By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
The Prairie Township Community Center recently announced program offerings to kick off spring and summer, including a self defense course and a farmer’s market.
“One of the new things we are offering is a free women’s self-defense class,” said James Gant, director of the center. “We are partnering with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to offer this in May.”
The classes will start May 11 and take place from 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday through June 1. Anyone can participate, you just must register by May 4 via the community center website, www.prairietownship.org/131/Community-Center.
The center also will be kicking off its annual farmer’s market. Now in its third year, the market will begin the first week of June and run until the last week of September.
“The market will be open every Monday from 4 to 7 pm,” Gant said. “While we are still finalizing our vendors, typically we have 14 or 15.”
This year, Gant said they plan to offer some family activities at the market to attract more residents. The market also is now part of the Veggie SNAP Program.
According to Gant, this means that people who are receiving assistance can use those dollars to purchase their fresh produce at the market. This is mutually beneficial because program recipients get access to fresh local food and the market can reach even more individuals.
“The money they have also will go further at the market,” Gant added. “This will help more people live a healthier lifestyle.”
Finally, the center is once again having its annual summer day camp and will begin registration in April.
The camp runs from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and is for children ages 6 to 12.
During the camp, kids will embark on field trips, play games, swim at the community center pool and participate in arts and crafts activities.
To learn more about some of the other activities taking place at the community center this spring and summer, visit www.prairietownship.org/131/Community-Center.
