What's New and Exciting at BYC?
261 Elm Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518-439-4955 ext. 1143
RECENT EVENTS
  • The 2007 Year in Review is completed and will be posted here with
    in the week.  Check back to review all that BYC accomplished in
    2007, including assisting a record number of young offenders
    navigate the juvenile/criminal justice system and successfully
    complete the Youth Court program.
  • In late October the BYC performed a mock hearing based on the
    story of Peter Rabbit for about 40 young girls scouts, their families,
    and troop leaders.  It was a terrific experience for all involved.
  • In December, Director Stacey Whiteley, attended the first official
    meeting of the National Association of Youth Courts.  Director
    Whiteley is a founding member of the National Association and is
    currently co-chairing the Special Events Committee with a fellow
    founder from Indiana.  NAYC is in the process of securing a large
    grant from the federal government that will propel the development
    and growth of NAYC for 2008 and into 2009.
  • BYC E-Updates have been distributed to electronic mailboxes for the
    past few months.  This brief, but informative, newsletter comes out
    every other month and includes current events, member
    appreciation, and community service project information.  To
    subscribe to this electronic newsletter, email: byc261@yahoo.com
    and put e-update in the subject line.
  • In February, Director Whiteley assisted in leading her first
    Association of New York State Youth Courts meeting in the position
    of 1st Vice-President.  ANYSYC is working diligently on developing
    a cohesive group of Youth Court staff and supporters throughout the
    state.  A current project that is really exciting is the development of a
    Youth Advisory board that will help the Association in decision
    making and event planning.  Check the ANYSYC website for more
    information:  www.NYSyouthcourts.org .
  • Exciting news for our sister Youth Court, Colonie Youth Court.  
    Director Violet Colydas was invited to attend a luncheon at the
    White House with the President and Mrs. Bush.  The event took
    place on February 7th and according to Director Colydas, "It was an
    experience of a lifetime."  Last year, Mrs. Bush visited the Colonie
    Youth Court and observed a mock hearing as part of her "Helping
    America's Youth" initiative.  Although Director Colydas did not get
    an opportunity to meet the President, she did get a chance to have a
    few words and a photograph with the First Lady.  


UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Spring is almost here!  That means that BYC will again be preparing
    the garden at Town Park for planting.  This year a new permanent
    fence will be installed by volunteers and offenders that will hopefully
    assist in keeping the wildlife away from the garden.
  • BYC will also participate in Global Youth Service Days during the
    month of April.  BYC will work on our garden as well as assist a local
    seniors' home with general spring clean up.
  • Law Day is May 1st and BYC will again perform a fairy tale mock
    hearing for youngsters from local scout troops.  This is one of the
    best attended and enjoyable events for both the members and the
    participants.  Contact byc261@yahoo.com if your scout troop would
    be interested in attending this performance or would like to schedule
    an encore.
  • Attention Senior Youth Court Members!          
    Enter to win a $500 cash award in honor of Judge Peter C. Wenger,
    a founder of the Bethlehem Youth Court.  An essay approximately
    750 words that reflects how Youth Court has influenced your life
    needs to be submitted by March 1st.  The essays will be reviewed
    anonymously by a panel of judges and scored.  The author of the
    essay with the highest score will receive the $500.00 cash award at
    the BCHS awards night, May 29th.
Peter Rabbit and his mother
listen to testimony at Peter's
hearing.
BYC members and some of the girls that participated in
the fall mock hearing.
Some of the New Yorkers at the National
Association Meeting and Conference in New
Orleans, LA.  
Front Row L to R: Stacey Whiteley, Violet
Colydas (Colonie YC), Rene Smith
Back Row L to R: Judy Wolfe (Syracuse Schools'
Student Court, John Duncan (Asst. US
Attorney), and Andrew Placito
The produce and flowers from the garden in August of 2007