Rec department opens track and field signups

Although old man winter keeps dumping inch after inch of snow upon the state, the show – so to speak – will go on, and people are planning for some important and popular spring events.

Take the Johnston Recreation Department, for example.

Under the leadership of longtime Director Dan Mazzulla, the department will again offer several programs at a number of town-owned-and-operated sites.

Just the other day, Program Director Vin Jackvony issued the call for the department’s Track and Field Club for 2015.

“Run for fun,” Jackvony said with a smile about the unique track and field program, which features girls and boys who will be between the ages of six to 14 as of Sept. 1, 2015.

For starters, the recreation department will – as it has in the past – facilitate the popular track and field program. And that, Jackvony explained, includes providing workers, uniforms, schedules and field time.

The department also provides a T-shirt, insurance and membership to the highly regarded USA Track and Field, all for a fee of $50 per participant. If there’s another sibling from the same family, the fee would only be $30.

Unlike previous years, the department’s 2015 track program will be held at a new venue – the Johnston High School Athletic Complex, which features a state-of-the-art, multi-layered track.

Jackvony said the program will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and will begin on Monday, April 27.

“It’s only seven or eight weeks away,” Jackvony said, “and if the snow ever melts, we’ll be set to go on April 27.”

That’s why officials have issued the call for people to register for the track program. Those who sign up early will be able to save some money. During the early sign-up period, an individual fee is only $45, with the second sibling from the same family set at just $25.

Jackvony said early registrations are now under way and will continue through March 21.

Anyone interested in the program may sign-up at the Johnston Recreation Department office, located inside Johnston War Memorial Park. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information may be obtained by calling 401-272-3460.

Jackvony also announced the need for sponsors and coaches to assist with the track and field program. Anyone would like to volunteer as a coach, or knows of a business or organization that could serve as a sponsor, may call the department at the number listed above.

“This might seem like many, many moons away,” Jackvony said, “but our annual Fishing Derby will be held on Sunday, April 26. So put away the shovels and get the poles ready. This is always a fun event for the entire family.”

In keeping with tradition, the department will again hold its Fishing Derby inside Johnston War Memorial Park, the same site as the April 4 Easter Egg Hunt.