Strathmore youth change the conversation about their generation

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Strathmore youth want the public to know they’re being misrepresented and are changing the narrative by supporting each other and getting involved in the community on behalf of the town’s younger generation.
Roughly 10 individuals are currently serving on the recently established Teen Advisory Council that came to fruition in November 2017. Its original purpose was to receive input from teenagers on designing the youth-designated area at the newly renovated Strathmore Municipal Library space.
While the area – located at the northwest side of Lambert Centre – is still being decorated by the council, members have had no shortage of ideas for projects and events to trigger youth involvement and benefit the community.
“When we first started, the purpose was a little bit more focused on getting the teen space ready… from there we were hoping it would evolve into more of a group where we can do activities together and plan activities for the library, to be involved in whatever way they wanted to be involved and whatever they saw a need for in the community,” said Karla Mallach, coordinator for the Teen Advisory Council.
“They’ve all been super on board with it and supportive of each other. Every idea that’s come up they’ve found a way to work together. I’ve been really impressed. As far as ideas go, they have an abundance.”
Molly Jones, Kyla Parkins and Kaylee Mulek joined Mallach over the weekend to deliver handmade Valentine’s Day cards from patrons to seniors at Wheatland Lodge. One hundred cards were distributed on the surprise visit on Feb. 10. Despite a willingness to get involved, the group had to scale back on their ideas to meet budget and staffing demands, but have already started up Study Buddies every Wednesday for an hour, and are kicking off Throwback Flicks on Feb. 23 – a monthly program that features movies a few decades old. The council is also planning a Harry Potter day on July 31, the birthday of the famous boy fictional character.
“I thought, I spend a lot of time here, I might as well help out and put my mark on it,” said Jones. “It’s very fun to design the whole area, work together and design the theme. I like giving back to the community and all the ideas that come up in meetings are so great. We’re not as moody as you might think.”
The council began meetings while still in their temporary location on Third Avenue, but meetings have been running regularly since January. Strathmore’s teens are encouraged to join the council for a meeting, a longer duration or to help out with an event.
Study Buddies, a program for students of all ages to find a study partner for help and motivation in preparing for exams or completing homework, takes place every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.
Throwback Flicks will take place on Feb. 23 and is open for anyone to attend. It’s a free program with popcorn and drinks provided.