Recreation activities

Christmas Light Parade Party
    The Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department will be open on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. prior to the Light Parade. This is a great opportunity for people to come in and spread some holiday cheer prior to watching the parade. Children can come make ornaments while they wait for the parade to start. This is open for all ages, and families are encouraged to come. There will also be refreshments during the party and parade. The cost of making ornaments is $2. People who bring non perishable food items to donate will get a 50 percent discount. Call the office at 764-2545 with any questions.
Kids’ Christmas Party
    The recreation department is once again hosting its Kids’ Christmas Party for children in grades 1-5. The event will be on Friday, Dec. 15 from 6-9:30 p.m.
    Parents can finish up some Christmas shopping while their kids enjoy an evening of fun. Activities will include: bingo, gym games, a Red Sox swap and pizza eating. Gifts don’t have to be Red Sox related; we just don’t say that nasty ‘Y’ word around here.
    Pre-registration if required as there are limited spaces available. The fee is $5 per child, plus a $3-$5 Red Sox swap gift.
    Registration begins today at the William V. Haskell Community Center. Contact the recreation office at 764-2545 for more information.
Arts program
    The recreation department has begun registration for Presque Isle residents for its after school art program, which begins in January. Non-residents may register beginning Dec. 9. Grades 1-3 will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while grades 4-6 will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays, with all sessions running from 3-5:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $60 for Presque Isle residents with an additional fee for non-residents. Please contact the center at 764-2545 with any questions.
Adult and evening programs
    The recreation Department has announced that its adult and evening schedule of activities is now under way.
    Coed volleyball will be held on Mondays from 7-9 p.m., men’s basketball Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., and co-ed dodgeball will be held on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Archery for all ages will start on Sundays beginning this month.
    All activities will be held at the William V. Haskell Community Center. The fee is $1 per person per night. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school to participate.
Grades 5 and 6 basketball registration
    Registration for the grades 5 and 6 basketball program has begun at the William V. Haskell Community Center. Presque Isle residents began registration November 30. Non-resident registration begins Dec. 9.
    The program offers leagues for both boys and girls. Practices and games will be held weekdays after school at the community center. The registration fee is $18.
    Contact the recreation office at 764-2545 for more information.
Youth open gym
    The recreation department has begun its hours for youth open gym.
    Hours will be from 1-3 p.m. for elementary youth and from 3-5 p.m. for middle school and high school students. These hours will be offered regularly each Saturday and Sunday.
    Available will be a pool table, table tennis, bumper pool, foosball, board games, a lounge with TV and a gymnasium for basketball and other activities.
Birthday parties
    The recreation department is now hosting birthday parties for ages 4 and up at the community center in addition to the indoor pool. The center is available Friday and Saturday nights from 6-8 p.m., with one hour of organized gym games included in the rental. Activities vary with age groups, but include wiffleball, soccer, basketball, and kickball. For more information on rentals for the community center, call 764-2545 or email adampirec@maine.rr.com. Call the indoor pool at 764-2564 for information regarding rentals at that facility.
Team pictures
    If your child has had their team picture taken and you would like an electronic copy, please email adampirec@maine.rr.com with your child’s name, sport, and team name.
LeBlanc’s Family Karate
    The recreation department now hosts LeBlanc’s Family Karate Saturday mornings. Classes are for ages 7 and up, and classes will be run from 9-11 a.m. every Saturday. The classes are designed for beginners and intermediate students. Registration can be taken at any time at the community center. Please contact Andy at aleblanc5@roadrunner.com with any questions or concerns.
Parent/Toddler Sign Language
    The recreation department will be hosting a parent/toddler signing playgroup Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. The group will meet the first Saturday of each month. This group is designed to teach children basic signs as a means of communication at an earlier age. The cost is $2 per child per session. The group is designed for children up to age 6, but all ages may come and join in the fun.