D e l m a r v a l o u s ! Dorchester County

Carnival brings fun for youth

ABES News Services

ABES News Services - As part of its ongoing summer youth program, the Pine Street Committee (PSC) hosted on Wednesday a fun-filled carnival for area youth. Above are children from the PSC summer youth program. With them are volunteers Agnes Jenkins (left) and Portia Johnson-Ennels (white top) nearby.

ABES News Services - Tony Harris did quite well at jumping rope, a favorite activity of the youngsters. Aiyahnna Walker (left) and Helen Jackson are seen turning the rope. The carnival was held on the 600 block of Pine Street.

ABES News Services - Above, Jeremiah and Monique Greene, and Eve Warner enjoyed lunch. Part of the activities included a bike contest. Some of the entries are shown in the background.

ABES News Services - Food was provided by Dorchester Elks Lodge 223. Aaliyah Sharp chose a hamburger for part of her meal.

CAMBRIDGE -- Youthful sounds were heard Wednesday from the 600 block of Pine Street in Cambridge as scores of young people turned out for a carnival sponsored by the Pine Street Committee (PSC).

"This was an idea that Portia Johnson-Ennels, who volunteers to do our administrative work at the Empowerment Center," said Octavene Saunders, volunteer director for the PSC summer program.

She continued, "It's a collaborative effort. Everybody trying to work together, trying to show that we don't always need to be separate but we can cooperate."

"It's a good program and it is a good thing to do for the children," said Bertha Mack, owner of Arts and Beauty Enterprises and a supporter of the Empowerment Center.

As music filled the streets, young people enjoyed activities such as Double Dutch and hula hoops.

Food was donated by Dorchester Elks Lodge 223, which also provided some members to cook. Face painting was offered by Dorchester County Recreation and Parks, and the Cambridge City Police Department was on hand to offer safety tips. MTS Broadcasting donated door prizes for various activities.

Children also enjoyed crafts with representatives from Dorchester County Habitat for Humanity. "This is nice, they should have more stuff like this for the younger kids," said Monique Greene, a parent. She felt the most enjoyable activities were the music and rope jumping.

The carnival was a part of the ongoing activities of the PSC summer youth program geared for children 3 to 12 years of age.

"It's not play all day. We have a structured program where they learn the alphabet, numbers, their names and address. They are learning to count to ten in English and Spanish," said Stephanie Brown, a recent graduate of Sojourner Douglass College, Cambridge, and a volunteer that works with the 3 to 6 year old children.

Joining the youth from the PSC summer program were children from the summer programs of Waugh United Methodist Church and Bethel A.M.E.

"It's a great opportunity to see three different youth groups enjoying the carnival. This is a community effort. It's just a festive day on Pine Street," said Jane Devlin of the West End Citizens Association.

The summer programs of both churches and the PSC were made possible by a cash donation from the Cambridge City Council.

The PSC also received financial assistance from Dorchester Elks Lodge 223 and American Legion Post 87, Corporal Herman Hughes.