Rec building to open: Fall programs offered

    The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department will open the Gentle Memorial Building gym and game room for the fall and winter season on Oct. 9. 
    Below is the information on season passes, open gym hours, rules and general information for the center. Anyone with questions may call the recreation department at 532-1310.
     Season Passes: Again this year, students may purchase a game room season pass, which entitles a youth to use the pool and ping pong tables throughout the open game room season. This does not include coin-operated games. Cost is $15 for Houlton residents and $20 for non-Houlton residents. If a youth does not invest in a season pass, the price for the use of the pool/ping pong table is 50 cents for 15 minutes.
    Game Room open hours for grades 2-12:  Monday – Fridays 2:45-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
    Gym open hours for grades 2-12: Monday –Fridays 2:30-5 p.m.: Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
    Rules & General Information:
    Adult and youth supervisors will be provided at all open gym and game room hours.
    Any child in grade 1 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to be at the recreation center for open gym and game room hours.
    Any youth in grade 6 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to be at the recreation center past 5 p.m., unless attending a scheduled practice or activity.
    Once you are in, you stay in rule is in place at the center!
    Parents will be contacted if a youth is asked to leave the recreation center due to bad or inappropriate behavior.
    There is a phone if your child needs to make a call.
    Other programs being offered this fall at the Houlton Recreation Department are:
Junior High School dance
    The Houlton Recreation Department will be holding a junior high school dance for youth in grades 7-8. The dance will be held at the Houlton Rec Center on Friday, Oct. 19 from 7-10 p.m. Cost for the dance is $5 per student. All proceeds will go the Community Playground Renovation Project! Make plans now to meet your friends here for a fun night of dancing!
Pumpkin Pinata making
    The Houlton Recreation Department will be sponsoring a Pumpkin Pinata Making class on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Houlton Rec Center. Paula Dahlk will be the instructor.
    Children between the grades of PreK – grade 6 are invited to this fun holiday craft class.
    Cost is $15 and each child will take home a pumpkin piñata. To register, call 532-1310 by Oct. 16. If need, local children that attend SAD 29 may travel by bus to rec center on this day, be sure to send a note to school! 
Parent & Tot Time
    The Houlton Recreation Department will once again hold the Parent & Tot Time. This activity will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 9  at the rec center. The time for this activity will be 8:30-10 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This unstructured play time gives parents and tots the opportunity to meet new friends.  Some toys will be available or families can bring their own. There is no charge for this activity.
Walking
    The Houlton Recreation Department will open for walkers on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free activity allows individuals to walk inside throughout the fall and winter months. Days for walking are Monday through Friday. Participants are asked to wear sneakers or soft soled shoes in the gym.
Men’s open gym for October
    Men’s open gym will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 7:30-9 p.m. Cost will be $2 per player. Players must be 18 years of age or older and out of high school to participate. Men’s nights will be held each Tuesday and Thursday.
Red Cross Baby Sitting Training
    The Houlton Recreation Department will be offering a Red Cross Babysitting Training on Saturday, Oct. 13.  The class will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the rec center.
    This training is for participants between the ages or 11– 15years of age.
    Registration is required by call 532-1310 by Oct. 11.
    This class is limited to 12 students. Cost for this training is $50. This class will include a full day of training and certificate upon completion of the class. Participants must bring their own lunch and drink.
    This class will begin on Monday, Oct, 24 and will run for eight weeks. Limit 24 participants.