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Vol. 11, Issue 27, March 10, 2007
Youth Committee holds inaugural session By Jim Prince he inaugural meeting of the M a y o r ' s Committee on Youth
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was held on March 1st and the committee of elected, appointed and other volunteers, including parents, rolled up their collective sleeves and got right down to business in a wide ranging discussion on various youth oriented issues. The meeting was a fulfillment of an election pledge at the November Municipal Election by Mayor Earle J. Freeborn who declared at the start of the meeting that he appreciated everyone's "commitment and concern about our youth." Setting the tone at the outset the Mayor stated: “It wouldn't be
wise for us to tell them (youth) what we want to do for them." As the meeting progressed, it became evident the committee is determined to canvass the youth of the community to see what's on their minds. A survey questionnaire is being drafted for approval at the committee next meeting, with the intention of asking the schools for their cooperation in an effort to make direct contact with youth. While the inaugural meeting of the new committee discussed a plethora of ideas centered on the requirements and desires of the
Kevin Morris, Recreation Director, making a list of suggestions.
Committee members. Back row (l-r) Jeff Hamill, Councillor Jacques Tremblay, Mayor Earle Freeborn, Kevin Morris, Councillor Doug Creig, Councillor André Byham. Front row (l-r) Natasha Comte, Trisha Hamill, Brenda Roy, Noella, Roy, Pauline Cloutier, Councillor Keith Swanson, Patrick Brunette. community's youth, their absence around the table was noted. "We have to address that right away," stated Councillor Keith "Bud" Swanson. It was suggested youth be invited to join the committee and participate in developing plans to facilitate their desires. Several ways to do this were discussed and plans for a direct approach are expected to be laid out at a future meeting. In the meantime, the first meeting of the Youth Committee created a long list of possible projects. Topics ranged
from a drop-in center to organized summer playground programs. Several of the parent committee members noted there are many sports activities for youth already and sometimes there are scheduling conflicts, especially during summer. Youth who are going to participate in sports are already involved. It was also acknowledged that when kids get to a certain age it is difficult finding things for them to do. The Drop-In Center for the youth appealed to some of the Committee members. "They want to
hang out," said one Committee member, and herself a parent. "They need to be involved in the town. They need something to do," she added. There are people in town who want to help. The lack of volunteers to assist in any activities was viewed by some as an obstacle in future endeavors however; the meeting was optimistic in its view that there are people willing to get involved. "Council is committed to doing something," stated Mayor Freeborn.