LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen were told Tuesday night about a new organization that aims to provide mentoring, service projects, interpersonal skills and leadership training for youths in Jay, Livermore Falls, Livermore and Fayette.
“I grew up in a less than ideal environment. I would have benefited from something like this,” Crystal Smith, an AmeriCorps member at Spruce Mountain High School, said.
Rooted Youth, she said, is in the process of becoming a nonprofit group.
“We see ourselves as starting slow. We are researching grants,” Smith said. Five board members have been named, along with a student advisory council of six or seven young people, she said.
The group is looking for a headquarters and she has checked into the former Livermore Falls High School, among other potential sites.
So far, some fundraising has been done and more is planned.
The group’s first event is a movie night Saturday, March 14, at the Assembly of God Church in Jay. She said the group organized a scavenger hunt and a game of Battleship during the recent Sled-In at the Livermore Falls recreational field.
Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Louise Chabot said she operates a foundation that provides funds for youth projects.
“It is commendable that you are doing this,” Chabot said.
In other matters, selectmen also received updates on a planned bicycle/walking path.
The board continues work on developing a proposed 2015 budget. Last meeting, they took up the police, fire and highway departments. Figures proposed were about the same as this fiscal year. On Tuesday, they discussed the proposed Treat Memorial Library budget, which shows a slight increase.
Town Manager Kristal Flagg said she expects the board to act on a proposed budget sometime next month.
This year’s budget is $2.24 million.
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