Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The 2021-2022 LaGrange Youth Council spent the past year focusing on mentoring, sustainability and mental health projects as part the difference the group is trying to make in the LaGrange community. One project, in particular, will establish a garden in the Calumet Park neighborhood and honor a late community member. 

Earlier in April, the LYC’s Sustainability Committee hosted its “I Sweat Green” Fun Run Fundraiser to raise money for a community garden in the Calumet Park neighborhood.  The community garden, named Pat’s Garden, will be dedicated in the memory of the late Patricia Underwood, who owned Pat’s Corner Store on Union Street. Underwood was killed in February 2020 after a stray bullet went into her store.

At the LaGrange City Council Tuesday, Sustainability Committee Chairperson Devin Dents, updated the city council on the event’s success.

“In honor of Underwood’s great dedication for the community, we raised $1,200 for the garden,” Dents said.

Dents presented the check for the $1,200 to Calumet Park Community Service Manager Dr. Robert Tucker who spoke highly of Dents’ efforts.

“When I first saw Devin, I didn’t know what to expect, but I am so proud of this young man,” Tucker said. “[We got] someone out of Calumet of his caliber … and we thought it was going to be short-lived. [But] he’s going to bring a lot of good things to LaGrange.”

Tucker said the funds will go toward seeds and other materials needed for the garden. The products of the garden will be given to Calumet community members for free. 

Another project the LYC accomplished this year was an ice skating party for the Boys and Girls Club of West Georgia at Sweetland Amphitheatre.

This event was hosted by LYC’s Mentorship Committee who plan to host a free Mental Health Night at Sweetland Amphitheatre Monday, May 2. 

This event will include a mental health panel of professionals and a showing of the movie “Holden On.”