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And all of the sudden, it’s April 1^st! Sometimes it’s hard to figure out just where all the days go…At least it finally looks and feels like spring again. I think sometimes that before I get this newsletter written and distributed, it’s time for another. And even though it’s April Fool’s Day, this is no joke…

            I got to wondering today where the April Fool’s thing came from. A little research turns up an interesting explanation. The whole thing apparently dates back to 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.
            However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools’ errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.
            This practice evolved into the practical jokes we indulge in today. Over the years, the pranks have ranged from the simple to the complex. One of the more delightful pranks was perpetrated by the British media. A short news film was shown documenting "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop from the spaghetti trees. This brought hundreds of inquires from viewers of BBC, wondering where they might purchase spaghetti trees of their own… (we would never be so foolish, right?).
            As we enjoy the foolishness of others, it might do us well to remember these words of wisdom, “Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.” Elizabeth Gaskell

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Director’s Column

All the King’s horses and all the King’s men…no matter how many pieces, we have to succeed. These are lives and families of the young people of our community. Young lives; can any be lost? What if life and its challenges had a 1 in 4 chance of success? Could you look at the 20 kids in your child’s class and decide which 5 you could sacrifice? Which of your own 4 kids would you chose to fail?

Crazy thoughts; or too close to reality? Insanity is often defined as doing the same behavior again and again, while expecting different results. Whether we are working with an obsessive behavior, a criminal thought process, a chemical dependency, or family dynamics that are very dysfunctional, we must always be challenged to “think out of the box”. We need to be ready to use our knowledge, resources, and networks to assess, outline, and develop solution focused goals to design answers to our community’s complex problems.

How important is it to us that all our children are educated, drug free, safe, and prepared to be tolerant, free thinking and confident? Is it our goal to make some kids better, or all kids; some families stronger, or all families; some of our cities, or our nation, and our world?

Ok, enough philosophy. We have many of the answers; we just need to keep our focus, remain optimistic, and work as a community; or even a nation. Success is a team function. We are a team of two, of a group, an agency, a community, and the larger the team, often the greater the success.

What if we were all aware of this power, and would all be willing to share in it? We could function together to empower the lives of our children and families. Just a thought…
Doug Adams, MS
Introducing…John P
Some of the staff at Prospect Place thought it would be nice to introduce our readers to some of our residents. This month Mary and John put together a little piece to about John to share with you…

I would like you to meet John. John is a resident here at Prospect Place. He is a very active young man. John is employed at County Market Super Market. He greets people with a nice warm smile as they enter the store and bags groceries.

John enjoys going bowling. He is in a bowling league at Day’s Bowl-A-Dome on Mondays and Tuesdays. He will also substitute for other bowlers on Wednesday through Friday. John has not missed any nights of bowling. His high game is 278. He has been averaging a 185 throughout the year.

John also enjoys fishing all year round, even ice fishing with his friends and his father. If you were to ask John questions on fishing and fishing gear, he would likely be able to answer them.

John also enjoys golfing at the indoor driving range, looking around at Gander Mountain, shooting pool at the YMCA, watching TV, listening to music, playing on his play station, putting his 3-D puzzle together and fixing things around the house.

John enjoys cooking once in awhile; likes making French toast for breakfast and really enjoys pizza.

                                                By John and Mary (staff)
Grand Place now has its second resident calling this great house, home. We were joined this month by Pat, who says he loves it there and “never wants to leave”! In fact, we all enjoy Pat just as much and feel the same way. He brings with him his own interesting personality and helps round out the atmosphere of a happy home.

I had the privilege of meeting Pat the other day, and he consented to my taking his picture. He expresses a keen interest in police work, and fancies himself a budding detective!

Pat also has a very strong interest and diverse taste in music. If you ever visit you’ll surely be treated to his wide and varied CD collection.

We have begun the necessary application process to have Grand Place recognized by the State as a 4 bed residence. Within a couple more months we expect to that to be complete, and have more new residents to introduce. Next month we’ll see if John will consent to a photo and written introduction also.
The season for Special Olympics basketball has come to an end for this year. It’s been a great experience for several of our guys, one they’ve enjoyed very much. Already they look forward to next season.

The season wrapped up with a game at Menominee the weekend of March 14. Here the team poses for their fans…

As you can see from the many smiling faces, everyone had a great time and was prepared for some fast action on the floor. What followed was some pretty intense basketball action rivaling the March to the Final Four!

After the action it was time for family and friends, mixed with some fun and relaxation.
Here Mike P. enjoys the company and support of his family who were able to join the festivities.

The team then spent the night at the Best Western Motel in Menominee and enjoyed all the amenities, including the pool. Here you see Mike S. and Mike P. relaxing in the hot tub, as well as some of the rest of the team at play.

It was a great day! And, a great season. A couple of the guys have now decided to become involved in Special Olympics track. Adam D. and Mike P. have already had their first track practice on March 24^th. I’m sure there will be more news, and photos, about that in the weeks to come.
                        Asset # 3 – Other Adults Relationships
Young people who have this asset know other adults besides their                       parents they can turn to for advise and support.

Kids benefit from spending time with adults they feel comfortable with – trusted neighbors, favorite teachers, mentors or relatives they like being around. Provide opportunities for this to happen and encourage your children to participate in activities with adults. Get to know the adults in your neighborhood and encourage your children to develop their own relationships with those that you trust. With your child, identify the adults who regularly interact with them – teachers, coaches, parents of their friends. Call them or write a note to let them know that you appreciate their care and interest in your child. Be available for other young people and welcome your child’s friends into your home. Adult mentors like Big Brothers and Big Sisters can fill this role and be an important person in your child’s life.

Watch “Child and Family Focus”
with Doug Adams and Dr. John Kolhoven
every Tuesday at 7:00 AM and 10:30 PM, and Wednesday at 5:30 PM.
Local Public Access Television Channel 3

If you have any questions or program requests, feel free to contact Doug at 715842-3240 or dadams@marathonyouthservices.org. We are always interested in your thoughts or comments.

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