Thanks to local merchants

I write with appreciation for the widespread community support for programming for young people in the Amity region.

Woodbridge Youth Services and the Town of Bethany sponsor the “Bethwood Bash” for seventh and eighth grade residents seven times each year. This ‘Positive Youth Development’ program is geared toward ‘face-to-face’ socialization, confidence building, and connecting with the community. These events usually feature music, entertainment, games, refreshments and raffle prizes. Additional programs/fundraisers include staff/student volleyball and kickball tournaments and a movie night.

Each August, new seventh graders are invited for an outdoor picnic with an inflatable slide or obstacle course. This event brings together 7th graders from Bethany and Woodbridge so they’re acquainted before the start of the school year. Each year events are held at the Center Building in Woodbridge, Bethany Town Hall or the Middle School in Bethany. We also had one great event at the Amity Teen Center!

We are proud to offer these fun events in a safe environment that is well-supervised by a staff of 6, a police officer, and parent volunteers.

Due to a limited budget, the program relies on support from local businesses and parents for assistance. It is heartwarming to have such generous support from local merchants and neighbors.

We are grateful to these local merchants for donations throughout the year: Burnt Bakery, Frogurt Time, Breugger’s Bagels, The JCC of Greater New Haven, The Country Club of Woodbridge, The Amity Teen Center, Wood ‘n’ Tap Restaurant and Hartford Restaurant Group, Amity Music, Entenmann’s Bakery, Antonio’s Restaurant, Carmine’s Tuscan Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill, Quassy Amusement Park, Amity Bowl, Subway Restaurant, Taylor Rental, Stop and Shop, Big Y and Kate’s Hot Air.

Special thanks to our volunteers and parent donors: Pennell Hamilton, Julie Luciani, Robin Kudasik, Kim Adzigian, Alexis Mugnos, Mary Lee Barker, The Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Association as well as all the rest of our fabulous parent and high school student volunteers who donate their time. Additionally, thanks to the members of the Student Social Committee: Brynn Keevil, Maddy Adzigian, Mayah Sachs, Romulus Sottile, Jackie DeGennaro, Kaylah Anastasio, and Samantha Fleischman.

And finally, we’d like to thank Dr. Richard Dellinger, principal of Amity Middle School, Bethany campus, and Social Studies teacher Ms. Marissa Nall for their all-year support.

Jeanette Glicksman
Program coordinator
Woodbridge Youth Services