Rotary learns about Teen City project

Troy Gunderson, executive director of the James Valley Youth for Christ, discussed a new addition on to the current Youth for Christ “Teen City” building at Rotary Club.

“Over the past eight years we have seen a steady increase in our student drop-in program which has created these new challenges,” he said.

Gunderson said students from the middle school drop in after school and have lots of energy they need to expend, which has caused the board to look at expanding the current space.

“Teen City is a great place for students to run, play ball and do other group activities, but the current space is inadequate,” he said.

The present location is close to the middle school, but has limited area to expand, so the project is designed as a building 37 feet by 38 feet, which will house half of a basketball court/multi-purpose room, handicapped restrooms, two more restrooms and a wheelchair lift which will make the facility handicapped accessible.

The estimated cost is $250,000, which includes renovations to the existing restrooms and other updates along with a fund to maintain the building. This campaign will take donations through March. Gunderson said gifts to this project are tax deductible.

Quincy Backen welcomed everyone to the first Rotary meeting of 2013. Curt Liechty gave the table blessing, Gail Martin and Gina Dahl led the group in music, with the second verse of each song being sung. Harvey Huber collected many “Happy Dollars” for Rotary projects. Carrie Orn announced the dates for the upcoming “Wine tasting, Brew ha! ha! to be held April 18 with a silent auction.

Dave Smette will be traveling to San Diego for district training. The Jamestown Rotary Club is excited for Smette as he will be the club’s first-ever district governor. Backen wanted members to remember the children’s movie tickets, six for $15, can be purchased at the Bison 6 Cinema. These are good for Saturday movies.

The Jamestown High School student at the meeting was Shelby Rudland, a senior, daughter of Rod and Mona Rudland. Rudland works at the Bison 6 Cinema, UPS store and Burger King. Upon graduation she plans to attend Bismarck State College and major in business management.

Today’s program chair is Gail Martin, song leader is Casey Stoudt and Mark Olson is the sergeant-at-arms.

Tags: community, clubs