LOCAL HERO: Michael Foster

Allendale's Michael Foster Back to Work
by Sheila D'Amico

Readers may recall that last fall, the Metro ran an article featuring the Allendale Recreation Center's then interim program director Michael Foster. Shortly after the article appeared, Michael was physically attacked at the center. We are happy to report that Michael is back to work. He has also been hired in the permanent position of Center director.

Michael says he still is undergoing some neurological and medical tests. He also suffered a bit of memory loss and loss of some cognitive functions. As he puts it, "My mind sometimes goes through a meltdown, freezes, and slows down, then reboots and is up running again."

In spite of what happened to him and the residual effects, I found that it was the same, optimistic, community-minded Michael who was facing the task of building up the Center's programs.

Michael confirmed that attendance had been down since the attacks and added that one of the staff members was traumatized and unable to return to Allendale. Michael is now trying to build up staff and programs and is looking for some community-minded volunteers to serve on advisory committees. An adult community advisory council will look at the goals and objectives of the Center and suggest program activities. The youth advisory council will have myriad duties, including running the snack bar and planning monthly parties. The youth council will also help the Center create "Allendale Presents," an Apollo Theater-type talent search program for young people ages 18, 19, and 20.

Not that there isn't already enough on this intrepid director's call sheet. Ceramics artist Belinda Osbourne works with Passport students, first through third graders, three days a week. Susan Harmon works with the students in a pilot program, teaching reading and critical thinking. The Center is trying to start a Tiny Tots program, too. And Michael's already looking forward to the summer program, a life-skills camp for grades one through five. This is right up his alley, a place where kids can learn to socialize according to a code of conduct and without using their fists. Michael will also provide a junior and senior high-school sports camp, each week with a different sport, using the greater facilities of the Parks and Rec program.

With all this to attend to, Michael said that he received over 60 e-mails supporting him after he was attacked. Many of the e-mails came from the Allendale and the Maxwell Park communities. He asked that we say thank you, tell folks he is doing better, and that the persons allegedly responsible have been arrested. So, for Michael, until you see him personally, thank you.

If you'd like to help at Allendale Recreation Center, call 535-5635.

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