Smith's Clove Park happenings

Monroe - The Monroe Joint Park and Recreation Commission have extended their thanks to Boy Scout Troop 440 for their extensive work this summer at creating two hiking trails at Smith’s Clove Park. “We spent seven weekends this past summer clearing the trails, picking up trash, marking trees, building benches, signs and a bridge,” said scoutmaster Mike Phipps Sr. Life Scout Michael Phipps Jr. used the public service project as one requirement toward reaching the goal of Eagle Scout. The commission and the troop also offered their appreciation to Valastro Plumbing and Heating, which supplied aluminum for the trail markers, as well as to several anonymous donors for supplying lumber for various trail projects. The paths begin behind the Upper Pavilion and take hikers to the top of Bald Hill; the one-mile Eagle Trail is marked in silver, while the Peacock Trail is marked in white and is a three-quarter mile loop. “This is an extremely wonderful gift to the park and we truly appreciate the hard work and excellent quality that these boys brought to their project, and to their community,” said Commission Chairman Tony Cardone. The commission also note the donated made by the Home Depot store in Monroe for the security booth that can be found at the park entrance. Meanwhile, Recreation Director Joe Mancuso reported that despite the bad weather, the Scary Dancing Night and the Pumpkin Painting Day were quite successful, especially petting zoo and hayrides. Upcoming events include: • Turkey Trot, Saturday, Nov. 25. Race/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. • Holiday Lighting, Sunday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Gather at the front of the park, near parking lot for lighting of the trees. Singalong, light snacks, door prizes. Ongoing events include: • Smith’s Clove Park teen group for 12- to 17-year olds. Help put together programs, a recreation room and activities you want to see, and have a say in running them. • Volunteers wanted: Teach a craft, course or seminar; suggest activities or chaperone an event. Call the commission or fill out the online “volunteer application” at www.smithsclovepark.org. • After school programs: Space still available for the sewing, home maintenance, cooking and aerobic classes. • SCP Ski Club is still looking for interested skiers for a bus trip to Mountain Creek. Children’s Programs: • Registration for the children’s programs is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to noon- 12 noon. • Pre-school pals meets on Fridays from 12:45 - 2:45 p.m. • Little Scholars meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Dianne Janssens at 782-5418. For more information, contact the director at 783-9108 or check out the park’s Web site at www.smithsclovepark.org.