Opportunities and Connections for All

July is Recreation and Parks Month

Community Education & Recreation Department — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:55:18 GMT

The following appeared on the National Recreation and Park website:

Public parks and recreation are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for millions of residents in communities around the world through recreation programming, leisure activities and conservation efforts. Parks, recreation activities and leisure experiences provide opportunities for young people to live, grow and develop into contributing members of society; create lifelines and continuous life experiences for older members of the community; generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community; and, pay dividends to communities by attracting business and jobs and increasing housing values.

As we observe Recreation and Parks Month, we recognize the vital contributions of employees and volunteers in parks and recreation facilities. These dedicated supporters keep public parks clean and safe for visitors, organize youth activities, provide education programming on health, nutrition, first aid and gardening, advocate for more open space and better trails, and fundraise for local improvements. They ensure that parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy.

Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month at the North Jr. High Pool July 14 - 18.

Free Pool Admission
At any open swim when you show your participation certificate from the Chalk it Up Contest held at North Jr. High on July 2.

Wacky Water Day - Wednesday, July 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Join the staff for crazy games, exciting relays, and fabulous prizes. Contests will take place periodically throughout Open Swim. Regular admission or current swim pass.

Surfin' Safari - Friday, July 18, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Rock on with a D.J. providing a mix of music from classic Beach Boys to today's Top 40. Regular admission or current swim pass.

"31 Things to Do for Parks and Recreation Month"

For a complete listing of all the activities offered through the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department visit fallsrec.org.

Share Your Creative Talents

Community Education & Recreation Department — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:27:16 GMT

Celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month by painting and drawing your own sidewalk chalk art at North Jr. High School. Participants can work individually or in teams of two or three. Drawings will begin at 1:15 p.m. and must be completed by 2:00 p.m. with judging to follow immediately. All materials will be provided. Categories for judging will be: Best Design, Best Use of Color, Most Patriotic, Sportiest, Best Under the Sea Scene, and Super Use of Super Heroes. All participants will receive free admission to open swim at the North Junior High Pool during the week of July 14 - 18.

The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is holding its annual Chalk it Up Contest on Wednesday, July 2 from 1:15 to 2:15 PM at North Junior High School on Garfield Drive across from Village Park. The contest is free and open to all children ages 2 to 17. Pre-registration is required. Rain date is Wednesday, July 9.

Summer Spectrum - Enrichment Opportunities for Youth

Community Education & Recreation Department — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:22:33 GMT

The SUMMER SPECTRUM program brings together FUN AND LEARNING! Choose from a variety of programs that are fun, challenging, and offer summer enrichment opportunities. Most classes are instructed by School District of Menomonee Falls teachers and staff. All classes are held at North Junior High.

TWO GREAT SESSIONS!
Session 1: June 11 - 20
Session 2: June 23 - July 2
Residents - $40 per class / Non-residents - $48 per class

Classes include:

2D Summertime Art Sampler w/ Sandy Guebard
Acrylic and Watercolor Painting w/ Barb Opala
Dance Combo w/ Mara Buck
Fun with Digital Photography w/ Sara Kemp
Fun with Foods w/ Sara Koser
History Games Alive w/ Amanda Huebner
iSweet! w/ Elissa Wold
Japanese Language and Culture w/ Mieko Ikeno
P.E. To Boost w/ Melissa Bogdavnovich
Reading and Creative Writing w/ Amanda Huebner
Science Spectacular
Scrapbooking w/ Sally Kellman
Strategic Games w/ Tara Wallace
Summer Spanish w/ Jessica Joers
Summertime Sculpture Clay w/ Sandy Guebard

REGISTER EARLY! - Classes with low enrollment may be canceled.

For class descriptions and additional information please visit www.fallsrec.org.

Next American Idol

Community Education & Recreation Department — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:54:04 GMT

How would you like to be the next American Idol? The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is offering two singing/music classes beginning this May.

Singing for the Soul
(Ages 18+)
No experience needed, and everyone is welcome. Come sing in a group for health & fun. Julie facilitates in building a supportive venue for people who want to sing. Learn about singing, learn songs as a group, and learn part singing and chants. We'll also explore a wellness/health technique each week. Give yourself a gift - a sacred time to connect deep meaningfully with yourself and others through the magic of sound and your own voice. Register by May 21

Schedule: Wednesday, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM; 4 sessions: May 28 - June 18
Instructor: Julie Thompson
Location: Germantown Senior Center
Fee: Res. $39 Non-Res. $59
Class Size: Min. 3 Max. 6

Miss Julie's Music Fun
(Ages 1-5 with parent or caregiver)
We explore music, movement, finger plays, lap rides, stories, and rhytym. Yes, little ones can learn more about language through participating in music, and learning to keep the beat will enhance enjoyment and understanding of music. Mothers, Grandmothers, Fathers, Nannies, and Aunts - bring your wee ones and we'll have a blast! Register by May 20

Schedule: Tuesdays, 3 sessions starting May 27, ending June 10
                  10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (Ages 1 to 3 1/2)
                  11:30 AM - 12:15 PM (Ages 3 1/2 to 5)
Location:    Faith Lutheran Church, W172 N11187 Division Road, Germantown
Instructor:   Julie Thompson
Fee:            Res. $39 Non-Res. $59
Class Size: Min. 3 Max. 6

For additional information on these, or any of our classes visit www.fallsrec.org, or call (262) 255-8460!

7-11 Lock-In Party Jam

Community Education & Recreation Department — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:29:00 GMT

7-11 Lock-In Party Jam Fun Time Yeah! That is the name members of the Menomonee Falls Youth Council are giving this year's middle school lock-in. The lock-in, sponsored by the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department Youth Council will be held Friday, May 9 at North Junior High from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. All students in grades six through eight living in Menomonee Falls or attending a Menomonee Falls school are welcome to attend. The cost is $5 per student ($2 if a member of Youth Council).

Activities include basketball, swimming, inflatable obstacle course, Gladiator Joust, sumo wrestling, one-on-one basketball, karaoke, video games, Brewer ticket raffle, prizes, concessions and more!

The Community Education & Recreation Department would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their support of the Menomonee Falls Youth Council and Teen Center:

Milwauke Brewers
Milwaukee Bucks
Green Bay Packers
Odyssey Family Restaurant
Cousin's Subs
Village Bowl
Culver's Frozen Custard
Brisco County Restaurant
Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation
Menomonee Falls Community League
Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls

Teen Fun in the Summer Sun

Community Education & Recreation Department — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Partnering with the Germantown Parks & Recreation Department, the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is offering four great Teen Adventure Trips this summer for students entering grades seven through twelve.

Disc Golf & Cookout – Wednesday, June 25
Join us for an afternoon of fun at Germantown’s Spassland Park. Play a few rounds of disc golf and join in a cookout for lunch. This event is great for beginners as well as more advanced players.T

Trip to Great America – Tuesday, July 8
Join us for a day of fun in the sun. Registration fee includes entrance for Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor, as well as bus transportation. Bring a bag lunch, towel, swimsuit, waterproof watch and sunscreen. There is also a place to purchase food at an additional cost.

Brewers Game and Tailgate party – Thursday, July 10
Register today for a day at the ball park while the Brewers take on the Colorado Rockies. Registration fee includes Brewers ticket, tailgate prior to the game and bus transportation. Seats are located at the 200 level.

Trip to Country Springs Waterpark – Tuesday, August 12
Country Springs Waterpark offers fun for all with a three person boat ride, lazy river, water basketball, and tube slides. Registration fee includes water park entrance, a pizza lunch and bus transportation.

For additional details on these, or any of our other great summer programs visit fallsrec.org!

Take a Dip and Splash Around

Community Education & Recreation Department — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:32:36 GMT

Are you looking for something fun to do over spring break? The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is hosting Splash Parties on March 24 and 26. Join your friends and family for Open Swim at the North Junior High Pool from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The fees are $2 for children (ages 3-17) and $3 for adults (ages 18+). Children under 3 are free. Visit the Aquatics page at www.fallsrec.org for more information regarding open swim times and policies.

What's Happening at the Menomonee Falls Teen Center

Community Education & Recreation Department — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:44:00 GMT

The Menomonee Falls Teen Center is hosting a Middle School Dance (grades 6-8) this Friday, March 7 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Music will be provided by DJ’s Unlimited with raffle drawings every 15 minutes during the dance. The cost is $2 for residents and students of Menomonee Falls, $3 for non-residents.

What is the Menomonee Falls Teen Center?
There are 3 components to the Teen Center:

The Community Center Gym
Used for basketball, football, soccer and special events.

Room 109 (Game Room)
Contains air hockey, billiards, foosball, 3 video game systems, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, 3 TV's, a Large Screen TV, 7 computers, tables and chairs.

Room 102 (Concessions and Lounge)
Place for students to "hang out" with their friends, purchase pizza, soda, snacks, candy and more!

Hours of Operation
Mondays and Wednesdays
The Teen Center is open to students in grades 6-8 from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. A bus is available for any students wishing to attend from Thomas Jefferson. Once at the Teen Center students are allowed to use the gym and game room. Concessions are not open, but vending machines are available. Two adults staff the Center during the afternoon. One is located in the Gym and one is located in Room 109.

Fridays
The Teen Center is open to students in grades 6-8 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. All areas are open to students including the Gymnasium, Room 109 and Concessions area. Six adults staff the Center on Fridays. Adults are located at the Admissions Table, Gymnasium, Concessions Area, Room 109 and there are two floaters.

Saturdays
The Teen Center is open to students in grades 6-12 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. All areas are open to students including the Gymnasium, Room 109 and Concessions area. Five adults staff the Center on Saturdays. Adults are located at the Admissions Table, Gymnasium, Concessions Area, Room 109 and there is one floater.

What is the Cost?
$2.00 Residents and Students of Menomonee Falls
$3.00 Non-residents
All students receive a Teen Center ID card.

Where is the Teen Center Located?
The Teen Center is located in the Menomonee Falls Community Center, W152 N8645 Margaret Road.

For more information regarding Teen Center programming, please call (262) 255-8460 or visit www.fallsrec.org.

Students Test Their Free Throw Skills

Community Education & Recreation Department — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:48:00 GMT

On Wednesday, February 13, 23 students took part in the local South Eastern Park & Recreation Council (SEPRC) Free Throw Contest at the Menomonee Falls Community Center. The contest was open to boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. The participants were divided into 12 divisions based on gender and grade. Each participant shot two, twenty shot rounds (3rd graders shot a total of 30 free throws, with two rounds of 15). The participant in each division, with the most number of free throws was the winner. Congratulations to all the winners!

Third Grade Boys - Nick Gile
Third Grade Girls - Kristina Barczak
Fourth Grade Boys - N/A
Fourth Grade Girls - Bailey Brandner
Fifth Grade Boys - Josh Karls
Fifth Grade Girls - N/A
Sixth Grade Boys - Michael Marchese
Sixth Grade Girls - Natalie Pompos
Seventh Grade Boys - Devon Nauer
Seventh Grade Girls - Karlie Gile
Eighth Grade Boys - Jacob Borkowski
Eighth Grade Girls - N/A

Winners will represent Menomonee Falls in the regional SEPRC Free Throw Competition on Saturday, May 8 at West Allis Central High School. Thanks to everyone who participated!

VOLUNTEER

Community Education & Recreation Department — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:47:12 GMT

Watching too many soaps? Bored? Need a reason to get out of bed in the morning? VOLUNTEER!

The Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Department has a program called VOICE(Volunteers In Community Education) and you can be a part of it by simply filling out an application. Your application will tell us what you enjoy doing and the type of opportunity you are seeking. It will, also, give us the hours you are available each week. Only want to help once in a while. We can arrange that too!

Opportunities that are available cover a wide range of community needs, as well as, assistance in the School District of Menomonee Falls. There are no educational requirements or time requirements. All applicants must submit to a background check and brief interview. The agency in need of assistance will then be called and they make contact with the applicant directly, arranging times and dates of service.

Give something of yourself to your community. The rewards are great--

Keeping Your New Year's Resolution & Giving Thanks

Community Education & Recreation Department — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:20:12 GMT

It's that time of year when many individuals start thinking about their new year's resolution. The problem is that most resolutions get tossed to the curb sooner than later. Sticking to your resolutions, defining clear goals, and having the resources to accomplish those goals make sticking to your new year's resolution much more successful! What's your new year's resolution? The odds are in your favor, that no matter what your resolution is, The Community Ed. & Recreation Department can provide you with opportunities to stick to your goals.

To Spend More Time With Family and Friends
According to Wanda Hope Carter, "Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches." Menomonee Falls offers a wide variety of social programs for family and friends to spend time together. Bridge, Sheepshead, Knitting, Pool, Special Events, and a daily lunch are opportunities the older adult population can enjoy at the Menomonee Falls Community Center. If it's family time you're looking for, visit North Junior High during any of our open swim times or visit one of the many parks located in Menomonee Falls. We also have our Parent/Child Free Throw Contest, Parent/Child Basketball Program and Parent/Child Football Program in the fall. The ultimate family event is the SDMF 5K Run & Walk. The goal of this family fun event is to increase obesity awareness and promote health and fitness within our community. This year's run will be held on Saturday, April 26 starting at 8:00 a.m.

To Get Fit and Lose Weight
Have you thought about losing weight in the past, but never stuck to it because you couldn't find anything "fun" to do? Look no further! Menomonee Falls Community Ed. & Recreation offers a variety of programs to help you stay on track and stay fit! From dancing to aerobics and cycling to weight lifting we have it all. A list of classes include: Body Basics Pilates, Cardio Combo, Body Basics, Yoga, Body Basics Pump, Water Workout, Indoor Cycling, Social Dance, Hip Hop Dance, Belly Dancing, Country Line Dancing and more! If you're looking for something free, enjoy walking indoors during the winter cold Monday though Friday from 6:15 to 7:00 a.m. or 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Menomonee Falls High School hallways.

To Have My Financial Questions Answered
We work with professionals in the finance and real estate fields to provide a wide array of financial classes. Whether it's buying a new home, selling a home, retiring early, managing your finances or maximizing your savings, we probably have a class for you. Visit www.fallsrec.org and check out many of our adult finance classes.

To Get a Good Job
Many individuals throughout our community are always looking for that right job, It's even more difficult for the young adult looking for his or her first job. In Preparing for the Job Market, a one hour seminar presented by Community Ed. & Recreation, young adults will learn what employers are looking for, how to prepare for an interview, and how to keep up with employers expectations. Who knows, you could be the next Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey! Being a Recreation Supervisor is a pretty great job as well!

To Broaden My Knowledge and Further My Education
Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation, as the name implies, offers great programs for adults to further their education and expand their knowledge. If you are interested in computers, try one of our many computer classes including: MS Word Basics, Intro to Outlook, Intro to Photo Editing, Advanced MS Word, Introduction to MS Excel, Introduction to MS Power Point, Advanced MS Excel and more! We also offer classes in television production, interior decorating, scrap booking, stamping, Spanish, electrical wiring, parenting and more. Four new programs being offered this winter and spring include: Passionate Purse-uits, Home Interior: What's the Buzz?, Porch Potential, and Cool Murals for Kid's Rooms.

To Reduce Stress
Especially after the holiday season, many people look for ways to wind down, relax, and rejuvenate. Yoga is a great way to do this (which we offer), but there are also several other programs we offer that will provide you with an array of methods for handling stress. Learn to center your body and mind with proper breathing and a variety of meditation techniques in our 4-week program called Introduction to Meditation. Taught by the same instructor, Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate is designed to provide students with an array of methods for handling stress using breathing exercises, imagery instruction, deep relaxation and simple stretching techniques.

To Volunteer to Help Others
It always feels good when we are able to help others. This is what Louise Schmidt does on a daily basis. She is the Department's Older Adult & Volunteer Coordinator. A large part of her job includes linking volunteers with those who need assistance. Volunteers in Community Education (VOICE) is a central source for volunteerism in Menomonee Falls. Louise connects individuals and groups with meaningful opportunities that benefit schools and the community. If you have a need, or a need to make a difference contact Louise Schmidt at (262) 255-8469.

I hope I have provided you with the resources you need to keep your new year's resolution in 2008! Additional program and class information can be found on-line at www.fallsrec.org, by visiting our office located in the Community Center at W152 N8645 Margaret Road, or by calling us at (262) 255-8460.

In the spirit of the holidays, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who make it possible to provide such a large, diverse and interesting group of programs and classes to the community. Thank you to our office staff: Patti Pirlot, Julie Hardy and Corie Thraves. Whether it's answering phones, providing quality customer service, running reports, attending meetings, or helping customers with registrations they always have smiles on their faces and are willing to go the extra mile. We also have a great "supervisory" staff. Joan Erickson, the director of the Department does a great job keeping myself, Dan Zeroth and Louise Schmidt on task. We have a great team in place, which I believe is evident by the amount of programs and classes we offer. I would also like to thank Luther Himsel, Dave Paul, Carol Hennessy, Jerry Volkman, Wendy Mohrfeld, Dan & Jamie Gebauer and Lois Darkow. These are the part time coordinators who have made and continue to make our aquatics, volleyball, basketball, instructional baseball, softball, gymnastics, tennis, and skiing programs so successful. Lastly, but most importantly I would like to thank the hundreds of instructors, leaders, teachers, coaches, officials, presenters and others who are the front line staff. Without these individuals we would be unable to provide such a large number of quality programs.

From all of us at the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

A Vision of a Group

Community Education & Recreation Department — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The second Monday of each month, the Senior Lounge is reserved for our Lo/No Vision support group. Learning, ideas, laughter, and friendship float around the room. "Yes, I can" prevails!

The inspiration for this group came from an outraged older adult who had met isolated, discouraged seniors at the regional eye institute. She "demanded" that the Senior Coordinator "do something".

A group of three people attended a formative meeting. They suggest areas the group might concentrate on: transportation, isolation, and information.

Our first six months of meetings were conducted by professionals from the local Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired. They imparted a message of empowerment to everyone. A lunch time trip to the Association was a great morale booster! Speakers from the County Office for the Blind, a visually impaired business woman, the Regional Library for the Blind, Bingo, a police officer, a blind musician, a trip to a local tourist attraction, a holiday party, a day trip to a conference for those with visual impairment - all of these things have forged a cohesive group of friends.

We have graduated to twenty-three members who encompass Senior Center participants and those with vision problems in a nearby assisted living facility.

The second Monday of each month, our visually impaired friends (who have been called by Julia, "the blind chick") come laughing from the Senior Bus. They attend their meeting, eat lunch in the dining room, then leave with a smile on their faces looking forward to the next second Monday.

For additional information about this program, please contact Louise Schmidt at (262) 255-8468.

Teen Center Re-opens After Thanksgiving

Community Education & Recreation Department — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:47:00 GMT

Daylight is beginning to shorten, temperatures are starting to drop, Friday night football games have come to an end, and soon the snow will begin to fly. Where are teenagers to go? What are teenagers to do?

New this fall, the Menomonee Falls Teen Center is operated and supervised by the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department. The Teen Center is located in the Menomonee Falls Community Center at W152 N8645 Margaret Road. The purpose of the Menomonee Falls Teen Center is to provide a safe, supervised, active, nurturing, and healthy environment for youth which promotes positive choices and an environment free of alcohol and other drugs.

Teen After-School Programs
An after-school program for students in grades 6-8 is available on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Menomonee Falls Community Center from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. Activities include:

• Large screen TV and video games
• Foosball, pool, air hockey, board games and cards
• Basketball
• Computers and study space
• Community Service – learning projects

Teen Weekend Program
A weekend program is available at the Community Center for students in grades 6-8 on Fridays and grades 9-12 on Saturdays from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Activities include:
• Large screen TV and video games
• Snack bar
• Foosball, pool, air hockey, board games and cards
• Basketball
• Computers and study space
• Community Service – learning projects

For dates, times, prices and additional information please visit www.fallsrec.org.

Older Adults Are Our Business Too

Community Education & Recreation Department — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:50:00 GMT

The Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Department houses many activities for Adults 55 and better! How about the old standards - Bridge, Sheepshead, knitting, crocheting, Bingo, watercolors, introductory computer classes and exercise. We, also, offer some special classes like: The Newest Treatments for Osteoarthritis presented by Dr. Oelke. How about a special speaker like State Representative Alberta Darling? The Armchair Traveler is for those who would lke to see the world - right from one of our lounge chairs.

We offer monthly blood pressure checks, glucose tests, and, beginning in December, cleaning and checking of hearing aids. If cutting your own toe nails is too difficult for you, we can direct you to our twice monthly toe nail trimming clinic.

Want to party? Come to our Halloween Party, Wednesday October 31 with guests the Fun Lovin Grannies to entertain after the special meal. Thanksgiving Dinner will be Monday, November 19 with turkey and all the trimmings. (Reservations required at least twenty-four hours in advance at 251-3406)

Grab a newsletter from the lobby and try something new at the Senior Center: meet old pals or make new
friends, have a meal with us, enjoy being part of a friendly and caring group. We are waiting to meet you!
(Call 255-8469 for assistance)

"We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young." Letty Pogrenbin

PARKS AND RECREATION CREATE ACTIVE, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Community Education & Recreation Department — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:51:00 GMT

Park and recreation services play a vital role in creating active and healthy communities. The Village of Menomonee Falls is has a high quality park system. The School District of Menomonee Falls complements the facilities with great recreation programming offered through the Community Education and Recreation Department.

The Physical Health Benefits

Active users of public parks have a lower body mass index (a ratio between weight and height) than did people who use parks passively or not at all.

People who visited parks for longer periods of time (one hour or more) had significantly lower systolic blood pressures than those who only stayed for short periods of time (less than one hour).

People who visited parks with companions (as opposed to visiting alone) reported significantly higher levels of physical health.

Citizens who had better access to parks, visited parks more frequently, and engaged in physically-active park behaviors also made fewer visits to their doctor (for reasons other than a regular check-up).

Working together, the Village and the School District offer citizen’s excellent opportunities to stay active and healthy. There are still openings in many second session Fall classes. Check our website for more detailed program information at www.fallsrec.org.