Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An Uxbridge service group is starting up a youth section aimed at involving young people in the community.
Miranda Sarosi, a member of the Optimist Club of Uxbridge, said the club is seeking young people from Grade 5 to Grade 8 to join the Junior Optimists. Sarosi said there are "lots" of Junior Optimist clubs around the world.
"The club will give them an opportunity to have their say and input into the community," Sarosi said.
She said there would be many opportunities for youth to be involved in active service, including such things as shovelling snow for seniors.
"It will take a while for it to get up and running," Sarosi said, noting the junior club started in June. She said the Optimists have advertised the junior club in the schools, online and with flyers.
The juniors meet from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Game Juice Cafe on Bascom Street. The meetings feature hands-on activities, group building exercises and occasional movie nights.
Sarosi said the main issue concerning those already taking part is the need for "art space," for young artists and musicians to hone their skills.
Anyone interested can get more information by emailing uxbridgeoptimist@gmail.com or attend an Optimist open house tonight (Thursday) from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the public library.
The Optimist Club of Uxbridge is a voluntary organization of people with a desire to make the community a better place for its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.