Thrifty thrills

Upon hearing the latest figures on unemployment, mortgage foreclosures and gross domestic product, many people decided it was time to cut back on expenses. Even in the darkest of economic times low or no cost entertainment is still available.

Thanks to local parks and recreation departments, communities can take advantage of taxpayer-paid events available to most if not all family members.

Augusta County Parks and Recreation Department hosts the largest amount of the area’s public events: classes, activities and workshops. However, it has placed greater emphasis on interactive, rather than passive interests.

“We aim to keep people active, not just entertained,” said Ken Jacobsen, senior athletic director.

The department organizes trips and events, including outings for seniors with lower fees that cover bus transportation, admission and sometimes, food.

Lisa Blythe, senior coordinator, said there are numerous outings planned. On Tuesday, seniors can attend a jazz concert at James Madison University for only $20. In March, there’s Benny Dodd and his band playing bluegrass, rock, country and oldies at the Lovingston Opry for $32.

“I have seniors call me all the time with ideas,” said Blythe. “There are lots of plays, five or six a month.”

Such as “Nunsense 2” at Riverside Theater in Fredericksburg on Wednesday. Price: just $65 for the bus and show.

According to Blythe, a big hit is the recurring bed and breakfast tour. On Mar. 19, seniors will visit the Winchester and Strasbourg area for only $16.

APR also has family trips to places such as Newseum; Humpback Rocks; Washington, D.C.; and more. Activities for children include K.I.D.S. Camp summer program, Animal Cracker Day and two egg hunts in April. Just don’t forget the camera!

Sporting events families might consider attending are a soccer tournament planned for the Stuarts Draft Park, an ocean fishing in Virginia Beach or the four baseball game trips APR has planned.

The department hosts informational seminars such as the Bear Man who gives a personal account on Saturday of his life-or-death battle with a 600-pound bear. Other seminars include green cleaning, composting, nutrition and lawncare.

Waynesboro’s Parks and Recreation Department has a selection of various classes to take, but it also offers a Friday’s Friends Program intended to provide opportunities to socialize and be entertained.  On Friday Brian Bence will perform magic tricks from 4-6 p.m., on Mar. 13 the Mountain Heritage Cloggers will dance their way across the stage and the Global Puppet Ministries will perform on Apr. 17. Friday’s Friends activities are presented at ARC on Fairfax Avenue.
The community can also day trip with WPR, to the Cherry Blossom Festival or the National Zoo. A spring wildflower outing is planned for Ridgeview Park and a photography safari within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Waynesboro Senior Center hosts senior bingo on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and movies are presented on the third Wednesday monthly.

Yearly events hosted by WPR include Xtremefest ’09 and the Summer Extravaganza.

The Staunton Recreation and Parks Department will host its Teen Rock the Mic Night on Feb. 20 at Gypsy Hill Park Gym, from 8-11 p.m. Department personnel will set up a house public address system, along with drums, amps and guitars for teen usage. They’ll also rig a disc jockey setup for the rappers.

Community members should contact individual parks and recreation departments for more information regarding the programs sponsored, fees and registration procedures and deadlines.