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Public commenters praise youth summer programs; council seeks timeline for Portsmouth United and event promotion process
Summary
During public comment Portsmouth residents urged continued support for youth summer engagement programs. Councilmembers asked City Manager Carter for a timeline on Portsmouth United summer activities and clarified how community organizations can submit events for city promotion.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Public commenters at the Portsmouth City Council meeting on June 10 highlighted summer youth programming and asked the city to publicize opportunities broadly; councilmembers and staff responded that details will be circulated when available.
Sergio O'Neil, a Portsmouth resident, thanked the city for partnerships with community organizations that provide youth activities in the summer, and he singled out a youth band program run by New Generation that meets at a neighborhood recreation center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. He said the band has represented Portsmouth at events in Norfolk and Suffolk and has drawn requests for repeat performances in other cities.
In response, Councilwoman Bryant said the council's gun and crime task force had discussed Portsmouth United, which provided free spring-break activities, and asked City Manager Carter whether the group's summer schedule would be announced soon. Carter replied he did not have a definite time but that he would ‘‘circle back through that process and send something out to the whole group’’ and ensure the schedule is posted and advertised.
Councilwoman Thomas asked whether there's a process outside of social media for community organizations to request city vetting and promotion of events. Carter said the city maintains an events calendar and Parks and Recreation publishes an events booklet; organizations should submit requests through the marketing department, which will vet content to ‘‘protect the brand’’ and will advertise qualifying events.
Why it matters: Summer programming and clear communication help keep youth engaged and safe during high-need months; clearer procedures for event promotion help community groups reach families and ensure city information is vetted.
What residents can do: Carter said organizations should submit event information to the city marketing department for consideration and potential promotion; he and staff pledged to circulate Portsmouth United's summer schedule to council and the public when available.
