To the Editor:
Dear Editor and citizens of Lincoln County:
I have kept my lips sealed long enough. I am a concerned mother of a teen-aged boy that has gone astray by hanging out downtown after school and engaging with others in smoking, etc… He has been told by his parents and officials to “shape up.” He is now going to attend outpatient rehab for his behaviors.
I, for one, and speaking with other parents, know that we need a safe place for our teens to hang out and be able to listen to music, munch on some healthy snacks, and to have strict rules to abide by. It would be great to have a skate center again. My son and others need an outlet if they aren’t into school sports or other school activities.
Believe me, I have tried to engage him in activities but he wants to stick with just his skating.
I know the other skate center which parents and kids raised funds for has been torn down and is “rotting” by the CLC YMCA. Why?
I cannot afford to build a center for kids, but I am willing to donate time to oversee kids in a safe environment. I realize the “Y” has a “Teen Center”, but it’s mainly a place where kids can shoot hoops. My son stated he gets bored after a while. They need a place where they can just kick back and relax and have guest speakers on teen topics like the teen center that was run before. Why was it discontinued? Lack of funds?
If teens paid to get in, let’s say a dollar or two, to help support the center maybe it would help with funds. I would rather see them spend the money on a center versus drugs. A response from the community leaders would be helpful to understand the situation.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Maureen Foley Bolling, Nobleboro
