Come out on Wednesday evenings for open pickleball gym at Ellis Middle School in the auxiliary gym from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 11, 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15.  The cost is $2 per person at the door.

We are taking registration for our kindergarten to sixth-grade basketball will begin Oct. 24 at Banfield Elementary School. Register at the Parks and Recreation Office.

This is a non-traveling league played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with those in second-sixth grade practicing skills on Tuesday and playing games on Thursday. The kindergarten and first grade participants will practice skills with games being introduced later in the program.

Halloween Warm-up

Halloween Warm-up tickets are now on sale at Super Fresh Produce.

The dates this year are Oct. 13 and 14 with the first hike starting at 6:30 p.m. and the last one starting at 9:10 p.m.

Ticket prices are $8 per person. To get a time slot that works for you get your tickets early. Groups of 25 leave every 10 minutes and is a great family event.

Check out the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center website at www.hormelnaturecenter.org for the rest of the events happening in September.

Nature center

Get out and enjoy the fall weather at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center with some Nature Yoga lead by Kay Middlebrook at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, and bring a yoga mat (if you have one), and an open, curious mind and heart. This is for ages 12 and up, a great way to involve family members.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17 join Julie Westerlund at 7 p.m. at the nature center and learn about the Water Legacy Program.

Julie manages the One Watershed, One Plan program for BWSR. Through this program, partnerships of local governments develop Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans at the major watershed scale. Her work involves developing program policy, guidance, and supporting information in partnership with BWSR staff. This presentation will help us understand the work the Cedar River Watershed District is doing here in Austin.

Sola Fide Observatory

There will be a viewing of the stars at the Sola Fide Observatory at 9 p.m. on Saturday. October dates are 8 p.m. on the 14th and 28th.

Fall yard and garden clean

In preparation for the fall yard and garden clean up the city has again opened the Cook Farm as a designated site to take your leaves, grass and plants from gardens and flowers.

The site opened on Sept. 16 and will remain open until Nov. 26, seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Please remove all waste from any bags that it is transported in. Please dispose of the bags in the receptacle or take them with you. Compost from previous years yard waste will be available to the public.

Runs

The first Austin Utilities Share the Heat 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 7.

You can register online at www.austinutilities.com by Oct. 1 to receive a T-shirt. Questions can be directed to Austin Utilities at 507-433-8886. The cost is $25 for those 11 and up. Those 10 and under are free to participate and optional T-shirt for $15. Check-in will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Austin Utilities. This is a local run for a local cause.

Proceeds raised support the HeatShare heating assistance program administered by the Salvation Army. When you give to HeatShare, you are helping warm the lives of the elderly, disabled and others in the Austin community who have nowhere else to turn. As a public utility, we’re proud supporters of local community needs.

Riverside Arena

Rent the arena for a skating party, call our office for details at 507-433-1881. Make sure to like us on Facebook so you receive up to date information.

Riverside Figure Skate Club: Sunday’s from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be no class on Oct. 22.

Adult Open Hockey: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

Public skate:  Watch our Facebook page for updates on public skates!

Stick time: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sunday; 6-8 p.m., Tuesday; 5-6:30 p.m., Oct. 9 and 16.

Austin Bruins schedule: Hosting Janesville Jets Oct. 6 and 7. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.