New Britain herald., 1923-03-13
PUBLIC REGARDS Y
 AS SOCIAL CENTER
Looks to Association to Provide
 Facilities for Fun and Study

Emphasis on the use of the Y. NJ. c. A. as social center was made in the report for February of General Secre- tary Clarence H. Barnes at the meet ing of the board of directors last night Mir Barnes called attention to tho increasing dependence of the pub lie on the facilities for social gather ings offered by the association, cvi- dence of this being even stronger than heretofore during the months of Feb ruary. MT. Barnes report follows;
 February, the shortest month. was one of the busiest of the season. with all departments running with full program of activities. Religious work, physical work. social events and boys ,, work were at their height and in ad- dition to our own program the asso- citation functioned as a social center for many other organizations. who , used our building for their activities. This feature of community service is often lost sight of and taken as mat ter of course because of our long standing policy of accommodating other organizations who wish the use of our facilities. During the past month the Civic League was organ ized here and held its first supper in the banquet hall: the various armies and committees of the Everyman's Bible class have met here. often with a supper; the class as a whole was entertained at social, and the Blue Army has bowied regularly. The To- n1, ot 1f Drot t,e 1,oI their annual social and banquet here and the American Legion has had the use of rooms for rchearsals for their coming show. The w. c. T. U. and the Poultry club also meet here at regular times.
 Physical Department.
 "The attendance in gymnasium classes and other features of the physical department was high. One hundred and six organized gym class es were conducted during the month with an attendance of 2,659, with 3.3S9 baths taken by men and boys. In addition to this regular schedule. two groups meet weekly for training by the physical directors for leader ship in the gymnasium work. At the end of the season these young men take written examinations and gym nasium tests for qualification.
 "The volley ball tournament con- ducted for the business men this win ter was brought to a successful close with a supper for the contestants and the awarding of prizes. Mir. Herg- strom was elected chairman of the Y M. c. A. State Volley Ball tournament and the local association entertained the teams from Hartford and Winsted last Saturday.
 The program for the Everyman's s Bible class frolic was conducted in our gymnasium with a full program of games and athletic events.
 One of the pleasant events of the season was social given by the Y. W. c. A. girls to the members of our Leaders corps.
 "A large group is now working hard in preparation for the circus which proved so successful last year.
 Bible Class.
 The John l.. Davis Bible class con- tinues in popularity and usefulness, with weekly meetings for supper and a talk. After each meeting there is some social activity, and on Washing tons birthday a special social was held with an entertainment supplied by local talent, The T. Four, William ziegler and an orchestra from the class, led by Mir. Hollard. The last meeting of the season will be held the 29th of this month. when, as a spe- cial event, the ladies will be invited to supper and later a social program will be carried out.
 Industrial Work.
 "As part of the industrial work the Employed Boys club meets for week ly instruction under the leadership of MT. Preble. February 13, F. R.. Woods gave very splendid talk to this group. Another Foremen's Night will be held March 2s, with talk by pr. Jonathan c. Day of Berea college as the speaker. Following the talk there will be an entertainment music and lunch.
 Boys Department.
 Over 100 High school boys are en- rolled in the Hi-Y club which meets Monday nights for supper and a talk given by worthwhile speaker. Mir. | Dorbuck has secured very high cali Der men for these meetings and their