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Parents, organizations busy during registration night

The Kinsmen Community Centre was packed Sept. 3, with parents eager to sign their children up
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4-H leader Joyce Winter (green shirt) offers information on the club’s programs to interested parents during Registration Night at the Kinsmen Community Centre Sept. 3. Here Chloe Smith and Sandi Hiemer ask some questions.

The Kinsmen Community Centre was packed Sept. 3, with parents eager to sign their children up for different community and sports groups that are offered in Ponoka.

Groups that appeared to be the busiest were Ponoka Minor Hockey, Ponoka Minor Soccer for indoor soccer, the Ponoka Gymnastics and Trampoline Club, the Ponoka Skate Club and Got 2 Dance Productions but parents and their children could be seen signing up at the 4-H Club, Leisure Lanes Bowling, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts and a variety of church and youth groups.

Greg Bendera, co-ordinator for indoor soccer, feels the night is a good opportunity to meet with parents. “It brings everybody to one place at once.”

He is excited to see how many people join indoor soccer this season as they have had enough players to form a competitive indoor soccer team in recent years. Indoor soccer runs from mid October to mid March and is an opportunity to keep playing.

“It just helps keep the skill level going up during the off-season,” explained Bendera.

Among the service clubs at Registration Night was the Ponoka Kinettes. The group is working closely with the Ponoka Lions this year to replace the old playground in Centennial Park and if possible, add more seating and sun protection near the splash park.

Kinette secretary Amanda Carleton said the club has put together a fun Company Christmas Party fundraiser for December to further their goals. The Bull Skit Comedy troupe has been hired as the entertainment for the evening. Carleton says businesses have already expressed interest in the night.

The group is also open for new members. Carleton feels it is a good opportunity to give back. “I like it because I get to do so much for our community.”

Last year the Kinettes donates $17,875 to the community with 907 hours volunteered.

Community clubs such as the 4-H Club were able to gain new interest in their events. Joyce Winter, key district leader for the club says there are many opportunities for youths with their programs.

“It opens so many doors,” said Winter.

Besides the beef club, there are also chances to learn how to ride horses, learn what is needed for public speaking and mentorship opportunities.

Parents who missed the registration night still have the opportunity to join one of these groups as many have late registration opportunities open. For phone numbers and names, check the Service Clubs and Community Groups link on the Town of Ponoka website at www.ponoka.ca under the Community link.