boo bash photo 
 
Howell Area
Parks & Recreation
Authority
 
January 18, 2008
 
Trends, opportunities and challenges in the parks and recreation industry are on the agenda for the Michigan Parks & Recreation Association's annual conference next week in Traverse City, and our staff will be in attendance.  Chris Galatis (sports director), Beth Schader (enrichment director) and I will be travelling north to hear from experts and colleagues and we are hoping to bring new ideas back to Howell.   We'll be out of the office from Tuesday until Friday, so if you have any questions or need information, please make sure to connect to Sara Slagell or Carol Tallman in our front office.  They can be reached at 517/546-0693.  We'll look forward to sharing some best practices and program ideas when we return. 
 
 
boo bash photo
Deborah E. Mikula
Director
 
P.S.  If you like what you see, please take a minute to forward this e-mail to your friends, family, and other parks and recreation enthusiasts and encourage them to subscribe by joining our mailing list!   News and information from the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority will be forwarded to you each and every Friday. 
 
Used Sports Equipment Sale and Indoor Garage Sale

 

Now that the holidays are over and new sports equipment has replaced many of the outdated items in your basement, closets and garages, we hope that you will consider donating your old, gently used equipment to the Howell Area Parks & Recreation for our first "Used Sports Equipment Sale" that will take place Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Bennett Recreation Center.  We'll open the door from 9-3 p.m. that day and hopefully both you and Parks and Rec will make a few dollars to support our sports programming.

Here's how it works:  You do not need to be present to participate as all items will be tagged and sold by the Parks and Recreation Department.  All items must be dropped off prior to Friday, Feb. 22. and we will store these and tag them for the sale.  You may specifiy if you would like any of the proceeds (70/30 split) or if you would like to donate all proceeds from the sale of your equipment to the programs of the Parks and Recreation Department. 
 
For more information please contact Chris Galatis, our Sports Director at 517/546-0693 X7705 or by email at cgalatis@ci.howell.mi.us
 
We are also holidng an indoor garage sale that day which is being brought back by popular demand.  This is your opportunity to sell new and used merchandise, clothing and collectibles, but space is limited so reserve your space today for $24 for a table for residents of the authority or $28 for non-residents. 
Lego's and Lunch
lego'sLego means "Play Well" in Danish and "Put Together" in Latin.  So if you are totally pumped up about Legos, and you want to flex your creativity skills, then come join us for a great afternoon of building games and enjoy a pizza lunch at the Bennett Recreation Center on Saturday, February 19th from 11-1 p.m.  Residents who are age 5-12 and live within the City of Howell and Oceola Township pay $17, Residents of Marion and Genoa Township pay $24 and non-residents pay $34.  Call 517/546-0693 X0 to register or register online at www.howellrecreation.org
 
Stage Your House to Sell it!
The local headlines are glaring about the state of the economy and the number of homes that are on the market right now is a sure sign that times are tough.  For most of us, our home represents the largest portion of our assets.  Trying to sell a house in today's fast paced market, quickly and profitably has the potential for turning anyone's world upside down.  Knowing what is important so you can meet your buyer's expectations is a necessity.  As a seller, you will want to get the most value out of your home in the shortest time possible.  This course will help the seller create an individualized house preparation timeline, outline simple steps to eliminate potential problems, give ideas about decluttering, cleaning, repairing, and how you how to stage your house for a successful open house. 
 
Instructor Laura Mattson from Laura's Interiors will be on hand on Monday, February 4 from 7-8 p.m. at Marion Township Hall, 2877 W. Coon Lake Road to give you all the pointers you need.  Cost is $10 - $14 depending on residency.  Register today at www.howellrecreation.org or call 517/546-0693.
A Popular Place to be on Friday Nights!
swimming2The numbers keep building and the Howell Aquatic Center is the place to be on Friday evenings for tons of family fun!  We hope you'll come and join us!
 
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority and the Howell Area Aquatic Center are offering Family Gym/Swim nights. The gym/swim nights will take place on Friday evenings from 7-9 p.m. (no gym/swim on swim meet nights) at the Howell Area Aquatic Center and Field House. These nights are for families who would like to come out and swim, sit in the hot tub, jump off the diving board, or slide down the water slide. The gym will be open and available for basketball and volleyball, as well as an open court for suggested events. Please note: Participants can choose between swimming only, gym only or a combination of both. All patrons need to sign in at the Aquatic Center. For swimming all children 14 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult, and any child wearing a Coast Guard approved flotation device or under 48" tall must be within arms each of an adult in the water.
Cost is $3 for swimming, $2 for Gym, or a combination fee of $5 for both.  Register at the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority by calling 517/546-0693 x0 or register online at www.howellrecreation.org
 
For cancellations due to swim meets or other events (No gym/swim Dec. 28 or Feb. 8), please contact the Howell Area Aquatic Center at 517-548-6355 or visit them online at www.howellschools.com/c2/aquatics)
Join us for Fitness Fusion! 
 

Fitness FusionIf you could hear the music that is played during this great fitness class and see the enthusiasm of its instructor than you would sign up immediately for "FITNESS FUSION"

 

Tanya Berman has been working with the Howell Parks & Recreation for many years and for those of you over 16, she is combining great music with a warm supportive atmosphere.  This class is designed with a high enery, low impact fusion of dance movement and yoga stretches and takes place at the Bennett Recreation Center on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m.  beginning on January 24 for 8 classes.  Cost is $50 for for City of Howell and Oceola Township residents, $70 for Marion and Genoa Township residents, and $100 for non-residents. 

 
We have drop in rates as well, so if a full 8 week class isn't want you are looking for, come in for a day to experience this class - $7 for City of Howell and Oceola Township residents, $9 for Marion and Genoa Township residents, and $14 for non-residents. 
 
Call 517/546-0693 X0 or register online at www.howellrecreation.org
 
Classic Film Series - Seeking Sponsors
 
movie reelThe Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, the Howell Carnegie District Library and the Howell Theater have joined in partnership to produce a 6 month "Classic Film and Lunch Series" that will show nostalgic movies from the 1930-1950's once a month in historic downtown Howell.  As we prepare to roll out the film series in March, we have begun to seek sponsors to help us produce this exiting opportunity.  We hope that you will consider partnering with us to make this film series a reality.   Below is a listing of our tentative line-up of films that will be shown at 11 a.m. on the following dates at the Howell Theater:
 
March 18 - Gone with the Wind
April 15 - Casablanca
May 20 - Great Escape
June 17 - Yankee Doodle Dandy
July 15 -  Ben Hur
August 19 - The Great Gadsby
 

As you can see, we have chosen a diverse monthly line-up of nostalgic films  that are sure to please our targeted audience of Livingston County seniors and stay-at-home parents/adults who love to experience and reminisce about the good 'ole days, see films on the "big screen" and want to get out of the house for a special day spent with friends and acquaintances. 

 

The full experience for patrons is not confined to the movie theater though.  We will also be promoting a group dining experience at a downtown restaurant immediately following the show, and local merchants can "get into the act" by promoting shopping at their stores by having a special activity ready before or after lunch that incorporates the time period of the film, the characters of the film, the genre of the film, etc. 

 

Call Debbie Mikula at 517/546-0693 X7702 if you are interested in sponsoring these events - we have sponsorships for the full series, partial sponsorships and per film sponsorships that are going fast.  We are proud to announce that Independence Village in Brighton has already reserved two of the classic film dates.

AARP Tax Assistance Available for Seniors
 

The Howell Senior Center will again be offering seniors 50 years and over tax assistance for federal and state income tax forms and heating credit and homestead property tax forms.  AARP trained volunteers are now scheduling one hour appointments from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the following dates:

 
Friday, February 8
Friday, February 22
Friday, March 7
Wednesday, March 19
Friday, April 4
Wednesday, April 9
 
Call the Howell Senior Center at 517/545-0219 to make an appointment.  This is free assistance, but donations to the Senior Center are gladly accepted for this worthwhile service.
Sweetheart Dances Coming Up - Daddy/Daughter - Mother/Son
heartDaddy/Daughter Sweetheart Dinner & Dance

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Calling all Dads! Sign-up early and plan to spend a magical evening with your daughter that you will both cherish forever. You'll enjoy a catered dinner from T.W. Friends and dancing to the top hits spun by our awesome DJ and you can purchase a keepsake photo with holder for only $2.00. Door prizes and a special Valentine gift will be given to each child. Dinner is from 6:00-7:00pm and dance runs from

7:00-8:30pm. Dance only tickets are available.  

 

Mother/ Son Sweetheart Dinner & Dance

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Calling all Moms! Sign-up early and plan to spend a magical evening with your son that you will both cherish forever. You'll enjoy a catered dinner from T.W. Friends and dancing to the top hits spun by our awesome DJ and you can purchase a keepsake photo with holder for only $2.00. Door prizes and a special Valentine gift will be given to each child. Dinner is from 6:00-7:00pm and dance runs from 7:00-8:30pm. Dance only tickets are available.

 

PRICES

 

Dinner & Dance $34/couple for City of Howell, Oceola, Marion and Genoa Township residents and $40/couple for non-residents. $10.00 per additional child.

 

Dance Only $18/couple for City of Howell, Oceola, Marion and Genoa Township residents and $24/couple  for non-residents.   $6.00 per additional child

 
Reserve your spot on-line at www.howellrecreation.org or call the Bennett Recreation Center at 517/546-0693 ext. 0.
 
We also proudly announce that Snedicor's and Dr. Sam Daniels are sponsoring these two dinner dances.
For the Love of Chocolate!
chocolateIn preparation for Valentines Day, our resident chef, Renee Chodkowski will be teaching a class sure to please all who love chocolate!  A fabulous menue for a fabulous meal using chocolate or cocoa in EVERY recipe!  This is an unbelieveably delicious class that takes place at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, Room #129 on Tuesday, February 5 from 7-9 p.m.  Sign up today at www.howellrecreation.org or call 517/546-0693.  Cost is $14 for City of Howell and Oceola Township residents, $18 for Marion and Genoa Township residents and $24 for non-residents.
About the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority
Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority Trustees
 
Todd Smith
Chairman
(Genoa Township)
 
Sean Dunleavy
Vice-Chairman
(Oceola Township)
 
Steve Manor
(City of Howell)
 
Rick Terres
(Howell Public Schools)
 
Paula Wyckoff
(Marion Township)
The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority was formed in 2006 and serves residents in the City of Howell, Oceola Township, Genoa Township and Marion Township.  Our mission is to enrich the lives of the citizens of the Howell area by promoting active and healthy lifestyles.  Public meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Howell City Council Chambers, lower level, City Hall, 611 E. Grand River Ave., Howell.  
 
 
Hours:  
Bennett Recreation Center, 925 W. Grand River Ave.
Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Saturdays 9 a.m. -  1 p.m.
Senior Center Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Preschool Hours:  Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 12 noon
Other Hours as Scheduled
 
Barnard Community Center, 415 S. Barnard St.
Teen Center Hours:  Monday - Thursday 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Other Hours as Scheduled
 
Contact Information
517/546-0693