A Voice for the Youth

Orange Youth Services is recognized as the central agency for the development, implementation and coordination of programs and services for the youth of the Town of Orange.

Orange Youth Services Art Colony Now Displaying Student Art

Young Emma stands proudly under her work of art

Katelin Onofrio Teresa Borelli

                                                                                       Gianna Borelli                   Kevin Durkee

Some of the artists’ works now on display at High Plains

Youth Services again this year encourages students to submit a work of art that will be displayed at the High Plains Community Center for approximately 3 months. The artists’ work will be seen by many of the Center’s visitors. Works should be submitted now.

Artist or parent can call John Ulatowski, Youth Services Coordinator, at 203-891-4785 or email at julatowski@orange-ct.gov for questions/form on guidelines information. Parents or student can also bring art work to Community Services office at High Plains Community Center Monday-Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. - Parent must sign permission and waiver form to exhibit – copies available at office. Guidelines are as follows:

All artwork, novice and advanced, will be represented in the exhibit. Exhibit is ongoing, and will accept submissions as long as hanging space is available. Orange youth, grades K-12, are eligible to exhibit. Media will be paintings, drawings, and photography. The artwork itself should be no larger than 11X14. Works should be matted, and should not be framed. - Light-weight simple matting. Permission form should be attached to art work. A reception for artist and parents will be scheduled in May at HPCC.

Youth Services Amity MS Students of the Month

Catie Clark

Catie Clark is a 14 year old 8^th grade student at Amity Middle School in Orange. Catie lives with her twin brother Noah, her mom and grandparents. She is part of the Clark family (9th generation) that were among the original settlers of the town of Orange. When she is not in school or working on her homework, Catie enjoys playing the piano. She has been studying under Yelena Gerovich of Woodbridge for the past 7 years, participating in 2 recitals a year. Catie also enjoys the arts. She is often found drawing and painting - photographing or filming her environment. In the summer she attends the Audubon Arts theatre program at The Neighborhood Music School. She is also very interested in big screen movies - is an avid Twilight fan and also enjoys comparing James Cameron's works of Titanic and Avatar. Never far from Catie is her dog Zoey Q - a Shih Tzu that Catie has raised and trained since she was 8 weeks old. Other pets that Catie "mothers" are her pure bred mini rex rabbits that she breeds and shows, the family's back yard chickens and cat Tiger Lilly. Catie is very involved in the local 4-H program - is currently the president of the Crafty Critters 4-H club. On the county level Catie has participated in the public speaking contest, the skill a thon and the Middlesex/New Haven county 4-H fair. She will participate in the Expressive Arts Day at UCONN in March. In past years she has entered the State baking contest at the fair and won - allowing her to go on and compete at the State level. Still undecided about what she will be when she is grown, Catie is looking forward to the High School and all it has to offer.

Kyle Caldwell is a thirteen year old 8th grader at Amity Middle School in Orange. He lives with his parents, younger brother Kadin, his cat KC and dog Zoe. Kyle has many talents and interests. Mostly he enjoys playing his guitar. He has been taking lessons for almost two years and has taught himself some songs as well. He also plays the violin at school and has joined in several concerts with the High School strings ensemble. Kyle also enjoys drawing and creating projects such as his high tech paper airplanes and his ski-bike he created this winter. He has played baseball since t-ball and loves to just ride his bike or play good old video games, watch TV and listen to music. Kyle is courteous and enjoys helping others. He has spent time working with his grandfather. He takes great satisfaction knowing how much help he can be. Kyle has been helping with the Fabulous Friends group after school and likes being able to help others his age. Kyle is excited to start High School in the fall and hopes to become an inventor or engineer after college.

(Thanks to Lynn Edwards, AMS teacher, for her assistance.)

Youth Services Job Bank Assists Orange Residents with a Variety of Jobs

The Orange Youth Services Job Bank provides a service of pre-screened students, ages 13-16, who can be employed by area residents to do a large variety of jobs such as yard work, washing windows, cleaning attics/basements, snow shoveling, painting, party helper, tutoring, clerical assistance, mother’s helper…and more. The Job Bank has been a program that has been very successful over the years in meeting residents’ specific employment needs. The program provides area residents with a Job Bank student/parent connection to assist with a successful jobs match. For further information, please call John at 203-891-4785.

Have your work published in Youth Informer!

The Youth Informer is looking for submissions from students. Did you write a poem or essay, take a super photograph (maybe one of your pet?), do a small drawing, voice an opinion on an issue of importance, talk about your hero, describe the best moment in your life, what is your favorite food, do a movie review. If you can offer any of these to Youth Informer we could possibly use it in coming editions. Get published! Maybe be famous. Email all submissions to John Ulatowski at julatowski@orange-ct.gov and subject it newsletter.

Photos from our latest Middle School Dances

Credit: Photos by Barbie Harger, Bob Brown & John Ulatowski