October 2015 Newsletter

OCTOBER 2015

Vote For Bike Racks!

Help Marion win a grant for bike racks from Wellmark. Marion has applied for a grant that would allow the City to install at least one bike rack in every City park and provide secure bike parking.

You can help by voting for our project, ‘Bike Parking for Marion’s Parks,’ once a day now through Oct. 7.

Please vote online at www.voteformarion.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Youth Programs

Kid Crafters Boys & girls ages 3-5
Come join and socialize with other kids your age as we create different seasonal crafts and art projects each session. Parents are encouraged to participate with their child. This program is supported by the Marion Arts Council. Program held at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center. Limit 15 participants.
Fee: $25 per child
Times: 10-10:30 a.m. OR 5:30-6 p.m. (Choose One)
Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 22-Nov. 12
Registration Deadlines: Oct. 9, 2015

Youth 5 on 5 Basketball League Boys & girls grades 2nd—6th
League is divided into 2nd/3rd grades and 4th/5th/6th grades. Boys and girls play in separate divisions. This instructional league works on teaching the fundamentals, stressing the importance of good sportsmanship, and having fun. 45 minute practices held once or twice a week, beginning in mid-November, Monday—Friday between 5:30-8 p.m. VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!
Fee: $31, includes team shirt
Practices Start: Mid-November
Game Dates: Saturday mornings, Dec. 5-Jan. 23
Registration Deadline: Oct. 16, 2015

Youth Halloween Programs

Painted Pumpkins Boys & girls ages 3 and up
No carving here! Help us decorate the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center for the Halloween season. Painters will receive one pumpkin with their registration to decorate to their liking. Paint and limited craft supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring additional décor for their pumpkin. Pumpkins will stay at Lowe Park through Halloween and be voted on by department staff. The winner will receive a prize from the department. Limited number of spots available.
Fee: $7.50 per person, per pumpkin
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13
Registration Deadline: Oct. 2, 2015

Halloween Boo Camp Boys & girls in grades K-5th
Ghosts, goblins, goodies, and games! This is a night for the kids as we celebrate all things Halloween. Drop your kids off and hit the town and let our recreation staff lead them through a night of games, crafts, snacks and a movie. Parents will not need to stay with their child. A pizza dinner will be provided. Please dress accordingly as we may be outside for a portion of the evening for an activity or two. Limited number of spots available.
Fee: $20 per child, includes a pizza dinner
Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 23
Registration Deadline: Oct. 2, 2015

Future Programs/Deadlines

Turkey Toss-Free Throw Competition (family) - November 6 deadline
Candy Cane Hunt (3-6 year olds) - November 13 deadline
Santa's Little Workshop   (K-5th grades) - November 13 deadline
Little Chefs-Kid Crafters Combo Class   (3-5 year olds) - November 20 deadline
Little Stars Basketball (4 year olds) - December 11 deadline
PeeWee Basketball (K-1st grades) - December 11 deadline

Register In Person, By Mail or Online

Cogran is our provider for online registration services. You will need to have a PayPal account to complete registrations.

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

SMOKE-FREE, NICOTINE-FREE AND TOBACCO-FREE PARKS & TRAILS
With a goal to be the healthiest city in the state and a vision to be the best place in Iowa to raise a family, the City of Marion has made the commitment to smoke-free, nicotine-free and tobacco-free parks and trails. Smoking or the use of tobacco, nicotine products, and vaporizers is not allowed in City parks or trails. Violators are subject to a $50 fine. Thank you for helping support a healthy environment.

Marion Named Certified Blue Zones Community

In a ceremony held at Lowe Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, representatives from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Healthways Inc and Blue Zones presented the City of Marion with a seal naming Marion, Iowa a certified Blue Zones Community®.

Certification recognizes Marion’s community transformation through successful implementation of Blue Zones Project®, a first-of-its-kind population health program that brings the world's best practices in food policy, built environment, purpose and social networking to participating cities. Full details

MARION ARTS COUNCIL

Current Exhibit at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center:
Barn Slices and Other Works by the Iowa Art Quilters
through Oct. 3

Lowe Park Gallery Hours:
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and the first Saturday of the month 1-3 p.m.

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