Support for the youth of the community

To the Editor:

There are several wonderful community projects in motion in Troy and Libby that would greatly enhance our communities and support our youth. As a resident of Troy with children in the 1st and 5th grades I see the ballot for the new Gymnasium/ Community center as a great way to both show our children we care and further activate Troy's sense of community pride.

Our schools' administration and school board have worked hard to put a package together that is a win/win situation for all community members. Our youth will have more alternative activities to engage in outside of normal school hours, our community members will also have access to a variety of health stimulating features (it's hard to go for a walk in the winter), and our many student athletes (at least 60 percent of the student body) will have the environment they need to be all they can be both athletically and academically.

For the price of maybe a cup of coffee a day we as community property owners/stakeholders can show we care about and support Troy's future. We would also have a larger community venue available for the Arts and musical/community events. For folks new to our community or considering raising a family in Troy think of the message the new center would project. A special thanks to Brady Selle for all the time and energy he has put into this community effort.

I would also urge Libby community members to show their support and offer their energy to John Drews and his coalition of community members in creating The Gathering Place Youth Activity Center for the youth of Libby. Their plan for the center is well thought out as far as both short-term goals and long-term sustainability. They have a large contingent of supporters that are willing to give of themselves to make Libby a safer place for our youth to grow and be healthy in.

It's been well proven in communities similar to ours that when you offer youth alternatives that enhance self-growth and motivation, crime rates lower and community attitudes about unhealthy behaviors begin to change.

The Gathering Place is an opportunity for Libby's families that may never be available again at such a minimal cost when you consider the long-term payout. I urge all community members that have assets to help in this project call Mr. Drews at 293-8261.

Ralph Stever

Troy