The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1935-07-30
so Children Guests
At Lions Club Farm
UndernOmished Youngsters Regaining Health in Sum
shine-ExceIIent Staff OF Attendants Supervising

More than so undernourished
children of the city have found
that the health farm sponsored by
the Lions club in Woodbury. has
al of the requirements necessary
to put underweight youngsters on
the road to recovery, added weight
and a sun tan that is the envy of
all their friends.
The children cared for by the
Lions club are selected by officials
of st. Mary's and the Waterbury
hospitals and the Chase dispensary
from among the hundreds who are
given care each week. The usual
time given each child is five weeks
although many ;s'e regarded as Inn
proved before the termination OF
this period. Some remain for an
extra period and have the adyan-
tage of added care. Cards furnish
ed by the hospital authorities and
the dispensary analyze the defects
of the child and they. are cared
for IN the manner suggested.
The location of the health farm
is IL miles from Waterbury and Is
situated on the Bethlehem and Wa
tertoWn road in Woodbury.. 1t is
known as Stony Brook Farm and
can easily be distinguished by
passing motorists.
Attendants
The youngsters are cared for by
Miss johnson, Axel johnson, Miss
Eleanar Belyea and Walter Smith.
Miss johnson and her brother,
Axel, have been noted for their
work along these lines in the past.
Miss Belyea is native of this city.
She was graduated from Temple
College, Baptist Institute in Phila-
delphia, Pa, and the members of
Lions club have been fortunate in
securing the services of one so
Mr.. Smith was formerly affiliated
with the YMCA summer camp in
we'll trained to care for children.
WATERFOWL. Then there Is the chef
who prepares meals for 20 youths
every day. This position is capably
filled by Miss Mary Hedman of
Naugatuck.
James A. Phelan, commissioner
of the board OF public works and
past president Of the Lions club.
conducted small group about the
farm yesterday and explained the
various facilities that are used to
advantage by the children. There
were gymnastic apparatus erected
in the fields, swings, croquet
court and baseball diamond. All
were situated in the open pastures
where the youngsters have the adj
vantage of the sunshine at all
hours Of the day. Then the swim
ming hol eand wading pools receive
their share Of the attention. They
are part of great brook that Is
a part of the so acres included In
the property. This site happens to
abound in popularity. Regular
hourse are set for bathing at
which time all attendants are pres
ent to see that no one neglects
their duties. The wates is so clear
that the bottom can easily be seen
in the deepest sections.
Youngsters First
The youngsters selected for the
farm are under II and when asked
about this charity venture Mr.
Phelaan stated that many individ
uals and organizations provid,
funds for their part Of a beneficial
program during the course OF ever,
year but few seem to spend theil
money right. Scholarships ar,
awarded to students when in reality
the younger children are greatly IL
need of aid. Money spent or
scholarships" said Mr.. Phelan
could easily be spent on work OF
this type" Members of the Lions
club are Of the opinion that before
a student Is entitled to attend col.
lege he or she should be made
healthy enough to complete gram
mar school. and while college edu-
cations are encouraged by the
members they believe in working
ones way ahead in the earlier
years. The cost Of keeping chill
dren at these health farms accord