Danielle Scalewicz named Town Recreation Director

MILLBROOK — Danielle Scalewicz is the new Recreation Director, a year-round position that includes not only the scheduling of sports teams and clinics throughout the year, but also the annual summer camp and several special events during the year.

Szalewicz, a resident of Clinton Corners for the past 26 years, is familiar to the Town of Washington Recreation Department, having been employed by the town from 2003-2015 as Kindergarten Director, Arts and Crafts Director, CIT Director and Camp Director.

She has served as Head Teacher at the Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC) at Lyall Church. Since 2010, Scalewicz has been the Director of Small Circle of Friends, a Toddler program also located at Lyall Church, which she still heads.

Having worked with Millbrook children for so many years, the move is a natural one for Scalewicz.

She has a lot of energy, and knows where to direct it. After starting the position in Sept,. she took on the role with ease, and coordinated the Trunk or Treating so that it went without a hitch even though it was on the same day as the soccer finals. Her next events are a Candle Making class, and another favorite, building Gingerbread houses.

Because of the pandemic, the last couple of years the Gingerbread House events were pickup the kits, take home and assemble. This year, families are invited to gather at the Millbrook Firehouse to build their houses together. It will also be a meet and greet with Santa, and refreshments will be provided.

Scalewicz is the mother of three children, Casey, 26 who lives in Minneapolis; Samantha, 24, who lives in New Jersey and Stephen, 21, who still lives at home. All of them are graduates of Millbrook Central Schools and participated in the TOW recreation programs. They also worked at the TOW summer camp.

Mike Murphy, town councilman and liaison to the Recreation Department, said that Scalewicz had been interviewed by the Board and the Recreation Commission.

The position was effective Sept. 21. It amounts to 30 hours per week.

With all of her experience with youngsters, her own and those she has worked with over the years, Scalewicz has a very good idea of the direction she wants the recreation department to go.

“I strongly believe in offering opportunities that will foster a strong sense of community,” she said.
“We will be revamping the building at the town park to have programs that will create a sense of community.  My goal is to have programs from toddler to seniors.”

Scalewicz works with the TOW Recreation Commission, made up of six members. President of the Commission, Jason Zmudosky stated, “We are excited to welcome Danielle as our new recreation Director. She brings lots of experience to our town programs. Stay tuned for many new programs and events.”

Dawn Tompkins, Commission Secretary, says, “I’m glad to have Danielle on board, she brings a breath of fresh air, which we need.” She is also looking forward to great new activities for kids, families and seniors. And member Kim Moffitt adds, “We look forward to bringing many community members together through the activities we are planning to hold.”

For information on programs and events, go to www.washingtonny.org/recreation