Autumn has arrived...sorta

Falmouth Recreation Department

The month of September at the Gus Canty Community Center has been quite eventful. The Falmouth Recreation Department staff has been working tirelessly organizing and directing the autumnal phenomena known as “youth soccer.” With last minute registrations and special requests, we have been doing our best to achieve the arduous task of making every little soccer player as happy as possible. To that point, a major reason why we enjoy working in recreation is to help guide and teach the children in our community how to grow into positive and respectful people. If we can help teach them life building skills through the medium of teamwork, and put some smiles on their faces along the way, it’s just an added bonus to the entire experience. Unlike the ultra competitive scene witnessed in travel team sports, our youth soccer program aims to recreate a very comfortable, friendly, and supportive environment every week. Although I fully support the opportunity to engage in travel team sports, it is imperative for the children and parents alike to immerse themselves in fun and relaxing outdoor activities to provide a healthy balance in their busy schedules. On that note, let’s not forget how essential these experiences are for your children during these formative years. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the benefits of a “high five” and the simple gesture of positive reinforcement go an awful long way.

If you would like to do something fun and rewarding on the weekends, please come and watch our young soccer stars perform every Saturday this Fall from now until Oct. 31st at the Falmouth Heights & Trotting Park fields. Munchkin soccer (ages 4 & 5 co-ed) and Instructional soccer (grades 1 and 2 co-ed) will be held at the Falmouth Heights field from 9:00am – 2:30pm. The Junior (grades 3 & 4) and Senior (grades 5 & 7) divisions will play at Trotting Park from 9:00am- 2:30pm. At the Gus Canty Community Center, youth supervised Open Gym has officially begun once again, which runs from 2:30pm – 4:45pm, Monday – Friday. Led by Program Director Tim McRae, the 2015 Fall Ball co-ed baseball training program (grades 2-4) has officially started. Fall Ball takes place at Fonseca Field from 4:30-5:30pm on Wednesdays and it sounds like the program is already a terrific success. The Thursday After School program, supported by Jack’s Pact, will be restarting again on Thursday, October 1st from 3:15pm-4:45pm for grades 5-6. This program caters to children in need of a safe and positive environment after school, during the hours when their parents/guardians are still at work. As in years past, this program includes gym games, homework help, use of the teen center, as well as free snacks and juice box drinks. If your child is a big fan of dodgeball, or the cleverly named “kyle” ball game, then they will love the Thursday After School program. Please contact your school administration to see when your child’s school is offering this unique program in the future.

As mentioned in the last few articles, in addition to the youth programs, we have many adult programs returning this week as well. Open Adult Walking goes from September – June, Monday – Friday, from 8:00am-9:00am and 11:00am-12:00pm. Open Co-Ed Adult Volleyball runs on Tuesdays evenings from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, ages 18 and up, and Open Adult Basketball is available again from 12:00pm-2:30pm, Monday-Friday. Pickup Co-ed Adult Soccer is also returning, with games every Wednesday, ages 21 and up, from 6:30pm-8:30pm from September 16th- December 16th. For our senior citizens, we are offering the Senior Walking and Talking program again, which is held on Tuesdays from 9:00am-11:00am, September 8th – October 27th. The cost is $10 and it’s well worth the price of admission, as this is a phenomenal way to start your day and enjoy some friendly conversation with your peers. With already two walks under our belt, the group is really enjoying some of the most pleasant days of the year in very peaceful and serene settings. Be on the lookout for more adult and youth programs this Fall, such as the Community School Exercise Class, the Jackie Sorensen Aerobic Class, Ki-Aikido, and Tai Ji Quan.

The Falmouth Recreation Department “Person of the Week” is awarded to the Falmouth Fire & Police Departments for their efforts in promoting the annual Family Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention Fair. This free, family event is a great way to educate the community while bringing some fun to the kids. Thank you for all that you do for the Town of Falmouth.

By Michael Lucey on 09-17-2015