Opportunities and Connections for All

Students in grades 6 - 12 are invited to come to the Teen Center Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 to celebrate the holidays with their friends and win some great prizes!  Raffles will take place every half hour and everyone in attendance will be put into a drawing for a second semester TPass.  Students will also have the opportunity to win (2) tickets to the Milwaukee Bucks game against the Raptors at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 5.  Drawing for the TPass and the Bucks tickets will take place at 9:30 PM on Saturday.  Students do not need to be present on Saturday to win.  Winners will be notified by phone.

Teen Center Hours
Fridays (Grades 6-8)
6:30 to 10:00 PM

Saturdays (Grades 6-12)
6:30 to 10:00 PM

Winter Break Teen Center Hours
There will be special Teen Center hours from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Monday, December 29 and Friday, January 2.

The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their support of 2008-2009 teen programs:

Milwaukee Brewers
Green Bay Packers
Milwaukee Bucks
Community League of Menomonee Falls
Village Bowl
Target
Odyssey Family Restaurant
Mills Fleet Farm

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE MENOMONEE FALLS TEEN CENTER!

Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

The 2009 Winter / Spring Community Education & Recreation Activity Brochure has arrived!  Copies are available at our office or online at www.fallsrec.org.  Additionally, a copy of the brochure will be mailed to all residents beginning this week.

RESIDENT REGISTRATION
Online / Walk-In / Mail / Drop Box / Fax
Monday, December 8

OPEN / NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION
Online / Walk-In / Mail / Drop Box / Fax
Friday, December 12

Participants can begin registering online at 12:01 AM on these dates.  The office is open at 8:00 AM.  Registering online increases your chances of getting into the classes of your choice!

NEW IN 2009!  ADULT ONLINE EDCUATION COURSES
Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation has partnered up with Education to Go to offer a large variety of online adult education programs.  Our instructor-facilitated online courses are informative, fun convenient, and highly interactive.  Our instructors are famous for their ability to create warm and supportive communities of learners.

Most courses run for six weeks (with a ten-day grace period at the end).  Courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands-on assignments, discussion area, supplementary links, and more!  You can complete any of these courses entirely from your home or office and at any time of the day or night.

Start Dates:
New course sessions begin each month.  Please visit the Adult Online Course section of our online course catalog (www.fallsrec.org) to see exact dates for the courses that interest you.

Instructor:
Online courses are instructor facilitated.  Every course includes an expert instructor.

Location:
All online courses can be taken from the convenience of your home or office.

Fee:
Fees for online courses range from $89 to $150.  Most courses cost $89!

Requirements:
All courses require Internet access, E-mail, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or Firefox web browsers.  Some courses may have additional requirements.  Please visit our online course catalog (www.fallsrec.org) for more information.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW IN 2009?
In addition to our new online adult education programs, we also have many new youth, adult and older adult programs.  Visit www.fallsrec.org to learn more about the following programs:

• Learn Magic With Glen Gerard
• Gymboree Infants
• Gymboree Toddlers
• Youth Entrepreneur Club
• Family Fun Day at Mt. Olympus
• Jr. Basketball Games
• Kids Fishing Clinic
• Advanced Digital Photography
• You and Your Digital Camera
• Old Family Photos & the Digital Age
• The Digital Dilemma - What to Do With Your Digital Pictures
• Adventure Boot Camp
• Zumba
• Adult Dodgeball League
• Spring Golf Tune Up
• Gourmet Coffee Day
• Wii Bowling League
• Nourish Your Noggin
• Stroke and Vascular Disease Prevention
• Basic Bridge
• Trip to Milwaukee Public Museum
• Trip to Chicago Botanical Gardens
• Spanish for the Traveler

Get involved!  Check out the various learning opportunities at www.fallsrec.org!

Students in grades K-12, who participate in programs offered through Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation, are going to do their part to help fight hunger here in Menomonee Falls.

Help the Hunger Challenge
Students in grades K-5 enrolled in the Kids INC Program at any one of the four elementary schools in Menomonee Falls (Ben Franklin, Riverside, Shady Lane, Valley View), are encouraged to collect non-perishable food items from friends, family, neighbors, classmates and teachers.  The items will then be dropped off in the designated areas at the Kids INC sites November 10 - 14.  The Kids INC site with the most items collected per student will win a freshly popped popcorn party.  All items will be donated to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry.

If you know a student who participates in the Kids INC program, please help support this cause by providing him or her with some items to be donated to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry.

Free Admission to the Teen Center
Students in grades 6-12 attending the Menomonee Falls Teen Center on Saturday, November 8, 15 & 22 will receive free admission to the Menomonee Falls Teen Center with 2 non-perishable food items.  All items will be donated to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry.

For additional information about the Kids INC Program or Teen Center, visit www.fallsrec.org.

From A to Z, the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department has you covered.

Adult Sports
Babysitting Classes
Cookie Decorating
Driver's Education
Educational Associates Adult and Youth Educational Programs
Fitness Programs
Golf - Youth and Adult Programs
High School Recreational Sport Leagues
Internet Real Time On-line Registration
Journaling Programs
Knitting
Learn to Skate
Microsoft Office Classes
New Programs
Older Adult Programs
Preschool Playgroup
Quality Programs
Rock Climbing
Social Dance
Teen Center
Understanding Elementary Math
Variety of Programs
Watercolors
Xcellent Instructors
Yoga
Zumba

For additional information on any of these programs, or the many others offered through Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation, please visit www.fallsrec.org or contact us at (262) 255-8460.

Welcome back to all the students in grades six through twelve!  Now that summer is over and the temperatures are starting to drop why not hang out at the Menomonee Falls Teen Center.  Once again, the Teen Center will be open for students in grades six through eight Mondays and Wednesdays after school, as well as Friday evenings.  It is also open Saturday evenings for students in grades nine through twelve.

Back to School Bash
Come to the Back to the School Bash Friday, September 12.  Free pizza from Figaro's will be served between 7:30 and 8:00 PM to all those in attendance.

Special Events Every Month
There will be special events every month.  Events include Halloween Party and Costume Contest, Holiday Party and Toy Drive, Movies, Superbowl Tailgate Party, DJ and Dance, 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament, Contests and more!  For a complete listing of special events visit the Special Events section on our Teen Center web page.

For additional information, including fees, complete schedule, and more visit www.fallsrec.org.

As a member of the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association and an employee of the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department I am very interested in parks and their utilization.  One Monday evening, my wife and I decided to take our dog for a walk through Oakwood Park.  It was amazing to see how many people were utilizing the park, especially when a lot of people I talk to don't even know the park exists.  The Menomonee Falls Angels were playing on one of the softball diamonds, Community Ed. & Recreation Department Tennis Lessons were taking place on several of the tennis courts, a group of children were kicking a soccer ball around one of the soccer fields, the toddler playground was full of little ones running around, a girls basketball practice appeared to be taking place while a group of adults formed their own pick up basketball game.  It was great to see!

Menomonee Falls is unique compared to a lot of other communities.  Our Community Education & Recreation Department and Parks Department are two completely separate agencies.  While the Community Education & Recreation Department is a department under the School District of Menomonee Falls, the Parks Department is under the Village of Menomonee Falls.  Community Education & Recreation administers the programs (Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis Lessons, Flag Football) while the Parks Department maintains parks, trails, fields, diamonds and courts.

Though I am an employee of the School District and not the Village, I wanted to take this opportunity to advocate for the parks in Menomonee Falls.  Many individuals don't realize that our community is made up of many great active and passive parks.  Most are familiar with Village Park because of events such as Falls Fest, The Big PIg Gig, Concerts in the Park, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, but there are so many more parks with a variety of different amenities and features.  Along with Village Park, there are 16 other parks, plazas and parkways.

Additional parks include Kiwanis, Lime Kiln, Mill Pond, Municipal, Oakwood, Taylor, Willowood, Rivers Edge, Riverside and Rotary.  Along with the parks listed above there is also Menomonee River Parkway, Mill Pond Plaza, Old Falls Village and three undeveloped parks (Tamarack Swamp, Tower Hill Park, Maple Road Park).

For additional information regarding park hours, amenities in the various parks, park locations and park rules please visit http://www.menomonee-falls.org/index.asp?NID=136.

The Menomonee Falls Teen Center is holding a Nintendo Wii Bowling tournament Friday, August 1.  The tournament, open to all students entering grades six through nine, begins at 6:45 PM.  Pre register at the Teen Center any Friday evening between 6:30 and 10:00 PM beginning Friday, July 18.

Prizes
First Place             2 Club Level Brewer Tickets
Second Place         $10 Odyssey Gift Certificate
Third Place             $10 Odyssey Gift Certificate
Fourth Place          Free Game of Bowling at Village Bowl
Fifth Place             Free Game of Bowling at Village Bowl
Sixth Place            Free Game of Bowling at Village Bowl
Seventh Place        Free Game of Bowling at Village Bowl
Eighth Place          Free Game of Bowling at Village Bowl
Ninth Place            Free Scoop of Frozen Custard at Pop's Frozen Custard

Rules

• No bowling or Nintendo Wii experience necessary.
• Tournament is open to the first 40 bowlers.
• Pre registration is recommended.
• A wait list will be started.  If space becomes available, bowlers will be taken from the wait list.
• Each bowler will bowl one game.
• Bowlers with the top 9 scores will win prizes.
• In the case of a tie for first place, a one game bowl off will take place.
• Bowlers must be present at the end of the tournament to claim prizes.
  
  The Teen Center is located in the Menomonee Falls Community Center at W152 N8645 Margaret Road.  For more information please call 262-255-8460.  $2 Residents, $3 Non-residents

The following appeared on the National Recreation and Park website:

Public parks and recreation are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for millions of residents in communities around the world through recreation programming, leisure activities and conservation efforts.  Parks, recreation activities and leisure experiences provide opportunities for young people to live, grow and develop into contributing members of society; create lifelines and continuous life experiences for older members of the community; generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community; and, pay dividends to communities by attracting business and jobs and increasing housing values.

As we observe Recreation and Parks Month, we recognize the vital contributions of employees and volunteers in parks and recreation facilities.  These dedicated supporters keep public parks clean and safe for visitors, organize youth activities, provide education programming on health, nutrition, first aid and gardening, advocate for more open space and better trails, and fundraise for local improvements.  They ensure that parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy.

Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month at the North Jr. High Pool July 14 - 18.

Free Pool Admission
At any open swim when you show your participation certificate from the Chalk it Up Contest held at North Jr. High on July 2.

Wacky Water Day - Wednesday, July 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Join the staff for crazy games, exciting relays, and fabulous prizes.  Contests will take place periodically throughout Open Swim.  Regular admission or current swim pass.

Surfin' Safari - Friday, July 18, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Rock on with a D.J. providing a mix of music from classic Beach Boys to today's Top 40.  Regular admission or current swim pass.

"31 Things to Do for Parks and Recreation Month"

For a complete listing of all the activities offered through the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department visit fallsrec.org.

Celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month by painting and drawing your own sidewalk chalk art at North Jr. High School.  Participants can work individually or in teams of two or three.  Drawings will begin at 1:15 p.m. and must be completed by 2:00 p.m. with judging to follow immediately.  All materials will be provided.  Categories for judging will be:  Best Design, Best Use of Color, Most Patriotic, Sportiest, Best Under the Sea Scene, and Super Use of Super Heroes.  All participants will receive free admission to open swim at the North Junior High Pool during the week of July 14 - 18. 

The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is holding its annual Chalk it Up Contest on Wednesday, July 2 from 1:15 to 2:15 PM at North Junior High School on Garfield Drive across from Village Park.  The contest is free and open to all children ages 2 to 17.  Pre-registration is required.  Rain date is Wednesday, July 9.

The SUMMER SPECTRUM program brings together FUN AND LEARNING!  Choose from a variety of programs that are fun, challenging, and offer summer enrichment opportunities.  Most classes are instructed by School District of Menomonee Falls teachers and staff.  All classes are held at North Junior High.

TWO GREAT SESSIONS!
Session 1:  June 11 - 20
Session 2:  June 23 - July 2
Residents - $40 per class / Non-residents - $48 per class

Classes include:

• 2D Summertime Art Sampler w/ Sandy Guebard
• Acrylic and Watercolor Painting w/ Barb Opala
• Dance Combo w/ Mara Buck
• Fun with Digital Photography w/ Sara Kemp
• Fun with Foods w/ Sara Koser
• History Games Alive w/ Amanda Huebner
• iSweet! w/ Elissa Wold
• Japanese Language and Culture w/ Mieko Ikeno
• P.E. To Boost w/ Melissa Bogdavnovich
• Reading and Creative Writing w/ Amanda Huebner
• Science Spectacular
• Scrapbooking w/ Sally Kellman
• Strategic Games w/ Tara Wallace
• Summer Spanish w/ Jessica Joers
• Summertime Sculpture Clay w/ Sandy Guebard

REGISTER EARLY! - Classes with low enrollment may be canceled.

For class descriptions and additional information please visit www.fallsrec.org.

How would you like to be the next American Idol?  The Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department is offering two singing/music classes beginning this May.

Singing for the Soul
(Ages 18+)
No experience needed, and everyone is welcome.  Come sing in a group for health & fun.  Julie facilitates in building a supportive venue for people who want to sing.  Learn about singing, learn songs as a group, and learn part singing and chants.  We'll also explore a wellness/health technique each week.  Give yourself a gift - a sacred time to connect deep meaningfully with yourself and others through the magic of sound and your own voice.  Register by May 21

Schedule:  Wednesday, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM; 4 sessions:  May 28 - June 18
Instructor:  Julie Thompson
Location:   Germantown Senior Center
Fee:           Res. $39 Non-Res. $59
Class Size: Min. 3 Max. 6

Miss Julie's Music Fun
(Ages 1-5 with parent or caregiver)
We explore music, movement, finger plays, lap rides, stories, and rhytym.  Yes, little ones can learn more about language through participating in music, and learning to keep the beat will enhance enjoyment and understanding of music.  Mothers, Grandmothers, Fathers, Nannies, and Aunts - bring your wee ones and we'll have a blast!  Register by May 20

Schedule:  Tuesdays, 3 sessions starting May 27, ending June 10
                  10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (Ages 1 to 3 1/2)
                  11:30 AM - 12:15 PM (Ages 3 1/2 to 5)
Location:    Faith Lutheran Church, W172 N11187 Division Road, Germantown
Instructor:   Julie Thompson
Fee:            Res. $39 Non-Res. $59
Class Size: Min. 3 Max. 6

For additional information on these, or any of our classes visit www.fallsrec.org, or call (262) 255-8460!

7-11 Lock-In Party Jam Fun Time Yeah!  That is the name members of the Menomonee Falls Youth Council are giving this year's middle school lock-in.  The lock-in, sponsored by the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department Youth Council will be held Friday, May 9 at North Junior High from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.  All students in grades six through eight living in Menomonee Falls or attending a Menomonee Falls school are welcome to attend.  The cost is $5 per student ($2 if a member of Youth Council).

Activities include basketball, swimming, inflatable obstacle course, Gladiator Joust, sumo wrestling, one-on-one basketball, karaoke, video games, Brewer ticket raffle, prizes, concessions and more!

The Community Education & Recreation Department would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their support of the Menomonee Falls Youth Council and Teen Center:

Milwauke Brewers
Milwaukee Bucks
Green Bay Packers
Odyssey Family Restaurant
Cousin's Subs
Village Bowl
Culver's Frozen Custard
Brisco County Restaurant
Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation
Menomonee Falls Community League
Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls

Watching too many soaps?  Bored?  Need a reason to get out of bed in the morning?  VOLUNTEER!

The Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Department has a program called VOICE(Volunteers In Community Education) and you can be a part of it by simply filling out an application.  Your application will tell us what you enjoy doing and the type of opportunity you are seeking.  It will, also, give us the hours you are available each week.  Only want to help once in a while.  We can arrange that too!

 Opportunities that are available cover a wide range of community needs, as well as, assistance in the School District of Menomonee Falls. There are no educational requirements or time requirements.  All applicants must submit to a background check and brief interview.  The agency in need of assistance will then be called and they make contact with the applicant directly, arranging times and dates of service.

Give something of yourself to your community.  The rewards are great--

It's that time of year when many individuals start thinking about their new year's resolution.  The problem is that most resolutions get tossed to the curb sooner than later.  Sticking to your resolutions, defining clear goals, and having the resources to accomplish those goals make sticking to your new year's resolution much more successful!  What's your new year's resolution?  The odds are in your favor, that no matter what your resolution is, The Community Ed. & Recreation Department can provide you with opportunities to stick to your goals.

To Spend More Time With Family and Friends
According to Wanda Hope Carter, "Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches."  Menomonee Falls offers a wide variety of social programs for family and friends to spend time together.  Bridge, Sheepshead, Knitting, Pool, Special Events, and a daily lunch are opportunities the older adult population can enjoy at the Menomonee Falls Community Center.  If it's family time you're looking for, visit North Junior High during any of our open swim times or visit one of the many parks located in Menomonee Falls.  We also have our Parent/Child Free Throw Contest, Parent/Child Basketball Program and Parent/Child Football Program in the fall.  The ultimate family event is the SDMF 5K Run & Walk.  The goal of this family fun event is to increase obesity awareness and promote health and fitness within our community.  This year's run will be held on Saturday, April 26 starting at 8:00 a.m.

To Get Fit and Lose Weight
Have you thought about losing weight in the past, but never stuck to it because you couldn't find anything "fun" to do?  Look no further!  Menomonee Falls Community Ed. & Recreation offers a variety of programs to help you stay on track and stay fit!  From dancing to aerobics and cycling to weight lifting we have it all.  A list of classes include:  Body Basics Pilates, Cardio Combo, Body Basics, Yoga, Body Basics Pump, Water Workout, Indoor Cycling, Social Dance, Hip Hop Dance, Belly Dancing, Country Line Dancing and more!  If you're looking for something free, enjoy walking indoors during the winter cold Monday though Friday from 6:15 to 7:00 a.m. or 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Menomonee Falls High School hallways.

To Have My Financial Questions Answered
We work with professionals in the finance and real estate fields to provide a wide array of financial classes.  Whether it's buying a new home, selling a home, retiring early, managing your finances or maximizing your savings, we probably have a class for you.  Visit www.fallsrec.org and check out many of our adult finance classes.

To Get a Good Job
Many individuals throughout our community are always looking for that right job,  It's even more difficult for the young adult looking for his or her first job.  In Preparing for the Job Market, a one hour seminar presented by Community Ed. & Recreation, young adults will learn what employers are looking for, how to prepare for an interview, and how to keep up with employers expectations.  Who knows, you could be the next Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey!  Being a Recreation Supervisor is a pretty great job as well!

To Broaden My Knowledge and Further My Education
Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation, as the name implies, offers great programs for adults to further their education and expand their knowledge.  If you are interested in computers, try one of our many computer classes including: MS Word Basics, Intro to Outlook, Intro to Photo Editing, Advanced MS Word, Introduction to MS Excel, Introduction to MS Power Point, Advanced MS Excel and more!  We also offer classes in television production, interior decorating, scrap booking, stamping, Spanish, electrical wiring, parenting and more.  Four new programs being offered this winter and spring include:  Passionate Purse-uits, Home Interior:  What's the Buzz?, Porch Potential, and Cool Murals for Kid's Rooms.

To Reduce Stress
Especially after the holiday season, many people look for ways to wind down, relax, and rejuvenate.  Yoga is a great way to do this (which we offer), but there are also several other programs we offer that will provide you with an array of methods for handling stress.  Learn to center your body and mind with proper breathing and a variety of meditation techniques in our 4-week program called Introduction to Meditation.  Taught by the same instructor, Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate is designed to provide students with an array of methods for handling stress using breathing exercises, imagery instruction, deep relaxation and simple stretching techniques.

To Volunteer to Help Others
It always feels good when we are able to help others.  This is what Louise Schmidt does on a daily basis.  She is the Department's Older Adult & Volunteer Coordinator.  A large part of her job includes linking volunteers with those who need assistance.  Volunteers in Community Education (VOICE) is a central source for volunteerism in Menomonee Falls.  Louise connects individuals and groups with meaningful opportunities that benefit schools and the community.  If you have a need, or a need to make a difference contact Louise Schmidt at (262) 255-8469.

I hope I have provided you with the resources you need to keep your new year's resolution in 2008!  Additional program and class information can be found on-line at www.fallsrec.org, by visiting our office located in the Community Center at W152 N8645 Margaret Road, or by calling us at (262) 255-8460.

In the spirit of the holidays, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who make it possible to provide such a large, diverse and interesting group of programs and classes to the community.  Thank you to our office staff: Patti Pirlot, Julie Hardy and Corie Thraves. Whether it's answering phones, providing quality customer service, running reports, attending meetings, or helping customers with registrations they always have smiles on their faces and are willing to go the extra mile.  We also have a great "supervisory" staff.  Joan Erickson, the director of the Department does a great job keeping myself, Dan Zeroth and Louise Schmidt on task.  We have a great team in place, which I believe is evident by the amount of programs and classes we offer.  I would also like to thank Luther Himsel, Dave Paul, Carol Hennessy, Jerry Volkman, Wendy Mohrfeld, Dan & Jamie Gebauer and Lois Darkow.  These are the part time coordinators who have made and continue to make our aquatics, volleyball, basketball, instructional baseball, softball, gymnastics, tennis, and skiing programs so successful.  Lastly, but most importantly I would like to thank the hundreds of instructors, leaders, teachers, coaches, officials, presenters and others who are the front line staff.  Without these individuals we would be unable to provide such a large number of quality programs.

From all of us at the Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Department, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

The second Monday of each month, the Senior Lounge is reserved for our Lo/No Vision support group.  Learning, ideas, laughter, and friendship float around the room.  "Yes, I can" prevails!

The inspiration for this group came from an outraged older adult who had met isolated, discouraged seniors at the regional eye institute.  She "demanded" that the Senior Coordinator "do something".

A group of three people attended a formative meeting.  They suggest areas the group might concentrate on: transportation, isolation, and information.

Our first six months of meetings were conducted by professionals from the local Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired.  They imparted a message of empowerment to everyone.  A lunch time trip to the Association was a great morale booster!  Speakers from the County Office for the Blind, a visually impaired business woman, the Regional Library for the Blind, Bingo, a police officer, a blind musician, a trip to a local tourist attraction, a holiday party, a day trip to a conference for those with visual impairment - all of these things have forged a cohesive group of friends.

We have graduated to twenty-three members who encompass Senior Center participants and those with vision problems in a nearby assisted living facility.

The second Monday of each month, our visually impaired friends (who have been called by Julia, "the blind chick") come laughing from the Senior Bus.  They attend their meeting, eat lunch in the dining room, then leave with a smile on their faces looking forward to the next second Monday.

For additional information about this program, please contact Louise Schmidt at (262) 255-8468.