Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 7, 1994 TAG: 9401120322
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Its board has elected officers and established quarters in the former Jefferson School building owned by the county.
Stephen Jones is board chairman; Tom Ferguson, vice chairman; and Joyce Quesenberry, secretary-treasurer. Board members include Rick Quimet of Lynchburg, who founded the first Straight Street there.
Quimet's idea has led to other Straight Street organizations, including one in Christiansburg. The Pulaski organization got under way last year, with a last day of school celebration in June featuring WPUV radio disc jockey Stacy D., a gathering with youngsters painting their names and artwork on a van provided by the program, and a back-to-school gathering including basketball and volleyball games. Straight Street also had a float in the Winterfest parade in Pulaski last month.
Activities have been held in places such as the county's Central Gym. This year, Straight Street will have its own rented location in the Jefferson building. The next step is to decorate it, equip it with games and eventually a small snack bar.
Jones said the board members are all volunteers, and are seeking donations of money and equipment for the program as well as more volunteers. Anyone interested in working with or donating to the program can contact him by calling 980-0283 or Quesenberry at 980-7797.
``That's what actually keeps us going,'' he said. ``Admission to this is free for all kids.''
Jones said his goal is to have the teen center in operation when the weather breaks. ``By spring, I want the doors to be wide open,'' he said.
by CNB