Youths help clean Shiretown

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — A group of youngsters in the “Just 4 Boys” program spent part of the day Tuesday, July 17, helping out in the community by picking up trash along the River Park area and other spots around town.
    According to Tammy Goestch, one of the program’s organizers, the Just 4 Boys program follows the “Six Pillars of Character.”
Contributed photo/Wade Goetsch
GOOD CITIZENS — Participants in the “Just 4 Boys” program include, front row from left, interns Victoria Lee and Courtney Crone and campers Nathan Folkins, Aidan Bubar, Aidan Connors, Logan Swallow, Kaden Farewell, Sean O’Brien, Phillip Morley, co-director Mackenzie Burns, intern David Ngo and co-director Wade Goetsch; and back, campers Caleb Connors, Dolton Nason, Isaac Jurson, Kenny Weeks, Zachary Weeks and Dylan Jurson. Not pictured is camper Alex Kervin.
    “Last week’s character trait was the pillar of ‘respect,’” she said. “These boys were taught that we can respect ourselves and our community by keeping it clean and by serving others.”
    Just 4 Boys is program of Adopt-A-Block of Aroostook’s “Project Prevention, Keeping Families Together.” The program, in its second year, is for boys ages 7-12. Participants attend five days a week for three weeks and do activities such as hiking, crafts, fishing, rock climbing, swimming, games, boating, science, carpentry and healthy eating. Breakfast and lunch is provided through the summer feeding program for all campers.
    According to Goestch, a person of character adheres to the following guidelines:
    • Is a good person, someone to look up to and admire.
    • Knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do what is right.
    • Sets a good example for everyone.
    • Makes the world a better place.
    • Lives according to the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.