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June 29, 2009

TeenServe brings ‘minicamp’ for July 13-17 visit

By Michael Schaffer - Managing editor

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.

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This week the Iowegian wants readers to think about the recent decision by the Centerville Municipal Waterworks Board of Directors to increase the fee for late payment of water bills. In a story published in Wednesday's Ad Express, board members announced a 10 percent late fee after two days late, a $50 red tag fee for accounts unpaid after seven days late and a $25 shut off fee, water service terminated after two weeks late. The board said the decision to increase the fees associated with late payment is to encourage customers to pay their bills on time. So, the question this week is, "Are these fees too much to ask for?"

A. Yes, they are.
B. No, they are not.
C. I'm not affected so I don't care.
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