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Beat the Street Community Center News
Web Site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beat-The-Street-Community-Center/117015911651711
121 South Colony Street,
Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: (203) 686-1639
Fax: (203) 686-1639
Help us keep kids off the street! We offer amateur boxing, hip hop dancing, music fitness, career explorer, and community service programs.
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The efforts of the Center's volunteer instructors ...
January 19, 2001
The efforts of the Center's volunteer instructors have caused a chain reaction of kindness that extends far beyond the boxing ring. Gradually over the past eight years, the Silver City Boxing Club evolved into the full-fledged community center that it is today. Almost 100 children and adults participate in the Center's two largest programs, the Silver City Boxing Club, and the Goju Karate program, said Larry Pelletier, the Center's founder and director. There is a small membership fee for the programs that is often waived, explains Susan Cusano, the administrative assistant. Part of the Center's mission is to assist members in developing scholastically as well as athletically, Mr. Pelletier said. The instructors ask to see the report cards of their students. Those goals, as well as the expansion and diversification of the Center's program, wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the dedication of the "volunteers and the trainers who come here every day," Mr. Pelletier said. Verle Robinson, a former Meriden resident, has been the boxing program's head trainer for over four years. He does not push anyone to leave at night because they are serious about boxing and not in a hurry to get out and go partying. Mr. Robinson maintains that boxing is not just hitting. It is not violence, but a sport and discipline. He added that Karate is another sport that is often mistaken as violent. It shouldn't be used to hurt anyone, but to defend yourself if you have to. Danny Rodriguez, a karate instructor from Meriden, believes that the low cost of lessons keeps young people in attendance. If parents are paying for expensive classes, children are forced to attend and resent it. Sue Mangene, of Rocky Hill, another volunteer, grew up as one of seven children and understands how it feels to do without. She is glad to help young people accomplish what she wasn't able to when she was younger.
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