January 2008 Archives

Full of New Year’s Resolutions? If any of them include getting in shape or trying something new, let our local recreation departments help you get started.

Not only are there great community education classes offered in our own town but by simply looking to adjacent towns you can multiply your options tenfold.

Don’t hesitate to sign up for fear of being a non-resident. These towns want us to utilize their offerings. This is evidenced by the fact that there are no additional fees for residents of other towns. In many instances classes will not run if there are less than five students; full classes mean a greater number of viable offerings.

The Winter 2008 Program offered through the Stow Recreation Department shows classes such as Music Together for children from birth through age five. Classes are offered Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Town Hall. Men’s Basketball is a great choice for those who aren’t fond of outdoor, cold-weather exercise. This class is held on Tuesdays at the Hale School Gym from 6:30-8:30 pm.

The Town of Sudbury Park & Recreation Department offers a huge and varied selection of programs. Most of their programs are held at the Fairbank Rec Center at 40 Fairbank Road. This facility also houses a gorgeous six-lane pool and diving well.

Class offerings for adults include, for example, Jazzercise and Introduction to Snowshoeing. Children might enjoy a ten-week Musical Theater class that culminates with a performance for parents during its last week. Sudbury uniquely offers weekly Kindergarten workshops that run 1.5 hours and focus on a specific topic. “Hawaiin Luau,” “Medieval Castle Fun,” and “Jungle Safari,” are just a few. These are great for half-day Kindergarteners because they are offered in the morning and afternoon. You can sign up for one or all fourteen.

The Town of Acton offers two separate recreation program guides. The larger of the two is a listing called The Interaction and is assembled by Acton Boxborough Community Education. “How to Buy & Sell on Ebay” is a popluar class as well as “Photoshop for the Absolute Beginner.” You might not think you could find “Beginner Fencing for Children” outside of Boston but The Interaction has it. For the more intellectual child perhaps “Mad Science” would be an option. The Interaction also lists options for swimming lessons and open swim utilizing Acton-Boxborough High School’s pool.

The Town of Acton Recreation Department offers Landscaping Workshops and bus trips such as The New England Patriots vs. The Buffalo Bills. For children interested in cooking there’s “Edible Fun Stop” and “Valentine Candy Class.”

In general, programs offered through recreation departments have a more relaxed, non-committal feel than those offered through commercial vendors. The children’s programs, in particular, have a less-competitive, fun atmosphere.

From a financial standpoint, you can’t beat the price of town offerings. One of the reasons being that those who teach classes don’t need to cover large overhead for rent and utilities. In addition, you, the consumer, don’t need to commit to a one-year gym membership if you’re simply curious about a Pilates class.

By taking advantage of the offerings of neighboring recreation departments, adults and children alike can entertain themselves through the long Winter months.

Area Recreation Departments:

• Stow Recreation Department: 380 Great Road, Stow, MA.
  
• Town of Sudbury Park & Recreation/Atkinson Pool: Fairbank Community Center, 40 Fairbank Road, Sudbury, MA.
  
• Acton Boxborough Community Education (The Interaction): Administration Building, 15 Charter Road, Acton, MA. Phone (978) 266-2525 to obtain a catalog.
  
• Town of Acton Recreation Department: Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St., Acton, MA.
  
• Concord Recreation Department: Hunt Recreation Center, 90 Stow Street, Concord, MA. Includes the new Beede Swim & Fitness Center.
• Hudson Division of Recreation: 78 Main Street, Hudson, MA.
  
• Marlborough Recreation Department: 239 Concord Road, Marlborough, MA.
• Minuteman Regional High School: 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA.