Wyman Center Gems

Right down Forby Road from my house, we have a real jewel for service, .

It became a haven for young people. I even experienced this through the efforts of one of my grade school teachers, a Mrs. Tillery, who lived there with her husband where the pair had much to do with the formation stages of the camp.

Back in the old days, it was THE occasion to "Go to Camp Wyman" for outings or picnics from school.

Later, as a member of the , we were called on to fight leaf and brush fires in the surrounding hills. Once, we were called on to cool off the remains of a small cottage along the hill, when it burned.

Later for years, I cut the hay in the fields to the east of the camp, and through the summers watched many loads of youths on their way to camp.

Some of my children also worked from time-to-time in projects there.

(on April 10), I received a nice comment from a VISTA originally from the Houston area and now in Eureka in which she wrote:

"Currently my role at Wyman is as a Public Affairs VISTA. In this position I generate communications and marketing materials. I also photograph many of Wyman's events, from programming with our teens to events with our donors. My task are varied, and I love that everything I do contributes in some way to the success of Wyman and ultimately, the care and guidance of our teens.

Like I mentioned before, there are four other VISTAS who are currently serving with me; there is a Volunteer Coordinator, IT Coordinator, Partner Service VISTA and Program and Quality VISTA.  We all began at the same time and quickly became friends, which has been a blessing since we came from all over the country."

So I write this to welcome , and her friends, to Eureka. I think they have become my friends as a former VISTA and AmeriCorp Alum.

It is great to see young people involved in a great local community effort of which I feel I have had a lifelong connection. This is an example of which I spoke in an April 22 blog as . I spoke of filling others needs and someone commented, so now I use this opportunity to help them in my meager fashion to pass the word around.

And it cost no one anything.  Not even the government, which is right now reeling from debt and real need.

Good luck, Emily! I hope you and the others enjoy my blog.