JAMESBURG: Borough opens recreation center

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   JAMESBURG — Another new program has been made available to residents in Jamesburg at the newly opened Recreation Center.
   Mayor Marlene Lowande announced during this week’s council meeting that a new wrestling program for both boys and girls in second through eighth grade will start Nov. 27 and sign-ups began Oct. 14.
   ”The recreation center is located in the basement of our Senior Center on Stevens Avenue,” said Mayor Lowande. “It benefits Jamesburg in two ways. The recreation programs are great for the children and families and it generates revenue for the town. In the future, we plan on having many free activities for everyone to enjoy.”
   Councilman Thomas Busco said he felt a need to give back which was the inspiration behind the opening of the new recreation center.
   ”The need to give back to the children, over the years due to budget restraints we have had to cut back as a town on various recreation programs for the children,” said Councilman Busco on Oct. 17.
   Mayor Lowande pointed out that the budget no longer allowed for the recreation center as it once did.
   ”We never had a recreation center, and the money we once had in the budget has been eliminated” Mayor Lowande said. “The space was being unused and as we are very limited here in Jamesburg, I thought this would be a perfect location for a recreation center. The room is quite large.”
   The Recreation Center was created by Councilman Busco, members of the Department of Public Works – Supervisor of the Department of Public Works Paul Intravartolo, Jeff Miller and John Miller as well as members of the a community service group. The center opened in September, according to Mayor Lowande.
   ”We used the community service group also in cleaning and painting the basement,” Mayor Lowande said.
   Mayor Lowande and Mr. Busco are in-charge of the center.
   ”The Mayor and myself feel that this Recreation Center will provide the children a safe and friendly environment to spent their spare time,” Mr. Busco said. “We are very proud to open this center as this will be a start to many more recreation programs and activities for the children.”
   Programs are free.
   Jamesburg non-profit organizations can rent the facility for $10/hour and a non-Jamesburg rental is $25/hr, according to Mayor Lowande.
   Programs available at the center now are the Jamesburg Baseball Association, Jamesburg Basketball, Jamesburg Hockey, and KidzArt.
   ”It’s been tough to get everybody in there to do what they want but the schools have been just wonderful and everybody’s happy,” Mayor Lowande said.
   ”So little by little we are getting the activities,” said Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter.
   ”Hopefully we will keep running more and more programs,” Mayor Lowande said. “I think it is moving along nicely.”
   The programs are run by volunteers.
   ”These programs are run strictly by volunteers and we are thankful to have them,” Mayor Lowande said. “This facility can be used for meetings for these organizations. Fit Girls uses the facility on rainy days.”
   Mayor Lowande encourages the residents to volunteer in the center as well as contribute ideas.
   ”Volunteers and ideas are welcome,” Mayor Lowande said. “I know this will be a huge success for Jamesburg and its residents.”