Briefly . . .

 

Connecticut Blaze

The Connecticut Blaze is taking signups for its 2001 clinics and tryouts. All clinics and tryouts will be from 9 am to 12 noon at the Blaze training facility on the second floor of the Bristol Center Mall in Bristol. Dates are February 10, 11 and 17 for boys ages 15 and 16; and March 3, 4 and 10 for boys ages 13 and 14. For further information, call 1-860-584-1386 (or visit the web at www.ctblaze.org).

Batting Cage

The Batting Cage is swinging into the off-season with a winter training program for high school baseball teams and individual players only. Teams and players can sign up for 12 weeks of training, two hours a week, at The Batting Cage, across from the Fairfield Cinemas in Fairfield. Cost is $199. Call 1-203-259-BALL to reserve a spot.

Rockets Still Looking

The Brewster Rockets still have openings on the U12, U14, and U18 travel softball teams for the 2001 summer season. Call Kim McKeever (1-203-740-7897), Marcy Byrne (270-8637), Jim Kelly (1-203-730-9728) or John Wahlers (1-914-279-1562) for further information.

Youth Hoop Tournament

The National Youth Athletic Association is accepting teams for the 2001 Youth Basketball Connecticut State Championship Tournament, which will be held in March for members of the NYAA. Winners of the state tournament will represent their states in the National Championship Tournament. Brackets exist for boys and girls ages 11 to 16. For further information, call 1-800-619-6922.

Free Throw Shooting

The Knights of Columbus will hold a free throw shooting contest for boys and girls ages 10 to 14 on Saturday, January 13, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, at the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium. Winners in each category will advance to the K of C district competition. Call Jud Doyle at 426-1696 for further information.

Connecticut Bombers

The Connecticut Bombers AAU baseball club will be holding tryouts and clinics for its upcoming 2001 season for players ages 12 through 16 beginner in February. Call Bob Turcio at 1-203-248-2398 for further information.

Cartooning Class

The Parks and Recreation Department is offering a class on cartooning – concentrating on areas relative to the art, such as characters, storytelling and perspective. The class is perfect for beginners, intermediates and for those who have already taken the course. Bring a pad of paper (14x17 recommended), pencils, erasers, and straight-edge ruler. Fee is $76 for eight classes. Open to ages 7 to 13. Starts Wednesday, January 17, 4 to 5 pm, at the Hawley School art room. Call Rayae Giampetruzzi at 270-4340 for further info.

Little Recers

The popular preschool program includes creative dramatics, music, and group play. Fee is $100 for 10 weeks. Meets Thursdays, 9 to 11 am, at the Newtown Congregational Church House starting on January 18. Class size is limited to 10. Children must be three years old as of December 31, 2000, and be toilet trained. Call Rayae Giampetruzzi at 270-4340 for further info.

Soccer Skills Training

Brian Neumeyer, head coach of the Newtown High School boys’ soccer team and director of training and coaching for the Newtown Soccer Club, will offer a skills training program for girls participating in the Newtown Soccer Club’s recreational league who are currently in third or fourth grade. The skills training program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. It will be held at Plymouth Hall at Fairfield Hills. Cost is $100 per player and will include 10 sessions. Exact dates will be announced. Call Mr Neumeyer at 1-203-459-0096 to register.

In-House Soccer Training

The Newtown Soccer Club has begun training for in-house ‘E’ and ‘F’ division players. The training is being conducted by Newtown High School boys’ soccer coach Brian Neumeyer along with players from both the boys’ and girls’ high school soccer teams. All sessions are held from 4 to 5 pm at the Hawley School gym. Girls’ trainings will continue on January 22 and January 29. Boys’ trainings will begin on Monday, February 5, and continue on February 12, 26, and March 5 and 12. Be sure to bring sneakers or indoor shoes, as well as shin guards. No cleats will be permitted.

Babe Ruth Signups

The Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball League will be holding spring registrations starting Saturday, January 20, at 9 am, in the Newtown Middle School cafeteria. If you did not play baseball in the spring of 2000, you MUST bring your original birth certificate and a copy of the original. There is a LIMITED number of openings, so sign up early. Children must be born on or before July 31, 1995, to be eligible. Call 426-8902 with questions. Signups will alsio be held on Sunday, January 21, and Saturday, January 27, from 9 am to 3 pm on both days.

Connecticut Charmers

The Connecticut Charmers, an organization dedicated to developing competitive girls fast pitch softball, will host its final Clinic/Tryout on Sunday, January 21, at Norko’s Indoor Facility in Woodbridge. There are limited spots available to complete the 2001 rosters. Clal Joe Kelly (U12 and U14) at 1-203-250-9792 or Neil Swanchek (U16 and U18) at 1-203-924-0110 for times.