Area Briefs

Craft show

LAPEER — Lapeer East High School athletic boosters will host a craft show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Vendors are still needed. Admission to the show is free, and for each non-perishable food item donated visitors will get a free raffle ticket. The show will take place at the high school 933 S. Saginaw. To become a vendor or for details: 810-667-7008. — E.C.

Lacrosse clinic and youth basketball leagues

LAPEER — Girls and boys in grades 5-8 can join in learning the sport of lacrosse. This clinic is designed for entry level players learning the skills of passing and catching, ground balls and cradling, shooting, positions and face-offs. Register at the City of Lapeer Community Center by Dec. 7. Clinic dates are Dec. 8, 10, 14 and 17 and will be held at the Lapeer Skating Center from 6:30-8 p.m.

Children interested in playing basketball can register for one of many youth basketball programs. Children in grades 5-6 need to register by Nov. 23 for the 5-on-5 league. Registration will begin Dec. 1 for the 1st and 2nd grade clinic and the 3rd and 4th grade 3- on-3 league. Games will take place at one of the local schools beginning Jan. 16. Cost is $41 for city residents and $53 for nonresidents. Details: 664- 4431. — E.H.

Register for Spartans hoops clinic

IMLAY CITY —The Spartans’ varsity boys’ basketball coaches and players are offering a seven-week clinic for boys in grades 1-4 from Dec. 5, 2009-Jan. 30. Cost is $30. Details: dgauthier@ imlay.k12.mi.us. — M.S. Palace offering Learn-to-Skate programs

LAPEER — The Polar Palace is pleased to announce two new skating programs, which fall under the United States Figure Skating (USFS) guidelines, Learn-to-Skate Home School, Etc. and Mice-On-Ice.

The Home School, Etc. program is designed for skaters ages 4 and up for learning the basic fundamentals of skating according to the USFS guidelines. Group lessons focus on developing a strong skating foundation while preparing the skater for safe recreational skating or advancement in both figure skating and hockey. The Home School, Etc. program is a great way for not only the home-school children, but also preschool-age children and adults, to exercise and make new friends.

The Mice-On-Ice program is designed with the preschooler in mind and acts as a one-hour skating party combining on- and off-ice activities to help children not only become comfortable on the ice, but also builds their socialization skills with a craft and snack time. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing the preschooler with the ice by teaching them how to stand, march, fall down and get up. Eventually, the skater will progress to learning the basics of skating according to the USFS guidelines. Upon completion of the Mice-On-Ice program, skaters move on to Snow Plow Sam 2-3, Rink Rats or Basic Hockey class. Details: 810-245-7778 or e-mail klemieux@ polarpalace.com — L.P. Polar Palace will host your birthday party

LAPEER — If you are planning a birthday party in the coming months, you might want to consider having the Lapeer Polar Palace Arena Complex host your event. Prices include public skating admission, skate rental, a slice of pizza and a beverage for each guest, a birthday gift for the guest of honor, photo opportunities with the Zamboni (bring your own camera) and place settings will be provided. The Polar Palace offers three price ranges; 1-9 people is $11 per person, 10-19 people is $10 per person and 20- 29 people is $9 per person. Dates must be reserved two weeks prior to the event. Details: 810- 245-7778. — D.F. DNR offers Snowmobile Safety course

NORTH BRANCH — A snowmobile safety class will be conducted by the DNR in North Branch for children 17 and under who ride snowmobiles. Youth who intend to ride across roads in Michigan this winter must attend these classes and receive certification of completion of the classes. Only one fourhour session is required. The classroom-only course will cover safety issues and Michigan law. Classes are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 28 from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and will be held at the North Branch Township Library. Pre-registation is required. There is a $25 fee, with family discounts available. Details: Theresa Woody 810-688-4417. — D.F.