Skating hours, rec vacation activities

Hotshot Basketball Program
    The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring the MRPA Hotshot Basketball Program again this winter.
    Girls and Boys between the ages of 9-18 years are invited to participate.
    This program will have weekly practices that lead up to the local shoot off in February.
    Hotshot involves shooting a basketball from five hot spots on one half of a court. The program will test speed, dribbling, and rebounding ability in a one-minute period.
    The four age divisions are: ages 9-10 years; 11-12 years; 13-15 years; and 16-18 years. Boys will compete against boys and girls will compete against girls. Age divisions are determined by a youth’s age as of March 31, 2009. Junior varsity and varsity players are eligible to participate.
    The first practice for all ages will be held on Wednesday, January 14 from 3-4 p.m. Registration fees for this program are, $10 for Houlton residents and $15 for non-Houlton residents. Registration is required. To register, call the rec by January 14 at 532-1310.
Public Skating  schedule
    Tues. Dec. 23, 1-3 p.m.; Wed. Dec. 24, 1-3 p.m.; Thurs. Dec. 25, Closed-Merry Christmas!; Fri. Dec. 26, 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.; Sat. Dec. 27, 12-3 p.m.; Sun. Dec. 28, 1-4 p.m.; Mon. Dec. 29, 1-3 p.m.; Tues. Dec. 30, 1-3 p.m.; Wed. Dec. 31, 1-3 p.m.; Thurs. Jan. 1, Closed-Happy New Year; Fri. Jan. 2, 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.; Sat. Jan. 3, 2-4 p.m. and Sun. Jan. 4, 1-4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students, $2 for senior citizens, Free for children under age 6. Skate rental are $2 per pair.
After School Fun Program
    The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department is offering their After School Fun Program starting January 6. Youth in grades Pre-K to Grade 4 are invited to attend this program. Parents may choose one or a two-day program. The program will run each Tuesday and/or Thursday for an eight week session.
    After School Fun Program runs from 3-4:30 p.m. and consist of crafts, games, contests, snack and more. Cost for one day is $25 for Houlton residents or $38 for non-Houlton residents, and the two-day program is $50 for Houlton residents or $75 for non-Houlton residents. This program is limited to 15 youths per day. Children attending the SAD 29 School System may travel on their bus to the rec center each day.
    Registration is required. To register, call the Houlton Rec Department at 532-1310 by December 30.
Rec vacation activities
    The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department will be offering the following activities during the December School vacation break.
    All Sports Morning will be held on Monday, Dec. 29 and Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 9-11 a.m. Youth in Grades K-4 are invited to attend. Each morning will be filled with a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis and more. This program is limited to 30 youth each day. Cost is $3 per child per day for Houlton residents and $4.50 per child per day for non-Houlton residents.
    Vacation Fun Program will be held Monday, Dec.. 29, Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 1-3 p.m. Youth in Grades K-6 are invited to attend this program. Each day will feature crafts, games, contest, snacks and more. This program is limited to 24 children per day. Cost is $3 per child per day for Houlton residents and $4.50 per child per day for non-Houlton residents.
    Both programs require pre-registration. To register your child, call the rec at 532-1310 by December 22. Children are asked to; wear comfortable clothes and sneakers to both activities.
GOAL – Lucas Grant, right, scores a goal for the Houlton Bantams against Fredericton at the Hartland Arena last Friday.