LEWISTON – Co-ed summer basketball is one of several summer programs that are highlighted in the recently released 2004-2005 Lewiston Recreation and Parks Seasonal Sports and Activities Directory.

The basketball recreational and instructive program will consist of skills, drills and scrimmages, and registration is under way at the Lewiston Recreation Office, 65 Central Ave., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day. Any boy or girl ages 5 to 13 may participate, and participants will be grouped in various age groups.

The program is running every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. for seven weeks through Aug. 5. Group 1 (5- to 6-year-olds) will interact from 5:15 to 6 p.m.; Group 2 (7- to 9-year-olds), 6 to 7; and Group 3 (ages 10 to 13), 7 to 8 p.m. The cost for residents is $35; nonresidents, $45.

Benjamin Mendelson will serve as the basketball director. He has been with the basketball program for the past three winters, with this being his first summer. Mendelson is a graduate of Lewiston High School, and while at LHS, he competed at the varsity level in soccer and baseball, serving as baseball captain during his senior year.

Tyler Brooks, also a LHS graduate, will be an instructor for this year’s program. Brooks competed in football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse during high school and has been with the rec basketball program the past three years.

“In addition to basketball, our seasonal sports directory is filled with many other fun-filled sports and activities,” said Recreation Superintendent Joline Banaitis. “Residents are encouraged to pick up a directory at the Lewiston Rec Department, 65 Central Ave.”

Other summer opportunities include youth track, a seven-week program; youth tennis, a seven-week program; summer aquatics at Kennedy Park; youth lacrosse intramural program; and various playground sites, some serving breakfast and lunch.

“Parents can be assured that at the various playgrounds, namely, Sunnyside Park, Lionel Potvin Park, Farwell School, Pettengill School and the Hillview Center, there are two or three supervisors who are trained in safety, basic first aid, discipline skills and conflict resolution. Supervisors plan a variety of organized activities, sport events and arts and craft projects that occur on a daily basis,” said Banaitis.

Banaitis added, “Although it’s filling up fast, we also still have openings for Camp Smiles, a day camp for 5- to 12-year-olds.” Camp Smiles is held weekly at the Lewiston Memorial Armory through Aug. 13.

In addition to summer activities, the directory also provides an overview of other recreational programs, such as women’s and men’s tennis leagues and adult softball leagues, after-school programs, dance classes, Lewiston Senior Citizens programs and SeniorsPlus programs. Other community event and independent nonprofit program information is also included.