To the editor:
We so often hear that the teens of Rockport and Gloucester have nothing to do and no place to go and we excuse their behavior as "kids will be kids."
I would like to draw your attention to resources for our children and teens that seems far too under utilized. The Cape Ann YMCA Teen Center in Gloucester and the Ben Beyea Youth and Teen Center in Rockport have provided safe supervised activities for my children and for the youth of Gloucester and Rockport. Rick Doucette, Nikki Klink and the other staff members are wonderful, caring, role models to the adolescents who frequent these centers.
They engage our students in community-minded service projects such as serving at The Open Door food pantry, volunteering to help clean local school playgrounds, and walking for Pride Stride. The Rockport center has ping pong, a pool table, Foosball, air hockey, and board games. There are tournaments, movie nights, and live music nights.
The Gloucester center hosts the Teen Leader's Club where teens to come together weekly for discussion of topics that are of concern to them. The Rockport center recently hosted a Halloween party, and every Friday afternoon hosts the club meeting for SALADD. (Students and Leaders Against Destructive Decisions).
The teens have gone to see the Celtics, to L.L. Bean, and to the Topsfield fair. The activities are varied to accommodate many preferences. I hope that more parents become aware of this rich resource that is available to our children and that more students take advantage it.
Many thanks to you guys! I appreciate the guidance and support you have offered to my family.
lia farel
High Street, Rockport
