1996 ,\ THE FOLLOWING IS A REPORT ON THE RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY THE TOWN OF WAPPINGER RECREATION COMMITTEE. THE REPORT IS PREPARED TO PRESENT THE STATISTICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION TO THOSE THAT ARE VITALLY INTERESTED IN THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE COMMITTEE 1996 ! CHAIRMAN MEMBERS DIRECTOR SENIOR CITIZEN DIRECTOR SECRETARY MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR MEMBERS TOWN CLERK TOWN OF WAPPINGER RECREATION COMMITTEE Ralph 1. Holt James Chapp as Joseph Ennesser Ronald Friedman Barbara Gutzler Ellen KOIZ Stephen Miller Bernie Reimer Kathi DeLisa Peggy Roe John Vorndran TOWN OF WAPPINGER TOWN BOARD Constance O. Smith Vincent Bettina Joseph Ruggiero Robert Valdati June Visconti Elaine H. Snowden 2 1996 ANNUAL PROGRAM REPORT PROGRAMS: GirlslBoys Basketball Winter and Summer 7-12 years old Girls/Boys Gymnastics Winter 7-12 years old Adult Volleyball Myers Comers School Summer Adult Volleyball Outdoor Tennis Men's Open Basketball Schlathaus Race Summer/Winter Concerts Christmas Tree Lighting Women's Aerobics Halloween Party Radio City Trips Summer Program Senior Citizen Program 3 GIRLS/BOYS BASKETBALL - WINTER 7 - 12 YEAR OLDS This program was scheduled for Saturday mornings at Sheafe Road School. The instruction period was to be approximately 10 weeks from January through March 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Normally a popular program which has been run very well with solid attendance from week to week, tthis year it developed inconsistency due to the illness of its head instructor. After some cancellations due to weather and staffing problems, the program was revived during March when Tom Fisher was hired to help us out. Although attendance was down, we feel that the program can and will come back strongly in January 1997. Tom Fisher has already consended to work again. A #15.00 fee will be charged each participant. GIRLS/BOYS GYMNASTICS - WINTER 7 - 12 YEAR OLDS This program was held at the Myers Comers School every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 noon starting January 6th through May 10th. The instructors for this program were Art Goldner and Brenda Peura with assistance from several aides. The registration was high, approximately 80 youngsters. As in the case with Boys and Girls Basketball, emphasis in this program is on fundamentals and attitudes toward developing an appreciation of the sport. A $15.00 fee was charged. Due to a very snowy winter, there were numerous cancellations, but time was made up by extending the program into May. 4 GIRLSIBOYS BASKETBALL - SUMMER 7 - 12 YEAR OLDS This one week clinic held at Van Wyck Junior High School July 15th to July 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The instructors were Tom Fisher and Rebecca Faulds who did an excellent job with the 40 registered participants. A $15.00 fee was charged for this program which emphasizes fundamentals. I recommend Tom and Rebecca to run this program again in 1997 if they are available. ADULTVOLLEYBALLPROGRAM- ~RSCORNERSSCHOOL This program began in October 1995 and continued through Apri11996 meeting every Tuesday evening from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Myers Comers School gymnasium. The sessions were directed by Walter Leczinski. Approximately 50 people registered. Each week the group met in the gym where two nets were used simultaneously to accommodate everyone. A $15.00 registration fee was charged. One of our most consistent programs, Walter does an outstanding job of keeping it stable and enjoyable to all participants. SUMMER ADULT VOLLEYBALL The popular activity, outdoor sand court volleyball, continued to draw many players. A three net court has been constructed by our Recreation Maintenance crew on a site adjacent to the Bam on Montfort Road and Pye Lane. Many improvements were made at the site, including new, better quality sand, fencing and parking facilities. Walter Leczinski directs this program which got off the ground in June 1996 and continued until October. A large contingent of "regulars" showed up each Thursday night and we expect to continue this program during the summer of 1997. . ! 5 MEN'S OPEN BASKETBALL Once again this program was forced to cut back hours due to school activities. A new director Tom Fisher, as replaced Mark Caprars who had to step aside due to other commitments. The program did begin as scheduled in October 1996 and will continue into February. Informal games are played each Wednesday evening, most often utilizing two half courts. A $15.00 fee is charged. OUTDOOR TENNIS This program which began in June, was run in the same manner as it has over the last few years. The emphasis was placed on Summer Clinics with the main part of the summer open to the residents for open play. The Town Tennis Program under the direction of Barry Casowitz officially ended in the month of August. The overall clinics and instructional programs for the greater part of the Summer were also coordinated by Barry. He received many compliments from participants for his patience and expertise he exhibited in working with all age groups. Barry was assisted by Adam Rubin and Rob Yang. A session for adults only was held during May for 4 weeks and proved to be popular. A $15.00 fee was charged. SCHLATHAUSRACE This was the 17th year for this event in the memory of Mr. & Mrs. George Schlathaus and was held at Schlathaus Park. The race consisted of two parts-- one for a 5K adult race and the other a 1 mile race for the youngsters. This year we had about 50 adult participants both men and women in five different divisions for the 5K race. The mile race for the young people had about 15 6 participants. The winners in the adult race received trophies in 6 different classes and metals for 2nd and 3rd place, while the youngsters received medals and all the youngsters win or lose received a small pumpkin in keeping with the Halloween season. The race will continue to grow in interest and many are looking forward to 1997. This is a key race because it provides the many local distance runners a tune up race for longer races held during the fall months. The race director who helped coordinate the event with the Town is Linda Stow, who represents the Mid Hudson Road Runners Club, the Co-sponsor of this race. WINTER/SUMMER CONCERTS Seven concerts were scheduled at Schlathaus Park. Performing were "Switch-in- Time" (Big Band), "The Phantoms" ('50's and Top 40), "Wild East" (Country), "Wood's Tea Company" (Folk Trio), 'Nite Life" (Top 40), Steve Johnson's Magic Variety Show, and a popular local Country Band, "Little Creek". For a 6th consecutive year, a West Point Band gave a performance in the Town as the U. S. Military Academy Concert Band returned to the RCK High School Auditorium on April 12, 1996. The concert continued cordial relationship between the U. S. Military Academy Operations Section and the Town of Wappinger. A decision was made to take a year off (1997) frompresenting the concert band during the Spring. However, an invitation has been extended to host the West Point Jazz Band for one of our outdoor summer concerts during 1997. The "Jazz Knights" have accepted and are scheduled to perform at Schlathaus Park on June 19th at 7 p.m. 7 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY This year's tree lighting ceremony and party was held on December 8, 1996. A large crowd turned out despite the cold weather and the slushy snow on the ground. The Evergreen Chorus (Sweet Adelines Chapter) provided entertainment and Supervisor Connie Smith pulled the switch to light the giant Christmas Tree as a number of the Town Officials looked on.. The New Hackensack Fire Company then delivered Santa Claus via truck whereby he talked to each child and gave out trinkets, candy canes and apples. The Committee provided hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee and doughnuts. The Town Little League gave out candy treats. A large tent canopy provided shelter to the many volunteers who served refreshments and helped make the evening a success. This party is traditionally held the 1st Sunday of December but this year was held the 2nd Sunday due to a late Thanksgiving weekend. AEROBICS Beginning in October and running into April, our aerobic program was held every Tuesday and Thursday evening 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. at Wappingers Jr. High School. This program was very well attended--approximately 40 people. Registration again has to be closed approximately 2 weeks after the first session. A $15.00 fee was charged for each participant. The program was under the direction of Patricia "OJ" Reese who did an outstanding job, drawing praise from many participants. 8 HALLOWEEN PARTY The 9th Annual Halloween Party was held at Schlathaus Park on Sunday afternoon October 27th. Prizes were awarded in various categories judged by Supervisor Connie Smith, Town Clerk Elaine Snowden and Sylvia Holt. There was also a pumpkin carving contest. Refreshments served included cider, apples and doughnuts. Prizes were donated by Wendy's, Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Blockbuster Video, Taco Bell, Ben & Jerry's, McDonalds, Fun Central and Hoe Bowl Holiday, Carvel,'party City, Subway, and Renegades. Little League gave out popcorn to all the children. "Let Us Entertain You" provided entertainment. The entire program proved to be a big hit. Committee Member Ellen Korz is to be commended for an outstanding job in organizing the event and securing the prizes from local businesses. For the 4th consecutive years, the house at Schlathaus was prepared as a "Haunted" House for children to tour before the parade of costumes. Committee Member Barbara Gutzler, Senior Citizen Director Kathi DeLisa Ron Friedman and Jim Chapp as did a fantastic job at preparing the house and carrying out the spooking. Also helping that day at the House were Jimmy and Michael Chappas. EASTER/CHRISTMAS SHOW For the 3rd consecutive year, a trip was taken to Radio City to see the Easter Show on April I Oth. Tickets sold rapidly and the trip was sold out. The trip was arranged so that time was allotted for people to shop, have lunch or sight see in the City before the show. 9 Two bus trips for Town residents to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall were arranged for Saturday, November 16th and Wednesday, December 11 tho The trips turned out to be a big success and we will attempt to continue these trips for 1997. Bernie Reimer Director 2/97 BR:mbr 10 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR 1. Continue to explore land options for playing fields for soccer or softball 2. Continue to upgrade the softball fields at Castle Point and continue to develop Summer playground facilities (Water, rest rooms and storage building.) 3. Continue exploring the possibility of a joint concert or summer playground activity with Fishkill and/or East Fishkill. 4. Look into coordinating some summer playground special activities with Senior Citizens 5. Explore possibility of a trip to see the Mets or to Yankee Stadium, Foxwood Casino, Saratoga or Eisenhower Hall, West Point, or an ice show at Hartfort Ct.. 6. Continue exploring alternative sites for the Hughsonville Playground possibly the Rymer Property . 7. Continue to explore methods for improving playground registration to ensure more efficient supervision during the first week. 11 TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 1996 REPORT Jennifer M. Fisher ~n,~ Summer Program Director ". 1996 TOWN OF WAPPINGER RECREATION STAFF Summer Program Director- Jennifer Fisher CASTLE POINT Heather Keenan - Director Sean Cahill, Alison Wolfe, Matthew Paino, Danielle Giametta, Alexis Cacase HUGHSONVaLE Una Horan - Director Yeman Taouil, Chris Miller, Dana Bennett, Meredith Cullen, Mike Helfrich, MeghanLalor MARTZ FIELD Carolyn Harding - Director Taj Buskey, Kim Allen, Katie Cwiakala, Jason Jutt, Christine Helfrich, Jennifer Hall, Keith Tucker, Kara Tucker, Erin Fitzgerald, Jaclyn Smith QUIET ACRES Doug Abrahams - Director Sharon Ray, Kim Schwalb, Eric Kedzielawa, Keri Speary, Kathleen Mourisseau ROBINSON LANE Dave Mahoney - Director Robin Pezanowski, Carolyn Rossetti, Irving Walker, Tom Fisher SPOOK HILL Jim Allen - Director Kristen Smith, Lisa De Felice, Lisa Birchard, Eric Birchard, Elizabeth Sweeney SWIM PROGRAM Lisa France - WSI Heather Williams, Brian Glendenning, Kelly Buckley j TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM The 1996 summer day camp program ran for seven weeks, beginning on Monday, June 24th and ending on Friday August 9th. The six camps, Castle Point, Hughsonville, Martz Field, Quiet Acres, Robinson Lane and Spook Hill were open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 3 :00 p.m. The total number of children registered was 651. The average daily attendance was 306. Participants were charged for the camp program only. The swim program at Deer Hill Conference Center ran for seven weeks, each of the six camps having received its own five days of lessons. The swim program was made available to all Town residents. The camp staff met the swimmers at Wappingers Junior High School and then accompanied them to the pool. The camp staff provided supervision and activities for those children not in the pool. The camps were closed while the lessons were in session. PLANNED EVENTSlfRIPS Events and trips planned for the summer of 1996 included five trips to Splashdown (an average of 272 children attended), a trip to Fun Central (336 children), a trip to Discovery Zone ( 297 children),a day at Hoe Bowl ( 281 children), a trip to the Movies (273 children), and lastly the R&R Express show (150 children). 255 children attended the end of the year picnic. In addition, there were individual parties (order out days, pizza parties, ice-cream and dessert parties, holiday and theme parties and also barbecues) and activities at the camps. For the most part, these trips were well received by the children, parents, and staff In general, the Splashdown, Discovery Zone, and bowling days were quite popular as were order out days. For 1997, I would recommend repeating just about any or all of the trips. The R&R Express show was very well received by both children and staff. I would like to see that program available next year. There were several recommendations made for additions to our program. The unanimous request was to return to Roller Magic located in Hyde Park. While I know that budget restraints did not allow for this trip, I would consider eliminating a Splashdown trip to accommodate it, if at all possible. Other requests include, The Bear Mountain Zoo and Zoom Flume. Trips such as Zoom Flume and the zoo would need to be extremely well planned and would require extra parent chaperones, but I think that they would be welcomed additions to the program. Many suggestions have come in abput children receiving a T-shirt with "Town of Wappinger" written on it to be worn on trip days. Each camp could have a designated color. We could add the price of the T-shirt into the registration fee. GAMES/SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT The directors' recommendations for additions to our inventory of games, supplies, and equipment include more NOK Hockey, UNO, and Connect Four games, decks of cards, coloring books, markers, and embroidery floss. A surplus supply of checkers would be a good thing to have on hand, especially considering the popularity of Connect Four and Checkers. One thing that worked out fairly well this year was using the TV and VCR from Schlathaus for video parties at those camps who have electricity. This year we purchased a plastic trunk for each camp to store their games, supplies etc. in throughout the winter as well as in the summer. I think that this will cut down on supplies being ruined during storage. For some reason, this year the cellular phones presented a major problem. There were several days during which the Castle Point staff needed to make a call and could not do so. Perhaps the camp directors should be present when the phones are picked up so they can see firsthand what needs to be done for them to work properly. SAFETY The Safety Plan for the summer program needs to be written over entirely for 1997, according to Dan Zoller from the Health Department. Each area director will receive a copy and keep it in hislher file box. In 1996, we provided the opportunity 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 coverage at each location. In some instances people who were signed up for the course, did not attend or failed the course. As a result, we lost money. In the future, I recommend that people who agree to become certified be made aware of this problem and be asked to make a real commitment to the courses. WATER The Hughsonville and Castle Point playgrounds have been supplied with bottled water in the past, as there has been no available source of running water at either location. If this is still the case, keeping plenty of water available for drinking and cleaning at these camps should remain a top priority for the summer of 1997. GENERALRECO~NDATIONS General staff attendance this year was pretty good, with the exception of a few individuals. I recommend that we continue to strongly encourage our staff members to take their vacations either prior to the start of camp or after it closes. Training sessions should continue to be held for all staff members prior to the start of camp each year. Items to be addressed should include staff responsibilities and limitations, universal playground rules, discipline, safety plan, and new ideas for games and activities. I know that Deer Hill has an overnight experience that would provide the staff with new ideas as well as bring them togethr as a group, but the cost would need to be determined. I an not sure if there is room in the budget for something like that, but it would be a wonderful opportunity for our staff Attendance should always be taken by name, in addition to total number of children, twice daily. Extra care should be taken when the children are taken away from their camps. This will help to ensure that all children are present and that none are left behind. In 1996, as in 1995, each staff member was responsible for a specific group of campers whose attendance records he/she was responsible for keeping. While this method isn't easy or popular, it is the SAFEST way to ensure that all children are accounted for. The lip sync entries for the contest at the end-of-the-year picnic should continue to be previewed and approved /disapproved by the summer director prior to the day of the piCniC. Registration went very smoothly this year, lets keep that system running. ." CASTLE POINT STAFF: Heather Keenan - Director Sean Cahill Alison Wolfe Matthew Paino Danielle Giametta Alexis Cacase Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance 1996 91 39 21 1995 61 31 27 1994 57 30 27 1993 76 42 27 Special Events included Pudding Wrestling, International Day, Water World Day, Halloween Day, Pizza Day, and Sundae Day. Recommendations: As of the summer of 1996, there was no running water or reliable telephone at this location. The regular delivery of water needs to remain a top priority and a cellular phone need to be rented againfor 1997. I recommend that this location continue to be patrolled as it has been since this is a rather remote area The staff of six was 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. j HUGHSONVILLE STAFF: Una Horan - Director Yeman Taouil Christopher Miller Dana Bennett Meridith Cullen Michael Helfrich Meghan Lalor Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance . 1996 87 46 21 1995 103 43 33 1994 91 42 52 1993 95 35 56 Special Events included Halloween Day, Mexican Day. Olympic Day and Tye - Dye day. Recommendations: There is currently no available source of running water at this location, so the regular delivery of bottled water should remain a top priority for 1997. A cellular phone was rented for use in 1996 to alleviate the problems caused by our using of the phone in the firehouse. Because the phone did not work properly the problems with the firehouse continued. I recommend that we rent the phone again. The staff of seven was quite 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. MARTZ FIELD STAFF: Carolyn Harding - Director Taj Buskey Kimberly Allen Catherine Cwiakala Jason Jutt. Christine Helfrich Jennifer Hall Keith Tucker Kara Tucker Erin Fitzgerald . Jaclyn Smith Robert Allen Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance 19.26 184 82 46 l225 203 72 53 l224 202 79 1991 168 64 30 Special Events included Basketball Relays, Crazy Hat Day, Video Day, a barbeque, a talent show and tye-dye day. Recommendations: Martz Field needs to continue to be patrolled after hours. Although there were no incidents this year, in years past campers Have found drUg paraphernalia which were left behind after camp hours. The staff of twelve 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. ROBINSON LANE STAFF: David Mahoney - Director Thomas Fisher Robin Pezanowski Carolyn Rossetti Irving Walker Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance 1996 73 30 25 1995 74 31 33 1994 82 24 25 1993 56 30 18 Special Events included Coloring contests, Tye - Dye Day, Pizza Party, Easter In July, a barbecue, and Water day. Recommendations: The staff of five was 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. QUIET ACRES STAFF: Douglas Abrahams - Director Sharon Ray Kimberly Schwalb Eric Kedzielawa Keri Speary Kathleen Mourisseau Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance 1996 118 49 35 1995 99 45 38 1994 73 47 53 1993 86 50 49 Special Days included Make- your - own - Sundae day, Olympic Day, Tye - Dye Day, and Independence Day celebration. Recommendations: The staff of six 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. SPOOK IIILL STAFF: Jim Allen - Director Kristen Smith Lisa De Felice Lisa Birchard Eric Birchard Elizabeth Sweeney Total Registration Average Daily Attendance Swim Program Attendance 1996 98 54 29 1995 84 40 26 1994 104 49 45 1993 118 54 54 Special Events included Olympic Day, Face Painting, Tye - Dye Day, Sundae Day, Halloween Day, and Dessert Day. Recommendations: There were no vandalism problems this year, however the location need to be patrolled after hours. The staff of six was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees this location STAFF: SWIM PROGRAM Lisa France - W.S.I. Heather Williams Brian Glendenning Kelly Buckley The pool was in excellent shaped this year . We missed I hour of time due to a problem with chemicals. The swim program received conflicted ratings from the staff and campers. One of the problems that came up this year were differences among the swim staff and playground staff. This is one reason why I feel the overnight opportunity at Deer Hill would be beneficial. This year, much more than in past years, the instructors took on a more active role. They did a good job at running a successful program. According to the health department, we need to alter our ratios a little bit this year. The ratio of non-swimmers to instructor had to be 4:1. While this didn't create a problem, it needs to be checked for. Also the children had to wear a color coded wristband according to their swim ability. Everything seemed to run smoothly.