NASELLE – In honor of Women’s History Month, the young women of Mariner Lodge at Naselle Youth Camp were joined by about 25 women from the local community in presenting the third annual Women’s Day Tea last Friday at the NYC Visitors Center.

Guest speaker Robin Cummins, Juvenile Rehabilitation Administ-ration (JRA) director of programs, spoke about progress by women residents of NYC and the importance of hard work by today’s women.

“Five years ago it was only a dream to have a program of this caliber for women at Naselle Youth Camp,” said Cummins, a former director of the NYC. “Now you are a model program.”

Cummins read a letter from Cheryl Stephani, JRA assistant secretary, who could not be in attendance. “Everyday you or your peers put on your hard hats and go off to work on the forestry crew,” wrote Stephani. “You plant trees and fight forest fires as a matter of course. You also exhibit the caring and compassion that is an attribute to the work that women have historically done. Don’t underestimate the value of that work!

“We all have our individual parts to play in the unfolding of women’s history. Your part is to look to your future, make good and wise choices, and take heart and inspiration from the countless fine women that have come before you.”

Mariner resident Misty Belgrad spoke on her experiences at the camp, and resident Krista Coleman recited a poem about her mother. After lunch, guests enjoyed a violin solo by resident Sapphira Burnell and a dance performance by residents Tanna Roybal, Christen Rivera and Chrisshandra Hoskins.

“It has been a stressful experience getting the girls’ clothes and decorating the visitor center,” said Guiselle Carlson, supervisor of Mariner Lodge, “but with the teamwork between staff, outsiders and NYC girls, we were able to make this year’s Women’s Day Tea the best yet.”

Special thanks went to Mariner staff, Carol Harley and residents of her Culinary Arts Program who prepared the food for the tea.