Free Fun in the Sun for Area Teens

 Click on a Picture to see a larger version – Photos and Video By Russ Baldwin

This was one of several summer events put on for area kids, funded in part by a JAG grant, and local contributors. Sherri Kerr and Lori Hammer from the Teen Center estimated at least 380 kids by 2pm, and said more were arriving through the afternoon for the 1-5pm free swim.

Other groups taking part in the afternoon fun included Voces Unidas, Lamar Eagles Women’s Auxiliary, CrossRoads, the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, LiveWell and High Plains Community Health Center. DJ Paul Navarette kept the crowds entertained with dance music, while LiveWell representatives from High Plains, Lisa Thomas, Emily Montoya and Liliana Garcia educated the youngsters about a nutritious diet, while serving up free smoothies all afternoon. There was a non-stop line of kids and adults enjoying smoothies made from 1% milk, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and other fruits, all iced-down and cold enough to guarantee a brain-freeze with just a couple of slurps.

The Teen Center is hosting a meeting for area P3Y youth, 6th graders through seniors between 6:30 and 8:30pm at 411 East Elm Street. The group meets the second Monday of the month during the school year. Other summer activities planned for Partners for Hope includes a game night on the 22nd from 7-10pm at the Teen Center and an August 19, Back to School BBQ from 6-8pm at Lamar Park.

By Russ Baldwin