2010 has already showed that great things are to come. We are excited and eager at Active Youth and Community to get this new year started in the right direction by bringing you more community news, events, promotions, and information. We are in the process of changing and updating some aspects of our publication. As always, we welcome and value feedback, ideas, and suggestions from the community. If there are things that you would like to see in AYC and we have been missing, please find my email address in the staff box to the left and drop me a quick line.

In this and upcoming issues we are continuing our staple columns and adding a few more. “Auto News” is a new column written by Bill Lofton. Bill is the owner of the Kwik Kar service station located on Rock Prairie and Wellborn. At the end of last year, Bill helped to simply explain the importance of oil to your engine and the different choices you have when maintaining it. We received great feedback from this feature and have decided to continue it. A little basic understanding of your vehicle can make a huge difference, so please continue reading! Brand new for this year is a Pet Column, written by Miriam Rieck. Miriam owns a local canine and equestrian boarding facility like no other and is very passionate about animals. She even offers FREE COPIES of the Brazos Valley Dog Directory. This wonderful and expansive reference book is a must for all area dog owners as it lists most (if not all) of the canine services available in our area. Please contact Miriam for your copy and give her column a read. This month it is featuring our Dog Parks and some things to think about before you go. This month’s local business spotlight is a unique and valuable asset to the College Station Community. Susan’s Ballroom Dance and Etiquette offers an array of dance instruction, programs, and activities for people of all ages. Susan has been offering lessons for 21 years and is a wonderful supporter of AYC. We are proud to offer our readers a closer acquaintance with Susan and all the areas that she can help you with.

February is the month of love and there are many great gift ideas offered in the area. Beyond the roses and chocolate, maybe your special someone would greatly enjoy a message, a visit to the spa, dance lessons, a nice dinner, a short vacation getaway, or just a night out with just the two of you! Whatever choice you make, if you are in need of some relief from parental duties, Powersports is offering a Valentine’s lock in from 8pm to 8am on February 13th, please contact them for further info and be sure to use your coupon offered in their AYC ad.
The weather looks be beautiful this month and a great way to enjoy it is at one of our community parks. In fact, there has been a recent facelift and expansion to the park located off of Alexandria in the Shenandoah subdivision. The City of College Station has added on to the playground, picnic, and basketball areas by providing lighted walking trails through the woods and also installed the area’s newest Frisbee golf course. Frisbee golf is something that I need to work on, but it is a lot of fun, enjoyable by everyone in the family and a great way to get outdoors. This is my first opportunity in 2010 to THANK YOU for reading AYC and for providing our area with a wonderful community. Without everyone’s contributions, College Station would not be what it is today.

‘Til next month…stay safe and happy, and like Tom always says, don’t forget to feed the birds!!

Geoff Spahr
Publisher Active Youth & Community Magazine, College Station