Parents laud youth program

ABES News Services

CAMBRIDGE -- Parents and grandparents of children who were part of the Pine Street Committee's (PSC) Fall Youth Enrichment Program expressed their gratefulness for the program during a dinner held on Saturday to mark the close of the project.

The program, which started on October 11 with just one child, grew to 24 by early December and drew children not only from Cambridge, but also other areas of Dorchester County including Toddville. Children ranging from 6 to 14 years old met for two hours each Saturday at the Empowerment Center on Pine Street to work on recyclable arts and crafts projects as well as learning chess.

Partnering with the PSC were the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, the American Legion Post 87, and the Dorchester Elks Lodge 223.

"It has really helped the kids to better themselves and really be creative in life and being creative within themselves," said Antonio Johnson, a parent of two children who took part in the free program.

"Kids around here really need something to do besides hang out on the streets. Things like this really help Cambridge and Dorchester County," he said.

"This program has been helpful for all the kids because it taught them crafts and the older children learned to play chess. It was something that they could do to help them as they grow older," said Rufus Sampson who had two grandchildren in the program.

He continued, "It also taught them discipline. There were lots of things that they learned here to help them to be a better person as they grow up."

"They should have this every year and more kids should come out to it," said Brian Greenhawk who had three sons participate in the program.

"They had fun out here and learned a lot. I think they might be coming out next year," he said.

Director for the program Octavene Saunders thanked all the volunteers for their help and expressed appreciation to parents and grandparents for having their children participate in the meetings.

Tentative plans for spring include single Saturday meetings in creative art for Valentine's Day and Easter.

From October to December, area youth released their creativity by working with recyclable arts and crafts. Those who attended the dinner had the opportunity to view the various items created by the children which included picture frames constructed with popsicle sticks and bowls made from old 33rpm records.


Gifts were presented on behalf of the Pine Street Committee to children who were present at the dinner. Above, Megan Anderson received a Mickey Mouse doll from program director Octavene Saunders.


Volunteer Patty Logan presented program director Octavene Saunders with a quilt she and the children participating in the program had made.


Rufus Sampson (left), who had two grandchildren participate in the program, and Antonio Johnson whose two children also took part, were greatly appreciative for the learning opportunity given to the young people.


Adults and children enjoyed the closing session of the program.


Adults and children enjoyed the closing session of the program.


Patty Logan holding a baby.

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