The Zone Grand Opening; Harford County Teen Dance Being Held July 9 in Bel Air

From Harford County government:

The Harford County Department of Community Services is pleased to announce the grand opening of The Zone, Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 8-11pm at the McFaul Activities Center, 525 W. MacPhail Road, in Bel Air.

The Zone, a dance for teens age 14-17, will feature a DJ, dancing, table games (pool and ping pong), prizes, raffles, a photo booth and more. The cost to attend is $10 (cash at the door); food and drink will be available for purchase.

“We are happy to provide an entertaining and fun outlet for our teens to enjoy being social, healthy and active, in a positive and safe environment,” said Joe Ryan, Harford County Department of Community Services.

Teens must bring a valid High School ID or Learners Permit/Drivers License for admission; appropriate dress code is required and no bags or backpacks will be allowed into the event. The event will be chaperoned by staff. The Boys & Girls Club will open their activity room, where table games will be available.

The Zone was created in response to a Harford County Youth Commission survey, which, over the last year, polled area youth representing diverse communities, where it was revealed that area youth would like more activities available to them.

For more information, email the Harford County Youth Commission at youth@harfordcountymd.gov, or visit us on Facebook The Zone.

In February 2008, recognizing the need for area youth to have a voice in local government, Harford County Executive David Craig requested the County Council to re- establish a Youth Commission in the county. In 2009, the Harford County Youth Commission became a part of the Department of Community Services. Youth from all six council districts are represented on the Commission, as well as youth-servicing organizations.

The purpose of the Youth Commission is to assess the needs and resources of the County in terms of programs, jobs, and activities, and to suggest programs to meet the specific needs identified by the assessments and also identify the appropriate agencies for the implementation of those programs.