Community soul-searching at forum
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Participants broke into small groups to discuss their ideas on improving quality of life and opportunities for young people in Lake Wales. The supportive attitudeand community outreach that already exists here was frequently mentioned as well. The forum was sponsored by the Unity in Community group.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Clint Horne, Executive Director of the B-Street Center and president of the Green and Gold Assn., spoke passionately of the services offered by the center and the serious needs that people bring to their door daily. Horne told participants at Monday night's community forum that he will retire soon and the center needs 15 to 20 additional volunteers.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Rev. John Smiley talks with Eugene Kendrick, Assistant Principal of discipline at Lake Wales High School at Monday night's Unity in Community Forum at the high school. Approximately 65 community members gathered to brainstorm ideas for enhanced quality of life locally.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Lake Wales High School principal Donna Dunson, one of the moderators for Monday night's Unity in Community forum, posts sticky notes to a board divided into categories such as community values, recreation, services needed, etc. Participants had earlier been given blank notes to write down one suggestion or value on each page, for a total of three. The ideas were shared in small groups, then with the group at large.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Lake Wales High School principal Donna Dunson, one of the moderators for Monday night's Unity in Community forum, posts sticky notes to a board divided into categories such as community values, recreation, services needed, etc. Participants had earlier been given blank notes to write down one suggestion or value on each page, for a total of three. The ideas were shared in small groups, then with the group at large.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Lake Wales High School principal Donna Dunson, one of the moderators for Monday night's Unity in Community forum, posts sticky notes to a board divided into categories such as community values, recreation, services needed, etc. Participants had earlier been given blank notes to write down one suggestion or value on each page, for a total of three. The ideas were shared in small groups, then with the group at large.
Lake Wales is a great place to live, judging by the number at Monday night’s Unity in Community forum who have lived here a lifetime.
There is definitely room for improvement, though, particularly when it comes to opportunities for young people. This belief is what brought 65 residents together in the media center at Lake Wales High School for some collective soul-searching. The agenda outlined the goals of improving the culture and climate in Lake Wales, and improving the safety and well-being of children and youth.
