Local children observe Chinese New Year

DePauw Student Betty Cao helped Julian Andersen, Mary Katherine Asbell, Quinn Yu and Kathi Asbell make Chinese ornaments during the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Departments joint program with DePauw University's ASIA club Wednesday afternoon at the library.

Kids of all ages and nationalities were at the Putnam County Library Wednesday afternoon learning about the Chinese New Year. The program was put on by the DePauw University's All Students Interested in Asia (ASIA) Club and the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department.

During the three-hour craft class, kids heard stories and made Chinese ornaments, calendars, lanterns and dragons.

The joint program was the brainchild of the Parks Department's newest employee Assistant Director Cathy Stiles.

"I just started in January with the Parks Department. I love it," said Stiles.

She moved to Greencastle with her husband in August. He is a first year Physics Professor at DePauw University. They have two children, four-year-old Alexander and 16-month-old Isabella.

Kioko Evans and mom Erin Fasulko were busy coloring a calendar at a Chinese New Year Celebration at the Putnam County Library Wednesday afternoon.

"This is my thing, it's what I like to do," noted Stiles. She has a background in Child and Families Programming as well as event planning and recreation.

Prior to moving here,she worked for the YMCA in Madison, Wis.

Her plans for the Parks Department this summer include expanding on past programs. She plans to have a brochure with summer offerings ready for parents before summer vacation.

"It's important for them to know what to plan for the summer. Some programs are free and some cost and they need to be able to decide what they want their kids to do this summer," said Stiles.

The next event coming up for the Parks Department is a workshop on Feb. 15 from 1-4 p.m. at City Hall working with Legos. This event is part of the 2009 Building Brick Series.

It is designed for young ones to create and learn building techniques from Lego masters.

Elliott Henk and Kai Andersen worked with Greencastle Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Cathy Stiles making Chinese New Year calendars Wednesday afternoon at the Putnam County Library. The program was a joint effort between the Parks Department and DePauw University's ASIA club.

Building sessions provide an opportunity to begin or continue work on specific projects, exchange ideas and talk Lego.

For information on any Parks and Recreation Department at 765-653-3395 or email Stiles at cstiles@cityofgreencastle.com