Spring is Breaking Out All Over

Just returned from outside where the temperature is hovering around 70... it seems that Spring has really arrived this year!

And while the outdoors beckons, like most of you, I have to work, so here I am at my computer.

With the onset of Spring is the annual Spring Break. For folks who are parents who actually have to go to work during Spring Break rather than go to exotic beach destinations, the City of Takoma Park's recreation department offers.... Spring Break Camp!

From March 29 through April 2nd, you can deposit your little charges with our Rec. staff and they can enjoy a camp themed "Best of Summer..."

Highlights of this year's camp include the return of Jali-D to share his musical talents, camp fires, obstacles courses, swimming, rock climbing, DDR, outdoor play and arts and crafts! Sounds like fun! Unfortunately for me, the age range for this particular camp is 5 to 11.

The camp runs from 9 - 4 each day, with before- and after-care available so you can extend the day from 7 AM until 6 PM. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 301-891-7290, or go to their online registration page.

Friday is Half Fun

The Recreation Department wanted me to remind you that this Friday, Feb. 26 is a half day of school, and so they are offering a half-day Fun Day from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Registration is STILL OPEN. Here's what they say about this half-fun day: Discover Planet Earth as Mad Science explains geodes, the chemistry of crystal formation and metamorphic geology. Explore the atmosphere's relationship with our planet and make your own ultraviolet detectors! For more information please call Carey Antoszewski 301-891-7233. Cost is $15 for Takoma Park City residents and $20 for non-residents. Note: you can only have Mad Science fun if you are ages 5 - 11.

For more information about the recreation department's activities, check out their web pages!

Blood Pressure and Bingo

The City Recreation Department offers many activities for seniors in the Community Center. This Thursday, Feb. 25th, seniors can come and have their blood pressure checked, then play bingo, all in the Senior Room. Blood pressure screenings start at 11:30 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m.; Bingo starts at noon and goes until 2 p.m. (This happens again on Thursday March 25th and Thursday April 22nd).

If you haven't been there, the Senior Room is one of the rooms in between the Library and the Community Center. Open to those 55 and older, it offers computers, comfy chairs, and tables for reading and game playing. There is also a Resource Center filled with info about all kinds of social and senior services. Many of the classes and activities are held in here too, but it is open for drop-in visits between noon and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m Saturdays, and 2 - 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Senior programs are also held in the Dance Studio of the Community Center - Bone Builders Exercise, Line Dance Exercise, and coming in March, Gentle Yoga.

I've just touched on some of the programs available - there are also cool trips, computer training, arts & crafts classes, and birthday parties! One more plug - a call for Volunteers. Many programs are taught by volunteer instructors, and currently volunteers are needed to teach Spanish, ESOL, arts & crafts, health & fitness, tai chi, history, science and jewelery making.

Have I mentioned that most of the above programs are FREE? But participants are asked to call to register for all but the drop-in activities: 301-891-7280 is the hotline for senior programs!