Sports : Out on a Limb 8/20/2010

It is really hard to believe that we are in September already. Where did the summer go? The good thing is we have a lot of fun programs and activities that are getting ready to start up for all ages. Also the Recreation Center has started longer hours for the month of September. This will hopefully help those that want to work out or play some basketball or racquetball get in here either before or after work or school.

This is supposed to be our big week to see if we become a finalist to become a designated “Great Place” community for the state of Iowa. We have had a committee of people working very hard on a few projects to help make Vinton a better place for the entire community. When the announcement is made, we will share everything with the community. I think we will see some great support from everyone to make them a reality.

It was really nice to see both teams supported so well at the football game last Friday night. The sportsmanship on and off the field was great and I think we got to see four teams give they all on the field.

We are just about full for our annual VPRD Two Person Best Shot on Saturday, September 18th. This is always a fun event and this year works out great for the Hawkeye fans because the game doesn’t start until 9:30 at night. We have two different time slots to play in at either 7:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. If you still want to play, stop by the Vinton Recreation Center at 701 East A Street to sign up!

These programs and activities are getting ready to happen so check these out.

Cheerleading Clinic Here is your opportunity to learn some great cheers and you will get to perform at the high school football game. This is for any boys or girls that are in kindergarten through 5th grade. Practice dates are September 7th & 9th with the performance on Friday, September 10th. You must register by Wednesday, September 1st to guarantee yourself a shirt.

Youth Flag Football This program is for all 1st – 4th grade youth in the V/S school district. The program is held on Tuesdays and Thursday beginning September 14th. Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 7th. Forms will be distributed at school or be available in VPRD buildings.

Jr. Spikers This youth volleyball program is for all 3rd – 6th grade students in the V/S school district. The program will be lead by the high school coaches and players and will take place at the high school. Registration deadline is Friday, September 3rd at the Vinton Recreation Center.

Water Exercise Class The department is once again sponsoring a water exercise class at the IBSSS swimming pool beginning on Wednesday, September 15th. The class will be held on Sundays & Wednesdays from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. The instructor for this popular class will again be Gloria Fuerbach. Deadline to register is Monday, September 13th at the VPRD office located at the Vinton Recreation Center.

Two Person Best Shot This annual golf tournament is filling up fast so sign up early to avoid being left out. The date is September 18th with a 7:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. tee time for 18 holes of fun. Stop in to the Vinton Recreation Center to register your team now. You will be playing in groups of six.

Farmers Market is at the Rail Road Depot on Thursday. The market is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The vendors have been bringing some great products so make sure you stop out to support our local growers and bakers. If you have any questions about the market or want more information on how to become a vendor, give us a call at 472-4164. Stop by and see all the great things our local vendors have to offer. This week at the market, we will be having our Vendor Give Away Night. Just sign up to win one of a couple bags of goodies from the vendors.

Make sure you check out all the upcoming events for September listed below. We have some new activities coming up that you won’t want to miss. Everything is listed below and we will keep you posted weekly as the events get closer. Don’t forget, you can always find out more information at our website at vprdzone.com.

For more information on these programs or any of our programs, stop by the VPRD office located at the Vinton Recreation Center.

Check out our calendar below and plan on attending the many activities that are coming up.

On Going Programs:

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.

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. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays Closed

Sundays Closed

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.

Miniature Golf Course

Friday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Walking

Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Calendar of Upcoming Events:

September 1 Deadline for Cheerleading Clinic Registrations

September 2 Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Vendor Give Away Night

September 3 Deadline for Jr. Spikers

September 9 VPRD Board Meeting

September 9 Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Guess What?

September 13 Deadline to register for Water Exercise Class

September 16 Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Fall Fest

September 18 VPRD Two Person Best Shot Tournament

September 18 Place Kick, Punt & Pass Competition

September 23 Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Poppin’ Pleasure

September 30 Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Log Distance Balloon Winners Announced

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