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Department of Parks and Recreation

Summer Camp Catalog Arrives February 10
Come by the Summer Activities Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center on February 10 from 6-8pm to get a "hot-off-the-presses" copy of the 2012 Summer Camp Catalog. Those who took a camp last year or requested a catalog will get theirs in the mail soon thereafter. Registration starts on Wednesday, February 22 at 7am for people who register online or who fax or mail in their forms. Be sure to have your household, camp and payment information in had if you register online...it's the busiest registration day of the year! Phone and carry in registration begins February 29 at 8am. People who live outside Arlington can register on March 7.

Nominations Accepted for Bill Thomas Park Service Volunteer Award
The highest honor in Arlington County Park, Recreation and Cultural Resources, the Bill Thomas Park Service Volunteer Award recognizes an individual or group that has supported Arlington County's parks and recreation department above and beyond the call of duty. Past winners have included Toby Smith, Larry Finch, George Towner and Friends of Hume School to name a few. Help us recognize and honor our community leaders by nominating the 2011 Bill Thomas Park Service Award winners no later than February 24, 2012.

Arlington's Feel the Heritage Festival Celebrates 20 Years!
Celebrate African-American culture at the 20th Annual Feel the Heritage Festival on Saturday, February 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. This exciting event will take place at Langston-Brown Community Center and will feature music and dance performances, delicious food, dozens of vendors, and much more. Free admission. Visit the Feel the Heritage page.

Newest Issue of 55+ Guide Now Online!
Arlington recently was voted one of the best cities in the US for people 55 and over, and they specifically mentioned the recreational opportunities as a key reason. After looking at the array of programs our Office of Senior Adult Programs offers, you'll see why. Check out what's to do in January and February. Most programs are free if you have a 55+ Pass. Registration has begun!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Winter Class Registration
Come Create with Us—the Enjoy Arlington Winter 2011/2012 Catalog (18.6 MB PDF) is now available online! Online, fax and mail registration is available, too. We've got something for everyone with a diverse mix of fitness, arts and crafts, sports, theatre, dance, photography and much more. We offer classes for adults, adults 55+, children, and teens as well as adapted programs for individuals with disabilities. Plan for the holidays with camps and other special events that correspond with winter break! Fee reductions available; see page 22 for more information. Visit the Classes page for more information.

Please Don't Smoke in Arlington Parks
Arlington County values a safe and healthy environment. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe threshold of exposure to second-hand smoke. The Smoke-Free Park Initiative asks park patrons to respect our community values and refrain from smoking within 50 feet of areas of congregation in our parks such as ball fields, pavilions and playgrounds. Show your support by taking your picture in front of the Please No Smoking signs in our parks giving a thumbs up to no smoking, and post it on the PRCR Facebook page. There are signs in these parks: Bluemont, Bon Air, Quincy, Barcroft, Virginia Highlands, Long Bridge, Big Walnut, Chestnut Hills, Ft. C F Smith, Tuckahoe Park, Westover Park, Fields and Lubber Run Parks. More to come!

Virginia 4 Trees
Arlington's Urban Forestry Commission is inviting Arlingtonians to apply for a Virginia Loves Trees license plate. Though the plates aren’t official yet, if the Virginia Department of transportation gets 450 applications General Assembly Sponsor Delegate Joe Johnson (D) – 4th District, will submit a Bill in the 2012 Session to authorize adoption of the license plate by the DMV. Trees Virginia sees this as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of landscape trees and urban forests among Virginia's citizens.

Family Skate Nights
Join the crowd at Thomas Jefferson Center for Skate Night! Our Skating Series roles out every Saturday night through March 31. (No skate on 11/26, 12/24 and 12/31), The evenings start with Family Skating from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and close with Teen Only Skating from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Birthday parties are also available. There is also a live D.J., $1.00 (cash only) moon bounces, and the café will be open. Entry Admission is only $2.00 per person and skate Rental is $3.00 per person (cash only for both). Visit the Skate Nights page.