Events and Activities : \'Out on a Limb\'

It seems like school just started back up and we just closed the pool. Oh well, I guess Christmas is right around the corner and that not only means the big guy in the red suit will be coming but it also means we are getting ready to kick off another new year. Hopefully this one will start off with everyone having a safe holiday with a chance to visit and see family and friends. The when you get a chance to put your feet up for a little while, pull your 2012 Leisure Guide out of you December 28th Livewire and check out all the cool activities and programs that we have to offer.

Then take a deep breath and get back up on your feet and get active with the Vinton Parks & Recreation Department. We not only have the fun and exciting sports programs but we also have many other activities and special events for the whole family. The truth be told, I think we have more of the special events and activities than the sports. We are also very fortunate to have a Recreation Center and the Skate & Activity Center to provide our community with opportunities at little or no cost. The key is to have all of you take a look at this new Leisure Guide, mark your calendars with the events and programs that the whole family wants to participate in and then get active. As always, let us know what you think or if you have new ideas for the future.

Make sure you thank all the sponsors of the guide that help make it possible.

Just a reminder to those who attended the Breakfast with Santa, your pictures are developed and waiting for you at the Recreation Center. Stop by during any of our open times listed below and pick up your picture with Santa.

We have a lot of events and programs coming up soon, most of the youth will be receiving the flyers on the programs through their Friday folders at school. If you do not receive the information, go to our website or stop by the Vinton Recreation Center to get the flyers.

Don’t forget, you can always find out more information at our website at vprdzone.com or for more information on these programs or any of our programs, stop by the VPRD office located at the Vinton Recreation Center.

Upcoming Programs & Activities:

Winter Carnival/Tuesday, December 27th, This annual event for all youth 5th grade and below will be held at the Skate & Activity Center from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. There will be lots of fun games and activities for the kids. Tickets can be purchased that day to do the games for 10 cents apiece with most games taking 1-3 tickets. Everyone goes home a winner with lots of prizes. Rumor has it you might even get to see your favorite V/S girls’ basketball player at the event volunteering at the games. No pre-registration needed.

Youth Dodgeball Tournament/Wednesday, December 28th, the balls will be flying for all youth that want to take part in this winter break tradition at the Vinton Recreation Center. Registrations are due by Tuesday, December 27th, so start organizing your team now. There will be three divisions; grades 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8. Teams can be coed, all male or female, it is your choice. Cost is $10.00 per team.

New Years Eve at Noon/The Vinton Skate & Activity Center will be the site for our celebration of the New Year. The action gets underway at 10:00 a.m. and will end at 1:00 p.m. The fun will include skating, lunch crafts, party favors and even a little dancing. This party is for all kindergarten through fifth grade youth but we would love to have parents sign up with their child and join in the fun. Cost is only $4.00 if you pre-register at the Vinton Recreation on or before December 27th. Cost is $6.00 at the door the day of the event.

Other Upcoming Programs:

Youth Floor Hockey January 7th – March 10th

Winter Open Swim January 8th – January 29th

Viking Hoopsters January 23rd – February 16th

Jr. Cheerleading January 16th & 17th

Ongoing Programs:

Tot Lot/ This program is designed for all youth in pre-school or younger. Tot Lot is held at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This not only gives kids a chance to burn off some energy and interact with other kids but it is also a great place for parents, grandparents and babysitters to have a few hours each week socializing and having fun with other adults. Participants may pay each day or purchase a season pass for the entire program. There are reduced rates for multiple kids from the same family or babysitter. Runs through February 29.

Tae Kwon Do/Held at the Vinton Recreation Center on Tuesdays & Thursday evenings. Stop by the Recreation Center to watch the class or for more information.

Circuit Training/Get a total workout with this circuit program of 17 different machines in under an hour. This program is held at the middle school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Register at the VPRD office. This will run September through May.

Lap Swim/There is still time to sign up for our lap swim program being held at the IBSSS swimming pool through mid January. The program takes place from 6:10 -7:15 a.m. All participants need to pre-register at the VPRD office prior to starting up the program.

Don’t forget you can always go to the Recreation Center during open hours to work out on the exercise equipment. Walking can be done in the gym, treadmill or our elliptical fitness piece. The Recreation Center is open the following hours:

Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sundays 1:00 pm. – 5:00 p.m.

Listed below are the hours for open skating. We are taking reservations for groups. If you are interested in renting the skate center for a birthday party, youth group gathering, or any get together, give us a call at the recreation center and we will set up a date for you. Stop out and have some fun.

Weekly Schedule for the Skate & Activity Center:

Open Skating

Friday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.(except Dec 18th-IROAR)

Walking:

Monday - Friday 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Calendar of Upcoming Events: (Clip & Save)

December 12 Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

December 14 Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

December 18 IROAR Racing at Skate & Activity Center/All day

December 19 Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

December 21 Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

December 24 Recreation Center Closing at 3:00 p.m.

December 25 Recreation Center Closed

December 27 Winter Carnival at Skate Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

December 27 Deadline to register for New Years Eve at Noon & Dodgeball Tournament

December 28 Dodgeball Tournament at Recreation Center

December 28 2012 LEISURE GUIDE IN VINTON LIVEWIRE

December 30 New Years Eve at Noon, Skate Center

December 31 Recreation Center Closing at 3:00 p.m. Skate Center Closed

January 1 Recreation & Skate Center Closed

Don’t forget, we will take all your bottles and cans that are redeemable for five cents at the parks & recreation department. If you have cans or bottles and want to get rid of them, bring them to the park shop located just north of the swimming pool, bring them to the recreation center or give us a call and we will come out and get them. All proceeds go to a fund to help our youth programs. This program has already made a big impact.

In closing, if you have any questions concerning our programs, activities, or facilities, gives us a call, stop by or send us an e-mail.

VPRD Office 472-4164

Skate & Activity Center 472-5168

Director’s E-mail vprdrandall@vintoniowa.net

Assistant Director vprdbarker@vintoniowa.net

Administrative Assistant vprdoffice@vintoniowa.net

Website: vprdzone.com