The Charles County Commissioners met with the Youth Council of Lifestyles, Inc., on Wednesday, May 16, to express the need for teen-based community centers in the County.

The Youth Council was organized by Lifestyles of Maryland in October of 2006 as a means of getting youth involved in making positive changes in the community. Through this initiative, partnerships have been developed with Tri-County Youth Services, the Charles County Sheriff*s Office, Charles County Public Schools, and local faith-based organizations.

As members of the Council, youth share and express concerns on issues they face, but also provide suggestions for improvements and take action on those issues. The Youth Council is unique because it includes students from schools across the County of various ages and backgrounds.

During the meeting, students expressed a need for County buildings to be open after school and on weekends to give them a recreational outlet.

Ashlee Newhouse, Council Vice President and senior at Piccowaxen Middle School, said, "It's sometimes boring in the county with little to do but go to school."

Commissioner President F. Wayne Cooper (D) vowed to work with the youth to direct them to places where they could play sports, relax, or just get together and have some good, clean fun. Cooper said he and the other Commissioners would like to meet with the Youth Council on a regular basis.

"You are the future of Charles County, and we are here to serve you," Cooper said.

For information on the Youth Council of Lifestyles, Inc., please contact Sandy O. Washington, Executive Director, at 301-609-9000 or on the web at lifestylesofmd@aol.com.