from the office of Dr. Paul G. Young, Executive Director

Visit our website at: http://www.westafterschoolcenter.org/
This weekly update is distributed via email to the WASC Board of Directors & Staff, Volunteers, School Staffs, Parents, State and National Afterschool Advocates, Providers, and Community Leaders

The West After School Center was notified this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI) that we have been awarded a $43,000 grant as part of the FEED OHIO Summer Food Program to expand our summer lunch program this summer to three new sites in Lancaster – the playgrounds at Cedar Heights, Tallmadge, and South Elementary Schools. This program will operate in conjunction with what we have done in previous years at the WASC for the West School Community, the Eastside Center for Success at East School, and the Robert K. Fox Family YMCA. We hope to provide lunches and noon time programming to 500-600 children in Lancaster June 3 - August 15, 2008.   Once the GOFBCI office makes contact about all the details, we will begin buying equipment with our valued partner, the Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Head Start, and begin to repair the infrastructure of the kitchen at the Utica Center and advertise for some part -time summer program positions associated with this grant. This is good news for the children of Lancaster who otherwise might not have access to a balanced lunch during the summer vacation..
Scrapbooking Saturday April 12, 2008 Liberty Center-Lancaster 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost $25.00, limited to first 50 to sign up			Your day includes: • Twelve hours of scrapbooking fun • Lunch & beverages • Welcome gifts, door prizes & a chance to win a grand prize • Access to Creative Memories tools and products (10% of all sales goes to United Way) • Beginner hands on sessions conducted by Creative Memories Consultants at 10:00 & 2:00 • Breakout sessions on make and take items CALL 653-0643 BY APRIL 10 TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT   See attached for additional details.  Call the United Way office for reservations or email sorlando@uwayfairfieldco.org
FAMILY FESTIVAL EVENT COMING SOON Matt Jergens Comedy and Juggling Show.			Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 4:00 pm The West After School Center will host the Matt Jergens Comedy and Juggling Show. All families are invited to this FREE event. The Family Festival is sponsored by The Recovery Center & Kaleidoscope Entertainment.   To learn about Matt Jergens and see a short video, visit: http://www.mattjergens.com/
The WASC Youth Media Program Follow the progress of this weekly program by reading the blog at: http://westafterschoolcenter.wordpress.com/
Students at the WASC enjoyed a wonderful presentation to commemorate "Kick Butts Day" on April 2. Heather Shuster, Fairfield County Department of Health and Brandon Parrish, student at General Sherman Jr. High shared many facts about tobacco, nicotine, chemicals associated with cigarettes and health issues. They then played Tobacco Jeopardy. The students had a great time and learned a lot.
Cinderella’s Closet A dream is a wish your heart makes. To all girls 8th – 12th grades dreaming of going to the dance/prom.  Thru volunteers and community support we are able to invite you to come to Cinderella’s Closet and shop for your prom/dance dress.  We will have dresses, shoes, & accessories available free of charge.	Friday, April 11 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm  Saturday, April 12 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Stanbery Cafeteria 345 East Mulberry St. Lancaster				The Closet is open to all girls, 8th-12th, attending a Fairfield County school. We do ask that each girl bring only one other person with them due to space.  All items will be distributed free of charge on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions please contact Lisa Dawson at 681-9503, ldawson6@columbus.rr.com, or Kelly Brown 654-0768, lkbrown@columbus.rr.com.
Get to Know a WASC Volunteer	My association with the WASC is: volunteer tutor How Long?  first year I was born in: Massillon, Ohio My childhood ambition was to be a: a minister My job is: a youth minister If not working at my job, I'd rather be: spending time with my wife. If I did not live in Lancaster, I'd rather live: somewhere warm My favorite pastime is: sports, movies My favorite food is: lobster My favorite TV show is:  Chuck My favorite style of music is: Christian My favorite movie is: no favorite I am inspired by: God's word. To me, a perfect day is: spent with my wife and my dogs.
JASON BLACKWELL