Ice skating, Hot Shots, hot deal, Halloween +
October 16, 2020

As the Skokie Park District continues to operate in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan,
the following are reminders and news updates for this week.

Destination Feature
Hockey & figure skating thrive at the Skatium
Whether your preference is hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating, the nationally-recognized Skatium Ice Arena has something for everyone. Programs are taught by Skatium and affiliate organization professionals who provide comprehensive ice skating classes and leagues for all ages and abilities. The Skatium is open for public skating, year-round. A full-size rink and a smaller rink can be used for private parties.

With state COVID-19 guidelines firmly in place, figure skating, hockey and public sessions march on this fall, with regular winter hockey registration beginning November 8 and figure skating registration beginning November 17. In the mean time, learn to skate in these November mini-sessions for beginners:

'Learn to Skate' Figure Skating
The Skatium offers an introduction to ice skating for children between the ages of 4 and 12 with little or no skating experience. All skaters will learn balance, how to safely fall down and get up, marching and gliding. Each session of the three week mini-session is 30 minutes long. Skate rental is included.
Saturdays, November 7-21
1:10-1:40 p.m.
1:40-2:10pm
Fee: $25
Ages 4-5 register for "Introductory Learn to Skate Snowplow Sam."
Ages 6-12 register for "Introductory Learn to Skate Class."
Register here or call (847) 929-7900.

Future Flyers Hockey Classes
Future Flyers is for young players ages 3-6 with little or no hockey skating experience who would like to join a Flyers team in the future. Future Flyers begin by standing on skates and progressing through basic forward and backward skating skills. Required protective equipment for this class includes: helmet with face mask, elbow pads, shin guards, hockey gloves and a stick. Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment, although we do have equipment available for use.
Saturdays, November 7-21
2:20-3:20 p.m.
Fee: R-$54/NR-$60
Register for section 07 here or call (847) 929-7900.

New kid sports classes in November!
Kids ages 2-16 will learn to play a variety of sports or learn more advanced skills, all while having fun! From tot soccer, to basketball and volleyball skills clinics, to nerf battle games, the Weber Leisure Center is the place for Hot Shots Sports in Skokie!

Skokie Park District COVID-19 guidelines will be followed for indoor sports, with six-foot social distancing and class sizes limited to ten participants per class. Masks are required at all times.
Big Bargain!
Join and eliminate the initiation fee

From November 1 through January 31, the Fitness First health club will be waiving initiation fees for new members.

Located at the Weber Leisure Center, Fitness First is not your ordinary community center health club, rather a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art fitness center. 

Work out, join an exercise or spin group, check out our Pilates studio, or hit the Weber Leisure Center's indoor running track!

Join by calling (847) 674-1500, ext. 3500.
Upcoming Halloween Happenings
Skokie Park District COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at all Halloween events.
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Friday & Saturday
October 16 & 17, 6-8:15 p.m.
Meet some of the fascinating but often misunderstood critters of Emily Oaks at this fun, informative and not-frightening event. As you're guided along the trail, you will watch three skits with costumed characters. Your visit will end at a campfire featuring snacks and songs. For all ages. In case of heavy rain, the event will be cancelled. Tickets: $6
Sponsored by Shake Shack in Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4750 Brummel St.
Few remaining tickets available at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.
Tickets will be sold at the gate, only if still available.

Pumpkin Decorating
Saturday, October 17, 1-2 p.m.
Let's get into the Halloween spirit! Let your imagination unfold as you create your own pumpkin masterpiece to take home for the holiday. We provide the decorations; you bring the pumpkins and carving tools. Best of all, leave the mess behind and we'll clean up! This is an outdoor event; please dress for the weather. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Oakton Community Center. $6/person. Every person must purchase a ticket.
Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.

Pumpkin Carving Contest
Deadline: Monday, October 26 at 5 p.m.
Showcase your skills in our first ever pumpkin carving contest! Share photos of your creations with us before 5 p.m. on Monday, October 26. Submissions will then be posted to an album on our Facebook page on Tuesday, October 27. You can vote on your favorite by "liking" it through Friday, October 30. The photo with the most likes will win a Halloween prize basket! Facebook votes will be counted using the 'thumbs up' emoji only.
Submit the participant’s name and a pumpkin name in a post on Facebook with the hashtag #SkokiePumpkins, or by email to MVanDenBosch@skokieparks.org.

Halloween House Decorating Contest
Enter through October 23, at 5 p.m.
Decorate the outside of your home in our inaugural Halloween House Decorating Contest! Prizes for Scariest House and People's Choice. The winner of each category will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. All displays will be judged by park district staff on Tuesday, October 27 from 5-9 p.m. A list of participating addresses will be available to the media and the public the same day. Public voting for the People's Choice award will close on Friday, November 6, with winners announced on Tuesday, November 10. Questions? Contact Michael Van Den Bosch via email here or call (847) 929-7710. Fee: $5

Active Adult 60+ Halloween Party with Bingo
Tuesday, October 27, 12-2 p.m.
Seniors! Join us for a frighteningly fun afternoon of entertainment, bingo, a costume contest, and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for the costume contest. R: $15/NR: $19.
Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Tot Learning Center earns state Gold Circle of Quality
The Skokie Park District's Tot Learning Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state's new quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers.

"Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority," said Cynthia L. Tate Ph.D., executive director of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. "The higher the designation, the higher the program's demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children's early learning needs," she said.

"We are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality," said Fouzia Khan, Tot Learning Center's childcare services manager. "Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children in Skokie be better prepared for success in school and in life."

ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children's early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.