Plenty of vacation week activities

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The Houlton Recreation Department has planned a number of activities for the upcoming winter school recess, slated for Feb. 21-25, for students in southern Aroostook County.
    Open gym will be held Sunday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 27 from 1-4 p.m. each day. Youths are encouraged to bring their friends to play pool, ping-pong, Nintendo Wii games, basketball, air hockey and other games.
    The Millar Civic Center will hold free public skating Saturday, Feb. 19, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and again Sunday, Feb. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Vacation public skating hours will be from 1-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21-Friday, Feb. 25. The cost for admission is $3 for students, $4 for adults and $2 for senior citizens, while children 6 and younger are free. Skate rentals are available for $2 per pair. For more information on skating, call 532-1313.
    A number of activities have also been scheduled for the week. On Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 9-11 a.m. the Rec Center will hold an arts and crafts session for students in pre-K to fourth grade. The cost is $5 per child, with a limit of 24 children accepted. Children are encouraged to wear play clothes. Snacks will be provided. Those interested must register in advance.
    Also on Feb. 22, sliding and cross-country skiing for youths will be held at Derby Hill from 1-3 p.m. for those in grades 3-6. The cost is $5 per child. There will be a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 24. Snacks will be provided and youth skis are also available.
    On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Sneakin’ In Science will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. for those ages 7-12. The cost is $12 per child and pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 15 children. Instructor Sara McQuarrie will talk about outer space, with students doing experiments and learning about each of the planets. Each participant will get to take home a glow-in-the-dark solar system kit.
    On Thursday, Feb. 24, American Red Cross Baby Sitting Training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This popular event costs $50 per participant and is limited to just 12 individuals between the ages of 11 and 15. Class will include a day of training, special portfolio, CD and training manual and certificate of completion. During the class, participants will learn how to interview for a babysitting job; supervise children; choose safe and age appropriate toys; perform first aid; diapering; feeding and other safety topics. Pre-registration is required for this event by Thursday, Feb. 17.
    On Saturday, Feb. 26, the focus shifts to the Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle for “Take It Outside” family day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, sliding, ice skating and an ice harvesting demonstration are offered. Dog sled rides will also be available for a $2 donation.
    Bigrock Mountain in Mars Hill is also offering discount ski tickets good for any day during the week. Youth tickets are available for $20, while adult tickets are $24.
    To register for these events, call the Rec Center at 532-1310 by Friday, Feb. 18.