City Council Newsletter - 11/21/07

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maintain the calendar by adding meetings and events on an on-going basis. Check out the calendar when you get a chance! For further information, please contact Janie King, Information Services Division, 682-5256. th Bethel Teen Court Celebrates 10 Anniversary Youth ages 12-17 gain experience in decision-making, communication, law, and ethics when they act as jurors, case presenters, defendant advisors, bailiffs and court clerks at Teen Court. At neighborhood peer hearings, Teen Courts recommend consequences for qualifying nonviolent juvenile offenders and the courtroom outcomes are recognized by the Lane County Department of Youth Services. Teen Court volunteer hours apply toward most school community service requirements. Teen Court also gives youthful defendants an opportunity to take responsibility for nonviolent juvenile offenses and regain a clean juvenile record. (Participation by defendants is voluntary and limited to those admitting guilt.) The Bethel Teen Court program, which meets at Petersen Barn Community Center, was launched in 1997 with grant money provided through Eugene Community Partnership with support from Bethel Village Family Center, Bethel School District staff and Eugene Police school officers. A year later, the City established a budget for Bethel Teen Court. The program proved so popular that in 1999, Bethel volunteers helped to establish a West Eugene Teen Court, which meets at Churchill High School. In 2004, Lane County Department of Youth Services released a three-year study that showed peer court th was significantly effective in preventing recidivism. On October 11, 2007, the 1,000 Teen Court case was heard in Bethel Teen Court. Over the course of the 10 years, more than 13,550 people attended hearings, Teen Court members volunteered more than 21,000 hours, and defendants put in more than15,800 hours of community service. For information, contact Bruce Steinmetz, 682-6376. Bazaar Raises Funds and Spirits The annual Holiday Bazaar, held at Campbell Community Center, attracted more than 350 people on the opening day, November 17. To date, more than $3,000 has been raised through the bazaar, which benefits the center’s trust fund. The money will be used to purchase major equipment that is not covered by the City’s General Fund. Preparing for the bazaar each year requires tremendous support from the center’s patrons. Many of them hand-craft the items sold, such as quilts, hats, pies and baked goods. Others go to work soliciting goods and services that are donated by local businesses. All of the effort advances elements of the program’s mission by assisting individuals to be active and productive, maintaining social ties, and strengthening support networks and quality of life.For information, contact Yvaughn Tompkins, 682- 6315. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 November 21, 2007