All nighter @ La Gang
Dubreuilville parents have no objections to teens pulling ‘All nighter’
Facing off at the dart board @ La Gang teen centre in Dubreuilville.
Teens @ La Gang had a special evening Friday, April 9th as many came out to enjoy a scheduled ‘All Nighter”. Those in attendance enjoyed lasagna with refreshments for supper; some used the centre’s free internet services while a couple played darts, another large group was busy rockin’ out playing Rock Band. I spoke briefly with La Gang teen member, Alex Antoine, about hanging out at the centre; “It’s fun to be among friends and have a place where we do what we want” said Anotoine “I’ve been coming to La Gang for a while and enjoy the regular hours as much as special events like this all nighter”.
Parents are equally enthusiastic about having their kids spend time at the centre, Laurent Blais stopped in for some lasagna with his daughter Noémi and wife Ginette Tremblay who volunteers for La Gang. I asked Blais about the time Noémi was spending hanging out there “It’s nice to know where she is, that it’s a safe place with adult supervision” said Blais.
Parents stop by for a slice of lasangna & a quick hello.
On deck was a giant, approximately 2 foot, chocolate rabbit which one of the adult volunteers had won through a draw elsewhere and chose to donate for a fondue which would be enjoyed later in the evening with a ton of fruit (as most parents will attest, teenagers have no shortage of appetite). There was also a stack of movies to be viewed later in the evening; loaned at no charge, from the Quickee Mart (Dubreuilville) .
Rocking out @ La Gang.
It is clear that part of the success of the centre comes from a mutual respect between teen members and the adults who volunteer there. During my visit the group of guys playing video games laughed and cheered each other on without any vulgar language, and remained happily uninterrupted by the adults as did the kids enjoying the internet.
Rocking out @ La Gang.
The centre came after years of efforts from those involved, working to access funds which would make La Gang a reality; its doors finally opened in 2010 thanks to $15,000 in funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Congratulations to those who worked to bring this incredibly project to fruition, volunteers at La Gang encourage anyone from surrounding communities who would like to create a similar teen centre to come down and visit, they are happy to share of their experiences and how they made La Gang Teen Centre a reality; special events at La Gang for the month of April are posted on the Northshore Calendar and include a Cards Golf Tournament April 14th from 6-10; a ‘kids day’ on April 25th when 3 -11 yr olds will take over from 2-5pm and an ’80’s themed dance on April 30th.
Contact ‘La Gang’ for details of membeship and special events fees.
