If you've ever had the urge to try your hand (or feet) at some wild and wooly country style line dancin' and two steppin', then this is the dance for you! We're presenting the great band "Ridin' High" for your enjoyment at our annual Country Jamboree on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall, Ridin' High will perform the best and most danceable country sounds around. And, to help get you movin' to the music, we'll even have country line dance instructors to help teach you those belt loop grabbin, foot loose country dances.

To make the evening completely carefree, your admission price of $25 per person will also include a country chicken and rib dinner, dessert, coffee, snacks and sodas.

Advance reservations and payment are required for this very popular dance! To reserve your spot, please call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 during business hours, no later than Thursday, Jan. 20.

Please Note: This program is designed for adults 18 years of age and older to enjoy an evening of entertainment close to home. We respectfully request that residents not bring children to this program. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

On Friday, Jan. 14, 2000, there will be a Recreation Party for all sixth grade students in the Village. This party will take place in the Saint Paul's Field House from 7 to 9 p.m. Activities will include Ping Pong, Nok Hockey, Table Golf, Bumper Pool and more. Music will be provided by a D.J. Admission is $4, payable at the door. refreshments will be available at a nominal charge.

Parents Please Note: To avoid problems with youngsters roaming around outside rather than entering the building, we ask that parents please wait until they see their children enter the building before driving away. Those inside will not be permitted to leave until 9 p.m., when the event is over.

Additionally, no one will be permitted to enter the building after 8 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Likewise, parents wishing to pick up their children early must do so in person.

For further information, please call the Recreation Office at 465-4075.

Garden City Residents have again been afforded the privilege of using Lake Cornelia (Hubbell's Pond) for ice skating. There will be skating on the pond only when the ice has been tested and confirmed safe, which will be indicated by the posting of the traditional "Red Ball" by the entrance gate on Stewart Avenue, across from the middle school.

The Recreation Department reminds our residents that they are not to use the Garden City Golf Club's driveway or parking lot to access the skating area. The driveway and parking lot are restricted for the use of club members only.

When the "Red Ball" is displayed, skating hours will be as follows:

Monday - Thursday 1 - 8 p.m.; Friday 1 - 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m - 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Rules and regulations:

* Skating will be permitted only when the Recreation Supervisor is on duty

* Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult after sundown

* Heaters will be operated only by recreation personnel

* Heaters will be operated only in designated areas

* Ice Hockey may be played only in designated areas.

* When using Lake Cornelia, do not trespass over golf club fairways as well as neighboring property along Rockaway Avenue.

* Please use the entrance gate provided along Stewart Avenue and stay within the designated areas.

* Please do not telephone the golf club for skating information. Call the Recreation Program Line at 742-5888.

Now that the holiday season is over, our popular After School Program for middle and high school students has resumed. Held at the Saint Paul's Field House according to the following schedule, this program allows youngsters to participate in popular activities such as volleyball, floor hockey and basketball. The program is supervised by members of the Recreation Department staff, and there is no charge for participation, and no registration is necessary.

Boys and Girls Grades 6 - 12 - Mondays and Fridays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Open gym

Boys Grade 6 - Tuesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sports and Games

Girls Grade 6 - Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sports and Games

Boys ad Girls Grades 7 - 12 - Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sports and Games.

These programs will continue through March 17, 2000.

The Recreation Department is offering electronic keyboard lessons for middle and high school age and older residents on Thursday evenings beginning Jan. 13. These lessons will be held in the Garden City Middle School, room 107, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This course will focus on reading music and playing basic piano music on an electronic keyboard.

The cost of this 10-week course is $30 plus a small expense for books. This class is contingent upon a minimum registration of eight participants, Registration has begun.

The Recreation Department is offering a beginner guitar class for adult residents on Thursday evenings beginning Jan. 13. These lessons will be held in the middle school, room 107, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. This course will focus on reading and playing basic guitar.

The cost of this 10-week course is $30 plus a small fee for books. This class is contingent upon a minimum registration of 8 participants. Registration has begun and is required.

Although this is the time of year when most folks are busy preparing for the upcoming holiday season, it's not too early to start planning for a summer job with the Garden City Recreation Department.

Challenging, enjoyable positions are available at the Garden City pool, the village playgrounds in our summer sports camps and in the recreation maintenance division.

If you enjoy being outdoors, and are willing to make the commitment to being part of a team that works hard to provide quality programs and facilities for our residents, then we'd like to talk to you. We offer competitive salaries, friendly working conditions, opportunity for advancement and the chance to be part of a very special team.

If you are a high school senior or older and are ready to make a commitment for a great summer job, stop in at the Recreation Office in Village Hall, pick up an application and schedule an appointment for an interview.

Reminder: Even if you were employed by the Recreation Department last year, including the pool, you are still required to re-apply and be interviewed for the upcoming summer.

Interviews will be conducted on the following dates:

Saturday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No interviews will be conducted without an appointment, and positions will not be offered to applicants who do not interview.

To schedule an interview appointment, please call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A Mixed Doubles Tennis Party will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For a fee of just $30 per couple, enjoy tennis time, refreshments and snacks. Games are Round Robin just-for-fun format. To sign up, contact Steve Epsey at Community Park at 483-2525.