BY PAUL MITCHELL

North Country This Week

CANTON – Registration is in full swing for dozens of summer programs offered by the Canton Recreation Department, including the ever popular swimming lessons that has a reported 45 participants already signed up.

There are two sessions of swim lessons - Session 1: July 10-20; Session 2: July 24 – August 3. Classes are Monday through Thursday only at Canton Central School (follow the yard signs once on school grounds).

Children must be 4-years-old before Aug. 3 to participate in the program.

The fee for residents of Canton is $40 for the first participant. The cost for non-residents of Canton is $50 for the first participant. Additional participants, in the same household, are an additional $25 each.

“Swimming lessons for all abilities, from complete beginners to competitive swimmers. Elizabeth Burke returns as our swim lessons coordinator, and her team of enthusiastic swim instructors are eager to help participants develop their swimming skills and learn basic water safety,” states Canton Recreation Director Meghan Richardson in her village website post.

Available time slots are 8-8:30 a.m., 8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., or 10:15-10:45 a.m. Time preferences are on a first-come first-served basis until each slot is full. From there, each time slot will be split into instructor groups based on age, skill level, and comfort level. Participants are welcome to sign up for both sessions for additional $25.

Registration forms for swim lessons and all summer recreation programs, along with detailed information about each program or activity, are available at https://cantonny.gov/community/parks-recreation/activities-programming-2023/

Payment and completed forms can be dropped off at the Canton Pavilion on Thursday, June 15, from noon to 2 p.m.; Friday, June 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Here’s a look at the program roster:

BASKETBALL and BEACH VOLLEYBALL - Pickup games of basketball for adults and youth are held every week on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Bend in the River https://www.mytoyamz.com/easy-hikes-around-lake-arrowhead-exploring-lake-arrowhead-california Park (18 and over); and Saturday at 4 p.m. at Taylor Park (under 18).

FISHING FRIENDS - Grab your fishing pole, fishing license, family, and friends for an evening of fishing the Canton waters. every Saturday at 4 p.m. Location varies.

June 3 and July 22 at Bend in the River Park

June 10 and July 29 at Taylor Park – no fishing inside the swimming area

June 17 and Aug. 5 at Heritage https://www.mytoyamz.com/easy-hikes-around-lake-arrowhead-exploring-lake-arrowhead-california Park

June 24 and Aug. 12 at Canton Island Park

July 1 and Aug. 19 at Morley (Church/CR-27)

July 8 and Aug. 26 at Pyrites Boat Launch (CR-21)

July 15 and Sept. 2 at Rensselaer Falls (Front St./CR-14)

PICKLEBALL & TENNIS - Pickleball is a combination of tennis and badminton, played with a paddle and whiffle ball. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Nets are left up all season to allow free play. Pickleball is offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Priest Field, 8 Judson Street (behind SLC Social Services).

The pickleball courts are shared use along with two tennis courts. Two people can easily wheel the tennis nets to the side of the fence. Priority hours of both pickleball and tennis are listed below. If players from priority sport arrive and courts are in use, non-priority sport must vacate within 15 minutes. Any time not listed in priority hours are available first come first serve. If others are waiting to use a court, please limit your pickleball time to one 11-point game. Please share the space so all can enjoy it! Reservations for special events are available through the Canton Recreation Department and take precedence over all public hours.

The tennis courts are shared use along with four pickleball courts. Two people can easily move the pickleball nets to the side of the fence. 

Pickleball Priority Hours:

4 to 9pm on Tuesday and Thursday

2 to 9pm on Saturday

8 am to 2pm on Sunday

Tennis Priority Hours:

4 to  9pm on Monday and Wednesday

8 am to 2pm on Saturday

2 to 9pm on Sunday

WALKING/RUNNING - Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday meet up with other walkers or runners at 7 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. Enjoy a different Canton trail for each session. Find more information about each trail and explore more trails on the St. Lawrence County Trails website.

CANTON HEROES: POLICE: Aug. 2, noon 2 p.m.; free and all are welcome. The Canton Village Police Department and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff welcome you to join the police fun at the Canton Pavilion! Start the session with participants receiving a Child Safety Card before meeting a K-9 Deputy. After the K-9 show, Village Police Officer Coffey will instruct children of all ages on how to bicycle safely and how to properly fit your helmet. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet.

CANTON HEROES: FIRE & EMS: Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. Join Chief Robert Crowe and the Canton Fire & Rescue Crew for a night at the Canton Fire Station. Participants will have the chance to tour the fire station, investigate rescue vehicles and equipment, learn about fire safety, play games, and watch the crew prepare for an emergency call.

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: June 26–29, noon to 1 p.m. for ages 5-10 years. Abby Metcalf returns to instruct our Introduction to Dance class. Participants will learn ballet basics as well as routines, dancing with others, expressing emotion while dancing, and working with rhythm. No prior experience or special shoes required. $25 fee.

EXPLORING LOCAL WATERWAYS: Explore our local waterways by kayak or canoe. A weekly paddle is organized by the St. Lawrence Valley Paddlers from mid-May through August. Please contact slvpaddlers@gmail.com to join the email list and find out where this week’s paddle is.

KARATE: Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Bend in the River Park, 90 Lincoln St. Membership is $99 and includes 3 months of classes, full karate uniform, and additional classes in Gouverner and Norwood available at any time. Youth, college students, adults and seniors are welcome to participate in the program. Classes are taught by AKDWK Black Belt Instructors. To register, contact Master Frank Palumbo, 315-854-6880.

PADDLING CLINIC: Session 1: July 31 & Aug. 1, 6 to 8 p.m.; Session 2: Aug. 2 & 3, 6 to 8 p.m.; Age 10 years old and older; $25 per person, per session. Improve your kayaking skills, techniques, and safety on the Grasse River from British Canoeing certified coach, John Ozard. Be prepared to get wet. Safety instruction includes learning how to recover from a capsize. Lifejackets are required to be worn by all participants. Equipment is available to those who need it.

PICKLEBALL CLINIC: July 24–27, 5 to 6 p.m.; Age: Under 18; Priest Field Courts; $25. Welcome Dillon Chichester, a local physical education teacher to instruct basic pickleball skills through a variety of fun drills & games. Paddles and will be provided. In the event of inclement weather, the clinic will move inside the Canton Pavilion. A responsible adult (18 and over) is required to be in attendance for all participants 12-years-old and under.

SUMMER SUNSET SERIES- June 13, July 11, and Aug. 8 J-lot on St. Lawrence University Campus (off of Park Street); registration at 6:30pm; One-mile Fun Run at 7:15pm; 5K Cross Country Race at 7:30pm. Those who complete all three races can earn a short-sleeved T-shirt. The fee is $7 for the series or $3 for a single event.  Please bring cash or check as we are not set up for credit cards.  For further information contact Suna Stone at smcmasters@stlawu.edu or (315) 229-5105.

TENNIS CLINIC: BEGINNERS - July 17-20, 6-7pm; Age 4 years old and older

TENNIS CLINIC: FAMILIES - July 15, 9-11am; July 22, 9-11am; All ages welcome.

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC - July 10-13, 9-11am; Age: Grades 5-12.