MEXICO – The Youth Resource Team will meet at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the Mexico Recreational Center Teen Center, Parker Street.

Area teens were invited to participate in a Teen Leadership Initiative work session through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The teens established goals and a cost analysis of projects they would like to see completed in their community.

Mike Blais represented area teens. Blais and Youth Coordinator Stephanie Thompson initiated plans for materials and supplies to benefit the teen center. Their plan included materials for a separation wall for the washer-dryer area, shelving, a digital camera and a printer/scanner for the study station. The total estimated cost they submitted was $2,900. Thompson will follow up with Susan Jennings after school vacation.

The Youth Resource Directory continues moving forward. Melissa Wakefield has started the process of gathering information and entering it into a data base. She has been holding meetings with youth groups and will give an update at the meeting.

The center will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 29 and 30. Teens are planning a painting party, popcorn, Ping Pong and music.

Greg Arsenault was asked about the computers that Wal-Mart donated to the Mexico Rec Center for youth programs. Arsenault said the computers have no programming installed.

The second year of the All Star program, after school in SAD 43, is proving successful. Through collaborative efforts, the students are bused to an off-school site once a week.

One ME has expanded the program into SAD 21 as a pilot project this year. The district is working toward sustaining the program through the 21st Century Grant as the One ME program is entering the final year under the initiative. For more information, contact Kim Sequoia at 364-7408.

Winter Fest ice skating party and community celebration will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the three fields ice skating rink across from Aubuchon’s in Rumford. This is also the new location of the DARE Park. There is a warming hut and there will be electricity for music equipment and hot chocolate machines for the event.

Through the Child Health Center Preschool Enrichment Trust, a grant was awarded to RVHCC to purchase double-bladed beginner skates. The new skates and other donated skates will be available to borrow at the event and on a daily basis through the Rumford Parks Department.

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