January 28, 2016

Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department: 248.347.0400

CHORALAIRES, CONCERT BAND TEAM UP

Free joint concert Sunday, March 6 at 3pm Novi Civic Center

Novi's community chorus and community band are joining forces to host a community concert at 3pm on March 6 at the Novi Civic Center.

The Novi Concert Band and The Novi Choralaires are both made up of men and women from Novi and the surrounding area with a passion for music and performing.

This year's concert is titled "Music of Stage and Screen." There is no cost to attend the concert, but a free will donation is appreciated.

If you have yet to see either group perform, this is a perfect chance to see them in action. The Choralaires perform at many community events during their season from January through May, while the Concert Band performs nearly a dozen annual public concerts throughout the region.

For more information about the Choralaires, visit NoviChoralaires.org or find them on Facebook. To learn about the Concert Band, email noviconcertband@live.com or join their group on Facebook.

BOWL TO HELP NOVI YOUTH ASSISTANCE

34th annual Bowl-A-Thon Saturday, March 5 at Novi Bowl

Grab that old bowling shirt out of the closet and dust off those bowling shoes for a fun event to support Novi Youth Assistance.

The 34th annual Bowl-A-Thon takes place from 1-4pm on March 5 at Novi Bowl. All proceeds from the event are used to positively impact youth in Novi. The money supports various programs including Mentors Plus, camp, youth recognition, alcohol awareness, educational and recreation scholarships and the Jeanne Clarke Teen Center.

Novi Youth Assistance once again saw an increase in the demand for its services last year, and the Bowl-A-Thon serves as the non-profit organization's biggest fundraiser.

You can support the organization by forming a team or sponsoring a lane. Bowlers are asked to raise $100 in pledges, while a lane sponsor is $125. There also are corporate sponsorship opportunities for $300, $500 and $1,000.

All attendees will receive three games of bowling, pizza and refreshments, a gift bag and the chance to win prizes. Novi Youth Assistance also is in need of prizes and other items to include in the gift bags. All donations are tax deductible.

You can register your team online here and download Bowler Information Packets here. If you have any questions or need additional information regarding sponsorship, visit cityofnovi.org or call 248.347.0410.

DEVELOP YOUR LACROSSE SKILLS

Learn basics at skill camp, join boys and girls leagues

Novi Parks has a pair of opportunities for boys and girls interested in learning the basics of lacrosse.

The first is a Boys' Lacrosse Player Development program that takes place from 9-10:30am on February 6. Coach Nick Diegel from Dominate Lacrosse will be on hand to show basic fundamentals and drills. Minimal equipment is required, including stick and athletic shoes.

Cost to attend the program, which is for grades 3-8, is $20 for residents and $24 for non-residents. Registration ends Feb. 2.

Lacrosse leagues

The other chance to get involved in lacrosse is through the boys Novi Lax Cats and girls Novi Rumble lacrosse leagues. Players will learn the basic skills of lacrosse, along with offensive and defensive strategies needed to play.

The Lax Cats play a 10-14 game schedule, with practices twice a week. Games will be played at Novi fields and surrounding communities within 25 miles. Players must provide their own equipment including: lacrosse helmet, gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, athletic cup, mouth guard, cleats and stick.

There will be teams for grades 3-4 and grades 5-6. Cost is $195 for a resident and $224 non-resident. Registration, which ends Feb. 25, includes a jersey and end of season award.

The Rumble also practice twice a week, and the game schedule includes two friendly "rival" games and three Saturday tournaments. Girls games are different than boys in that they are non-contact. Players must provide their own mouth guard, eye gear, cleats and stick. Anyone interested in coaching should contact Beth Donovan at bethd@miwwlc.com.

There will be teams for grades 5-6 and grades 7-8. Cost is $190 resident and $218 non-resident. Registration ends Feb. 25.

MOTHER-SON BOWLING AT NOVI BOWL

Bowl from 12:30-3pm on Saturday, Febuary 27

Escape the cold and spend some special mother-son time at Novi Bowl for the Mother-Son Bowling event.

The afternoon outing is an opportunity for young men ages 4 and up to spend quality time with an important female in their life. It could be a mom, aunt, grandmother or all three!

Cost is $15 per person for a resident and $18 non-resident. The price includes two games, shoes, two pieces of pizza, drink and a takeaway for the boys.

Register online at cityofnovi.org or in person at the Novi Parks Office. For more information, contact Cristin Spiller at 248.347.0474.