Local News
TeenServe brings ‘minicamp’ for July 13-17 visit
What once looked to be nearly 350 youth from TeenServe working on more than 75 houses in Centerville has been downgraded due to the poor economy, officials with Grow Centerville said Thursday.
"Those youth come from all the country," Patti Lind said. "And there's a fee involved and what has happened to the economic downturn, TeenServe, the national organization, has had a difficult time...getting enough to fulfill all of their camp promises, and so we have a partial camp."
Now Grow Centerville officials expect between 35 and 50 youth and at least six houses will be involved in the program that will take place July 13-17. Up to 30 homeowners applied for the free repair and rehab services, which includes interior and exterior painting, minor repairs, cleaning, landscaping and carpentry.
The elderly, disabled and those who just need a helping hand are eligible for TeenServe's free services.
Bill Burch said donations were needed for TeenServe's first visit to Centerville.
"But we needed funding to pay for paint, to pay for lumber, to pay for rollers and paintbrushes," he said. "There're a lot of expenses that go along with it. No one is getting paid for labor, but we do have to pay for materials. This is a total commitment to improving the community with no pockets being padded."
TeenServe’s less than expected participation turns out to have a silver lining.
"When this backed off, a lot of people breathed a sigh of relief," Burch said. "Mainly it was because they were nervous about how it worked. Now we just get this wonderful kind of warm up. And maybe the homeowners will trust us. They'll apply now. They'll see how it works."
Burch said they expect to be placed at the top of the list for 2011, guaranteeing greater TeenServe participation. And since placement in 2010 was less than optimal for a good turnout, Grow Centerville is not participating.
Anyone who would like to donate money, materials or volunteer with the non-profit organization Grow Centerville should call Lind at 856-2173, Burch at 856-2744 or Bruce Watley at 856-2744.
Additional information can be found at growcenterville.com and www.teenserve. org.
- Local News
-
-
'Ides of March Madness' first performance at Ritz Theatre in many years
The 50 or so who attended the "Ides of March Madness" Saturday night enjoyed local entertainment, food, drink and comments from John J. Stephens, executive director for the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Ill. and Cyndi Pederson, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
-
Benefit concert March 27 for New Hope Ministry
Shane and Natalie Brown will present a free concert as a benefit for New Hope Ministry and Counseling Center Saturday, March 27 at Simon Estes Auditorium in Centerville. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.
-
Cincinnati still working on waste water fix
The regular Cincinnati City Council meeting opened with a full council present last Tuesday evening, March 9.
- Alleys off limits for garbage pickup
-
Supporter turns challenger in race to be Iowa’s governor
A Des Moines man who appeals to both the left and right has decided to challenge Iowa Gov. Chet Culver in the upcoming Democratic primary.
- Alliant Energy plans to implement temporary 10 percent rate increase
-
Council to discuss ‘nuisance property’ at tonight’s meeting
"Property owners must be held accountable for the appearance of their property. Is there not an ordinance for automobiles setting idle for a period of time? The council has allowed automobile junk yards to appear one block off the square! Do we not want people to visit our town! Are we not trying to attract new businesses into the community anymore?"
Concerned citizen in which name should not matter reads the signature affixed to the five item letter addressed to the mayor and city council
- Lawmakers make final budget decisions
- Drake Public Library book fair
- Iowa schools get more than $5 million in grants
- More Local News Headlines
-
