Whether it's just "hanging" out with friends, playing basketball, listening to a favorite band, eating or enjoying the special events, Oyster Bay's teens just seem to love "B.O.B.". Last summer was the most well attended since the inception of the program! Each session was attended consistently by 70 to 80 youth. The last evening in 2003, was attended by approximately 125! Over 1,400 teens attended during the summer despite the dismal weather and necessary cancellations which included four washouts.

Teens for a Better Oyster Bay (B.O.B.) "Open Beach Program" began on Tuesday, June 29 and will run through Aug. 26 this year. There will not be a session on Thursday during the St. Rocco's feast. This supervised, substance free program will be held each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. weather permitting. Local teens in seventh to eleventh grades are invited to attend. In addition to basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc. our "Special Events" program will be expanded and we will once again offer a venue for local youth band talent.

The organizers of B.O.B. are again asking parents to encourage their teens to attend this program and ask that they review the rules with them. They also want to remind parents that the supervision provided is an attempt to provide a safe environment for our youth within the boundaries of the program. This is not a babysitting service and B.O.B. is not responsible if the teens choose to leave the program. Parents are also expected to pick up their children promptly at 11 p.m.

B.O.B. will continue to maintain their website www.teensforbob.com. The site provides a description of the program and information about upcoming events and activities. It will be updated weekly. Each week photos will be taken during the program and will be posted on the website.

Although there have been a few negative incidents in the past, each year B.O.B. takes this opportunity to clearly state the rules and possible consequences for infractions. This is done both to discourage negative behavior and reassure parents. The program is governed by a few simple rules: no drugs, alcohol or fighting and the request for youth to remain in the area designated for B.O.B. activities. There is no swimming allowed. Any violation of these rules will result in appropriate action by the Nassau County Police and the program coordinator, Matt Wildes. If necessary, the offender will be detained until a parent or other responsible party can be summoned. It is possible that a referral to youth and family Counseling Agency or another appropriate source for corrective intervention will be made. Prior to re-entry to the program, a letter from the intervening agency indicating that positive action has been initiated may be required.

Many community organizations (Rotary, Doubleday Babcock Senior Center, the Oyster Bay Civic Association, Masons, Board of Education, PTSA, Lions, WaterFront Center, Presbyterian Church, Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Cultural Society) support this program by sponsoring an evening (providing supervision volunteers and refreshments). B.O.B. would also like to mention the following individuals who have generously volunteered their time: Bill Hadel, Dan and Marion Lomonica, Elisa Shaw, Susan Larenz, Rosemary Colvin, Jane DiPaola, Gregg Van Dyke and Dave Asher. Teens for B.O.B. is very grateful to them. However, there is still a need for parents and individuals to volunteer. Teens for B.O.B. is asking volunteers who are interested and concerned for our youth spend just one evening during the entire summer with the group. Of course, they are welcome to come more often if they can! Teens for B.O.B. cannot run the program without adequate supervision. Please call 922-6867 to volunteer.

Teens for B.O.B. is also grateful for the generosity of their sponsors (The Community Foundation of Oyster Bay, the Oyster Bay Rotary Club, the Nassau County Youth Board, Mill Max Mfg., and Mrs. Richard Storrs) and local merchants who so generously provided refreshments: South Street Café, Taste of Mexico, Café al Dente, Tabby's, La Pizzetta, Page Two Bakery, Anthony's Pizzeria & Café, La Stella Pizza, Happy Garden, Nino's Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts and Heavenly Bagels (who have closed and will be missed).

Financial contributions are also welcome and can be sent to: Youth and Family Counseling Agency; 193A South Street; Oyster Bay, NY 11771. Please make out checks to: "Teens for B.O.B."

The Teens for B.O.B. program is the result of a collaborative effort on the part of Teens for B.O.B., Rotary of Oyster Bay, the Nassau County Police Department 2nd Precinct POP Program, Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay-East Norwich, the Community Foundation of Oyster Bay and the Town of Oyster Bay.