Free Pizza Friday At

Teen Center This Month

By Kendra Bobowick

At 2 pm any weekday traffic stops along Queen Street as Newtown Middle School students leave by bus or on foot. The walkers laugh and jostle one another while crossing the street and break into groups — some ultimately headed for several favorite gathering spots including the Dunkin’ Donuts, in the Big Y Supermarket, Starbucks, Bagel Delight, and Andrea’s Bakery.

Aware that she might be able to provide the teens with a more specific destination, Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian welcomes students to free pizza at the center on January 12. She asks that parents pick up their children no later than 9:30 pm on the coming Friday night.

“We will start with a Friday this month and a Friday next month and see if it is well received,” she said. Past months have seen local businesses flooded at times with teens after school. Ms Kasbarian is hoping to reroute students a couple blocks farther to the Teen Center across from St Rose of Lima church.

“I am trying to help the merchants out of I can,” she said. Aside from free pizza are arcade games, pool and foosball tables, air hockey, a TV, and CD or DVD player. Ms Kasbarian said that the teens often bring movies from home to put into the player. Vending machines filled with drinks and snacks are also at the center. “They can do whatever they want,” within reason, Ms Kasbarian said.

The center is supervised, and Newtown Youth Services Advisory Board members will be available also. Students are asked to cross the street safely at the cross walk below the light at the intersection of Queen Street and Church Hill Road. The invitation is also extended for Friday, February 9.

Traditionally the Teen Center is open on Friday and Saturday nights for high school students and also touts band night. One Friday a month is reserved for grade seven and eight only, and one other night is set aside for grade five students.