Center a beehive of activity

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Moving to a new neighborhood in Edmonton's west-end didn't stop Dalona Potts from attending events at the Adrian Hope Youth Center in the northern section of the city. "When my family moved, I knew I'd miss my friends and everything we do here. Nov I just hop on a bus and come over here."

Potts was carving a pumpkin as part of preparations for the Center's Oct. 27 Halloween celebrations. While she was buy in the kitchen, friends Chad Beaver and Chris Hrynyk hung black, plastic bags in a "tunnel of horror" and strung cotton batton "spider webs" throughout the darkened area.

Director Gordon Russell supervised the activities. "This is for the whole community and we expect 50 or more young people here tonight," he said. With the addition of two bags of peanuts, donated by Macdonalds Consolidated, the stage was set.

The center is busy other nights of the week as well. Activities include boxing, volleyball and hockey. The young people are also involved in fixing and selling bikes, which is also a fund-raising activity. "And we have Gina Whiskeyjack coming in to teach handicrafts now, too," adds Russell.

The center, located at 11407-86th St., receives funds randomly and Russell says the lack of money keeps him from running many more worthwhile programs. With more than 25 years experience working as a recreation director and as a coach of sports programs with young people, Russell recognized the value of giving children a wholesome alternative to hanging around on the streets.

As Potts says "kids should find someplace like this where they can trust the people they're with and where they can be safe."