Power Plant Community Youth Center plans activities
The Power Plant Community Youth Center in Masontown is planning special activities next week to celebrate its first anniversary. “It’s been a very good year,’ said coordinator Barbara Lewis. “We’ve been getting community support. We could always use more volunteers, but it’s been a very successful first year.’
The Power Plant, which is affiliated with Teens for Christ, is located at 2 S. Liberty St. For youths looking for a place to relax and have fun, The Power Plant offers pinball, ping pong, pool and foosball as well as opportunities to gather with friends to talk, watch videos and play board games. There’s also a kitchen with snacks and adult supervision.
“It’s a safe place to go and we are working with them on social skills, leadership and self-esteem,’ said Lewis.
Normally, the youth center is open Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for youths in grades one to five and on Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m. for youths in grades six to 12.
For the anniversary, The Power Plant will be open on Friday, Sept. 20, from 7 to 10 p.m. for all ages – the public is invited. The center will host Maranatha Productions, a traveling drama team which will offer the story of “Bartimaeus,’ a blind beggar who encounters Jesus at the gates of Jericho. Maranatha begins its performance at 7:30 p.m.
According to a press release from Maranatha, “Quite serious at times and hilarious at others, ‘Bartimaeus’ also includes some spontaneous audience participation, adding even more delightful moments to this wondrous retelling of an example of Christ’s touch upon humanity.’
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the celebrating begins at 8 a.m. with a 3-on-3-basketball tournament at All Saints Roman Catholic Church’s outside court. Participants must pre-register by calling Lewis at 724-583-2655.
The tournament is co-ed and open to youths in grades one through 12.
From 3 to 7 p.m. at the youth center, a representative from Wamsley Cycles of Morgantown will do a bicycle safety inspection. A bike rodeo through an obstacle course will also be offered.
There will also be free food. Craft making is also available. Lewis said youths are asked to purchase a craft if they make it or donate it to the center for use as a fund-raiser at Masontown’s Octoberfest next month.
Music will be provided by Face in the Crowd, a local rock band, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The group Remnant of Scottdale will offer an alternative worship service at 5:30 p.m.
Lewis said approximately 40 to 60 kids attend The Power Plant each day it is open.
“We’re in need of a larger space already,’ Lewis said. “I think they like to hang out with their friends. They like the games and they are able to buy snacks.’
The center also offers adult guidance and special activities.
Youths visited Jumonville to do the ropes course and the center brought in a worship drama group from West Virginia called “The Fourth Wall.’
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Mark Shrader of Asia Tang Soo Do, a local martial arts school, will do a demonstration.
“He teaches self-esteem and respect,’ said Lewis. “He tries to fight negative peer pressure. He teaches respect, honor and morality.’
For more information on The Power Plant, phone 724-583-2655.