“It’s all about creating opportunities for our kids”
Words like “thank you”, “partnership”, “together” “sharing” and “reaching out” peppered a conversation with Town of Highlands Recreation Director Aaron Falk, days after a Saturday football and cheerleading clinic at West Point.
“There were 200-225 kids there; it was so awesome,” Falk said of the clinic held at the Foley Center, which was held in conjunction with Army West Point Football and the Rabble Rousers. It was part of West Point’s Community Outreach program, and lasted about two hours. Falk said the Army football players and cheerleaders participating “were incredible with the kids” and the community’s children “enjoyed every minute of it.
The event ended with a half-hour autograph session for the 4-14 year olds who participated, something he said they very much enjoyed.
“We hope to do a few more things with the football team in the months ahead,” Falk said, “and hopefully, in the years ahead, with other teams as well.”
He said the great part about the weekend football and cheer event is that the town is about to embark on a flag football program this spring, part of NFL Flag. Falk is hoping that West Point’s MWR programming will help him advertise the program and send more children to it.
“The goal is to give kids from Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery and West Point more activities — pooling our resources helps us do that,” he said.
Falk is also thanking not only the local college-level players for their work with local children, but also O’Neill High Schoolers who have helped with a couple of recent programs — another recent football clinic held at the high school, winter basketball (which wraps up on March 17) and Friday evening softball workouts for Ponytail League players.
“It’s great that so many of our high schoolers are willing to donate time to teaching the younger kids,” Falk said, noting that some of the programs wouldn’t be able to take place without them.
“It’s been a fun winter,” he said. “The younger kids in a variety of sports have definitely had the chance to improve their skills.”
While league basketball is wrapping up for the season, he reminds players that the fundraising March Mania Tournament is approaching and players are still needed. It’s looking like most of the play will take place during the day on Saturday, March 11, at the Highland Falls Intermediate School. Like he does with all youth sports, he asks that community residents come out to watch games and support local children.
He also reminds children who might be interested in learning and playing lacrosse this spring that there is a new youth lacrosse program up and running with coach Katie Erbe. To get more information on that visit www.bearmountainlacrosse.com.
“Katie is another one of those partnerships I’m so glad to have,” Falk said. “She’s bringing high quality coaching to our community at a low price.”
One final note from the recreation director this week — summer isn’t that far off. He’s already looking for teen lifeguards, park maintenance workers and day-camp counselors, and said registration for camp will take place in May.
To reach Falk on any of the above matters, email him at afalk@highlands-ny.gov.
