A day at the park

Independence Township Parks and Recreation knows how to present a pajama party on a grand scale.
The Cartoon PJ parties are specially designed for children ages three to five and feature crafts, games and pictures.
Three dates are scheduled for the Clintonwood Park Carriage house: Jan. 27, Feb. 27 and March 24. The fun runs 6:30-8:15 p.m. All who attend are encouraged to dress in their favorite pjs or cartoon attire.
Cost is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents and includes a hot dog dinner and juice.
Contact ITP&R for more details at 248-625-8223.
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For children ages three to five, the Start Smart program offers a window into sports basics beginning Feb. 1 at Everest Academy from 5:45-6:35 p.m and running for six weeks thereafter.
Start Smart is a program in which parents work one-on-one with their child in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere that promotes fun as the number one priority of sports.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Class will not be held on Feb. 14.
Cost is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents. Contact Independence Township Parks and Recreation for more details at 248-625-8223.
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Basketball Basics are the focus of a six-week program designed to teach first and second grade boys and girls the proper way to shoot, pass, and dribble.
The Independence Township Parks and Recreation program begins Jan. 28 and costs $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents. A t-shirt is included with the instuction of basic drills and sportsmanship.
Location is yet to be determined. First graders are scheduled from 10-11 a.m. and second graders get some run from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Call 248-625-8223 for a separate registration form.
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Got two left feet? Independence Township’s spate of dance classes is here to help.
The first session of classes runs Jan. 31 through Feb. 28. Cost $45 for residents and $55 for non-residents.
Beginning Swing starts at 6 p.m. and teaches the basics of the most popular dance of the last 50 years.
Continuing Wedding Social Dance at 6:45 p.m.is intended to hone the steps learned in Wedding Social Dance, which begins at 7:30 p.m. In the first wedding dance class, participants learn the basics of the Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, Swing and Night Club Slow dances.
Salsa and Merengue instruction closes the evening at 8:15 p.m. focusing on the exotic twists and turns of latin dance.
Contact ITP&R for more details at 248-625-8223.
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Back for the second time, the annual Independence Township Parks and Recreation Girls Softball Pitching Clinic is set to begin Feb. 1 and runs Wednesdays until March 8.
The Clarkston Varsity Softball coaching staff, along with other softball personalities, will conduct this clinic for girls ages 8-14 (age as of Jan. 1, 2006). The clinic is conducted from 6-7 p.m. Registration ends Jan. 27. Each participant receives a t-shirt. Please call 248-625-8223 for more details.
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Springfield Township Parks and Recreation wants the family dog to be well behaved and hopes their Dog Obedience Classes beginning Feb. 2 and running through April 6 will help.
The classes are held at the Hart Community Center in Davisburg.
Shots are required for all dogs and shot records are required on the first night of class.
Class size is limited and registration is required. Call STP&R for availability, class levels, class times and fees.
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For newbies and novices the session of Yoga classes running Wednesdays from Feb. 1 to March 22 at the Springfield Township Community Center from 12-1:00 p.m. will provide a stimulating experience.
A minimum and maximum number of participants are required to hold the classes and participants are required to register three days prior to the start of the session.
Cost is $80 for the session. Call Springfield Township Parks and Recreation at 248-634-0412 for information.