January 26, 2001
Former Rite Aid now the new Teen Center
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Where toilet paper rolls and greeting cards once were sold, area teens will be relaxing after school hours.
The former Rite Aid location on South Washington Street now is the Teen Center. Lee Martin, a member of the board of trustees, said that the walk-in center for area youth hopes to be open Monday after school.
The former drugstore has recently seen some renovation by its previous tenant.
"A fellow had been in there,'' Martin said. "He had an idea of using it for teenagers and young people to have dances, but it didn't work out.''
Because of his attempts, the board will have little to do to get ready to occupy the space.
"They had gone in and done the floor,'' Martin said. "But there is some painting of drywall that needs to be done. Right now, it is one huge room.''
The center has received donations of couches and chairs, game tables and televisions.
"The generosity of the community has been wonderful, it's just been great,'' he said. Martin also cited offers of work on the building by local contractors.
But one items on any teen's must-have list still needs to be found: a stereo system with a CD player.
Martin said the decision to select a building not only considered the location but its utility costs as well. Funded by private contributions and foundations, the center offers tutoring, Alateen programs and a program for children of divorced parents. Martin said that the programs will start up right away.
"It will be a place to come in out of the weather,'' he added. "We have a lot of gratitude for everything the community has done. The county, the city, everybody has been great.''