Youth Center to host Friday teen dance

Tomorrow night from 7- 10 p.m. the Youth Center will be partnering with the ACTS Christian Center to host a dance for young people grades 6 through 12. The theme of the party will be “Neon Glow” and the center is inviting everyone whether they want to dance or just meet with friends.

“There will be a mix of music for the dance and wallflowers are always welcomed, too,” said Youth Program Coordinator Priscilla Behnke.

The next dance will be a back-to-school semi-formal, but it is still in the organizing stages.

“We had one last year that went really well.” Behnke said. “SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) provided alcohol-free beverages. This year we are planning another one and will be partnering with ACTS Christian Center as well for this. This last year, we also had Halloween and Valentines dance that were really popular.”

Behnke says the Youth Center usually has four dances a year with two in the summer. With the profits from snacks sales and possibly through other partnerships, the youth also hope to raise enough funds for a “lock-in,” or all-night party.

“We don’t have a set date yet as the kids are working on raising the money themselves first,” she said. “However, they are still planning all sorts of activities such as dinner, movies, dancing and some karaoke. They did one last year sponsored by MASH through a mini-grant.”

Police Chief Patrick Melvin said dances are a good activity for young people.

 “Not all of our youth are into dancing but there are various activities that they may enjoy,” he said. “I have three teenagers of my own and they are all quite active with different likes and interests. As the chief of police, I think it is important to keep our teens busy and we as community leaders should assist in this endeavor.”

ACTS Christian Center is in the Maricopa Manor Business Center behind Great Western Bank.

The cost is $2 along with a canned good for the local bank. For more information, call 520-582-6138.