It’s been a decade since then-Assemblyman Abel Maldonado, the city of Santa Maria, and various other organizations came together to open a community center for Santa Maria’s youth.
On Nov. 30, those individuals and groups will come together again at a press conference and reception to celebrate the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center’s 10th anniversary.
Maldonado, Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino, and Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada are among the people scheduled to speak about the center and the services it provides to local young people.
Event organizers will also recognize the center’s new Key Club officers. Sponsored by Kiwanis International, Key Club International is a high-school community service organization. Students in the club spend time cleaning up parks, organizing food and clothing drives, and more.
The center’s mission is to provide teens in seventh through 12th grade a safe place to learn and spend time after school.
Center staff members have planned several other community events in honor of the 10-year anniversary: On Dec. 3, Rotary Club South will be host to Winterfest 2011, a snow experience with activities and entertainment for children and adults. Festivities will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center.
Also on Dec. 3, there will be a special float celebrating the center’s 10th anniversary in this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights. After the parade, there will be a concert for teens at the center starting at 8 p.m.
For more information about the events, contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951, Ext. 260.
This article appears in Nov 23-30, 2011.