LEWISTON — Team building and creativity evolved during the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council annual orientation on Aug. 14. The 2009-10 membership consists of six returning youth and six new youth.

Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr. and Council Liaison Denis Theriault kicked off the day’s agenda with a discussion regarding partnering for the betterment of the City. New member Kevin Costello said he’d appreciate “help with expanding ideas that aren’t fully developed yet.” The elected officials voiced their belief in the youth’s abilities and input, and, in turn, LYAC members had various questions for the elected officials.

Marilyn Lustgarten of the Star Makers Group provided leadership training and also had the group work as an “It’s a Whole New World, Lewiston” team, the latter of which provided them with a hands-on opportunity to utilize their strengths and to collectively make decisions. Lustgarten also encouraged LYAC members to pay attention to the strengths of others and how they approach things. In addition, she focused on four developmental strategies of a new team being established, that of forming, storming, norming and performing, which led to an active discussion as to the perspectives of how the group’s orientation team building was progressing.

Later in the afternoon, Lincoln Jeffers, assistant to the administrator, provided a “What’s Happening in Lewiston” PowerPoint presentation highlighting the growth and development Lewiston has experienced during the last few years, to include new businesses, business expansion and housing initiatives.

The LYAC wrapped up the day reviewing a list of the focus ideas they suggested during their recent membership interviews with details and planning for the group’s undertakings to be sorted out during their first official meeting as a group in early September.

Individuals who would like to know more about the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council may visit www.ci.lewiston.me.us/lyac.