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Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for January 2012
Rec Board Reorganizes for 2012
The Rec Board met on January 23 to reorganize and hold its first
official meeting of 2012. The board welcomed new members Dana Seach, Michael
Braskey, Jack Shamberger and Rodney Murphy, and appointed its new officers for
the year. John McGran will serve as chairman, Fred Thompson vice chairman, and
Anna Rainey, secretary.
Valentine’s Dance on Sunday Feb. 12
The Rec Board, in conjunction with the Butler Township Senior Citizens and the
Area Agency on Aging, is sponsoring a Valentine's Dance from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday,
Feb. 12 at the Butler Township Community Center. The event which will be held in
the gymnasium is open to all township residents over the age of 55. Popular
local DJ Ray Hinkle Sr. will play the memorable songs that are near and dear to
those in attendance. The highlight of the event will be the crowning of a
Valentine King and Queen. Guests will cast votes for their favorites; each vote
costs just a nickel and the proceeds will go to the Butler Township Senior
Citizens organization.
Open Gym Nights at the Community Center
Through Feb. 8, the Wednesday Open Gym Night has raised $500 for the township’s
general fund. Rec Board members volunteer their time to oversee Open Gym and
collect the $2 fee from participants. The Wednesday gym hours have changed to
6:30-9:30 p.m. – and a special daytime event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
on Feb. 20th, which is a school holiday.
Movie Night Slated for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
A special Movie Night event is planned for Feb. 25th at the Butler Community
Center. The board will show a recent blockbuster film that’s purr-fectly
suitable for children of all ages. Free refreshments will be served.
Rec board asked the supervisors for Community Center fee schedule input
Members of the Rec Board attended a special Monday morning Supervisors work
session and asked for guidance with both its 2012 budget and community center
rental fees schedule. The supervisors noted that the board has $5,000 budgeted
for events in 2012. Other monies are available for park repairs and projects.
New township manager Maryanne Petrilla has since indicated she will sit down
with the board to help draw up a workable fees schedule.
VRGSL working with township to construct a 4-field complex in Freedom Park
The Valley Regional Girls Softball League and the Township Supervisors are
working together to acquire a state grant that would let work get underway on
the proposed 4-field complex for Freedom Park. The VRGSL has agreed to donate
$25,000 and provide manpower and construction expertise to help the township get
state funding. The supervisors, meanwhile, have agreed to enter into a lease
agreement with the VRGSL.
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for December 2011
Chairman John Ferry resigns from Rec Board
The Rec Board accepted the letter of resignation from rec board chairman John
Ferry, effective Dec. 31. Ferry expressed an inability to fulfill his duties
because of his work and family schedule. The board wished John well in his
future endeavors.
Third candidate promoted for a spot on the 2012 recreation board
In light of the John Ferry resignation, the rec board reworked its previous
letter to the Board of Supervisors and added a third candidate the rec board
would like approved to fill a vacancy.
Open Gym Nights at the Community Center
Through December, the Wednesday Open Gym Night had raised $220 for the
township’s general fund. Rec Board members volunteer their time to oversee Open
Gym and collect the $2 fee from participants. The Wednesday gym hours will
change to 6:30-9:30 p.m. starting in January.
Reorganization meeting set for Jan. 9 at 6 p.m.
The rec board will hold its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. in
the township meeting room. The positions of board chairman, vice chairman and
secretary will be filled. The board plans to discuss its January and February
events – a family movie and a senior dance.
Rec board would like Community Center fee schedule input
At its December meeting, the rec board was informed that its recent suggested
changes to the Community Center room rental fee schedule were not approved by
the supervisors. The rec board has requested a work session with the supervisors
to come up with a satisfactory fee schedule for the meeting room and gymnasium.
Flyer promoting the Community Center and other township recreation facilities
Once the Community Center fee schedule is okayed, the rec board will create a
pamphlet that lists the township’s recreational facilities and notes which are
available for rental or free use.
Community Center suggestion box
In order to get more public input on events and programs, the rec board plans to
install a “suggestion box” at the Community Center.
Forging new partnerships in 2012
The rec board has established a working partnership with the Butler Township
Senior Citizens and the Area Agency on Aging. The board plans to establish more
partnerships in the coming year. Partnerships allow the board to expand its
events. It also opens the door for more participation from the members of the
new groups and their families and friends.
Community Center usage in full swing
The gymnasium and meeting room are being heavily used by area groups that
include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Butler Township Senior Citizens, American
Legion Post 795, Valley East Little League, Little Cougar Wrestling, CVCO
Shooting Stars basketball, Zumba fitness, and Valley Regional Girls Softball.
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for November 2011
Ferdinand resigns from Rec Board
The Rec Board accepted the letter of resignation from member Mark Ferdinand, who
had
expressed an inability to fulfill his duties because of his work schedule. The
board wished Mark well and thanked him for his participation over the past many
years.
2 candidates promoted for recreation board
Prior to its November 28, 2011, meeting, the Rec Board interviewed the five
candidates who had expressed interest in filling a pair of vacant seats. The
board discussed and agreed upon two of the individuals and passed their names
along to the board of supervisors for approval.
Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The Annual Tree lighting event was held on Dec 3rd in front of the township
building with
the Shelhamer family throwing the switch in honor of longtime township
supervisor Robert
Shelhamer who passed away this fall. The township tree was donated by Wolk’s
Tree Farm.
Santa visits the Community Center
About 60 area children spoke with Santa and had their photos taken with the
jolly old elf
following the Tree Lighting ceremony. Santa was escorted to the Community Center
by
members of the Valley Regional Fire Rescue squad. A special chair was set up
next to the
Community Center tree donated by Kashubski’s Tree Farm. Helping the Rec Board
handle the refreshments, crafts and entertainment were members of the Butler
Township Senior Citizens, the Area Agency on Aging, the Keystone Job Corps and
the Butler Festival Committee.
Work session held to discuss Community Center fees, 2012 events and budget
The Rec Board met in a special work session to rework the rental fees for the
various
Community Center rooms and groups. The tweaked fee schedule was passed along to
the
supervisors for comment or approval. At the same work session, the Rec Board
drew up its
anticipated event schedule and budget for 2012. With help from local agencies,
the board may be able to conduct even more events in the coming year.
VRGSL speaks to supervisors about field expansion, 4-field complex
Members of the Valley Regional Girls Softball League attended the Dec. 7
supervisors work
session to request permission for expansion of the small playing field that sits
adjacent to the horse farm. The supervisors approved the plan with two
stipulations – written permission from neighbor George Hess and PPL (because of
the transmission lines that cut through the park). VRGSL and supervisors also
discussed working together to make the park Master Plan’s four-field complex
become a reality.
Community Center Usage Requests Approved
The board approved several December dates for Valley Regional Girls Softball and
added extradates for the ongoing Zumba classes. The board tabled a scheduling
request by Little Cougars Wrestling and asked for more information.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for October 2011
Interview with the Candidates for Rec Board
The Board will interview the five candidates vying for the two open board
positions the hour before its November meeting which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on
Monday, Nov. 28 at the Township Building meeting room. After chatting with the
five township residents who have expressed interest, the board will select the
two that we think best fit the team and our goals – and we will then submit
their names to the Supervisors for action.
Community Center Dedication Friday Nov. 11
State, county and local officials will gather with representatives of local
civic groups and youth programs and members of the public to dedicate the Butler
Township Community Center this Friday at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend
the dedication which is set to run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be light
refreshments as well as a chance to tour the structure. A special commemorative
cake is being created by the culinary arts students at the Keystone Job Corps.
Mike Shema will provide musical entertainment following the dedication.
Christmas Tree Lighting/Santa Visit on Saturday Dec. 3
The final Rec Board event of the year will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 when the
township holds its annual tree lighting in front of the Township Building. This
year, the Rec Board is working with the Butler Township Senior Citizens to also
put a tree inside the Community Center. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with
treats and fun activities at the Community Center. The action will move then to
the township tree for the lighting ceremony. The board is reaching out to the
family of Robert Shelhamer to handle the lighting. Afterward, the Valley
Regional Fire & Rescue squad will bring Santa to the Community Center for photos
and “Christmas wish chats” with the children.
Open Gym Nights have Resumed
There will be Open Gym nights at the Butler Township Community Center each
Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. until further notice. Youths 13 and younger are welcome
to play basketball from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There will be a nominal $2 fee
per child. Then, from 7:30-9 p.m., youths 14 and older can take the floor. The
cost per attendee is $4.
Community Center Fee Schedule Revisited
In an attempt to streamline the existing fee schedule for use of the Community
Center rooms – gymnasium, meeting room, and wrestling room – the Rec Board will
meet Nov. 14 in a special work session 6 p.m. at the Township Building meeting
room. The Board has made a great start with the schedule but there are many
different combinations and event durations that need to be addressed.
2012 Schedule of Events
The Board will also spend part of its Nov. 14 work session drawing up a
tentative list of events for 2012. This year was one of the most active for the
board and hundreds of area residents benefited. Our mission is to always strive
to do better – and more – without spending a lot of money or overextending our
volunteers. The Board appreciates the help it has received from both the
Supervisors and the Butler Festival Committee in 2011.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for September 2011
Candidates for Recreation Board
The Rec Board invited the public to express interest in the pair of Recreation
Board seats that have become open due to one member's resignation and another
member being too busy with work. Five township residents responded. A work
session to interview the candidates was scheduled for Oct. 11 but was later
canceled when only two of the interested parties could attend.
Calling All Seniors
At their September meeting, Rec Board members spoke to a representative of the
Butler Township Senior Citizens. The board seeks input on new recreational
opportunities for area seniors.
Butler Township Community Center Dedication
The Rec Board voted to schedule the dedication of the Butler Township Community
Center for Friday, Nov. 11 at noon. The board did take into consideration that
the day is also Veterans Day, but decided that could mean more people, including
government representatives, would be free to attend.
Request for a New Softball Field
The board listened to a request for a new field from the Valley Regional Girls
Softball League. VRGSL wants to boost the size of its smaller field and
construct a new field to the rear of the Babe Ruth Field. The board voted to
allow VRGSL to speak directly to the supervisors about the project. Township
manager Steve Hahn was asked to set up an informational work session.
Community Center Usage Requests Approved
The board approved Community Center use requests from CVCO Shooting Stars youth
basketball program for Monday, Friday and Saturdays beginning in January, and
Monday evening Zumba fitness classes that run from October through December. The
board tabled a request by NEPA Rampage Basketball until a representative talks
to them about tweaking their requested use times.
Crowd Attends Reptile Lady Presentation
A nice-sized crowd turned out for the Sept. 16 visit from The Reptile Lady,
a.k.a. Angie Rabbitz. The attendees got the chance to handle snakes and other
creatures – and to have their photo taken with some of Angie's creep crawly
pets.
October Event: A New Halloween Party
The board voted to hold its annual Halloween event on Friday Oct. 21 at the
Community Center. This year, the board will forgo the usual pumpkin decoration
party and instead have a costume party and movie night. Board members Anna
Rainey and Rose Ervin are co-chairing the spooky event that will run from 6-8
p.m. and include prizes for scariest, funniest and most-creative costumes.
Sympathies Extended
Members of the Recreation Board join the township in extending our sympathies to
the family of longtime supervisor Robert Shelhamer. Mr. Shelhamer had a
tremendous impact on the growth of our community and he will be missed.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for August 2011
Open Gym for the 40+ Crowd
Sand Springs resident Barron Buckley asked the board to consider recreational
activities for the 40+ age group. After discussion, the board agreed to schedule
Open Gym nights for the age group, since previous Open Gyms were aimed only at
the area youth. The 40+ Open Gym Nights will take place on Oct. 3 and Oct. 17.
Open Gym nights for area youth will recommence in October too. The dates and
times will be advertised for all events.
Playground Repairs Needed
It came to the board's attention that some of the Freedom Park playground
equipment is in need of repair or replacement. Two “bucket swings” need to be
replaced and the sand box area needs shoring up. Over at Community Park, a
basketball net had vanished and there didn't appear to be any way to thread on a
new one, a resident told the board.
Elder Wish to Use the Community Center for a Fundraiser
Paula Hahn requested use of the Community Center meeting room and lobby area for
an Elder Wish Foundation fundraiser on Sept. 17. Board members approved the
request and allowed expansion into the gym if the Swap and Shop event grew
larger than anticipated.
Pop Goes the Community Center
John Woitko of Snack Rite Vending has supplied the township with his proposal
for placing drink and snack machines in the lobby of the Butler Township
Community Center. Woitko says the machines will be serviced once a week at a
time that makes sense for the township.
VRGSL & Valley East Fall Ball
The Valley Regional Girls Softball League kicked off its biggest Fall Ball
season ever on Aug. 20. With 31 teams participating from across the region,
close to 300 players and their parents will crowd Freedom Park each weekend
through the end of October.
VRGSL reps will attend the next Rec Board meeting to officially request a change
in the park's Master Plan to allow construction of a fourth softball field. The
softball league will cover construction costs if approved. The proposal will go
to the supers if the Rec Board approves.
Valley East Little League, meanwhile, is holding its well-attended Fall Ball
season, Mondays thru Fridays at Theory Field.
Center for Landscape Design & Stewardship
Members gave tours of the Community Garden during the Aug. 20-21 Butler
Festival.
Also in August, Dan Bassak, master gardener and amateur artisan cheesemaker,
conducted a gourmet pizza-making workshop at his home on Aug. 27. Ingredients
came straight from the garden. Participants got to make their own pizza and
sample the results.
September Rec Board Event
Angie Rabbitz, the Reptile Lady, is bringing her snakes, spiders and other
creepy friends to the Butler Township Community Center on Sept. 16. Board member
Fred Thompson is serving as chairman of this hands-on event. Refreshments will
be served.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for July 2011
Movie Night in the Park
The Rec Board worked with volunteers from the Valley Regional Girls Softball to
host the annual Movie Night in the Park on July 22nd at the freedom park
softball complex. Several dozen people turned out on a hot night to eat free
popcorn and hot dogs and quench their thirst with an assortment of free drinks
paid for by the Rec Board.
Seeking 2 New Board Members
The Rec Board has been running short-handed for much of 2011 and would like to
seek replacements for two members. Board member Matt Goldsworthy resigned this
past Monday and board member Mark Ferdinand has indicated his work keeps him
from attending many meetings and he is willing to resign once the Rec Board
finds a replacement. The Rec Board is seeking permission to solicit for
interested individuals and to then suggest our preferences to the supervisors.
Hazleton Area Little Cougars Wrestling
The Rec Board is ready renew the leasing of the Butler Township Community Center
for Little Cougars Wrestling if the group is agreeable to a monthly fee of $400.
Township manager Steve Hahn said he would look into the question of how many
nights are involved.
Valley Community Church
The Rec Board is considering a request from the Valley Community Church group to
rent the rent the gym, wrestling room and meeting room one Sunday a month – Nov.
20, Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 18 and April 1-- from 8 a.m. to12:30 p.m.
The board is okay with a $1,000 rental agreement for the gym and wrestling room
on those dates; meeting room use would be free if the group produces their
non-profit 501c paperwork. The group understands special care must be used with
wrestling room mats; the room would be used for “child care” while the church
group meets in the gym.
PSATS Youth Award Contest
The Rec Board was asked to promote this year's Pennsylvania State Association of
Township Supervisors Youth Awards Program. Board media officer John McGran will
create a press release and send it to local media outlets. The award goes to a
youth club – Girl Scouts, Cub/Boy Scouts, 4-H and ANY civic service youth
group/organization – that performs community activities or projects. The
deadline to apply for the $500 prize is Sept. 15.
Recreational Activities for Senior Citizens
The Rec Board has been discussing an event geared towards a more adult crowd.
Most of our offerings are aimed at the township children. A dance has been
mentioned. Meanwhile, the board will contact the seniors organization to
determine any interest in working with the rec Board on future events.
Butler Festival
The Butler Festival is scheduled for the park complex the weekend of Aug. 20-21,
so no other recreation event has been planned for the month.
September Rec Board Event
The “Reptile Lady” is ready to bring her not-so-cuddly friends to the Butler
Township Community Center on Sept. 16 if the township approves funding for the
event. Board member Fred Thompson is serving as chairman of this event.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for May
2011
Summer Park Program
The board reviewed five applications – 1 adult and 4 youths – and conducted
interviews. The board picked three adults and several youth counselors to handle
the summer park program and passed their information along to Township
supervisors. Township resident Janine Kadelak is heading the program that will
begin June 20th and continue for six weeks through July 29th.
Open Gym Nights
The board decided to continue with the open gym throughout June, but several
Wednesdays into the extension we've noticed a drop-off in the number of paying
participants. The board is considering its options, including changing times,
offering more than just basketball and putting the Open Nights on hiatus until
fall. Board members continue to volunteer their time to monitor the gym from 6-9
p.m. on Wednesdays and will ask the township senior citizens for volunteers to
help monitor the gym events.
No-Show Board Members
The board asked secretary Anna Rainey to put together a letter that will be sent
to the board members who have not attended 2011 meetings. The letter will be
sent on Township letterhead to the inactive board members and will remind them
of their duties. If they are no longer willing to assist then they will be asked
to resign so an active member of two can be added to the board.
Thanks Extended
Board secretary Anna Rainey was tasked with creating a special “thank you”
letter that will be sent to Walter James and the Butler Township American Legion
Post. The board is appreciative of the Legion's donation of leather basketballs
and volleyballs for Community Center use.
Request for Gym Usage
The board received a gym-usage request from a 9th grade girls AAU travel
basketball team. Because of insurance and other liability issues, the board
decided to pass the request onto Township supervisors for action. The team was
looking to start practice the first week of June.
Next Rec Board Event: The Butterfly Guy
The June Rec Board event will surely cause a flap... in a good way. Board
members Fred Thompson and Rose Ann Ervin are working together to bring in “The
Butterfly Guy” Rick Mikula and his colorful friends. Mikula will appear at a
bargain rate of $150; a letter requesting funding and refreshment money for
attendees will be sent to the Township in advance. The event will take place
Friday June 17. Board media officer John McGran will advertise the event via
local papers and TV stations.
Community Center Upgrades Sought
The board decided to look into obtaining a first aid kit and an AED (Automated
External Defibrillator) for the Community Center. Drink and snack vending
machines would also make a great addition. A scoreboard is also needed.
Community donations can help make these things happen.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for April 2011
Easter Egg Hunt
The annual Easter Egg Hunt was held Saturday April 16th at Freedom Park and
inside the Community Center. Prizes were awarded to children in several age
groups. Candy and prizes were donated by both the Butler Festival Committee and
the Fritzingertown Senior Living Community. The Valley Regional Fire & Rescue
squad escorted the Easter Bunny to the event.
Rec Board Secretarial Switch
At its April 25, 2011 meeting, the Butler Township Recreation Board voted to
accept the resignation of John McGran as rec board secretary and replace him
with board member Anna Rainey. McGran remains on the board and continues to
serve as media officer.
Little Cougars Wrestling Room Request Approved
The board voted to approve the Little Cougars' request for wrestling room usage
from October to March. The group used the room this past season and will pay the
same monthly rental rate.
Community Center Attendants
At its April 25, 2011 meeting, the Butler Township Recreation Board voted to
request permission to hire a trustworthy person or two to oversee Open Gym
nights at the Community Center. Only one person at a time would be required to
oversee the building and collect participation fees which are currently $2 for
youths aged 15 and under and $4 for everyone else over the age of 16. A letter
was crafted and sent to the supervisors.
Keeping Safe in Your Community
The next monthly Rec Board event takes place 6 p.m. Wednesday May 18th in the
Community Center. The topic: Keeping Safe in Your Community. Guests include Pa.
State Trooper Rob Ruckle, Butler Township Police Officer Dave Pavelko, West
Hazleton Police Chief Brian Buglio, the Ident-A-Kid Child Identification
Program, and Hazleton Area School District head of security Vincent Zola.
Open Gym Nights Wednesdays in May at the Community Center
The Rec Board voted to continue Open Gym evenings every Wednesday in May from 6
p.m. to 9 p.m. Notice of the Open Gym nights has appeared in the
Standard-Speaker. A nominal fee of $2 for kids 15 and under, and $4 for those 16
and over will be collected and used towards gym equipment.
Young Lungs at Play Program
At its April 25th, 2011 monthly meeting, the Butler Township Recreation Board
voted to ask Township Supervisors to pass an ordinance approving participation
in the Young Lungs at Play program. By officially moving to participate, the
Township will receive free No Smoking signs from Young Lungs at Play. The signs
can be displayed at Township parks and recreation areas.
Little League, Softball and Babe Ruth
Valley East Little Little held its Opening Day Saturday April 23 at Freedom
Park. Valley Regional Girls Softball followed up Saturday May 7 with its Opening
Day. Working with a team of volunteers, Valley Babe Ruth placed sod on its
revamped infield; play begins later this month.
Summer Park Program Counselors to be Interviewed
The Rec Board is soliciting youth counselors for its Summer Park Program; a pair
of final selections will be made at the May 23 Recreation Board meeting.
Compiled by Rec Board media officer John McGran
Butler Township Rec Board Round-Up for March 2011
At its March 28th meeting, the Recreation Board discussed...
Easter Egg Hunt April 16th at Freedom Park
The Board finalized plans for its annual Easter Egg Hunt and visit from the
Easter Bunny. This year's event will take place Saturday April 16th at Freedom
Park. Prize registration will take place inside the Butler Township Community
Center just prior to the 11 a.m. egg hunt start time. Prizes will be given away
in several age categories: 5-and-under, 6-8, 8-10, and 10-12 for both boys and
girls. The Butler Festival Committee donated the candy, eggs and prizes for this
year's event; the eggs were filled this past week by members of the Rec Board.
Rain date was set for Sunday April 17th at 11 a.m.
Delaying Community Center Grand Opening
Feeling there wasn't enough time or guidance for a proper ceremony -- and not
knowing if the building was ready to be dedicated -- the Board decided to hold
off on scheduling a Grand Opening for the Butler Township Community Center.
Input from the Supervisors would be greatly appreciated.
Open Gym Nights Wednesdays in April at the Community Center
The Rec Board voted to hold Open Gym evenings every Wednesday in April, from 6
p.m. to 9 p.m. Notice of the Open Gym nights has since appeared in the
Standard-Speaker. A nominal fee of $2 for kids 15 and under, and $4 for those 16
and over will be collected and used towards gym equipment (basketballs, etc).
Summer Park Program Coordinators
The Board voted to hire Butler Township resident Janine Kadelak and Drums
Elementary School classroom aide Jessica Evancho as Summer Park Program
coordinators. Members determined that Kadelak, who worked as an aide last year,
should receive $11 an hour and serve as chief coordinator, while Evancho should
get $10 per hour. The Board did not hire any youth assistants. Instead, it will
look into landing college interns to work for free while earning credits towards
their degrees. Should this internship approach not prove feasible, the Board
will revisit the hiring of township youths. The Board voted to boost the cost to
attend to $15 per week for township residents, and to $20 per week for
non-township residents. Parents with multiple children would be eligible for a
reduced rate. The per day cost per child was set at $4. The Board also decided
that this year's program should run 6 weeks rather than 8 weeks -- from June 20
thru July 29.
March 25th Magic Show at Community Center
The Magic Show proved to be a huge success. An estimated 250 people showed up to
be amazed by Butler Township magician Tony Baronio. The Drums Elementary/Middle
School PTA held a bake sale. The Rec Board purchased and doled out 100 juices,
90 waters and 105 snacks.
Compiled by Rec Board secretary and media officer John McGran
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