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new things to doPosted Tuesday, August 28, 2007, at 12:59 AM
I for one wish that Shelbyville was bigger, maybe just maybe there would be more things to do for everyone especially teenagers. I'm truly amazed on the growth of Murfreesboro Tn. I understand with growth you incur problems such as more firemen, policemen, etc.etc. but i always thought that with the horseshow being here that it
generated alot of income for shelbyville. I wonder where does all of that money go? Its my opinion that alot of our younger generation are lost, now i said alot....not all. I think that the cartoon character "Bart Simpson" and the emergence of some "Rap music" has totally changed the mindset of todays youth. I'm not a hater of the music, but i don't like alot of the lyrics. Alot of the words just don't have any value. I think that there are so many of our youth that actually try to go out and live that rap life style which in turn gets them in trouble. I just think that if there where alittle bit more to do here maybe just maybe some of these kids might see other options other than this "Rap Lifestyle". Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
Hot topics new things to do(111 ~ 12:18 AM, Nov 14)
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never thought i would see the day
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Any luck with the meeting?
Folks could meet at the Fly or Gilliland House,the Rec Center,etc. to talk about things.
Along with recreation, Junior Achievement,mentoring classes and things of that nature,there could be civic/volunteer type activities,Scouting,4-H, Candy Stripers and other things offered.
(Sort of a non-profit "Job Fair" where youth-oriented groups and activities vied for the kids' attention.)
Yes,some of these outlets have been around a while but there are always some folk who need to learn about them.
The special interest groups in schools are limited in time and scope.
The ones adults take part in are losing members due to age and other factors without 'growing' their next set of members.
Along with giving youngsters a place to be kids and have fun,let's give them skills,interests,community spirit and a sense of responsibility so when they come of age,they'll be able to 'put away childish things' and have a blast being a grown-up.
They can't very well believe that it's possible to find excitement in harmless activities if we don't offer them the means while they are children and if we fail to demonstrate how to delight in constructive behavior as adults.
!. Give them their own safe,sane fun at every age level.
2. Have them participate in some clubs or projects with our adults.
Kids and their elders would benefit from it.
That should get rid of a lot of the boredom and be an incubator for future generations of smart,lively and caring community leaders.
Diantn,
I hope everyone is still there and solving the issues. I was called out of town this weekend and just got back.
Maybe you or someone else can post the highights?
Hey is anybody actually going to come to Huddle House today? And how will I know you from anybody else in there???
Totally understand and agree wholeheartedly.
Come to the meeting on Sunday, Evil Monkey it sounds like we need your experience. I may can help some with the teens getting involved although I do not want to post much personal info on here..would rather talk in person, if you don't mind.
Actually, the first thing is to find a way to get alot of the teens from all the local areas together and get their support. Once we get their support, they will tell their parents... their friends.. then our next goal is to find a way to raise the money.
I have a little experience in grant writing so I can see if we can get Federal and State Grants to fund the hard to purchase properties. I can also build a non-profit website (I know PHP 5) and host it, we need a name though. We can use the website to coordinate dates and times for meetings and fund raising and Where we stand.
The Hardest Part is getting the teens motivated in making this happen. We can promise all we want, but what is really important is, can we deliver? Alot of Youth are not going to be interested in skating, bowling etc... some of them want more grown-up type things, like Open Mic nights. Let them show off their talents, hone them, and let them be more creative.
I know of alot of the teens I have seen at car shows do alot of beatboxing, singing (rap, soul and R&B), and freestyle, I think we should try that. Alot of it isn't filled with filth and are very inspiring if you listen to the lyrics.
The next thing that is very important to them is career workshops, I believe the spring/summer time would be a great time to start them. They should be opened to 14-18 year olds. This will teach them alot more on how to do things in a corporate atmosphere, not in the factory. They need self-confidence, and the truth.
Sean (P.Diddy) Combs and 50 cent did not dress the way they do now to Get the GIG... they had to act professional, and speak well to land the gig. This is what the unlying problems begin. The Dream the lie, not Live the Dream.
The money will come to get this going, but we need a hell of alot of support to get this past the unsupporters. And, trust me, there will be a ton of them and most will be in leadership positions. Luckily, we can get them booted off at the next election time, if needed. Because this will mean the future of alot of young adults and no-one wants to see that happen.
I think it should be one step at a time 1st we try to focus on a youth program of some sort ..we'll see how the community embraces that ..then we could move on to the bigger picture.
Count me in.
HAHA!!! Well I am most certain I can be there.
Are we all going to discuss the possible things to help our county grow?
And discuss things to bring in to our town in order to give the youth something to do?!?!?
oh ok That'll work too LOL (guess that shows I dont eat there much Huh?)
HAHA!!! Well Hobble House is closed, did you mean Huddle House?
I am game, just hope not alot of Sunday church goers will be there.
Ok so how is next Sunday afternoon, say about 2pm at Hobble House sound to everybody?
well I work evenings :( Weekends are best.
Hey, I could possibly meet up too! After 5 on Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, and Sat... Free after 1 on Sundays
Just lemme know
Might be a good idea for everybody to maybe mention what their schedule looks like..I work during the day but I am pretty much free to leave whenever I wish. So I am good with about anything.
LMAO!!! family guy
I would suggest my place, but alas I live in a closet. (As all Evil Monkeys do)
Agreed... I think we know atleast 5 or 6 who would show up. I am fine with going to any of these places... Just let me know where.
I just want to get some ideas together as to what we can do for the town. Good ideas have never in the history of mankind gotten far on just the idea. We have to take some action. So people, start throwing in suggestions on where our first meeting shall be so we can get this up and goin!
We could go to Arby's, that waffle place, McDonald's, anywhere... I would be surprised if 10 people show up initially.
Of course there is a coffee shop on the square and everytime I have gone there, the coffee was terrible..
But I could still go and chat. Though, from the sounds of it, we need a bigger venue...
Chamber of Commerce? very bad idea. There is a coffee shop in town at the square.
I'm In, Just tell me when and where.
Hmm.. I am game for that idea, Evil Monkey
TOO DANG BAD WE DON'T HAVE A STARBUCKS, we could all meet for coffee then.
I have a GREAT IDEA, let's all meet up at the Chamber of Commerce with our ideas!
We should all meet for coffee, tea or soda and iron things out on how to get community support (their voice and their dollar) to get something going. Finding a building is a tad pre-mature because once you have it, it still costs money. We need people to push for action.
Your right they all hang out together..whether sam wants to believe they do or not. Afterall there's only a 3 or 4 year difference in ages. I have many friends who are several years older or younger than I am..don't you?
I will bet all the money in my pocket that 17-18 year olds hang out with 14-15 year olds, I see it on a daily basis. They are on the same sports teams as each other, they hang out at skate parks together and in this day and age, unfortunately you have 17 year olds dating 15 year olds. and considering that 13-15 year olds LOOK 17-18, they don't notice the difference in ages. So yes, they honestly do hang out with each other.
Last I checked if a 13, 14 or 15 year old is driving a car it is ILLEGAL. True SOME 16 year olds have cars and most 17-18 year olds have them, but I honestly think you won't find them hanging out with 13-15 year olds.
WOW, Dianatn you are right. If 13-18 year olds don't have cars, then who is driving all the cars at SCHS? I suppose it is an unexplained phenomenom. (Gee I hope I spelled that right, I would hate to have to wear a dunce's cap for the rest of the day)
13-18 year olds don't have cars??? You should take a look at SCHS student parking lot.
I am a little confused here, but I have been away for a day or two. Maybe, someone can tell me.
Seems like we are looking for a building to do "something" for the youth in Shelbyville. Right?
So what are we going to do in this building (game zone, skating, etc.)?
Wouldn't it be smarter to figure out what we are going to do before we start going after buildings, areas of towns, etc? That may help narrow down some buildings.
I can't imagine what they want for the place. If the city had a building to "donate" that would be fantastic.
I knew a man who liked to invest money for the well being of children, but it seems his accounts are frozen now. Oops!
Yes, the old CocaCola building would be large enough. The parking issue is a great concern BUT we are talking about 13-18 year old kids. Most of them won't have cars.
We have been looking for a place for over a year that we can afford. Don't have grants or free money.
We liked the old Coca Cola building but there is very little parking. We would have to depend on the good graces of the school parking lot and that is not something you can count on, nor is it convenient in bad weather.
PLUS the price!! Ouch!
Darrick_04 and Revolution, It's a warehouse not a grocery store anymore. Warehouses don't always have much going on, that is kind of the point in the term. You sit your stuff there, pay a fee each month and come pick it up when you're ready. I assure you, I know the man who owns it. I believe he is actually part of Leadership Bedford.
I agree that we need something. Well, alot of things. Problem is there are plenty of people who will talk and talk and talk but no one is proactive and tries.
True... But the point is, just like most people realize, Growth will happen, it is inevitable. Places that handle it successfully are those that plan, organize, and gather local opinions (OTHER than appointed officials) and get ready for it.
I will say it until I am blue in the face, anybody can say "Shelbyville can't handle _______ and ________ business." HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU DON'T TRY?
You continue to deny the current and future generations a fair chance at great family-oriented entertainment all in the name of preservation??? PRESERVATION OF WHAT? It is time for some YOUNG leaders in the city council instead of continuously re-elected officials who have overseen the SLOW growth for generations...
But that will NEVER happen until the young people realize their voice is in the voting booth. I'm 21 and I have voted for every single election that I can vote for since I became elligible. I don't pretend to care about Shelbyville, TN, America, or the world and not cast a vote for who I think best represents me... I think anyone who votes for change and still doesn't see the change, has a right to complain. Shelbyville will watch as Murfreesboro meets them more than half way, and where will we be? Looking backwards and saying, "Oh NO, we are growing, what do we do?"
seems to me there are a few people that control everything that happens here. Its quite obvious if the powers that be wanted growth here it would be here. There is just no excuse...the only thing that i see growing here is houses,and i think most of them houses that i see are going up for the illegal immigrants that have invaded our town. Someone is getting rich developing these cheap looking houses.
I wished Shelbyville would do something besides fall behind the rest of the civilized and growing cities. Growth is going to happen.
I have said before, you can resist that all you want, but to adequately plan for growth is the most logical choice.
I never see ANYBODY there...
It is a warehouse for a local trucking company.
What is in the old Kroger Building?
Revolution, your selective reading left out the other reasonings. I never said kids who played video games were fat and lazy. selective reading and far from the topic.
Diana, I remember the skating rink although I never knew why it closed just that it did. That is going to be a problem with any thing like that anywhere. Maybe take the basic ideas of the Fun Tunnel in Tullahoma and add a little to it. I don't think the old Kroger building is going to work, as it is already owned and operated out of. I'm not sure about the real estate deals of the city but I do know they don't own that particular building. I honestly think if you can find a location and enough people you could get something like that done around here.
Does anybody know somebody who needs a tax writeoff, who has a lot of money to put into something like this? I wouldn't mind being a tax writeoff for some rich fat cat?
Yes the bowling alley and Sonic are right next to the old Kroger Building but if this were done in the old Kroger Building it would have to be done right..meaning with security (surely the City of Shelbyville could provide that much)Children could not be allowed to roam up and down Madison Street.In other words the center would need to be self contained and have what the children needed inside the center..as in food or drinks, entertainment. No sitting in cars or cruising the parking lots. You can not control the ages of people if they are out in the public. In order for parents to allow their children to come to the center they would have to know they were being looked after and taken care of..if not then all you have done is made another place for children to become out of control and all you would have there are the thugs and drug dealers praying on children.Parents would not let their children come to a place where they were allowed to roam the streets.
Do any of you remember the old skating rink here in Shelbyville? Remember why they closed it? I do..it was because of all the older children coming out there and hanging in the parking lots, drinking and fighting and the drug dealers praying on children. Parents got to the point they didn't allow their children to go because of all the trouble of older children and adults taking over the parking lot.
Yes Revolution, it is too bad. I do appreciate how you twist my words though, you know to make them say what you need them to......creativity is key. :)
As for the Ryan's steakhouse, was he turned down by the chain or by our city? There are certain business that will not come here because we have no interstate running through.
MyNeighbor, Im not sure what is to become of that. I don't think that is the particular area of town they would like to see growth in. I think they are aimed more towards Madison St.
Ok, well the likelihood of that happening in that particular building is not great. Let's try and think of another building.
It was supposed to had been a Peebles... that was the alleged proposal...
The moment the old K building is renovated and opened as an entertainment or retailing venue of some sort, will be the moment Madison Street is reborn.
As I said before I am sure that the owner of the old Kroger building would sell, at a hefty price. There is a business they run out of that building and that business would need to be moved, that would cost the owner money that he had not intended to spend.
The Old Kroger building and the entire lot was supposed to be bought and turned into a nice shopping center. The Sonic is staying open and the Bowling Alley is still going strong.
There is Rafael's, which stays busy, Captain D's, Hickory BBQ, Wendy's, and many more businesses right in the vicinity that would greatly benefit from an expansion and renewal of the old Kroger.
As for where the Theater was proposed to be built I am not certain, I just know that the generality is.. He asked the city officials and the Chamber if it was possible and they told him 'NO'.
-I don't know the details.
Diana your ideas and the support of many on these blogs can go along way and prove to be great changes for Bedford County.
The old Kroger building is not for sale. I'm sure they would sell it for a hefty price but as it stands it is being used on a daily basis.
Diana, I think you have some great ideas. You have a great starting point.
Spectator, kids don't do drugs because they are bored. They do them because they think they can get away with it. They do them because they are "young and dumb". They do them because their parents didn't teach them the dangers of not doing them. I assure you that at times I was just as bored as you are, as were most of the people on this blog apparently, but I never turned to drugs. I didn't do drugs because I may have been bored but I wasn't stupid.
Darrick04, where was this theatre to go? That may have been one of the concerns.
This would be in the interest of the community. I am not sure and will have to check further on this but I do believe there are State and Federal funds for community projects for children in the way of grants. If I remember correctly these funds would go to NON PROFIT community projects. If we could get a Grant to buy a building then charge only enough to run the project it would be considered Non-profit (meaning everything we collected went back into the center) Even paying a staff would be part of the expenses.
If we could get a building big enough..and a grant large enough to renovate ..Put a skating rink in one end..put tables a jukebox..pool tables, video machines..even have your video games set up, on the other end. This could work but only if you catered to the needs of children not adults.
You could charge a normal fee for skating (skating rinks manage to make enough money to pay all their bills why couldn't we?) Even have birthday parties for a flat fee in the afternoons where any age could come..but say after 5pm only 13-18 year olds were allowed inside.
In the cafe part make burgers and fries or pizza (just simple snack foods, cokes or even smoothies) Kids go to Sonic and have money for that why not spend it where they can meet with their friends? Have a jukebox even a small dance floor. Do dances for different age groups on alternating nights or weekends.
Our teenagers need this, not only that, they deserve this.. our community needs this.. and it is up to the adults to make it happen.
I also think it would be a good idea to ask the teenagers of Shelbyville what type of things they would enjoy in a center.
We need to get ta public forum held, get as many pre-teen, teens and adults there. Explain the concerns, listen to the kids ideas, and come up with a plan to incorporate them.
Now for funding, this is where the kids come in, we can canvas local communities within Shelbyville to see what they thought of the idea (maybe take donations) Basically we need signatures of the townsfolk, to prove we have support by the community.
If the kids are really interested in this and responsible, they will have the privilege to make it happen and be proud. They will also take better care of it. Additionally as a reward, they can get lifetime discount on item, food and/or drinks.
For the town, as you can all plainly see, most of Madison Street is looking mighty bare, I am sure we can find some area for the kids to go there. I noticed a little old Drive-in there too. What is the history behind that? It seems to be rotting away, that would be an awesome place for a killer hangout.
I see a ton of possibilities, Oh the Madden Tournament idea is fantastic, its not just about the video games, there is alot of socializing that happens when the other people are playing, so its not just all about playing video games. It is a very smart idea.
We really should get together in person to discuss and maybe look at a few things. Never know what we can come up with or who could show up.
I missed something. Who & when did they tell Revolution's uncle he could not build and 8 screen theatre?
well we at least USE to have Opryland which was great little weekend fun but that is even no longer an option. Lake Winnie in Chattanooga is the closest amusement park we have. And if you want to go to a larger park it will have to be Kentucky or Georgia.
So true...
From the age of 16-21 Shelbyville has not created ANYTHING for teens and young adults to enjoy.... The same 2 screen theater that shows the same movie for two weeks, and one new one frequently... The bowling alley, which can get expensive and it is usually so filled with smoke and people who love to drink too much, that isn't most people's idea of "fun."
I think it is going to take community action and the people of Bedford County calling up the Chamber of Commerce and asking them WHAT IS UP with this backwards growth?
Well that's the thing ..these type of centers would be for under 18 only. That would be the only way anything would work..because if they allowed everybody then adults would soon take it over. Teenagers don't want to hang out with adults and they shouldn't ..if they wanted to hang out with adults they'd just stay home.
City officials could say they like all these ideas, but apparently all they're doing is telling us what we want to hear, not showing us what we want to see...
Why did they tell Revolution's uncle he couldn't build an 8 screen theater in this town? We have to potential revenue to sustain multiple new businesses. Our town, at one point in time, actually had more 10 or so years ago than we do now. That is pathetic.
It may not have all been Shelbyville's fault why many companies don't stick around, but the city has a HUGE impact on what businesses are lured here.
Evil Monkey, my apologies. Kudos to you for your well thought out reply.
I hate to see the personal comments clouding the issue but glad to see we somehow get back to the subject at hand.
Sambntn was on the mark for the comment about funding. Things need to be able to support themselves. Volunteers eventually get tired of volunteering and those who start a non-profit entity eventually get worn out and lose the fire. Been there, done that.
An expanded complex that houses a theatre, bowling alley, video arcade, teen club for music and dancing, and small food joint would be a great magnet. Pool tables are great, but I have always found they bring the "big kids" who we might not want socializing in close contact with our teenagers. They would need to be closely monitored.
Private enterprise probably has the best shot at being sustainable. If it is not the right idea, or run the right way, the customer (youth) will not support it and it goes into the "nice try" category. I have tried a teen club before, but when I said no smoking and no booze it died on the vine. Of course that was 30 years ago and things have changed.
Keep the ideas flowing. Someone will see one they can run with and give it a try.
I think somebody brought up a good point that the people we elect for office should have a say in some of these matters. However, the majority seem to only care about keeping Shelbyville the same way it has always been, which is why people never come back.
This town could use some freshness.
I have often wondered about the idea of starting a scholarship program for teenagers but with a twist.
Many private companies pay for kids to go to college, and they are required to work for the company (with pay of course) after they graduate. Usually, the work commitment is for 3 - 5 years, but the company gets an employee with their educational requirements and loyalty, and the graduate gets an education and a job. Both benefit.
This idea could come from the Shelbyville government, and could eventually bring in a little life and fresh ideas. I believe Shelbyville has extremely valuable ideas, but once they start, it's over.
Maybe, this town just needs a little oversight.
As a lifelong resident of this community, I can say that as a teenager there was nothing do. Okay, this being established, I would now like to support the negatives of no social activities for youngsters.
I started smoking pot when I was 15. Nothing else to do. 18, cocaine and ecstasy. The list continues...
With this, I managed to get through our school system with an honors diploma, and keep a job, but when it came time for college, I lasted 1 month. (The first time around). I finally finished and am now administrating a successful new business in town, but all this is to say that from experience, I began a downward spiral because of the topic of this conversation.
The only time I recall staying sober and being around other people was the short period of time in which the coffee shop on the square would let us hang out, and even let some of us play music there. It was a nice, constructive, harmless form of entertainment that gave me a reason to get out of the house and kept me too busy to look for the vices I may have otherwise fallen succeptable to for the remainder of my life.
I am not saying a coffee shop saved my life.
I am saying if other activities were available, this town may produce less burnouts as some of these kids may live up to their potential.
A mall would be a good idea, but seems like Wal-Mart has taken that avenue away, which is sad.
For the "fat and lazy", I say start the Madden Tournament and forget the people that claim kids are fat and lazy for playing. Let the negative people tell kids how life was truly hard in their day, how they had to walk five miles to school everyday, and how they made their own fun.
Sadly, those people aren't ready to make a difference so focus on those willing to change.
Another idea is to work with some investors to start a go-cart track. You could almost pay for the track through advertising, and a go-cart track hardly goes out of style.
I agree with Revolution 100%, I know several teens in my church that can't wait to get out of this town and never come back, and the sad truth is, they never will come back. The only reason they are living here now is that they have no choice but to live here because their family lives here. And for sambntn to say, for her to take her kids and go back to Chattanooga was uncalled for, some of us aren't in this town because we want to be, she may be here due to things beyond her control.
and I can agree with dooshie69. mowing the yard was my fun also and now I refuse to do it, I hate it now and hire someone else to have my "fun".
If the city council actually sat down and TRIED to come up with something or listen to what the teens have to say, they may actually come up with something for kids to do. Kids get into so much trouble here in town due to boredom, wasn't that one of the reasons given by the teen firefighters that committed all the acts of arson? "We were bored?"
True, video games have created fat and lazy generations, but this is a blog entry about creating a venure where teenagers can have "new things to do". Unfortunately, not every teenager is as creative as you must have been. My fun WAS mowing the lawn and it created a life-long habit of hatred towards grass.
On a personal note, if I have surgery in the future, I hope my surgeon is young, fat, and did nothing but play video games his/her whole life. I even hope they won the Madden title.
A recent study that came out this past February stated that surgeons who played video games were nearly 40 percent better than the surgeons that didn't play: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk...
Ok so take your kids and go to Chattanooga. Simple as that. Don't just stay here complaining. Make an effort to change something.
I was having a hard time swallowing that because I don't believe there is a person alive who didn't get bored as a teenager.
I didn't ask how you got the money, I couldn't care less. I am simply saying that kids don't have the money (or at least I didn't) to be running from mall to mall, and museums.
The people who have family here will be back. True this town may not have ANYTHING TO DO but it is home to alot of people.
sorry for the double post, don't know how that happened.
As for lesbians and softball going hand in hand. I have heard that and a few of the girls I played ball with all my life turned out to be lesbians. Is there some truth to that? I don't know, lesbians they may be, but fat they are not.
I didn't say all kids that like video games are fat and lazy, re-read.
I didn't say all kids that like video games are fat and lazy, re-read.
Revolution, you never said you were bored? I have a tough time swallowing that. Honestly. You always had the money to do those things?
Diana, that is perfect. I really do think that is a great idea. Now we are back to the age old problem of funding. How should we make those building appropriate for kids, how do we go about hiring a sufficient staff to care for the place? It's obvious that it would cost money to get in the door, and that could pay the staff. Hopefully. What about money to get the place up and running? Starbucks is most likely not coming here. There are a couple coffee shops around town though that would love that opportunity.
Video games may be fun, to some. However they are half of the reason our kids are fat and lazy. I call em like I see em! That doesn't make me so old fashioned that I don't know a good time when I see one, it makes me think of when I was a kid doing things that I thought up. Making my own fun.
Ya know what happened when we said "Daddy, we're bored"? He said "well the yard needs mowing" and we found other things to do. Things that didn't get us into trouble or build a life long habit.
I have been reading all these suggestions with a great deal of respect to each of you but I have to agree there is nothing here for young adults to do besides bowling. What I would like to see happen here is a young adult center maybe in one of those lonely empty buildings on Madison Street. Maybe a Skating rink in one end and video games with a coffee shop, like Starbucks in the other end. Maybe pool tables ..selling possibly burgers and fries.They could listen to music or have DJ's and have maybe dance nights. The possiblites would be endless. ANYTHING is better than what they have now.
The teenagers love the horseshow, do you know why? It's not because they actually watch the show but they can walk around and talk to their friends in a safe environment..just look around the next time your at the horseshow and look at the kids just having fun socializing with their friends.
Why can't we give them a place to do something like that year around instead of just during the horseshow?
Shouldn't they have some place to go that is safe for them. I am not saying they should be there without adults. Adults would be there taking care of the place.
A lot of bars in larger towns have what they call cookies and milk nights when only 12-18 year olds are admitted..they have cokes and snack foods and listen to music. These places have just as much business on cookies and milk nights as they do any other time.
With a "fat and lazy" statement like that, Shelbyville will continue to be stuck in the same old ways. If a teenager says, "I like video games, or I like to cruise." Then the typical Shelbyvillian tells them they are lazy, and they will not offer anything for them unless it's what they personally like to do.
Have you ever met a teenager -- in any generation -- that had fun doing the same things his/her parents did? If you did, then that is truly a unique teenager!
In other words, the attitude we are portraying to those teenagers is that we adults know what they enjoy more than what they tell us. (I am not referring to discipline, drug use, etc; that is a separate matter. I am simply referring to having fun and enjoying life.)
Personally, I preferred playing sports, but not everyone enjoys the same thrills we do. All we can do is try to help without passing judgment on what they consider fun.
Okay, I'm assuming you are speaking of video games? This Madden Tournament. Video games are half the reason our kids are fat and lazy. Not a good solution in my book.
You can try the 21 and under clubs, my kids won't be attending. At least until they are 18. By the time kids are 18 or 19 years old they don't really want to hang out with young kids. Young kids 15/16 have NO business associating with 20 year old "adults".
A skating rink is a nice idea but aimed towards 12 year olds.
Kids in Memphis, Chattanooga and for that matter even New York complain about being bored. It happens, it's part of the territory with being a teenager and feeling the need to roam.
In the past, the problem was always the fact that no one wanted to do something about it. Now, people seem willing to want to make a change and, more importantly, are willing to do something to change.
Shelbyville has always been a tight community, which is good and bad. So sometimes, change is a bit tough to handle and unwelcome. That is why it is up to parents, caring individuals, etc. to make a change.
However, I guarantee you that someone will object because it's in our nature.
For startes, I would say focus on the smaller communities that have offered programs and model a program after their community. There is no copyright on copying a formula.
One example, is to offer a Madden Tournament. It has been around for a couple of years and attracts a lot of attention. Of course, it is only a one-time event but it is a start and could get the ball rolling. Creativity is key. Attached is a link of some cities that played in this tournament: http://www.easports.com/maddenchallenge0...
No I didn't know they passed an ordinance to restrict it. That is odd.
Let me say this, I am very happy that most of us agree, something needs to be done. What is the next step?
Parents need tools to keep kids busy with social, educating and fun. The problem is these tools in this town do not exist. BTW, it takes a community to raise a kid, the Parents are their guides/jury/executioner.
In most communities throughout the world, when 1 child needs help, they all pitch in.
Sambntn,
You mentioned cruising, did you know they passed an ordinance that doesn't allow it? I loved it when it was here. The restriction needs to be lifted.
Revolution,
I don't care who gets the credit, I want my community to be one that everyone is jealous of living in.
Let me just throw in another point while I am thinking of it, kids don't do drugs because they are bored. They do them because they don't have a healthy fear of the consequences or long term effects. Where does that come back to? The Parents. It is our job as parents to keep our kids educated about dangers such as that. A healthy fear of your parents is a good thing. A healthy fear of turning into a crackhead. Kids need that.
It seems that so many parents want to make excuses for children when they do wrong when it basically comes down to parenting. The action of children and teenagers are dictated by the parents and those parents need to step up and take responsibility. Yes, mass media doesn't help and I agree that certain forms of music and television programming provide negative outlet for behavior but it is the parent who is in control and if they need to, then they can limit the amount of exposure their children receive to these negative forces. Unlike previous generations, so many parents now want to blame the problems of their children on everything else but themselves because its just easier. Seriously, my father would have never allowed some of the back talk that I hear just while I am shopping in Wal-Mart. It comes down to the fact that so many teenagers and children are spoiled nowadays. Parents now want to give their children everything they didn't have as a child but when that occurs, parents deny the children a sense of accomplishment in obtaining their things plus they don't establish in the child a sense of boundaries in what they can or can not have so they don't learn how to be responsible.
Back to the point of the post, I agree that Shelbyville has very little to do when it comes to teenagers and young adults. I always hear people bring up the horse show but that only accounts for a few days of the year and it only targets those individuals who are into that kind of thing. Other than that and the movie theater, there really isn't much to offer in this town except for the local youth sports. We cant just assume everyone is digs going to the horse show(because many don't) or are into sports. Shelbyville does need to become more proactive in developing more outlets for teenagers to occupy their time in conjunction with parents taking a more active role in their kids life. I use to work at the bowling alley for some extra money 3 years ago and I was amazed at how many parents would drop their young teenagers there and just leave and didn't even bother to check up on them or pick them up. I was amazed at how teenage girls would leave with a guy to do whatever they wanted which included sex(and yes, I caught a few trying to do it there on the property). I would never leave my child like that and that is where the bad behavior comes in because parents aren't doing their job.
But really, parents need to step it up to curtail the bad behavior and the city needs to step it up and offer parents outlets in which kids have something to do.
No EvilMonkey it was not a school activity. I didn't want to play softball for the school. I played softball in the local league. Undefeated for 4 years. Not just me, the whole team. It was fun. Let's see on dates....I went to the movies, to the bowling alley, riding the "strip", we went even went fishing. There is plenty to do, it is just not on billboards. It is not something that will smack you in the face.
Never once did I say "oh geeze, Im bored stiff let's go smoke a joint". You know why? #1 My Daddy would have killed me (not litterally but you get it) #2 I had a job (drug tests) and #3 Junkies usually don't make it out of highschool and I had a strong urge to leave that place.
There is more to life than work but if you want to do any of those nice things like take vacations, go out to eat, enjoy a good concert you MUST have money. You can't just show up and say "im a kid and Im bored let me in". It doesn't work that way.
Sambtn,
Excellent points. I believe those were truly constructive and well thought out.
I just joined Junior Achievement which I HOPE will give me an avenue to work with the kids on just the things you mentioned for a career.
The public forum idea is great and I will start to see how we can get one going. My teenage daughter already has some ideas, and now that she has gone to college, her "old man" is free to make a fool of himself by trying to get this going.
Getting council to do something is a bit tougher, but if we get the momentum going and things are going well, I am sure that they would then be all for it. In other words, after it is a sure thing.
I tried this back in the late 70's but did not get too far. At that time I was still a "young guy with no family ties to the community" so they did not listen very well. Now I pay a lot more taxes and can swing some votes, but......
The date question raised by Evil Monkey is a little tougher. It seems to me from my experience with a teenager that most kids don't like the idea of a "parent approved" activity, so the date question is not as easy to solve. We now have a few more restaurants and when the economics show that a new theatre, larger bowling alley, or ?????? will pay off, then an entrepreneur will build it.
That would be an excellent project for getting the youth involved. From experience I can tell you that there will be huge challenges, but it would certainly be worth a try. I won't go into all the aspects in this response, so I will stop and let someone else go.
Myneighbor,
There are several soluctions that I can think of that could really help things along.
1) get the teens to get together and discuss their problems in a public forum. They have a right to be involved when it comes to these types of decisions.
2) Alot of the ones I have talked to seem to be worried about their future careers, (example) How to ask for promotions, How to ask for raises, How to make myself more attraction on my resume. I thought maybe a mentoring program might be a good idea.
3) 90% of the teens can do jobs that are more difficult than flipping burgers and we should allow them to extend thier abilities. For example, instead of a clerk in the store, why not try them in a more supervisory position or maybe teach them how to do inventory or talk to upper-management. Basically give them more self confidence.
4) City council really needs to get involved in finding more social avenues locally for teens to get together. Instead of punishing all of them for 2-3 people misbehaving, we can punish the offenders appropriately depending on the action.
Sambntn,
Was softball a school activity? My point is, there is more to life than, School and work. Where did you go out on dates? Nothing here to do in Shelbyville, Same point. Do you feel that there is plenty to do in Shelbyville?
EvilMonkey, I didn't say I was working day and night. I said I was working. I was earning my own money. I was spending my own money on my own things. For four years, I went to school, played softball and went to work. I had a pretty active social life. I went out with friends, had time for boyfriends and still made it to school and to work. It happens. It can be done. I was given an appropriate amount of privileges. Appropriate in my opinion. I had a curfew every night, different on weekends than weekdays.
I think this town really does lack for activities for teens and kids in general.
oh..don't wanna forget about you evil
monkey you were right on as well. Thanks to everyone for responding to my blog.
i totally agree with you revolution, you articulated my point better than i did.
sambntn,
Thats the point I am making... You had a job at 14, What did you do for fun? What privileges have you gained for working for 13 years? I never said Nothing is life is free. Sorry? How can you have responsibility if none is given to you. Just because you have a job as a teen, doesn't make you responsible nor does it give you extra privileges or rights.
You should have respect regardless if someone has worked some place longer or not, is there a bigger picture here. It seems teens need to have a job to be responsible? Does that give them entitlement to being able to have a social environment here in Shelbyville? Does that give them more rights? Let me rephrase, No matter if they have a job, go to school, or sit naked in the mud. At 18/21, they will have the same rights, respects, as each one of us. So basically what you are saying is, they are mere pets that can talk until they are of age?
You do know there is alot more to life than just work... At that age, they are trying to decide what they are going to do when they become adults.
By treating our teens like small adults with no social needs or focus, I fear depression will be the next pandemic.
I had a job at 14. I am currently 27, I have had a job for 13 years at one place or the other. It taught me respect for the people who have been doing it longer than me, appreciation because nothing in life is free and responsibility because as you have pointed out "evil monkey" kids need to own what they do.
You live in Unionville, Yet you don't want Shelbyville any bigger? You don't even pay City taxes...here.
Whomever said Teenagers should do what they want? As it stands right now, They can't do anything because there is NOTHING TO DO!
Adults do make the rules, then pass them as ordinances and then enforce them as laws. Just so they have no social environment.... Yep I can see that as the RIGHT WAY!
You mentioned you have daughter that goes to school, then works, it teaches her responsibility and what else? Is there is privileges of 8 hours of school and 4 hours of work? a Life lesson, right? I don't know about you, but if I were 15, I would be disappointed in knowing my life was going to be a 12 hour grind and nothing interesting would happen.
There is little to no social network for these kids/teens to learn the most important aspect in a young person's life, social tolerance. This is why we have the problems today. Instead of punishing the kids/teens that do the deed, they punish entire age group. Real fair way of dealing justice.
Nuff Said.
I live in Unionville and DO NOT want Shelbyville to get any bigger at all!! Teenagers should not be allowed to just do what they want- that is there problem these days. We are the adults. not them, we make the rules and someday when they are adults it will be their turn and hopefully the adults in their lives showed them the right way!!I have a 15 year old that has a job, that does not interfere with her schooling that is very important but it is teaching her responsibility.
Have to disagree, our young generation is lost because money from programs for teen is be diverted to "fixing the streets" or "abuse programs", Not Bart Simpsons and music. It is funny, but they said the same thing about the Beatles and Elvis, and the Flintstones, and Batman.
I will agree that the gangsta lifestyle has set a present problem with lack of respect for the older generation, but I, also feel it from the lack of education that is being sought not taught and I blame alot of that on the government placing lower passing tests.
When I was a teenager, we had an under 21 dance club, a teen center, a place to cruise (responsibly, or it would be taken away), skate center, bowling center, Malls, places to actually socialize. Now? All those places are now been "off-limits" to any teens. There were a few rowdies that problem ruined it for everyone else. But who should make that decision? Adults? This is a problem, if you want responsibly teens, you need to give them responsibilities and privileges. Not take it all away, this was the start of the attitudes of the kids and teens now. Tough Love doesn't work, especially since it has been going on for 15-20 years now.
There is no hangout for the kids that make it feel they are a part of this town, they are bitter cause they have no place to go. I know I would be, luckily I had Hagerstown MD when I was a teen or I would have gone pretty crazy then too. We had the Dual Highway, we could cruise along that strip, meet girls, pull over to various parking lots that allowed us, there were over 15 of them, only rule was we had to buy one of their products to be in the parking lot. No problem, they were allowing us to sit there a talk and socialize. Why can we not have the same thing here?
The argument is the same each time, the traffic. Well, you know what? there is traffic all the time. doesn't matter where or when, it happens. Whether it is the horse show, Which I hate! They are the most Rude, Obnoxious group of drivers, they feel they have a right to be in this town. Oops off the subject... Nuff said anyways..