The South Hadley Youth Commission is a non-profit group that uses the money they raise to setup town-wide events for families and children of all ages. Past events include the Falls Fest fundraiser at the Town Hall, a children’s game booth at Falls Fest, a children’s holiday movie night, Chocolate Rose and “Snowman Poop” sales at South Hadley High School.

The group started two years ago when former director Adam Roberts gathered students who would be interested in joining the group. Youth Commission’s main objective is to bring together South Hadley’s youth of all ages as a way to give back to their community. Youth Commision member Andrei Danilchenko said, “I joined Youth Commission to be apart of the student government both inside and outside of school, and to make a positive difference in this town. By far, my favorite event is Falls Fest.”

No full commitment is required, anyone can help out at any of the events. Danielle Stelma took over the director position of Youth Commission in late 2013, early 2014. “I chose to take the position as Youth Commission Director because the group was something that I believed in,” says Stelma. “Having youth make a difference in their community is something I think is important. In the recent years, adolescents and young adults have been targeted as being lazy, self-centered, and rude. This is the kind of group that can change those stereotypes. The Youth Commission is a group that if it was available to me in 7-12th grade, I would have jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it. It just seemed like the right fit.”

Currently committed members are Maritza Roman, Andrei Danilchenko, Jailene Rodriguez and Dominique Stevenson-Pope with new members, Dylan Sparks and Middle School students learning the ropes. “The group of students I have now in the Youth Commission are wonderful. They are very dedicated and have a lot of great ideas we are moving forward with,” says Stelma.

Currently, the Youth Commission is having a “Flamingo Flocking” fundraiser. The group has purchased over 50 plastic, yard flamingos, and is going around filling the yards of South Hadley residents with these plastic birds. For no more than $20, you can flock a friend, remove the flock from your yard, and even buy Flamingo Insurance. All money raised from this will be put towards a Childrens Holiday Movie Night, Teenage Movie night and any future events. Not only can residents give back to the community, but can have fun while doing it.

There is no forced commitment, anyone can come to a meeting and get the feel of what it would be like to be apart of the group. If you don’t feel drawn to Youth Commission, no problem. Tell your friends to check it out, and if you do have fun, feel free to return to future meetings and events. For more information about joining and ways you can help, contact Stelma at [email protected] or call (413)-538-5017 ext. 131. Currently, every other week the group meets at 7 p.m. at the South Hadley Town Hall to discuss ideas for upcoming events.

Roman may be reached at [email protected]