Pledge/Prayer: Pres. Bob Chase
Song: Andy Anderson
Brents Card Game Winner: David Wight
Sergeants Report: Paul Moore
Raffle Winners: Bill Suits, Sandy Taylor, Matt Rubin
Welcome Guests: Tony Ronca and Mary Seidner
Happy Bucks: Lots for Tony Ronca, former member and President of the club.
Announcements:
Sandy Taylor: Sandy reminded us about the hard work that went into the auction and that we are fortunate to have replaced a holiday weekend of work (auction was held on Thanksgiving weekend) with a day of golf outdoors. Getting sponsors is easy compared to collecting items from peoples' homes, storing the items, preparing the floor at Goodwin School, setting up, selling items and discarding the unsold items. So get out there are get your share of tee sponsors. This year is especially challenging because of the economy so an extra effort is needed by all.
Program: Mary Seidner, Director of the Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
LYSB was started about 30 years ago and is a private, non-profit organization - not a town agency. There are 100 youth bureaus in the state and only 9 are private. LYSB Mission: "LYSB, a private non-profit agency is dedicated to promoting the positive development of children and youth in Lyme and Old Lyme". LYSB serves children ages newborn to 18 years but also provides parent resource programs as well. Baby classes are held every Monday for new moms who can get together and share experiences and friendships are created. A Spanish teacher exposes kids to the language before they enter school - a very popular and effective program. There are counseling services and crisis intervention services available at no cost. There is an educator on staff who works with children with discipline and/or parenting issues. There is a Youth Coordinator for older kids and a safeplace is provided for kids to go after school. There are summer programs and a job bank to help keep kids busy during summer vacation. Through the Community Action for Substance Free Your (CASFY), a survey was developed regarding attitudes and behaviors related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. There are meetings the 4th Wednesday of the month to educate parents on the problem. LYSB has sponsored town wide events such as "Courageous Parenting 101", community talent shows, Mother-Daughter Night Out, Sitter Safety Courses, Summer Drama Camp, Spanish Playgroup, Girls Circle and more. LYSB has also developed a family internet plan to provide guidelines in the use of computers and communications online.
You can contact the LYMES' YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU by calling, 860-434-7208. Go to www.LYSB.ORG to learn more.
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