The cure for ‘Cabin Fever’ and more

When Becky Koenig stepped into her role as the new director of the Groton Recreation Program (Groton Rec) at the beginning of January, she hit the ground running with zeal for ideas for the program’s future, as well as for maintaining the quality programming her predecessor, Jennifer Jones, had established.  

Among those well-established Groton Rec favorites is the annual Cabin Fever Festival, which will be held this year on Saturday, March 4 from noon to 4 p.m. Activities will take place in the Groton Jr./Sr. High School gym, 400 Peru Rd., where there will be offerings for everyone of almost every age group.   

The festival was originally known as Winterfest, but the name was changed to Cabin Fever Festival in 2015, primarily because the winters around here were not producing the weather needed for activities such as dog sledding, snowman building, sleigh rides, sledding and other Winterfest traditions. 

Nonetheless, the event has gained significant popularity as different attractions and activities have been added through the years, and Koenig is bringing most of those back to Cabin Fever 2023, along with some exciting new additions!  

Cabin Fever this year features over 25 vendors selling everything from baseball cards to soaps to diamond art kits. DJ Kelly will be in attendance with music, and there will, of course, be a bounce house. Cayuga Nature Center will be on site with educational displays, as well as animals for all to interact with during the day. The Science Center will have a spot set up with hands-on science activities.   

The Groton Boy Scouts will be on hand with outdoor cooking displays and the Girl Scouts will host a cookie booth. Crossroads the Clown will be there all day, having fun and making balloon art for all. Moreland the Magician will perform, starting at 1:30 p.m., and the ever-popular photo booth and henna will also be available.  

New this year is laser tag! Located in the wrestling room, participants can sign up for a game of laser tag, free of charge. Games will run every 15 minutes from noon to 4 p.m., and sign-ups will be required on the day of the event.   

“Laser tag was added as we looked for activities that would appeal to our older kids in the community,” Koenig said. “The hope is to run more laser tag events, maybe even create a team tournament at some point, and/or add it to the fun at Groton Olde Home Days.”  

The whole family can also enjoy an evening of roller-skating fun in the gym. The cost for the evening is $5 per person and includes skates. Family skating,  where young children and families are welcome, will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and all ages are welcome from 7 to 8 p.m. There is a 100-person maximum for each time slot.   

Aside from all the planning for Groton Rec’s premier winter event, Koenig said she has also invested time in meeting and collaborating with many different resources in our community, such as the Groton schools, Groton Public Library, Groton Fitness Center, the Joint Recreation Committee and all the other amazing volunteers who do so much for Groton.  

“The first couple months in the new role have been wonderful,” Koenig said. “I have really enjoyed meeting everyone, and I am looking forward to building many more connections as the work continues.” 

Koenig is very enthusiastic about the new adult co-ed volleyball program she recently launched. This program is open to all abilities, with no registration or fees required.  

“We play Monday nights from 8 to 10 p.m. at the high school,” Koenig explained. “It’s an open rec space, meaning it’s very relaxed, and you can come when available. We had 17 participants on our first night.”  

Koenig also said there will be more new programs: Zumba, beginner yoga and Vinyasa yoga, and as we move toward spring, there will be a shift toward summer programming and building Groton Rec’s life-guarding program.   

“We are working on being able to offer a life-guarding course here in Groton, with the goal being to provide more opportunities for our youth to work right here in the community,” Koenig said. “Job postings and class dates will be posted soon.”  

Not everyone may be aware that the Groton Memorial Pool at the Groton Memorial Park on Sykes Street is under the purview of Groton Rec. More than 500 swimming lessons are given per season, and approximately 20 youth are employed there. 

If you have questions about programming or ideas for future programs, Koenig encourages you to reach out via email at recreation@grotonny.org, message her on the Groton Recreation Facebook page or look for her at Cabin Fever! 

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.  

In brief: 

It’s time for youth baseball 

Registration is now open for the 2023 Groton Youth Baseball and Softball spring season, and early registration is crucial for planning. Volunteer coaches and assistant coaches are also needed. Sign-up and payment must be received by March 24 to ensure that your child is placed on a team. Visit grotonyouthbaseball.com, create an account and register your players.  

This year’s committee members are Doug Portzline, Little League Baseball president; Stephanie Dravecky and Cathy Stage, softball presidents; Ellard Keister, T-ball; Amy Portzline, Rookie Division president; and Kathleen Grimes, treasurer. 

Email GrotonYouthBaseball@gmail.com for questions or to volunteer as a coach. 

Groton FFA Fundraiser Sale: Strawberries! 

The Groton Future Farmers of America is selling strawberries ​fresh from Florida. One flat is $28, a half flat is $15 and 2-packs are available for $8. Payment is preferably due at the time of order. Checks can be made out to Groton FFA. Orders are due Feb. 27, with delivery around March 15. Please ​contact any FFA member or Ag student you know, or FFA advisor Ms. Mahany at cmahany@grotoncs.org to order.  

Zoning Board seat available 

The Town of Groton Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has a vacancy. The ZBA meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the BoardRoom/Court Room located in the Town Hall, 101 Conger Blvd. To submit an application, visit townofgrotonny.org.