|
|
The barbecue featuring pulled pork sandwiches; baked beans, potato salad and a drink will be held in the parking lot west of the Kalona Rec Center & Elements.
Ransom, a Christian rock band, will perform in the west parking lot from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday. Tours of Elements will be given from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Proceeds will go to fund updating equipment for Elements after-school program, which is co-sponsored by the Mid-Prairie Council of Churches. The after school program is held in Elements from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Regular hours are 6 to 10:30 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Celebrating 4th Anniversary
Located in the "old library" just across the street from the new Kalona Public Library, Elements, a youth drop-in center, is celebrating the beginning of its fourth year of existence.
Elements offers games for kids such as pool, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, X-Box 360, Wi, as well as various card and board games. There is also a concession stand that serves various snacks.
Any youth in grades 6 to 12 are welcome, as long as they agree to follow the posted rules of behavior and are respectful of those around them.
Elements was inspired by the vision of Jeremy Gugel, youth minister for Full Gospel Revival Center church in Kalona.
With the help and backing of Pastor Ron Breese, a lease agreement for the old library space was obtained form City of Kalona and Elements came into being Nov. `7, 2006.
"Elements started out of desire that I had to provide a safe atmosphere for teenagers to hang out," Gugel said recently. "There are so many influences around us every day and if we aren't careful it is easy to get involved in the wrong ones. I wanted to provide a place that would have a fun atmosphere, but also a place where the pressure to do the wrong thing would be absent."
"I know that there are kids all around us struggling with life and family," he added. " I think we have been able to help out some of the kids just by being a listening ear for them."
The success of Elements depends upon a wide pool of volunteers who are willing to work with the kids, Gugel noted.
Elements are always looking for volunteers to help run the concession stand, tutor and spend time with kids. If you are interested in helping out, call Jeremy Gugel at 319-936-7432.
