The long winter ahead used to mean one thing for most teens and their parents: a shortage of safe and warm venues in which to socialize with friends and have fun.
But thanks to the efforts of concerned parents and Father Anthony Rucando of Our Lady of Grace parish in Howard Beach, the Howard Beach Youth Center will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 7 on two floors of OLG’s old convent, offering a supervised Saturday evening “hangout” space for seventh through tenth graders.
Multiple rooms will be filled with music, pool tables, ping pong, video games and couches. Teens, who will be supervised but not babysat, accocording to organizers, can also make use of the gym. The rules include no alcohol, smoking, fighting or intimate contact.
Because of the huge response last time the center opened, only children in grades seventh through 10th from Howard Beach, or parishioners from Our Lady of Grace or St. Helen’s, will be allowed to register. The last registration night and open house will be held on Friday, Nov. 6 from 8 until 10 p.m. at 158-08 101st St. All children must come accompanied by a parent or guardian on registration night.
Volunteers and donations of items, such as game tables, paper goods and furniture, are also needed. For more information, contact Nick at nloprinzi@colorcarton.com or Sean at sroberts@queensheat.com.
— Lisa Fogarty
