New Britain herald., 1916-05-08

 1 contests in all branches of the phy-
 sical department A swimming cam
 paign was conducted for the boys ot
 the city, last June, and dozens of 1n- 1 dividual swimming lessons were given l during the year. The total attend- 1 ance for all activities in the physical 1 department was 35,072. 701 gymna- sium classes were held with an attend | ance of 14,1O3. 29,S26 baths were | taken, and 1O1 men and boys were taught to swim.
 ] The physical department proba bly, attracts more men to the Association than any other department. Conse- Quently the physical directors have a large opportunity to connect men with other activities of the Association. This opportunity was taken advantage of by the men in charge and splendid cooperation given to the other de- partments, especially the religious work.
 Educational Department. "Is it worth while to study?' is a question that many young men of tho city have answered in the affirmative because of the Y. M. c. A. Night school The educational department aims to help meet the needs of young men handicapped in preparation for their life work, by providing an op- portunity for study in their spare time. Not only has the association offered courses of study in such fun damental subjects as Mathematics and Drawing, but it also provided such specialized subjects as Accountancy, Commercial Law and Salesmanship. A very practical course in Business English was given for the first time. Foreign born men were taught Eng fish and prepared for their citizenship examinations by lectures on Civ1cs given by prominent lawyers Of the city. A course in first aid was given for the boys. The orchestra has en- joyed the best season since it's organ ization, and has rendered valuable service at the Sunday meetings, be- sides giving a concert as the fn2l number of the entertainment course. The William H. Hart Debating club conducted series of debates, clos ing it's season with a dinner after an- other successful year. Men have been advised in relation to their work and positions found for those out of en- ployment. Thirteen different subjects were taught, enrolling 354 students. Four hundred and fifteen sessions and club meetings attracted an attendance of 4,59O.
 Words of commendation often come from employers who have young men in the Y. M. c. A. Night school, and from the students, many of whom have received advancement because of their increased ability gained through study in the association. One firm tn ct, in of the classes, paying all the charges the best possible testimony of the prac- tical value of the educational depart ment.
 Social Work.
 The social spirit that prevades the building is immediately recognized by the stranger or the visitor from an- other Y. M. c. A. This spirit of good fellowship extends into the education- al classes, expresses itself on the gym nasium floor, and is felt in all parts of the building, and in itself is more valuable than any formal social pro- gram
 During the fall and winter, when activities are at their height, the daily attendance runs over 400. A course of seven entertainm were es- pecia1Iy we'll attended, and in addition to these, stag sOcials supperS, and club gatherings provided good social times for many men. The New Years Open House, the largest event of the year, attracted many visitors to the association. A College club, organized among our young men now in college, held two meetings. The object of the club is to encourage High school boys to go on to College and to this end a scholarship fund was started, which will be used to help some students get start in college this fall.
 Religious Work.
 While the aim of the association is to make the activities of all the de- partm contribute toward the re- ligious life of it's mem bers it conducts work of a tinctly religious nature. Special emphasis was placed upon per sonal interviews by the employed of ficers with the members. In ! quiet way, men were influenced to change their way of living, connected with the church and helped in their personal problems by men sincerely interested in their welfare. The Sunday after noon meetings were especially we'll at tended this year. The Bible Study clubs were all we'll attended, especial ly the Right Living club, where prac- tical questions of every day life were discussed by prominent professional and business men of the city. Suppers preceded these meetings The Week of Prayer was observed with 2. talk to the men in the gymnasium and delegations of members attended the prayer meetings of their own church. es. The employed staff meet often for prayer and conference in the asso- citation and teach Sunday school classes in the churches. A series of six lectures on Sex Hygiene was given before group of 90 men by Dr.