THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 8, 1996 TAG: 9608060160
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Kathryn Darling
LENGTH: 74 lines
On a rainy day in the Fairlawn Recreation Center it can get kind of noisy.
This year, 75 children are enrolled in the center's summer program. But Dennis Young, the recreation center supervisor, said that as a professional he has learned to turn off the noise.
Young has been working with the Norfolk recreation system since 1977. In addition to supervising the Fairlawn recreation center, Young is in charge of programming for the Poplar Hall, Sherwood and Ingleside recreation centers.
Although he is around large groups of children every day, all day, the noise just doesn't bother him. He has learned to filter it and can turn off what isn't important and still hear the one voice that needs attention.
Fairlawn Recreation Center has a scheduled summer program from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. weekdays, but children enrolled in the program can have supervised play at the center from 9 to 5:30 p.m.
The summer program includes arts and crafts, music, drama, nature discovery and lunch.
Young said they try to vary the activities throughout the summer. They take field trips to Busch Gardens, Wild Water Rapids, neighborhood pools, go putt putt golfing and even to the movies.
Young puts on a new hat on those trips and drives the bus for the 25 students who attend each field trip.
This summer hasn't been too hot, but in a center without air conditioning, Young and his staff have had to find ways to keep the children cool on the hottest days.
The water olympics featured games with water-filled balloons: volleyball, basketball and the balloon toss. Winners are acknowledged, but the children are rewarded for picking up the bits of balloon left on the ground after the games.
Young said parents are amazed that children are willing to help clean the recreation center. ``They see us doing it. They see we set boundaries and they like a clean building and a clean facility,'' he said.
Name: Dennis Ray Young.
Nickname: Coach Young.
What brought you to Norfolk? Came to spend the summer with aunt and uncle and ended up staying.
Birthplace: Camden, N.J.
Birthdate: July 11, 1955.
Occupation: Recreation Center Supervisor I.
Marital status: Single (married to my job).
Children: None.
Last book read: ``Moms and Dads and Kids Sports'' by Pat McNally.
Favorite movie: ``The Ten Commandments''
Favorite magazine: Ebony
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Dr. Bill Magee, the founder of Operation Smile. I would like to have the talent and ability to positively change so many people's lives through surgery.
Biggest accomplishment: With the help and support of the community to get Fairlawn Recreation Center a new gym.
Most embarrassing moment: I fell in the shower at Newport News Camp. Afterward, all the kids at the camp wanted to know where I got the bruises.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would stop being a workaholic and spend more time with my family.
Perfect way to spend the day: Snow skiing at Massunutten.
Favorite vacation spot: Nags Head, N.C.
First job: as a cook at Burroughs' Bel Aire Steak House in Norfolk. I was there for 10 years.
Worst job: Masonry helper. I worked one week making mortar and carrying bricks. It was so exhausting that all I did when I got off work was sleep.
Hobbies: Golf, baseball, skiing and cooking.
Favorite restaurant: The Olive Garden.
What do you like most about Norfolk? The friendly people.
What do you like least about Norfolk? The traffic. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by BILL TIERNAN
Dennis Young by CNB