Gilbert Murrillo painting the bridge.The Market St. walking bridge that connects the visitor center parking lot to downtown Silver City received a fresh coat of paint thanks to the Community Youth Building Program, the Knights of Columbus, and the Town of Silver City.

The Community Youth Building Program is led by Gary Stailey, who has been working with this group of youth volunteers for several years. Some of the youth volunteers are students at the Opportunity School who earn elective credits with their volunteer service. The youth do a project almost every Saturday morning somewhere in the community.

With paint supplied by the Town of Silver City, the youth partnered with the Knights of Columbus to paint the bridge. Knights including Councilor Jose Ray, his brother Richard Ray, Gilbert Murillo and Lawrence Chavez all volunteered along with the youth and painted the bridge in one morning.

The project was coordinated by Silver City MainStreet. "I love the collaborative and volunteer service of our community, states Silver City MainStreet Executive Director Charmeine Wait. A number of projects have been accomplished this year with volunteers from the Community Youth Building Program on behalf of Silver City MainStreet. The downtown planters that have been installed on Bullard St., maintenance of the visitor center grounds, the irrigation system along the Big Ditch Park below 6th Street, and clean up and painting of Lions Park. These projects would not otherwise be able to be done in a timely manner. We are very grateful for the youth program, Gary Stailey, the Knights of Columbus and the Town of Silver City."

In addition to getting project accomplished, Gary Stailey has seen some transformations in youth who have developed ownership and pride in the projects they have worked on. They also enjoy learning the skills needed to accomplish these projects.

The mission of Silver City MainStreet is "To encourage a vibrant, historic downtown Silver City which is recognized as the heart of our diverse community." Please visit our website, www.silvercitymainstreet.com to learn more.