After the Bell offers learning opportunities
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CARLY GUERRETTE assists Connor Cushman as he crosses the balance beam. Following behind is Rebecca Nelson. The youth are members of the After the Bell program, based in Mars Hill.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
AREA YOUTH have plenty of options for things to do, thanks to the After the Bell program in Mars Hill. Pictured during the first day of activities on the last day of school in June are, on the floor in front from left: Cody McCrum, Seth Faloon, Malachi Fitzherbert, Jude Weiss, Ben Delong and Zaylan Johnson. Seated are: Ellen Billings, Thomas Foster, Kaylee McCrum, Haleigh Faloon, Carly Guerrette holding Connor Cushman, Chase Henderson, Rebecca Nelson, Jazmyn Brown, Kira Fitzherbert, Landen Bell, Lily Bell holding Danica Taylor and Ethan Cushman. In back are: parent volunteer Kathy Foster, AllStar representative Shelby Hallet, Bobbi Guerrette, Liberty Fulton, Emmalee McCrum, Sarah Mallett, Mersaydez Johnson, Madison Coffin, Jamison Fulton, Colby Burlock, Jordan Delong, Mckenzie Green, program director Jamie Guerrette, Audree Adams, parent volunteer April Bell, parent volunteer Amanda Cushman. Camera shy were Porter Bell and Dayton Taylor.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — After the Bell, a new program open to children from Mars Hill and communities in the central Aroostook region, has found a home on Main Street in Mars Hill — sharing space with AllStar Gymnastics in the former J.J. Newberry store.
“We’re headquartered at the AllStar facility, thanks to the generosity of Allison Wheeler, director of the gymnastics group,” said Jamie Guerrette, director of After the Bell.
After the Bell, according to Guerrette, is a newly-organized program offering a variety of activities to area youth year-round.
“We had our official kickoff the day school let out for summer. Despite the name, we offer kids something to do all year long, not just after school gets out for the day,” she said.
“While the program targets the 7-10 years of age group — those too old for daycare but too young to be home alone — we do accept toddlers up to pre-teens basically,” said Guerrette.
Guerrette said if a child is too old for the program, there are other opportunities available.
“For youth in junior high or high school, we can always use volunteers and volunteering counts toward community service needed for graduation,” she said. “We have about 10 volunteers for the summer but can always use more.”
The June kickoff saw 67 children registered, with several attending the first day of festivities.
Guerrette was involved with the Mars Hill Rec Department but opted to develop a private program, to provide a wider range of opportunities for participants.
“By sharing the facility at 45 Main St. with the AllStar program, we’re able to share expenses, such as utilities and insurance. That helps keep costs down,” said the After the Bell director. “We’re also more centrally located. We’re glad Allie took us in. We use the facility when she’s not holding a gymnastics session, so it’s working perfectly for us.”
The program offers a variety of activities designed to give children something to do after school and during school vacations. While some activities take place on site, many more involve interesting outings. Youth can take part in such events as field trips, day camps, cooking classes, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and more.
“Tuesdays we’ll be teaching kids about cooking, with Kids in the Kitchen, tossing in a bit of gardening too. Our goal is to provide kids with valuable life experiences,” said Guerrette.
“We also offer a Moms and Tots program, giving our mothers an opportunity to gather and learn from each other. We offer day camp, a science camp, several day trips are planned on Wednesdays,” she said. “We also will be offering an art enrichment program and will make trips to places like Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle.”
Participants will also enjoy outdoor adventures, with such activities as canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking planned. “That’s how we’ll spend some of our Thursdays,” said Guerrette.
She said there’s another advantage to being separate from the Rec Department — one that benefits kids from surrounding communities, not just Mars Hill.
“We’re open to anyone now that we’re private. We no longer depend on tax dollars to provide our programs. We charge a nominal fee to attend and now that we’re private, we are also pursuing grants,” said Guerrette. “For those in need of financial assistance, we have a scholarship program available and currently have 10 children attending via scholarship.”
For more information, look for After the Bell on Facebook or call Guerrette at 227-7194.
