Montville Youth Advisory Board Hears About Projects and Programs

Meeting on Thursday, the Youth Advisory Board heard about a number of activities and projects, including a talk from Loren Rickards, a Montville High School senior who has embarked on a community service project to build a storage shed for the Youth Center.

Rickards talked about the project and his fund-raising efforts.

The Youth Center needs a place to store athletic equipment and other items, which are now stored in a closet. The shed would be built behind the center, inside the fence, and would give the center a great place to store equipment.

But, Rickards said, “It’s a big project, and it’s expensive.”

Rickards is seeking donations from businesses and individuals. The Nook and New Beginnings have donated $25, and, Rickards said, one parent gave $100. He figures he will need $1,900 total.

Town Councilor Billy Caron, who is the council liaison to the Youth Advisory Board, and is also running for mayor, said he would donate the paint for the shed. Rickards said he’s going to ask youth center grads to help with the work.

Dan Dunn, chairman of the board, encouraged him to ask anyone and everyone for donations.

“Don’t be afraid to ask,” Dunn said. “Step outside of the box. People aren’t going to know unless you ask them.”

To read more about Rickards and his project, click .

In other business:

The board heard about the March Madness Tournament, which involved kids in shooting pool, making foul shots and playing air hockey and foosball. Twenty-five children participated this year, and there were eight winners.

Starting March 7 and going until April 15, the Montville Youth Service Bureau is challenging its after-school program participants to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. The YSB will have special games, events and activities to get everyone moving. The only requirement for participating in the program is that you have to participate in the daily event.

March 23 is Kick Butts Day, with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids program during the after-school program, to raise awareness of the dangers associated with smoking. The program includes a scavenger hunt and a pledge not to smoke.

For more on the meeting, click .