Something for everyone in Cape's rec program

By taking the Junior Chefs cooking class, children can learn how to whip up a little something to eat.

Or, for the more aggressive types, children can take Taekwondo and learn to whip something else.

Either way, the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has them covered.

The department is in full swing with its winter basketball and volleyball leagues, but organizers are offering more than a little competition.

Throughout the year, the city offers up to 40 different instructional classes or social opportunities, and there's something for everybody. There are monthly dances and coffee hours for senior citizens, numerous opportunities for children and a program for the mentally and physically handicapped.

Even kayakers are allowed to practice at the Central Pool.

Swimnastics, anyone?

"I can't tell you how many times I've thought to myself how fortunate I am to live in Cape Girardeau," said Lafern Stiver, 73, who participates in the Swimnastics program for seniors at Central Pool. "To walk the trail by the Osage Centre is a pleasure, and I really do believe the Parks and Rec department reaches all ages."

All the extra activities are in addition to the current winter adult-sports leagues that include 101 basketball teams, 32 volleyball teams and approximately 1,300 participants.

"The only time somebody's not playing is Friday nights, so that keeps us pretty busy," said Chris Eastridge, a recreation coordinator.

The Special Therapeutic Activities in Recreation program offers various activities to persons of all age who have disabilities. Friday night, the two-hour program taught spaghetti etiquette.

Next month, STAR will feature a Valentine's dance, the most popular event since the program's beginning two years ago. Last year, 85 people attended.

"There's no way they could play in our adult leagues, and we had a lot of stuff for kids, so we decided we'd do a little bit for them," said recreation coordinator Amy Roth, who started the STAR program.

The newest program offered by the department is the coffee hour for senior citizens. It will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 30., and include various social activities for seniors every month.

bmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127