Happy New Year! To start this new year off on the right foot, venture on up to the Westlake Recreation Center and partake in some of the programs we have to offer. We have programs and classes for people of all ages. Check out our program book online or at the front desk of the Rec Center.

If you are over the age of 50 and are looking for something to do, why don’t you try our "Learn how to Wii" class. This class will help teach you the basics of how to play Wii so you can play with grandchildren or even others who want to give you a challenge. Make sure to sign up soon; the class will start 1/26. 

Here’s something the whole family can do: Register your house for the 2nd Annual “Westlake in Snow.” You and your family can create a snow sculpture in your front yard, call us and we will come to your house and judge your entry. Show off your creative side and show us what you can create. Contest will end 2/28.

Cure your cabin fever, get out of that house and head on up to the Rec Center for the Ultimate After Hours Bash. The bash will take place 1/22 and start at 8:30 p.m. This evening of fun is for kids who are in the 5th grade. There will be games, trivia questions, swimming, basketball and Wii. Deadline to register is 3 days prior to the event. 

If your kids like drawing, sign them up for a youth art class. Students will learn the basic techniques, vocabulary and learn how to draw images while increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem. These fun classes will start 1/21.

If you like to dance, check out some of the dance classes we have to offer. The dancing will start 1/13. Learn some new moves and steps to get you dancing like the stars! 

Since school is out on 1/18 and 1/19 the kids might need somewhere to go. The Westlake Rec Center has a program that will help you out. We are offering at No School Day Camp on the 18th and 19th for kids grades K-6. The camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun activities in a supervised setting.

North Coast Tutoring is here to help you, offering tutoring sessions in reading and math for kids grades K-12. The tutoring sessions will improve basic skills with a research-based proven learning approach that adjusts to individual learning styles. Sessions start 1/21.

If you need more information or have a question, please contact the Westlake Recreation Center at 440-808-5700 or check out our website at www.wlrec.org. While you're online, you can also check us out on Facebook. Become a fan and you'll receive updates and the latest information about what's going on at the Rec Center.

Chris Haldi works for the City of Westlake Recreation Department.