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Planning For A Teen Center Grand Re-Opening

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Organizers are preparing for a grand re-opening of the Newtown Teen Center on

Church Hill Road later this month. They are hoping the improved "Garage" will

once again become a popular spot for Newtown High School students.

Recently, the Teen Center has dropped in popularity and in attendance, but

with the promise of more live bands, a dance club and a coffee house, the

crowds are expected to return.

"The Teen Center over the years has been up and down as far as popularity

goes," explained teen center supervisor Amy Mangold. "Recently, if there were

no live bands playing, no one has come. We're hoping all that will change."

The grand re-opening will take place Friday, March 27, and run through Sunday,

March 29. Friday night will be "Dance Club Night," which will be hosted by

some of the high school's most popular DJs. On Saturday, the teen center will

host a handful of live bands. Things cool down a bit on Sunday as the center

opens its new coffee house in the rear of the building. Visitors will be

treated to an art exhibit featuring works by NHS students. This event is open

to the general public.

On Monday night, Parks & Recreation officials, NHS students and Youth Services

representatives gathered at the teen center for a brainstorming session. Their

goal is to find ways to attract high school students back to the center.

The Parks & Recreation Department recently conducted a survey at the high

school in an effort to better understand how the teen center is viewed in

students' eyes. Some students said they avoided the center because of its

reputation as a "drug hangout."

Mrs Mangold said those days are long gone, pointing out that many of the bands

promote themselves as being "straight edged," which means members are drug-

and alcohol-free.

Teen Center regulars Jason Conley, Brian McNeil and Mike Switser are often the

only ones who use the facilities. They say they'll do whatever it takes to

help bring back its popularity and have planned a painting party for this

weekend in an effort to brighten up the building.

The teen center opened its doors for the first time back in 1990.