Make It Happen!

A Message From The Director
As we start a new year, I would like to take a quick look back at the fabulous year that just wrapped up at Parks and Recreation. Like many of you, we had to tighten our belts, revamp a few of our priorities, and discover new ways to accomplish those things that are really important to us. We were able to add some great new programs this past year, including our Quick Start Tennis program (made possible through a grant), our Louisa 5K and Fun Run (through joint efforts from OEI and the Mineral Business Association), Gymstick Nordic Walking (thanks to an Olympic competitor who now lives in our area), and a new set of preschool programs (with the assistance of one of our current DayCare staff). Our Golden Age Club has continued to grow, and our Louisa Gator Swim team took off with 100 swimmers in our first summer as a team! We’ve discovered, that even in tough times, affordable recreation allows us and the community to "Make It Happen".

Work continues on our fitness trail at the Betty Queen Center, which should be completed, along with our disc golf course, this spring. These will give you two more opportunities to get out together as a family, get some exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors...all at no cost.

In the meantime, peruse this edition of the Leisure Times and find an activity you might like to try. Maybe jewelry making, sewing, learning a computer program or how to play the guitar, picking up a pencil and beginning our drawing class, or finding peace of mind in one of our many yoga and tai chi classes will be the program that intrigues you, encourages you, and motivates you to Make It Happen. Maybe your children would be interested in our 2010 Madden Madness and Wii Challenges, learning a karate program, or taking part in our preschool activities. There are plenty of things you and your family can try together. We have something new for every age, along with some of our most popular programs of the past. Check out our Travel & Adventure page and join us to see "Wicked" at the Landmark Theatre and "Mary Poppins" at the Kennedy Center, two musicals that will start your toes tapping and your heart singing. Look through our Fun For The Family section and mark your calendar now for the Louisa Idol Contest, the Father Daughter Valentine’s Dance, the Easter Eggstravaganza, and, new this year, the Trevilians Station Battle Re-enactment.

Lastly, we’ve done a lot of thinking about our 2009 slogan "Make It Happen!" and we believe that it truly represents what Louisa Parks and Recreation is all about. So much so, that we have decided to keep it for another year or two! Take the time, try something new, enjoy spending time with your family, find a few minutes for yourself...join us in 2010 to "Make It Happen" in your life.

Jane Shelhorse