nicolette Rabadi, Andrew Rose, Matthew Scherer, Alexandra Turchioe Stephanie Schifini Michael Jutt Eric Kedzielawa Erin Clausson, Chrissy Emanuel, Jessica Francis, Allison Fusaro, Stephanie Habich, Nicole Kokiasmenos, David Rush, Rich Senerchia, Sharyn Wacht, Tara Winters Jaclyn Smith Christopher Miller Nora Bitting, Inara Coleman, Darrell Flynn, David Kedzielawa, Steven Lewis, Jillian Marro, Robert Montrose, Diana Rossetti, Jill Smith, Kristen Slocum, Mary Sullivan 1 Planned Events/Trips Wappingers Central School's district transportation improved from last year, however there are still numerous misunderstandings with scheduling. There were times when buses failed to arrive on time after being reminded the day before the trip. I recommend that we keep better communication with transportation, or use a different busing company. The directors and counselors, as well as parents and the children were very happy with the trips this year. All four of the camps attended splash down each time it was scheduled this year. This was very beneficial in many ways. It allowed the summer and recreation directors to meet once a week all at the same time. At this time we discussed many different ideas and problems that may have been occurring. This also enabled the summer director to meet with the counselors to discuss any problems, or new procedures. Splashdown was still overbooked. Many directors and counselors complained about this and asked if we would decrease the number of times we attended splashdown. Towards the end of the splashdown trips we received a complaint about counselor behavior. We were told that they were "acting haywire" and in "dangerous matters." We had previously spoken to counselors about splashdown and this behavior is unacceptable. Also, splashdown was not very accommodating to the Wappingers camps this year. They refused to let any counselor or director in without a bracelet, which they needed to pay for. I recommend that we cancel all trips to splashdown for the upcoming summers. Bowling was enjoyed by most this year. There were many requests to go bowling once a week. I would highly recommend this change. Each camp attended Fun Central twice during the summer. The trips ran smoothly and everyone seemed to enjoy him or herself. Like last year, sign-up and money for trips was done in advance. Splashdown had to be paid for by Thursday morning at 11 :00. This way, the recreation director could go to splashdown and get the bracelets. Each camp would then have the bracelets before they arrived at splashdown. This worked very well, and caused less confusion at splashdown. Most of the camps, such as Martz Field and SpookhilI, benefited greatly from this system. Much time was saved on the day of the trip and campers were able to enjoy their outing for longer amounts of time. Some parents were disappointed in this system because they were used to paying on the day of the trip, and they could not pay by check. I think that this system works very well, and once parents learn this system, they to will understand its benefits. A letter needs to be ready for the parents when they sign their children up. Also, places such as splashdown preferred being paid all at once by either Steve Lowery or myself. When the procedure was done correctly, there was minimal confusion. This topic needs to be addressed before camp starts next year so that everyone understands the procedure. New activities that camps would like to see implemented next year include: roller- skating, Dairy Queen, Renegades game and visiting other camps. Although some of these 4 suggestions may not be within our means, others are worth considering. Games/Supplies/Equipment The directors' recommendation for additions to our inventory of games includes more board games, checkers and cards. The camps this year had parachutes, and were given brand new balls. This year each camp received an air pump. The directors were very thankful to have their own. This year we did not have an arts and craft director. I think that it would be to our benefit to have one next year. I think that the children really benefit from having arts and crafts with one director. It is important to have a schedule made up for the arts and crafts director before he/she begins so that director spends an equal amount of time at each camp. It's important for the summer program director and floater director to keep an assorted stock of cleaning supplies, and first-aid supplies in his/her car. This way repeated trips to the same camp in one day could be avoided. Safety The opportunity was provided for several staff members to become certified in CPR and First Aid, free of charge to them, in order to enable us to meet the requirements set by the board of health and to assure proper safety for coverage at each location. Sloper Willen was more than helpful in holding these classes for us in their building. Cleanliness The responsibility of cleaning all the bathrooms falls on the camp staff. I recommended that each director keeps a chart and assign the staff to different days. I suggested that this list be posted. I also held the directors responsible for checking the bathrooms at the end of the day to make sure that were cleaned. It also is the responsibility of the staff mender who is assigned to them that day, to check periodically throughout the day to make sure that everything is okay. This procedure was enforced at all camps and worked very well. I recommended that we keep it for next year. I also recommend that each camp create a supply checklist to be used on a daily bases. This way they can report to the summer director when supplies are running low. " End of the Year Picnic The end of the year picnic requires a certain amount of time and preparation for the four camps to come together and enjoy the day. Stop and Shop was a huge help, as well as maintenance. The recreation staff and council members were terrific with the food preparation. This year we decided to have a carnival theme. Each camp was required to create a carnival game for the children to play. The camps were very creative, and there were lots of games for the children to enjoy. We also rented a dunking booth. The children loved dunking their counselors!! We also had Tippy Canoe come .and make balloons for the kids. Also Steve Max and a yoyo man provided fun entertainment for the children. I recommend hiring them again next year. This year Andrew Nickola from K-l 04 came to provide entertainment for the children. Andrew did a wonderful job as a D.l He provided lots of fun music for the children to enjoy. Also, Renee from the Hudson Valley Renegades came and danced with the children for about a half hour. She had a conga line, performed the Macarena, and danced to the YMCA with the children. They all really enjoyed her, and I suggest asking her as well as Rookie to come back next year. The Lip Sync was changed this year. Each camp had a contest at their sites and chose one winner. These four groups performed their dances at the picnic. The judges then placed each group into a different category, so that everyone won. I highly recommend repeating this procedure next year. General Recommendations General staff attendance this year was poor. I recommend that we do not hire people who need to take a week or more off This year, we implemented a sign-in and sign-out procedure for counselors. Next year, we suggest counselors request any time that they need off to be in writing, in advance to the summer directors. Their request may then either be permitted or denied. We also recommend that we continue to try and make attendance mandatory for the end of the year picnic. Although more in-depth training sessions were held for all staff members this year, the problem arises when many counselors are not available to attend these. Separate training sessions were held for all camp directors prior to camp opening, and I would recommend that this be repeated. I also would suggest that directors meet with their staff to discuss various things. I also think that the summer director should attend these meetings to go over specifics with that camp. These meeting need to have close to 100 percent attendance so that every staff member knows what to do. Attendance should always be taken by name, in addition to total number of children, f\ twice daily. Each staff member was responsible for a specific group of campers whose attendance records he/she was responsible for keeping. Martz Field carried out a new plan last year that worked very well so they used it again. Three people were on sign up duty for one week, while the other counselor's supervised the children. Those three counselors were the only ones that could sit at the table to sign children in. Since there are so many people at this camp, this caused less confusion. These same three people also signed the children out at the end of the day, and also throughout the day. I recommend that Martz Field carry this plan out again next year. Martz Field continued with their procedure for field trips, which worked out really well. They assigned two people to collect and handle field trip money for the whole year. These were the only two people who could collect the money. This saved a lot of confusion of who paid whom and who did not. Also, the parents were aware of whom to give the money to. This worked once again this year. This year each camp and the summer directors received Nextel cell phones. This has been the best improvement for the camps. The cell phones provided instant communication between all of the camps. I highly recommend that we keep these phones. I recommend that we continue to use the colored tee shirts to each registered camper and that it be mandatory that they wear it for each trip. I also recommend that all the tee shirts be the same color for all four camps. 7 New Policies This year we the town implemented many new procedures for the camps. Instead of the usual six locations, we opened four camps. We found this to be a huge improvement. We believe that as a result of the low numbers at Robinson Lane, and Evans, this was a great idea. We also think that communication was easier and we spend many more hours at the four camps. Another big change for the camps was keeping them open during field trips. Although there were a low number of children who came on those days, there were fewer parent complaints about field trips. We also think that attendance will improve in the coming years. For safety precaution this year, we had each camp ill any adult that came to the camp. We thought that this was a great idea, and parents seemed to agree. We think that this procedure created a positive image of our camps. 1? Castle Point Staff: Courtney McDonnell Chad Waxman Mike Brown Lisa Ciesluk Nicole Dohrwend Melissa Graff Director Director 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Total Registration: Average Daily Attendance 88 50 57 23 84 34 85 45 52 36 Special Events included: "Brain Buster," Survivor, Candle Making, Water Days, and Face Painting. Recommendations: I was very impressed with the staff at this camp. The directors, as well as the counselors were very responsible and provided a safe environment for the children. As a result, there were hardly any complaints from parents. I recommend hiring the same staff next year. Towards the end of the year, they closed the gate to the entrance of camp, which should be done all summer next year. The staff of 5 was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in attendance daily. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. R Martz Field Staff: Jason Jutt Kimberly Holley Patricia Borbon Catherine Chappas Heather Crawford Elizabeth Emard Bobby Joe Haas Dawn Haas Erika Ditton David Felipe Chris Jones Rob Morano Andrew Nicola Nicolette Rabadi Andrew Rose Matthew Schrer Alexandra Turchioe Director Director 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Total Registration: 183 Average Daily Attendance: 81 204 94 235 107 231 93 201 75 Special Events included Tie-Dye Day, McDonalds Day, Pizza Day, Carnival Day, World Cup Soccer Day, and Face Painting Day. Recommepdations: Martz Field needs to continue to be patrolled after hours. Although there were no incidents this year, in the past years campers have found drug paraphernalia, which were left behind after camp hours. I would also recommend that staff walk around before campers get there and check the camp. The staff of 16 was more than enough for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we decrease the numbers of employees at this location. <) Quiet Acres Staff: Stephanie Schifini Michael Jutt Eric Kedzielawa Erin Clausson Chrissy Emanuel Jessica Francis Allison Fusaro Stephanie Habich Nicole Kokiasmenos David Rush Rich Senerchia Sharyn Wacht Tara Winters Director Director Director Total Registration: Average Daily Attendance: 2001 158 66 2000 137 72 1999 141 57 1998 135 61 1997 118 53 Special Events included Halloween in August, McDonald's Day, Candy Hunt, Peanut Hunt, and Tie-Dye Day. Recommendations: I recommend that this location continue to be patrolled after hours since this is a rather remote area. Broken glass was found last year, as well as some graffiti. The staff or 13 was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain only seven employees at this location for 2002. 1() Spook Hill Staff: Jaclyn Smith Director Chris Miller Director Nora Bitting Inara Coleman Darrell Flynn David Kedzielawa Steven Lewis J illian Marro Robert Montrose Diana Rossetti Kristin Slocum Jill Smith Mary Sullivan Total Registration: Average Daily Attendance: 2001 130 51 2000 118 47 1999 176 54 1998 174 72 1997 144 58 Recommendations: There were some vandalism problems this year. The location still needs to be patrolled after hours. This camp had few problems. The biggest problem was counselors staying together and not playing with the children. Jackie handled this very well and wrote this in their evaluations. Steve Lowery, Clare Rottkamp, and I met with each of the counselors individually to discuss their evaluations. The situation was handled professionally and problems were eliminated. The staff of 8 was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain seven or eight employees at this location for 2001. 11