What teens need is a little fun
by Stacy McCarthy, Outpost staff
Teens need safe entertainment
"Teens can't just hang out and have fun anymore,"Katie Henrie, 17, said. "We either get in trouble or become victims of a hate crime."
According to The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention statistics, incidences of juvenile violence increases through the afternoon and early evening, peaking between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The lack of entertainment for teens is one of many concerns that has been raised in the discussion of teen violence. The City Council Youth Advisory Board said that teens tend to participate in harmful or violent activities to keep themselves entertained. Henrie said the alternative to safe fun is to hang out and cruise Virginia Street. However, that is becoming very dangerous.
Marco Urbina, 18, said he frequents teen nights at dance clubs and has only seen a few fights. However, when teen nights are not available, he hangs out with his friends and drinks.
"We like to party and dance," said Urbina. "When parties are not supervised, we add alcohol into the equation."
Angel Garcia, an advocate for teens, believes that there is limited activity for teens in this area. He emphasized that business owners want to capitalize on drinking, rather than funding underage activities.
"Nevada breeds our youth to drink and gamble," Garcia said.
There are limited activites for teens in this area. Today's youth is more interested in "clubbing." They enjoy dancing and listening to music, rather than bowling. However, for those teens who need some entertainment in their lives, here are some options to choose from.
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EIGHT BALL: David Williams, a 20-year-old University of Nevada student shoots pool with Jamie Whitton, a 16 year-old McQueen student. Cue and Cushion caters to the underaged crowd. Photo by Brad Horn |
YMCA
The YMCA offers a variety of teen programs. They host a teen dance once a month for $5. They provide a place to dance and a DJ. Dances begin at 7 p.m. and last till 11 p.m. The YMCA also offers teen basketball after school and the ozone program to assist in teen employment.
A representative of YMCA said, "the trouble with teens today are their attitudes, they want to be at an adult level." He added that every service should do what we can to ensure the well-being and safety of our youth.
Rodeo Rock
Rodeo Rock, a local club, offers a variety of music and dancing for teens under 21. Cloud Nine Entertainment hosts country and top forty teen parties and have presented bands from LA and Philadelphia. Teen nights are currently happening twice a month, however, they plan on increasing these parties to once a week. The cover charge runs from $5 to $15, depending on the music they play and the band they offer. Teen nights begin at 8pm and run till 12 p.m. Rodeo Rock offers a safe environment for teens who want the excitement of "getting their groove on." They have two security guards posted at the door throughout the night and do not have any problem with violence. Rodeo Rock is located at 1537 S. Virginia, Reno.
Keystone Cue and Cushion
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WHAT'S UP: Angela Stewart, left, a 16 -year-old Washoe High student chats with Jenifer Christle, 16 also a student at Washoe High Tuesday at Cue and Cushion. Photo by Brad Horn |
Keystone Cue and Cushion offers a family environment for teens who enjoy sinking that eight ball and getting a little chalk on their hands. The pool hall offers twenty tables, a full arcade, and a snack bar. They are open Mon-Thur 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Fri-Sat 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun 12 p.m.-12 p.m. Prices are prorated according to the number of people playing and the amount of time on a table. Two players per hour cost $9. According to Jackie Lobatto, manager of Keystone Cue and Cushion, the environment is very safe and family oriented.
"We do not serve any hard alcohol," Lobatto said. "This keeps the people from becoming rowdy."
Reno Hilton Fun Quest
Fun Quest offers 200 of the latest video and redemption games, a 5,000-square-foot laser tag arena, "Krazy Cars" bumper cars, Max Flight, Galaxian Theater, a batting cage, and a power pitcher. The laser tag arena is a live action game with special effects and music and costs $6 per person. The Galaxian Theater is a 6-person space video game and costs $2 per person. Max Flight is a 2-person virtual roller coaster and costs $10 per person. The batting cages,
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AMF Bowling
If you like to bowl, get those shoes ready and visit AMF Bowling. AMF offers affordable bowling throughout the week. Prices are $1.60 Mon-Thurs and $2.50 Fri-Sat. Shoes run between $2 and $2.50. They are open from 10am- to 2am. They are located at 120l Stardust, Reno. Jacklyn Smith, an AMF employee, said 50 percent of their customers are teenagers.
"Kids come here to participate in safe, clean fun," Smith said.
Century 14 Theatre
Century Theatre offers 14 different screens of action packed viewing, with wall to wall dobi sound. In addition to great movies, they provide a fully stocked snack bar. Outside the theatre, a huge water fountain, accompained by music, runs every five minutes. This attraction is a popular area for teens to hang out. General admission is $7.35 and matinees are $4.75. They are located at 1250 Victorian Ave., Sparks. Katie Henrie, 17, said she comes here a lot.
"There is not much to do in this town, without getting in trouble", Katie Henrie said. "My friends and I like to come here and see a good movie."
Posted March 17, 2000
Copyright 2000 Nevada Oupost