FARMINGTON # The Farmington Recreation Department is planning to open the Community Center on Middle Street for after-school hours starting Monday, Oct. 6 during the following times:

- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:15 to 4:45 p.m. for Mount Blue Middle/High School students.

- Tuesdays and Thursdays for elementary students, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.

Students will have access to the gymnasium, batting tunnel, recreation room, computer lab, and video gaming chamber under the supervision of recreation department staff. There is no fee for this service. For information, call 778-3464.

According to data collected by the Maine After School Network, 23 percent of Maine youth are responsible for their own care after school, but only 15 percent of Maine's children and youth in grades kindergarten to 12 participate in afterschool programs. However, data indicate that nearly 35 percent of the Maine children and youth in self-care would attend an afterschool program if one were available to them in their community or neighborhood. A recent survey of Maine principals reveals that 89 percent believe that Afterschool programs are an absolute necessity in their communities.

The After School Network will have a rally for funding after-school programs at the Capital Building in Augusta at 10 a.m. on Oct. 16.