GREENSBORO – In attempts to give the people of Hale County something more to do and become more of a positive influence to children, members of Outside-In met to talk about possible community activities.

Although he was just “passing through,” Tuscaloosa resident Law Lamar from the Friends of Hale County was on hand to lead the discussion.

“We can have Saturday morning movies for the children in grades two through six,” Lamar said. “We can have drinks and some kind of snack. But not something with too much sugar, something that’s nice but not bad for the kids.”

But the spotlight wasn’t just on children in Greensboro. Outside-In volunteers are also focused on “breaking down barriers and bringing people together,” pastor Bob Little, pastor Galilee Baptist Church in Panola, said.

“It’s great to see this community coming together,” Outside-In volunteer Ada Webb said.

“With a program like this,” Little said, “a lot of negative things will be deterred.”

Also involved in the discussion were concerned community residents Soynal High, Royal and Mildred Apkins, Fred and Helen Crayton, and Outside-In supporters Pat Volpel and Pam Chism.

Although the usual Thursday night activities will take place at Outside-In from 6-8 p.m. where residents can watch movies, play board games and get a card game going, the volunteers will open the center from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Monday through Friday for a coffee shop stop. Citizens will be able to buy a cup of coffee for a few cents, pick up a copy of local newspapers and get their minds together before entering the office for a hectic day at work.

From 8:15-9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6-6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays residents can get their blood flowing with a few hours of exercise.

Saturday mornings are all for children in second to sixth grade as community volunteers plan to break out the snacks, cartoons and movies for three hours of wholesome fun from 9 a.m. – noon.

Thursday nights at Outside-In are already up and running, however it will take a moment for the rest of the programs to get started. Volunteers plan to have everything set by late September.

The group also considered opening the center on professional and college football game evenings to have a nice place to get away and enjoy the competitions. However, details on when to have the center open are still in the works.

The next Outside-In meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, at the Main Street Center next to the Spiller Furniture store.

“The meetings are open to anyone who wants to help,” Chism said.

For more information on Outside-In call Pat Volpel or Pam Chism at 624-7116, 624-8455, or 624-4477.