Sevastakis: Work Off Holiday Pounds Through Township Recreation Programs

It’s the start of a New Year and the start of an early January tradition – to work off those extra holiday pounds and stay in shape. The Recreation Department is starting its winter program this week with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

In addition to programs we had this fall, we have added a youth basketball clinic (4th-6th grade), cheerleading and dance (1st-6th grade), and an advanced karate class (1st-8th grade). We will continue to offer our popular yoga, Boot Camp Fitness, Pilates, Zumba, and volleyball programs for adults. Youth programs being offered include Open Gym, Kids Yoga, Game Night, Karate Lessons, Mad Science enrichment, Ceramics and various Discovery Kids programs for children with special needs.

We are proud to offer these programs for the low price of $25 for children and $35 for adults. The full brochure is on the township website under the Recreation section. Residents should call 732-341-1000 x 8415 for more information on these programs.

At the Winding River Skating Center, residents can currently sign up for group lessons in the following categories: Youth Learn to Skate, Youth Learn to Play Hockey and Adult Beginner Skating.

Our youth travel hockey program, which includes eight teams that play within New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, had an exciting finish to the year. Two teams won the Silver Stick Regional Tournament in Aston, Pennsylvania. They will be competing in the National Silver Stick Tournament in Niagara Falls next week.

We are also offering youth and adult open hockey as well as several clinics to those interested in becoming better skaters and hockey players. An Adult League tournament will be held in March.

Residents interested in programs at Winding River Skating Center should call 732-341-1000 x 8488 for more information.

As you put away those holiday decorations, I want to remind you to get rid of your Christmas tree and help the environment at the same time.

The Parks and Recreation Department conducts a Christmas tree recycling program each January. Residents should recycle Christmas trees by taking them to any one of the following locations through January. The trees will be made into wood chips rather than being added to the landfill, thus saving landfill tipping fees.

• Skyview Park (Vaughn Avenue)

• Riverwood Park (Riverwood Avenue)

• Silverton Park (Maine Street)

• Bayside Park (Bay Blvd., Ortley)

• Bey Lea Park (Tennis Court and Parking Lot)

• Chadwick Beach Park (Strickland Blvd.)

• Money Island Park (Longfellow Avenue)

• Winding River Park - South (Off Rt. 37 West)

• Toms River Township Recycling Center (Church Road)

The Public Works Department will collect Christmas trees after the Parks & Recreation recycling program is completed. From January 15th through January 31st, Public Works will collect Christmas trees. Place the trees at the curb for collection. After January 31st, all trees must be dropped off at our Recycling Convenience Center on Church Road.

I hope that everyone has an opportunity to take advantage of our many recreational programs and facilities. Have a Safe and Happy Winter!