Durham-Great Bay Rotary - Newsletter

Pres. Jud Announced candidates Mark Nelson for VP (president for 2012 - 2013), and Kate Tanguay for Director of Community Service. Unanimously elected by the members.

Expressed thanks to the members who made the 4th of July celebration a success, especially John B and John R.

Circulated committee signup sheet for those who had not yet chosen a committee; circulated a new signup sheet for scribe and prayer.

John B Officiated the induction of Matt Bixby. A graduate of UNH and currently residing in Newmarket, Matt is the owner of Crown Painters (and a boat). Welcome Matt.

Happy Bucks:

Rich Thankful for the help he got at the gate on Sunday from members of Womanade-Durham, and On Belay.

Candace Daughter will marry in two weeks, and afterwards she's taking a vacation in Nebraska.

Jan Had help Sunday night from one of our scholarship recipients.

Bob W Great day

Madiha Her daughter delivered a healthy baby girl in Michigan.

Mark Daughter bought a truck after having it inspected at John's Auto in Lee. The truck subsequently failed inspection, but John made it good. He's got Mark's business for life.

Ron Moved his mother from Ohio to Riverwoods - very happy there.

Doc One granddaughter is acing her college courses while another is about to deliver.

Mary Westfall It's great to be back among us, and Crown Painters did a great job painting the (Durham Congregational) Church.

John B Wonderful .... (sorry I didn't get it all, John).

John Wheeler Halifaxians just finished celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

Program:

Rev. Mary Westfall, Oyster River Teen Initiative

Our speaker has been chaplain of the university, pastor of the Durham Community Church, and the mother of teenagers herself. So, she is familiar with what is being said about and by teenagers today.

We all see the kids hanging out in the Store 24 parking lot in the afternoons and we know that studies have shown the period 3 - 6 PM to be the most dangerous time for young teens. So, this reality and the low-level, but continuous, talk around town over the last 20 years about the need to do something about the absence of appropriate activity has finally resulted in the Oyster River Youth Initiative.

Some kids are into sports, but most are not. Most teens' brains are still developing and they are prone to poor decision-making. Many seem to need to engage in risky behavior. More teens would respond to opportunities for instruction in art than there are teachers available. Drug and alcohol use is higher than adults would like to believe.

On the other hand, the Oyster River community is very attuned to the needs of its members and will readily coalesce around a need clearly expressed and well-led. The Oyster River Teen Initiative, whose steering committee is led by Rev Westfall, was formed last year to respond to that need and harness the energy of the community in building a Teen Center within walking distance of the Middle School and the High School.

From the beginning, the makeup of the committee attempted to incorporate the views of the three Oyster River communities, and of parents of current teenagers and past teenagers. As the committee has grown to address the particulars of the initiative, a serious effort has been made to collect the views of all stakeholders including the police and retirees, school leaders and business people.

The committee has identified The Pines Guest House property near the intersection of Rtes 4 and 108 as ideally situated. Its 14 acres abut Coe Dr and a path could be made through the woods to connect to Coe Dr and the school complex. The property also lies between the schools and Jackson Landing making it a shortcut for students to activities on the river.

Many professionals in the community have stepped forward to offer their services in kind when the time comes to break ground. But the total estimated cost of $1.2 million is going to need more than in-kind labor. The good news is that Federal grant money is available for communities who define who they are by the way they attend to their youth. A fund-raising committee has been formed of experienced grant-writers who are not deterred by the bill.

So, what's going to go on in the Teen Center? Focus groups of teens have worked to help define that. It's clear that music and movies are wanted. To address the risk-taking, a climbing wall is envisioned. A more active lifestyle will be encouraged with a basketball court and room to toss frisbies. Actually, the design is a work in progress, as some in the community would like to see provisions made for the older population, and maybe some interraction between the two groups.

If this is something that finds you on the sidelines, and you'd like a piece of it, you can contact Mary at mary@bobcatbolt.org .

Megabucks:

Arthur had the ticket but couldn't find the ten of spades. Pot rolls over.

Upcoming Programs:

Jul 14 Ann Lee Hussey, District Governor's Official Visit

Your Scribe: Ric