Summer fun is underway and that fun doesn&8217;t stop short at the Theo Ratliff Activity and the U.S. Jones Recreation centers. Summer programs began this week at the centers. Center leaders are expecting more than 100 children this year.

The centers play a vital role in area children&8217;s lives. The centers give children an opportunity to be constructive with their summer free time and have safe fun. We commend the center volunteers and workers for the efforts made to better our children and their future. Ed Ward, director for the center, and his staff spend their time educating children through tutorial programs and after school activities, not to mention the various summer classes. Craft classes such as Emma Gibbs&8217; class are a staple of summer activities at the U.S. Jones Recreation Center.

We also encourage community members to spend some of their free time at the centers and have a positive impact on children&8217;s lives.