New Lumby teen centre bringing old fun to a Wi-Fi generation

Oct 18, 2019 | 4:34 PM

In the small village of Lumby finding something to do, especially if you are a teenager, can pose quite the challenge.

A mother of teens for many years, Melody Bosk fully understands the struggle of keeping kids occupied.

“I have four girls. My youngest is 15 now and my oldest is 36 and I’ve seen all three of my oldest ones have nothing to do. I was constantly having to drive them somewhere you know to hang out,” said Bosk who has lived in Lumby since 1993.

But the days of boredom are soon to be eased thanks to some community members stepping up.

After purchasing the old Connect Coffeehouse building on Shuswap Avenue, Robert Wilkinson, president of the Lumby Food Bank wanted to dedicate a portion of the space to local youth.

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“I said ‘Well if that’s your hope and dream let me help you put it together,’” Bosk said.

The new teen centre will be for teens aged 13 to 19.

Once the centre opens, Bosk says it will be like a trip back in time with board games, a billiard table, jukebox and pinball machine ready to entertain.

“That’s kind of our theme. The kids today seem to like that bringing back the old, but kind of keeping with the modern,” she said.

One thing you won’t find at the new teen centre is Wi-Fi — at least for now.

“We don’t want them on their phones. Sit across from one another, talk to each other, play a game of Monopoly,” Bosk said. She added Wi-Fi might come in the future.

Other details, including the centre’s name are still being worked out.

Teens have been offering up their input and a soft launch is scheduled for Halloween.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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