Newton Recreation Commission

🎉💃 TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! 🕺🎉

Our 5th & 6th Grade Back-to-School Dance is happening TONIGHT! Grab your friends and come celebrate the start of a new school year with music, dancing, games, and concessions! 🎶🍿

📅 Tonight – Friday, August 21
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 NRC Gymnasium
💲 $6 Admission
🎒 5th & 6th Graders ONLY

Come ready to have a great time and dance the night away! 🎉

Reminder: USD 373 dress code and NRC rules will be enforced.

We’ll see you tonight! ❤️🎶

Our Zentangle - The Art of Calm Lines starts this week!
Dates: August 21 – September 11, 2026
Time: Fridays • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Fee: $35 per class
Ages: Seniors and adults (18+)
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly • No artistic experience necessary

Today, let's chat about Zentangle! ✏️✨

You know that little "Zen" in the name has folks asking questions, so let's clear it up first: Zentangle isn't a religious practice, it's just a simple, structured way of drawing repetitive patterns with pen on paper. No erasers, no "right way," no art degree required. Created by artists, for anybody willing to make one little stroke at a time.

And that simplicity is exactly why it works so well:

🪷 Mindful stress relief: those slow, repetitive pen strokes are like a reset button for your nervous system.

💡 Creative confidence boost: there are no mistakes here, only "tangles." Ink doesn't erase, so you learn to just keep going — and that's a life skill, not just an art one.

🎯 Sharper focus & flow: following the structure of the pattern anchors your mind right into the present moment. It's basically meditation with a pen.

✋ Fine motor skill growth: all those small, deliberate strokes are quietly building hand-eye coordination while you're busy just enjoying yourself.

And for my faith-forward friends... I know some of y'all wondered about that "Zen" too. Rest easy: many believers use this exact method as a form of active meditation, or what some call "praying with a pen." Tangling around a scripture verse, a word like Faith or Grace, or simply letting the repetition quiet your mind so you can listen during prayer as it fits beautifully into quiet time.

All you need is a pen, some paper, and a little patience with yourself. That's it. 🖤

Come tangle with me! Classes start Friday mornings at 10:00 AM at the Newton Rec Center - the link to register is in the comments. 🎨

🐻🎉 Teddy Bear Picnic & Parade 🎉🐻

We’re getting ready for another fun-filled morning with our favorite furry friends! Bring your favorite stuffed animal and enjoy stories, crafts, a teddy bear parade, and decorating your very own teddy bear cookie. 🧸🍪

📅 Thursday, August 27th
⏰ 11:00–11:45 AM
💲 $9
👶 Ages 18 months & up

📝 Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 23rd

📍 Newton Rec Commission | 415 N. Poplar St.
🐻 Don’t miss out—register today! ✨

🐻🎉 Teddy Bear Picnic & Parade 🎉🐻

We’re getting ready for another fun-filled morning with our favorite furry friends! Bring your favorite stuffed animal and enjoy stories, crafts, a teddy bear parade, and decorating your very own teddy bear cookie. 🧸🍪

📅 Thursday, August 27th
⏰ 11:00–11:45 AM
💲 $9
👶 Ages 18 months & up

📝 Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 23rd
📍 Newton Rec Commission | 415 N. Poplar St.

🐻 Don’t miss out—register today! ✨

🌿 Why Weight Loss Doesn’t Last: A Weight-Inclusive Perspective

In honor of Weight Stigma Awareness Week, join us for an engaging, evidence-based one-hour class exploring the science behind weight regulation and why long-term weight loss can be so difficult.

📅 Thursday, September 17th
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 NRC Sunflower Room
💲 Fee: $10
👩‍⚕️ Instructor: Paula Miller, MS, RDN, LD

We’ll explore how genetics, metabolism, appetite, stress, weight cycling, and social factors influence body weight—and why willpower isn’t the missing ingredient. We’ll also discuss weight stigma and more compassionate, sustainable approaches to supporting health.

📌 Registration Deadline: Monday, September 14th
Minimum enrollment: 4

Come learn more about the science of weight regulation and ways to support health without focusing on the number on the scale.

🔗 Learn more at www.SunriseNutritionConsulting.com

🌟 Little Champs Gym Time! 🌟

Grab your toddler or preschooler and join us for an exciting, interactive gym-time program focused on playful sports exploration and active learning! 🏀⚽🥎

Little ones will practice basic movement and sports skills through fun, age-appropriate activities designed to keep them moving, learning, and having fun! 🤸‍♀️

📅 Wednesdays, August 26 – September 16
⏰ 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
📍 Newton Recreation Commission; 415 N Poplar St
💰 $20 for all 4 classes

📝 Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 23rd!

We’ll wrap up each class with a fun obstacle course for our Little Champs to enjoy! 🎉

Come play, move, and have some fun with us! 💪💙

🏐 YOUTH VOLLEYBALL DEADLINE EXTENDED! 🏐

BUMP! Guess what? We’re giving you a little more time to get registered! Spots are still available in our upcoming Youth Volleyball League!

SET! All registrations will continue to be accepted after Tuesday. Starting Wednesday, August 19th, a $10 late fee will be added to the registration cost.

👉 SPIKE! And register today to secure your spot and avoid the late fee!

Have questions? Give us a call at 316-283-7330 or email the Sports Director at [email protected].

📣 WE’RE HIRING! 📣

The Newton Recreation Commission is looking for 2–4 new team members to join our NRC Clubhouse Staff! 🧡

NRC Clubhouse provides before and/or after-school care for children in Kindergarten–6th Grade.

✨ What we’re looking for:
• Must be 16 years or older
• 5–15 hours per week, Monday–Friday
• Morning and/or afternoon availability
• Kind, caring, enthusiastic individuals who enjoy working with children
• Someone who can be a positive role model and have fun!
• Background check required if over 18

🎉 Benefit: Single Wellness Center membership included!

📋 Interested? Pick up an application at the NRC Front Desk.

📍 Newton Recreation Commission
415 N. Poplar St., Newton, KS
📞 316-283-7330

Come join our team and make a difference in the lives of local kids! 💙

🏈 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL DEADLINE EXTENDED! 🏈

There’s still time to hit the field this fall! We still have spots available in our upcoming Youth Flag Football League!

Registrations will continue to be accepted after Tuesday, but beginning Wednesday, August 19th, a $10 late fee will be added to the registration cost.

👉 Register today to secure your spot and avoid the late fee!

Have questions? Give us a call at 316-283-7330 or email the Sports Director at [email protected]

⚽ YOUTH OUTDOOR SOCCER DEADLINE EXTENDED! ⚽

Good news! We’ve extended the registration deadline for our upcoming Youth Outdoor Soccer League!

We still have spots available for all ages, so there’s still time to get signed up! Registrations will continue to be accepted after Tuesday, but beginning Wednesday, August 19th, a $10 late fee will be added to the registration cost.

👉 Register today to secure your spot and avoid the late fee!

Have questions? Give us a call at 316-283-7330 or email the Sports Director at [email protected].

🎯 Sunday Weekly Wellness Challenge!

Can you complete 50 squats today? 💥

Don't worry—you don't have to do them all at once! Break them into smaller sets throughout the day if you need to.

Every squat is one step closer to stronger legs and a stronger you!

💪 Finished the challenge?
Comment "DONE!" below!