Youth Service Action Group plans spring event for kids

Katie Kasper makes notes on a large pad as her fellow YSAG members brainstorm ideas for the kids' event at their meeting on Jan. 15. Photo by Steve Smith.

The students who are part of the Youth Services Action Group are busy planning a special event for younger children in May. At its weekly meeting on Jan. 15, the group was busily brainstorming ideas for activities, entertainment and possible prizes for the event planned for the morning of May 11 at the Fountain Green in the town center. They also assigned chairpersons for each activity, who were to begin scouting for supplies and other needs to put on a successful outing.

YSAG member Jarred Mantis, who is chairing the event, said the group wanted to do a springtime event similar to "The Haunting," which they have typically done for kids around Halloween, but were unable to do last fall. ”We’d like to do something that we can do continually, for years to come,” Mantis said. “We thought, ‘Oh, let’s do a spring event – maybe a nice carnival outside.'”

While Mantis said the event may be similar to some school fairs and events on the green like Kidding Around the Center, he also said the YSAG group will be putting its own spin on it. Planned attractions include a DJ that will also play games with the crowd and a performance of "Hercules," the spring production by Youth and Family Services’ Creative Experiences. There may also be an open-mic talent show where people can perform.

“We want to have a moon bounce, and various arts, crafts and games for kids that we can run,” said YSAG President Scott Slutsky.
Many suggested crafts were spring-themed, including (tentatively) lollipop sunflowers and a planting activity.

There will also be some aspect of the event that honors a member of the GHS senior class, Raesa Grigoryan, who passed away from heart disease last fall. Proceeds from the event will benefit heart health causes. “It was really devastating to the school,” Mantis said. “We had the idea of donating a portion of our proceeds to the American Heart Association in her name, and to help prevent things like this in the future.”

Mantis said the group is open to hearing from other organizations that would be interested in getting involved. For more information, contact Youth and Family Services at 860-652-7661.