There's been a changing of the guard at Bowen Youth Services. Coordinator Matt Neufeld has left to pursue studies at Langara and John Stiver is stepping into the role.
Neufeld moved to Bowen two and a half years ago when he was hired by the municipality to oversee the youth centre.
Initially it was an adjustment in both lifestyle and attitude, one he happily made and that paid dividends. In Maple Ridge, where he'd worked with youths for nine years, the 32-year-old Neufeld was accustomed to a more frenetic pace.
"One of the first things I noticed about Bowen was how quiet and calming it was here," he said. "When I came here I was a bit high-strung, as any of the youth workers will tell you, but over time the youth and staff's calming charm rubbed off on me and I learned to relax."
The affable Neufeld turned into a big fan of local kids. "What I will miss most about this island are the youth here. Their energy, politeness, and positive attitudes are a real testament to this community and Bowen Island is truly lucky to have this group of youth."
Stiver won the job over some 38 applicants. The decision to go with Stiver, who lives on Bowen, was in large part motivated by his great attitude and years of teaching music to young people, Neufeld says. There were, he adds, strong candidates for the committee to select from.
Stiver is a talented musician who runs his own music company, Fatback Music. He is grateful he's landed a job that suits his lifestyle and his family wife Abbey-Jane McGrath and kids Hudson and Wylie and that enables him to contribute to the lives of the island's youth.
Stiver has a team of youth workers to help him along: Josh Van Dyke, Leigh-Ann Froats, Iona Buchan, and Kat Bernards. While he doesn't intend to simply rest on the past successes of Neufeld and staff, he won't be making wholesale changes.
"I am excited to continue on with the great programs that Matt and the staff have put into place, as well as come up with some new programming ideas," he said in an email interview. "I'm looking forward to working with the kids, and expanding the Youth Centre's music program."
The youth centre is open for kids age 12 to 18 on Thursday from 4-7 and Friday and Saturdays from 6-10.
There are monthly trips and periodic socials and dances. More information is available at bowenyouthcentre.ca .
