May 29, 2002 By Patty Shultz 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The local community center is seeking volunteers to monitor the hallways during the serving of the summer lunch program. Connellsville Community Center board member and Discovery Time administrator Anita Fosbrink said Tuesday that four people are needed to patrol the Fairview Avenue site during the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“This would be a good job for someone that is retired and wants something to do for a couple hours a day,” said Fosbrink.

The center initially withdrew from the annual Connellsville Area School District summer lunch program last year after an area of the building was vandalized.

Following a joint meeting with community parents and city Mayor Judy Reed last month, the board of directors agreed to continue with the program provided the hallways were monitored during the daily program.

“I am pleased that the board is cooperating and that the children of the neighborhood will be able to take part in the lunch program,” said Reed.

The center has participated in the district program since its initiation in 1989. The federally funded program offers free lunches to students, ages 18 and under.

Last year, approximately 80 lunches were served daily to students. Children enrolled in Discovery Time are served separately from the community program.

“At this time, the center is being considered as an open restricted site,” said Gloria Clawson, district food service director. “(The designation) means it can be closed at any time if it encounters a problem.”

Fosbrink, meanwhile, said she is hoping that members of the community will step forward and offer their assistance.

“Otherwise, the YMCA is going to have to pay its staff to do it, and that’s going to be expensive,” she said.

It is unknown how many community children would be affected if the program would be closed.

The district offers the free summer lunch program at several locations, including Bullskin Township, Springfield Township, Zachariah Connell, South Side, Dunbar Township elementary schools, West Leisenring School and Connellsville Child Alert Center.

All school-aged students receive a hot meal at no cost through the federally subsidized program at each site. Fosbrink said anyone interested in volunteering should contact her at 724-628-4929.