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2000 7;; ~ ~ ~ Town of Wappinger Recreation Annual Report 2000 BE.CE.NE.O v\~~ , ~ ?N" 10\NN CLERl< ------ Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission Chairman Ralph J. Holt Members James Chappas Joseph Ennesser Ronald Friedman Ellen Korz Stephen Miller Joanne Vasquez Director Steve Lowery Senior Citizen Director Kathi DeLisa Secretary Peggy Roe Secretary Eileen Manning Maintenance Director Steve Tompkins Town Supervisor Constance O. Smith Town Board Joseph Ruggerio Joseph Paolini Robert Valdati Vincent Bettina Town Clerk Elaine Snowden 2000 Annual Program Report Programs: Boys and Girls Basketball (Summer and Winter) Boys and Girls Gymnastics (Winter) Adult Volleyball (Fall/Winter/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 (FaIVWinter/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 (Construction of a new web-site, Poughkeepsie Journal, etc.) 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. 5. Movement of our summer camp facility in the Hughsonville area. The Programs Boys and Girls Basketball-Winter Age range-7 to 12 year olds Director (s)-Adam Zolotas, David Roberts, 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 200 I-Age group should be reduced to II. There is a feeling ofa large gap between 7 and 12 year olds. 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--$15 Description-- The program ran Saturday mornings from early January to early May. Many experienced gymnastic instructors aided the directors. The program remained popular (Enrollment was 85). This was down from the previous year's enrollment; however, it was a manageable number. Recommendations for 200 I-Nothing significant should change. We really do need our own facility so we don't have to rely on the schools. Boys and Girls Basketball Program-Summer Age Range-7 to 12 year old Director (s)-Garry Haraveth, James Cancelleri, Matt Sherer. Location-Sheafe Road Elementary School Cost--$I5 Description-The one week summer program ran from July 10 to July 14. 2 returning staff members and 1 new member directed the program. 26 people signed up from the program, which focused on drills, fundamentals, scrimmage games, and instructional techniques for playing basketball Recommendations for 200 I-The week may have to change due to the enrollment being down in 2000. We should look at doing this program a week later in 2001. I recommend we use Sheafe Road Elementary School again, due to the cooperation with Mr. Miller. Adult Volleyball Director-Walter Leczinski Location-Myers Corners Road Elementary School Cost--$15 Description-The program completed in May of2000, and restarted on October 2,2000 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Walter participates, and directs the 55 participants that attend the program each Tuesday. Recommendations for 200 I-The recreation department is fortunate enough to have a director like Walter. 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 200 I-Lights should be added to the volleyball courts to accommodate residents who work late, and wish to participate in our program. Schlahtaus Race-October 7, 2000 Director-Linda Stowe, Mid-Hudson Road Runners club Location-Schlathaus Park Description-This was the 21 st 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 a trophy, which were purchased from ABC awards this year. Each child that raced received a pumpkin courtesy of Meadowbrook farms. Recommendations for 200 I-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. Summer Concert Series Director-Steve Lowery Location-Schlathaus Park Dates-June 29-August 11 Description-The concert series began with a rainout on the ftrst night. Scheduled to perform was Vinnie Bo and Final touch. The rain arrived at 6:15 on June 29th, and we were forced to cancel (and pay) the performance. Other concerts who were rained out were Switch in Time, the Hot Rod Band (were re-scheduled), and the West Point Jazz Knights performed in RCK's auditorium. Performers who were able to play on their scheduled nights were Thunder Ridge, The Klassics, and Johnny Dell. Recommendations for 200 I--Gne less concert will be held. Last concert will be on August 2. The week of August 9th is going to be used as a rain date for a show if it is needed. Also, we have seen the last of Switch in Time due to the unprofessional behavior of the band director. Family Fun Night Program (New for 2000) Director-Steve Lowery Location-Schlathaus Park Dates-July 7-August 4 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, Ned Gelfars the Family Comedian, Peter Spink, Robert Rogers the Puppet master. Program averaged 100--150 people on any given Friday night. Recommendations for 200 I-More advertising should go into this program, and word of mouth should help the attendance in 2001. The program will expand to 1 show in the winter. Recreation Guide (New for 2000) Director-Steve Lowery Description-This was the development of the Town of Wappinger Recreation's 1 st ever recreation guide. The guide contained information on all of our programs throughout 2000. The guide cut down the number of phone calls the department received about various events. Recommendations for 200 I-The guide should be more "user" friendly. It should contain more graphics, and shorter paragraphs (information) on our programs. Also, we should have a photo of a recreation event on the cover instead of a graphic. Bus Trips Director-Steve Lowery Dates-Various Description- This year the recreation department expanded on their bus trips from 1999. This year the trips were: March I9-Mohegan Sun Casino, July 8- Yankee Met game at Shea Stadium, August 4-Great Escape Theme Park in Lake George, NY. August 9-Saratoga Raceway, October 22-Mohegan Sun Casino, November I8-Radio City Music Hall Christmas spectacular (2 buses), and December 9-Do what you wish day in NYC (2 buses) Recommendations for 200 I-In 2001, we will again expand our bus trips to accommodate more residents, as well as, engage in different events. Next year we will eliminate the Saratoga Raceway trip due to the fact we didn't fill all of the seats in 2000. The trip will return in 2002. The line-up for next year includes the following: 2 Mohegan Sun Casino Trips, 1 trip to Foxwoods, 1 trip to the Yankee-Met Game, 1 trip to Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame, 1 trip to Agawam, MA (6 flags theme park), 2 trips to NYC for a do what you wish day (1 in the spring, 1 in Dec.), and 1 trip to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular. Christmas Tree Lighting--December 3, 2000 Location-Schlathaus Park Description-- This year's tree lighting was held in cold conditions. The Hudson Valley Council Band provided entertainment. The New Hackensak Fire Company delivered Santa Claus in one of their frre 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. Approximately 250 people attended the event. Recommendations for 2001--1 recommend we re-hire the Hudson Valley Council Band again. Aerobics- Fall-Spring Director- DJ Reese Location: Wappingers Junior High School Description--Program continued until May of2000 and re-started on October 2,2000. Program was held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm. $15.00 fee was charged for each participant. Recommendations for 200 I-No major recommendation, the program is very successful under Mrs. Reese. We could try to pay her more money to make it equal to what aerobic instructors make in Gyms. Also, the program should be moved to 6:45 due to the availability of the instructor. Halloween Party-October 29,2000 Location: Schlathaus Park Description--13th Annual Halloween party was held under winter-like conditions. We had a total of 110 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 2001--1 think we should keep the program as is. We should focus more on advertising the event to gain more people. Also, we should consider another entertainer for the event. Although the clown is good, he does not keep the attention of the children for too long. Easter Egg Hunt Original Date April 9, 2000. Actual Date April 16, 2000 Location: Schlathaus Park Description- The second Easter Egg Hunt was postponed a week due to a freak snowstorm. We learned from our previous year's mistakes by limiting the number of eggs, and having an area for late comers. Recommendations for 200 I-Hold the Egg Hunt on a Saturday instead of Sunday. Sunday at 2pm is difficult for a lot of families. Ifwe try a Saturday, the response may be better. Also, we should cut the age group down to 11. 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 2001. Respectfully submitted, Steve Lowery Town of Wappinger Recreation Director TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 2000 REPORT Kimberly Allen Summer Program Director Town of Wappinger Summer Day Camp Program The 2000 summer day camp program ran for seven weeks, beginning on Monday, June 26 and ending on Friday, August 11. The six camps, Evans, Castle Point, Martz Field, Quiet Acres, Robinson Lane, and Spook Hill were open daily from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The total number of children registered was 603. The average daily attendance was 300. 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 eventsffrips Each camp attended the following trips for the summer of 2000: · Four trips to Splashdown · Movies · Two Bowling trips · Two Trips to Fun Central 334 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. 2000 Town ofWaooineer Recreation Staff Summer Program Director: Floater Director: Kimberly Allen Clare Rottkamp Castle Point Director: Counselors: Evans Director: Counselors: Martz Field Directors: Counselors: Quiet Acres Director: Counselors: Courtney McDonnell Mike Brown, Nicole Dohrwend, Doug Slavati, Courtney Urcioli Meridith Cullen David Kedziewala, Jill Smith, Dina Senerchia, Darryl Flynn, Steve D' Ambrozio, Kim Morris Jason Jutt, Michael Jutt Catherine Chappas, Heather Crawford, Mike Ditton, Christine Higgins, Kim Holley, Jill Marro, Andrew Nikola, Nicolette Rabadi, Vanessa Stawaris, Deena Weissberg Kerri Speary Hope Donohue, Chrissy Emanuel, Liz Emard, Stephanie Habich, Eric Kedzielawa, Nicole Kokiasmenos Robinson Lane Director: Christopher Miller Counselors: Jimmy Chappas, Steven Lewis, Rob Marano, Diana Rossetti, Jessica Saz Spook Hill Director: Counselors: Jacklyn Smith Nora Bitting, Rebecca Caulfield, Lisa Ciesluk, Kevin Horan, David Felipe, Michael Paino, Chad Waxman Planned Eventsffrips Scheduling was tough this year. Wappingers Central School's district was not very reliable this year. The buses failed to show up numerous times, and even caused one camp to miss a field trip. The use of cellular phone helped with communication, but I recommend that we call the bus service the day before a trip. I recommend that the floating director uses a cell phone also. The directors and counselors, as well as parents and the children were very happy with the trips this year. All six 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. Bowling was enjoyed by most this year. There were many requests to go bowling once a week and splashdown only once or twice a month. I would highly recommend this change. This year we added two trips to Fun Central for each camp. Although the counselors do not enjoy this trip, the children all seem to have a great time. Like last year, sign-up and money for trips was done in advance. Splashdown had to be paid for by Monday 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 Spookhill, benefited greatly from this new 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 new 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 place 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 new 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 suggestions may not be within our means, others are worth considering. Games/Supplies/Eq uipmen t The directors' recommendation for additions to our inventory of games include more board games, checkers and cards. The camps this year had parachutes and Robinson Lane now has a basketball hoop. 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. This year a new position was implemented into the program. The Floater Director acted as the Summer Director's assistant. This position worked out really well. Having this position helped when the Summer Director was needed in more than one place. The Floater Director also helped with the ordering of arts and crafts and distributing equipment. The Floater Director was also very helpful when dealing with parents. 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 can 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. Water Evans playground was supplied with bottled water, because there was not an available source of running water at this location. Evans was supplied with enough water for drinking and cleaning. The directors just need to make sure to let us know when the camp had used up more water than usual and needed more right away. 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 new procedure was enforced at all camps and worked very End of the Year Picnic The end of the year picnic requires a certain amount of time and preparation for the six 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 K-l 04 came to provide entertainment for the children. This did not work out very well. To start, K-104 was almost one hour late. The children were bored and hot, and we had nothing else planned. When they finally arrived, all they did was sign autographs. They were hired to provide entertainment for the children, which they did not provide. I dot not recommend hiring K-I04 back next year. Instead, I would suggest having an entertainer, such as Steve Max, or even a magician come to provide live entertainment for the children. I would also suggest having games set up for the children throughout the day. The Lip Sync contest was run on a very strict schedule this year with the help of Clare Rottkamp. Clare and I spoke with all of the directors and each camp was ready to perform their dances for Clare and I weeks before the picnic. We visited with each camp before the picnic and chose 3 groups from each camp to perform. The children had to copy their songs onto a blank tape and have it ready to go on the day of the picnic. This caused us to have less confusion than any other year, and it was a great success. I suggest that next year we have one or two people run the lip sync contest. It is important that these people are familiar with lip sync contests of the past. This year the lip sync contest was held first. This worked out well and kept all the children actively involved. General Recommendations General staff attendance this year was good. I recommend that we do not hire people who need to take a week or more off. I 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, 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 carries this plan out again next year. Last year, Martz Field implemented a new 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 who and who did not. Also, the parents were aware of whom to give the money to. This worked once again this year. Once again, the use of cell phones provided to be very useful. Much time was saved, and communication was easy. I would recommend that next year we supply quarters to camps that use pay 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 six camps. It is important to explain to all directors what they should do when it rains. This year, we had numerous complaints from Spookhill because they closed without letting Clare, Steve or I know. The directors need to be told they must contact one of us before they close. Castle Point Staff Courtney McDonnell Director Mike Brown Nicole Dohrwend Doug Slavati Courtney Urcioli 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration Average Daily Attendance 57 23 84 34 85 45 52 36 91 39 Special Events included: ''Brain Buster," Candle Making, In-Camp Movie Days, and Face Painting. Recommendations: I would recommend that we continue to give this camp quarters for the pay phone. I was very impressed with the staff at this camp. The director, 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. 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. Evans Staff: Meredith Cullen Director Steve D' Ambrosio Darrell Flynn David Kedzielawa Kim Morris Jill Smith Dina Senerchia 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration Average Daily Attendance 85 41 129 59 127 58 130 58 87 46 Special Events: Basket Weaving, Watermelon Day, Olympics, Tie-Dye Day. Recommendations: There is currently no available source of running water at this location, so the regular delivery of bottled water should remain top priority for 2001. A cellular phone has also been provided and I recommend that we use that again, but the director must remember to charge the phone every night. We had several problems with the staff this year. Parental complaints were that the counselors were lazy, and the director was not professional. The floater director and I witnessed this first hand. When we arrived at Evans camp, the director was with several parents. The children and staff already left for a field trip. The director was crying and swearing in front of these parents and then stormed off, leaving us to handle the situation. I recommend that next year we hire a new director at this camp. The staff of 7 was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. Martz Field Staff: Jason Jutt Director Michael Jutt Director Erin Clausson Catherine Chappas Bobby Joe Haas Dawn Haas Heather Crawford Michael Ditton Christine Higgins Kim Holley Andrew Nicola Jill Marro Nicolette Rabadi Vanessa Stawaris Deena Weissburg 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration 204 235 231 201 184 Average Daily Attendance 94 107 93 75 82 Special Events included Tie-Dye Day, McDonalds Day, Pizza Day, Carnival Day, World Cup Soccer Day, and Face Painting Day. Recommendations: 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. As a result of the growing number of children at this camp, I would suggest that we keep having two directors. Having two directors helped reduce stress and make things easier for everyone. The directors at this camp had trouble delegating responsibility. Many times when I showed up at this camp, counselors were sitting together without any children near them. Jason and Mike were told that they need to be more assertive however, the situation did not change. The directors also did not handle problems with parents very well. For example, they suspended a child who rides his bike to camp. This child left camp, but they failed to notify the parents that the child was suspended. I recommend that Jason and Mike Jutt become a director at a smaller camp next year. The staff of 15 was quite accurate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. Quiet Acres Staff: Kerri Speary Director Stephanie Brown Hope Donohue Chrissy Emanuel Liz Emard Stephanie Habich Eric Kedzielawa Nicole Kokiasmenos Rich Senerchia Sharyn Wacht 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration: Average Daily Attendance: 137 72 141 57 135 61 118 53 99 49 Special Events included Halloween in August, McDonald's Day, Candy Hunt, Peanut Hunt, 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. This camp had few problems. The biggest problem was counselors staying together and not playing with the children. Kerri 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 10 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 2001. Robinson Lane Staff Christopher Miller Director Jimmy Chappas Steve Lewis Rob Morano Diana Rossetti Jessica Saz 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration: A verage Daily Attendance: 57 23 89 36 87 39 100 50 73 30 Special Events included Coloring Contests, Talent Shows, Halloween, Fiesta Day, Happy Meal Day, and Dessert Day. Recommendations: This camp had most of its complaints this year. The counselors were not doing a great job supervising the children. We were told that they would leave at different times during the day. They were spoken to many times. We even had to suspend one staff member. I recommend that the staff is separated, if even hired, next year. The staff of 6 was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in attendance daily. Spook Hill Staff: ladyn Smith Director Nora Bitting Rebecca Caulfield Lisa Ciesluk David Felipe Kevin Horan Michael Paino Chad Waxman 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Total Registration: Average Daily Attendance: 118 47 176 54 174 72 144 58 98 54 Recommendations: There were no vandalism problems this year, however the location still needs to be patrolled after hours. This camp had many problems with counselors playing cards, or mingling with each other. They were spoken to many times by the director but the problems were still occurring. Finally, Steve and I had a meeting with the camp to tell them that they needed to start interacting with the children. I recommend that the director for next year be notified of the types of problems that arose at Spook Hill next year so that this problem can be dealt with quickly and efficiently if it should arise again. 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.