Youth event planned to ring in 2011

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Organizers say the world’s biggest game of Ninja is just one highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebration for local teens and pre-teens at the Gentle Memorial Building (Rec Center) in Houlton. The Ninja game, which combines athletic skills and gaming prowess, will be accompanied by several other games and activities “with a goal of providing a safe alternative for junior and senior high school students,” according to Lisa Surran. She is Military St. Baptist Church’s coordinator of youth ministries. This is the fifth year churches will stage the event.
    Basketball and softball games in addition to board games such as Scrabble, Uno and Battleship will also be set up for teens at the event. Surran added that a local DJ will provide music throughout the evening. Viral videos as well as vintage classics like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will be playing in various areas of the Rec Center.
    “There will be lots of food and drinks with special lighting décor. Admission is only $5 plus a canned good that will go to our Adopt-A-Block program for families,” said Surran. She added that various local churches will share responsibilities for hosting and providing chaperones, food and beverages.
    The event runs from 9 p.m.-midnight at the Rec Center, 128 Main St. For more information, contact Lisa Surran, Military Baptist Church, 532-2783.