Youth Service Bureau

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YSB's Pool Tourney "Racked" the House!

YSB’s Pool Tourney “Racked” the House!
On Saturday, April 26, seven youth and adult pairs teamed up around pool tables at the Stars & Strikes Entertainment Center in Wyoming for some friendly competition at the Youth Service Bureau’s Pool Tourney. Participants enjoyed interacting as teams, learning more about the game, and getting to know the competitive side of their own teammates.

Congratulations to the following pairs, who finished the day with trophies:
1st Place: Jake Larson, 16, and Nick Klepsa, adult.
2nd Place: Blake Oberstar, 16, and Chris Potsmith, adult.
3rd Place: Josh Sommer, 16, and Richard Sommer, adult.

The Youth Service Bureau would like to thank Stars & Strikes for providing the facilities for this alcohol and smoke free, youth friendly event. Thanks also to Brad Klepsa for providing supervision and structure to this tournament. This program would not have been possible without these partners.

Another tourney for youth & adult pairs will be available this fall! For more information about Pool Tourneys and other ways to get involved in the community, please contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at
(651) 464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org.

Posted 5/9/08

YSB shares "What's Cooking" with Teens!

YSB shares “What’s Cooking” with Teens!
Parents: Do you have a teen heading to college in the fall, but has NO idea how to cook for themselves? Or what about teens needing to make their own dinner a couple nights a week?

Teens: Have you ever wondered how to re-create your favorite meal from a restaurant?

YSB has a new volunteer named Joor Erin who has her own company as a caterer and personal chef (Soup du Joor, www.soupdujoor.com). She is passionate about cooking, food & being healthy and wants to pass along valuable lifelong culinary skills to youth in our community. She’s offered to teach them all about it!

Youth entering grades 7-12 are welcome to attend “Cooking with Joor” offered once per month. Scheduled so far are Tuesday, May 27 and Tuesday, June 17. Sessions will be held from 6:00-8:00pm in Wyoming’s St. Paul Lutheran Church’s kitchen. Cost is $10 per session. Dinner is included as youth will be eating what they make! The youth will get to vote on what they make at the next month’s session. May’s theme is “Fiesta de Mayo,” and the youth will be making Salsa Verde, Chicken Enchiladas, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole. A parent waiver must be signed for each participant. Classes are limited to 8 youth. Call now to get signed up!

For more information about “Cooking with Joor” and other ways to get involved in the community, please contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at
(651) 464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org.

Posted 5/9/08

Graduation Safety

Graduation Safety
Graduation is fast approaching and graduating teens are anxious to celebrate. While celebrations are an important part of passing a milestone, it is important to celebrate smart and safely.
It is becoming increasingly common for parents and older adults to supply alcohol to graduates in celebration of their success. When these adults are not adhering to local laws, they put their entire community at risk. When minors celebrate graduation success with a few drinks, they begin losing decision making abilities and motor skills. These underage drinkers often find themselves driving home impaired, increasing the risk of hurting themselves and others.
It is unlawful to serve or sell alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. Adults who provide alcohol to a minor face a $3,000 fine and up to one year in jail. In Minnesota, third parties who become injured, as a result of a crime, are oftentimes allowed to sue the adult who furnished alcohol to the minor. If the violation causes serious injury, the adult provider could face up to 10 years imprisonment.
Tips to celebrate in style without alcohol!
1) Cater! Instead of the traditional sloppy joes, make a small investment in good food. Consider catering party subs or food from your favorite restaurant. If catering isn’t in your budget, get creative. Make fruit kabobs with brightly colored tropical fruits for a taste and style above the rest. Put a hand in making deli wraps. Include vegetables that contrast in color for an attention-grabbing sandwich.

2) Root Beer Kegs! Rather than providing alcohol, choose root beer kegs for a fun and safe alternative. Most teenagers also enjoy energy drinks and sodas. Although these are not healthy beverage options, they are very well-liked among the younger generation.

3) Independence! Ensure that your graduate has time with friends without the family hanging around. Offering this independence can go a long way. Sometimes, a teen can feel suffocated or embarrassed when an aunt or grandma is hanging out with the young crowd. It’s okay to pick and choose the moments to be with your graduate.

4) Invite The Overlooked! Many students have a teacher, coach, or other adult he or she closely connects with. It shouldn’t be a surprise as to who this adult is, as your teen will often talk about him or her in some conversations. Extend a warm invitation to this person, and tell them the impact they had on your teen’s life. Your teen will likely never forget the time when the coach joined in on the celebration.

For more information on graduation safety, contact: nate.kruckeberg@ysblakesarea.org.

Posted 5/6/08

YSB's Coffee Talk is Great for High School Girls

YSB’s Coffee Talk is Great For High School Girls

High school girls - Coffee Talk is for you. Coffee Talk is for chatting, connecting, relating, sharing, growing, and learning with other high school girls! There are FIVE area coffee shop locations to choose from. Each girl will receive a free coffee talk travel mug during her first Coffee Talk session! Participants will also receive punches on their Coffee Talk Punch Card; 1 punch for attending and 1 punch for bringing a new friend. Ten punches earn you a $3 drink for free at that coffee shop, paid for by YSB!
Times and dates vary by location: Join us at the Nesting Grounds in Wyoming every other Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm (*NEW TIME*) starting May 8, at the Coffee Depot in Chisago City every other Thursday from 3:00-4:00 starting May 15, at the Sacred Grounds in Stacy every other Tuesday from 4:30-5:30pm starting May 13, at Kodiak Coffee in Forest Lake every other Tuesday from 3:00-4:00pm starting May 20, or at Cool Beanz in North Branch every other Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm starting May 15.
Contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at 651-464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org for more information.

Posted 5/2/08

Youth and Diet Pill Dangers

Youth and Diet Pill Dangers
Thousands of diet pill advertisements appear on television, in magazines, and on billboards. It seems that everyday there is a new product being marketed to help you “lose weight fast” or as one product says, “become all you ever envied.” These advertisements are sending all kinds of negative messages out to our most vulnerable population: youth and they are listening.
In a University of Minnesota study published in 2006, it was shown over a five year period that the use of diet pills among high school aged females doubled from 7.5 to 14.2 percent and that by the ages of 19 and 20, 20 percent of females surveyed used diet pills. These are alarming statistics. Diet pills have many side effects and can be very dangerous if not used properly. Even when used properly, diet pills are rarely effective, just look at the fine print at the bottom of many ads and you’ll see “results not typical”.
According to www.something-fishy.org, a website devoted to eating disorder awareness, diet pills can cause the following symptoms: nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, high blood pressure, fatigue and hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias and palpitations, congestive heart failure or heart attack, stroke, headaches, dry mouth, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation, intestinal disturbances, tightness in chest, tingling in extremities, excessive perspiration, dizziness, disruption in menstrual cycle, hair loss, blurred vision, fever and urinary tract problems. Overdoses can cause tremors, confusion, hallucinations, shallow breathing, renal failure, heart attack and convulsions.
There is no effortless way to lose weight. The healthiest and most effective way is to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. In a world where we want instant gratification, it is often easier to choose what we feel will give us instant results, no matter what the side effects may be. We need to help our youth improve their body image so that they don’t feel the need to “become all they ever envied” by taking diet pills and we need to protect them from the false messages of the diet industry promising a quick fix at a potentially dangerous cost.

Posted 4/30/08

FLPD Officer Matt Smith to Receive YSB Award for Service to Local Youth

FLPD Officer Matt Smith to receive YSB award for service to local youth
Officer Matt Smith, Forest Lake Police Department, has been selected by YSB’s Board of Directors to be honored with the James Trudeau Law Enforcement Award for exemplary service to local youth in 2007. Smith is liaison officer to Forest Lake Area High School. Presentation details are being arranged.

The James Trudeau Law Enforcement Award is presented annually by Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau to a local licensed law enforcement officer living or working in the YSB’s primary service area (Washington and Anoka County communities served by ISD 831 and all of Chisago County) who is a positive role model for youth, breaks down barriers between youth and adults, and shows enthusiasm, leadership, generosity and service to youth above and beyond job duties. The award is named for YSB founder, former Forest Lake Chief of Police, and retired Washington County Sheriff James R. Trudeau. Past honorees include Sergeant Greg Weiss, Forest Lake Police Department, Anoka County Deputy Christopher Beck and Officer Tim Tougas, Lakes Area Police Department.

Posted 4/29/08

YSB Names On Behalf of Youth Award Recipient

Youth Service Bureau Names On Behalf of Youth Award Recipient

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (April 28, 2008) – Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau is pleased to announce that Mike Brinkman, Scout master of Boy Scout Troop 142 in Wyoming, has been selected to receive the 2007 On Behalf of Youth Award. The award is given annually to one area adult in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to youth in our community.
Mike was nominated for the award by troop co-volunteer Lynnette Roshell. YSB received six letters of support for the nomination, five from parents and one from troop member, Jacob Roshell who wrote, “ He (Brinkman) expects nothing less than excellence from everyone, and you feel compelled to improve yourself and to reach for excellence as a result…He has made a huge difference in my life.”
Brinkman will be presented with the On Behalf of Youth Award at Troop 142’s annual dinner and award ceremony at Faith Lutheran Church on Monday evening May 19.

Posted 4/29/08

YSB Benefits from E-Cycling Event

Over 11,000 pounds of old electronics were dropped off at an E-Cycling Event sponsored by Ace Hardware (Sandy Husnik) and collaborating partner E-Cycling Solutions (Dan Schultz & Terry Bergeron)on Saturday, April 19. Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau and Community Helping Hand each received a check for $725.00 as a result of the fund raiser. Ace Hardware is an E-Cycling Solutions drop site.

Posted 4/29/08

Adolescent Anger Management Program and the YSB

Acting out, rage, irritable behavior, or argumentative are ways that many parents describe their teens. Often teenagers lack the skills to know how to handle their anger. The Youth Service Bureau (YSB), through it’s R.E.A.C.H. program, can help. R.E.A.C.H. is a course designed to help adolescents in their struggles with anger issues. There will be a six-week program meeting Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:00 p.m. May 22 through June 26th at the Youth Service Bureau. The course will be lead by Jessica Lynch, a Youth and Family Counselor at the Youth Service Bureau in Forest Lake. To participate, adolescents and their parents must sign up and complete an intake interview prior to the beginning of class. The cost if $75 for the intake and the six-week course, payment is due at the intake. Please contact the Youth Service Bureau at 651.464.3685 to sign up for the class or if you have questions about this program.

Posted 4/25/08

Forest Lake Safety Camp Seeks Junior Counselors

Teen volunteers are needed to serve as Junior Counselors to elementary school campers at the Forest Lake Safety Camp, which teaches youth about all types of safety! Junior Counselors are required to be on site at Forest Lake Elementary from 8:00-4:30 each day on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-18, 2008. Junior Counselors play games with the kids during free times, keep campers in small groups, ensure that their group moves together from activity to activity, eat FREE lunch with the kids, and see lots of cool presentations…plus, they’ll be with other teens and can even bring a friend. This popular volunteer opportunity is open to all teens, entering 8th grade and older. All volunteers will receive a free instructor T-Shirt! Being a Safety Camp Junior Counselor will boost your resume and can fulfill up to 16 service hours needed for confirmation or other purposes.
Parents: think your teen would be great at this with a little guidance? No problem! All Junior Counselors are required to attend a training session on Thursday, June 12 from 6-7pm at the Youth Service Bureau. We’ll go over everything the teens can expect to encounter, and how to make this event fun for the campers and for them!
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Junior Counselor, please contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at 651-464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org for more information.

Posted 4/25/08

YSB's Teen Game Time is a Blast!

YSB’s TGT is a Blast!

Attention all youth in grades 7 through 9! Hang out with friends and have fun this spring. Come and check out Teen Game Time at the Youth Service Bureau! We have an Xbox, air hockey, board games and activity collaborations with the Forest Lake Rangers 4-H Club! Recently added to our Xbox games is DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION! Come show off your dance moves while engaging in some friendly competition against a friend using the stomp pads correlated to the video screen. It’s a ton of fun! There is no charge for admission and no need to pre-register. Doors are open every Sunday during the school year from 2:00-5:00pm except holidays. The last Sunday session will be on June 1. Teen Game Time switches to Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 for the summer starting June 11! The Youth Service Bureau is located at 244 N. Lake Street. Bring a friend and join us for the fun!
Please contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at 651-464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org for more information.

Posted 4/18/08

Lakes Area Golfers: Register Today for the Sixth Annual YSB Tourney!

Lakes Area Golfers: Register today for the Sixth Annual YSB tournament!

FOREST LAKE, Minn. The sixth annual YSB Golf Tournament benefiting the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau (YSB) will be held Friday, June 20, 2008, at Castlewood Golf Course (aka “The Rock”) beginning with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The tournament will feature a hole-in-one contest courtesy of sponsor Whitaker Buick Pontiac GMC.

All local golfers are invited to play in the fundraising tournament, which is a four-person scramble format. Top prizes include $400 cash to the first-place team, $200 cash to the second-place team, and six additional $25 prizes for course events. In addition, a raffle will be held for a variety of prizes, including a membership at Castlewood Golf
“The Rock,” full-week pass tickets to the 3M Championship PGA golf tournament in Blaine, Tanner’s Brook golf rounds, Twin tickets and many other great prizes.

Early-bird registration cost is $75 per person or $300 per four-person team if registered by May 20, or $80 per person or $320 per team after that date. The cost includes nine holes of golf, two power carts and dinner at Stella’s on 97 following the event. Separate dinner tickets are available for additional guests for $20 each.

Only one player on each team may have a handicap of five or under and teams must have a combined team handicap of over 24 (nine-hole handicap). Mulligans (one per golfer) and Eagles (one per team) will be available for purchase.
Registration deadlines are May 20 for the early-bird discount and June 6 for all other registrations. To register, contact Brenda Wurtinger at (612) 209-8153 or email bwurtinger@lakeareabank.com. Registration forms are also available under the Event Calendar tab at www.ysblakesarea.org.

Posted 4/11/08

"Home Stretch" Events Benefits YSB with "First Look" Extravaganza

“Home Stretch” Events Benefits YSB with “First Look” Extravaganza
Over 200 guests were treated to a first look at Running Aces Harness Park on April 4th and 5th at “Home Stretch” benefits for Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau. The events included tours, Harness Racing 101, introduction to Poker and Black Jack, and tantalizing samples from Running Aces’ Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Saturday attendees were also present for several qualifying races.
In his welcoming remarks to guests, Running Aces Harness Park partner Jeff Halpern stated that the YSB events were a perfect way to get things off to a good start, in keeping with the Park’s firm commitment to be an involved and supportive community partner. The events raised over $4,000 in support of YSB programs. “The great thing about the Home Stretch events is that they were win-win for both YSB and Running Aces Harness Park,” said YSB staff member Pam Trudeau, adding, “everything about the facility and the service exceeded our hope, and the feedback from guests has been tremendous.”
Running Aces Harness Park will also host YSB’s 2nd Annual TASTE! event on Thursday, August 28th. TASTE!, an event to benefit YSB, will showcase favorite menu items from nearly two dozen Lakes Area restaurants.

Posted 4/9/08

YSB Recommends Resources

Teenagers are faced with decision making situations every day. Sometimes emotions are running high and it is hard to get the facts in order before making a choice. www.fox.com/pause is an excellent resource for both parents and teens. This website highlights how important it is to take a “pause” (a moment to gather the facts and take a breather) before making a decision. “Pause” is a non-judgmental website which addresses all sides of common issues that teens face relating to their bodies, minds and relationships.
www.abovetheinfluence.com is a webpage designed to inform teens about how destructive alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can be. It includes opportunities for youth to play games, watch videos & take quizzes. There is also detailed information on specific controlled substances and how they affect the body, including prescription & over the counter medication. Additionally, this site features a help link which contains information on how to help a friend or what to do when parents are using.
www.empoweringparents.com has a free e-mail newsletter that parents can sign up for, which includes articles from professionals who give useful, hands-on tips which can be used right away. They also have several articles relating to specific issues that you may be facing with your child.
All three of these websites can be accessed through YSB’s “Featured Links” tab on our website, www.ysblakesarea.org.
Contact Tovah Rykken at the Youth Service Bureau at 651-464-3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org for more information on the above websites.

Posted 4/4/08

Area Businesses Help Battle Student Truancy

Area Businesses Help Battle Student Truancy
The Youth Service Bureau has collaborated with area businesses, law enforcement, and local schools to minimize student truancy. Signs reading, If you’re skipping school then skip this place, will soon be visible in many area businesses. What’s more, business employees are being highly encouraged to approach a student and inquire about the student’s absence from school if he or she is seen in the store unattended during regular school hours.
Posting the skipping school signs is an advantageous way of letting students know that local businesses value education and are concerned about keeping kids in school. In addition, it provides businesses a much-needed opportunity to become actively involved in the fight against student truancy.
Truancy is an ongoing problem in many schools and is often a byproduct of depression, abuse, poor decision making abilities, anger, or peer pressure. Consistent truancy often results in unsatisfactory grades, strained student-teacher relations, a loss in self esteem, and dropping out of school.
Parents are encouraged to be cognizant of behavioral changes in their teen, as these changes may be a sign of struggles in school. Help your teen prevent school related struggles by having open discussions in a comfortable environment. Openly discuss problems that your teen may encounter in school or with friends. Don’t be afraid to discuss sensitive issues! Communicative discussions can efficiently and effectively battle truancy.
Help show your support of the collaboration in helping to minimize student truancy by thanking businesses employees on your next visit to your local area business. Sharing a simple thank you to the area businesses who post the skipping school signs inspires them with confidence and hope. The confidence and hope may potentially be the one thing that inspires area businesses to help keep at-risk youth in school earning an education they deserve.
For more information on effective ways of combating student truancy, contact: nate.kruckeberg@ysblakesarea.org

Posted 3/19/08

Posted 12/3/07

Posted 7/26/07

Posted 4/23/07

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