The Turtle Times
To keep members more informed of happenings around Goss Park, we have decided to
start publishing a newsletter. This will allow members to feel more connected with the
events related to the park and provide the ability to communicate about the fantastic
programs we offer and work being done.
Did you Know?
Wilton-Lyndeborough Youth Center (WLYC) is a 501C3, which owns and operates Goss
Park. The original Wilton Youth Center organization was first formed in 1949!
Construction on the pond at Goss Park was started in 1958 and completed in 1959.
Many employers have donation and volunteer programs available for non-profits. We
encourage you investigate these programs to help support and grow WLYC. One
volunteer for example receives a $10 donation from his employer to the park for every
volunteer hour worked.
Have you noticed?
Have you noticed all the training courses that are now being offered at Goss Park?!?
The park now offers First Aid & CPR, Babysitting, and Lifeguard courses which are
open to both members and the general public. This help support the WLYCs goals of
helping keep the community safe. Having the guard certification program has aided in
hiring process as well.
8/14 is the next CPR course and registration can be done here silvaelizabethj.com
This year we have had fantastic participation and look to expand this program in 2024.
2023 Upgrades
As you have probably seen we have made several upgrades and done quite a bit of
maintenance this year, much by our amazing member volunteers!
-The guard house was painted.
-The swim team received a donation of a shed at piers which can now store
kickboards and swim team related supplies. The team painted it during the clean-
up day.
-A new splash tower was designed and installed at the baby beach location.
-Metal pole beach line posts were replaced with wood posts with copper caps.
-An additional aerator was installed bringing the total up to now 4.
-Weatherbee Plumbing installed a water tank in the pump house, allowing patrons
to turn on and off the splash tower.
-Swim team records board was built and installed on the swim team shed.
-Piers swim lane lines were replaced with new regulation lane lines, funding was
from the 2022 swim team swim-a-thon.
-Piers flags hanging method was adjusted with a new system to be at regulation
distance from the walls, new custom flags for piers were also purchased, funding
was from 2022 swim team swim-a-thon
-New platforms were purchased for swim lessons, purchased via a grant from the
Milford Rotary.
-George Carson volunteered with plumbing fixes in both guardhouse bathrooms.
-Real lockers were installed for the lifeguards.
Directors Message
Wow, what a summer! It was not what I had planned or imagined but I think we have
made the best of it. Goss has always had a special place in my heart and is in so many
of my core memories as a child. As Director this year, I have truly stepped outside of my
comfort zone and have enjoyed getting to know all the families and kids! I want to first
thank all of you that have supported us through this tough summer and continue to
enjoy the park even when the water has been closed. Please know every decision that
is made, is made with you and your children's safety in mind. Closing the water is never
an easy one, but necessary. I would also like to thank all my staff and the volunteers
that make running the park that much easier, I couldn’t do it without you!
Looking to the future, we have some amazing things planned and in the works. Our goal
is to better the park but also keep that magical Goss feel! Goss is truly a special place
and I have seen so many littles come out of their shells in a way that only comes from
Goss. I have witnessed kids go from not being able to float to jumping off the diving
board! Kids that are shy and quiet turn into one of the loudest on the beach! I've seen
lifelong friendships be made and old friendships rekindled. Not only do the kids thrive at
Goss, but the community it brings to the parents is something special as well! Whether
it’s an extra set of eyes, advice, friendly conversation, or even a hug on a bad day you
can always find it on the beach.
I was trying to think of a way to sum up the summer and I think the best way to do that
is in the words of Miss Dolly Parton: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta
put up with the rain.”
~Georgie
Activities Director Message
We have been having a wonderful summer of activities and special events at Goss.
From collaborative storytimes and sponsored events with the Wilton and JA Tarbell
Public Libraries beginning in June, to a Carnival Day, a beautiful BBQ and Game night
(the food, games, and company were beautiful...the weather? Well, that was an
adventure!) sponsored by the Mason's of Clinton Lodge #52 in July, to an action-packed
August complete with at least one event for every age group in the family and hosting
more musical events, we've been doing our best to bring more variety to the park. Water
closures have rocked us a bit, but we are doing our best to offer non water-based
activities while we continue to work on a permanent solution for future summers. We are
grateful to everyone who has supported us by remembering Goss is more than just a
watering hole and showing up for us on those tougher days. This summer was definitely
a "getting to know you" summer for me (Michelle) in terms of community members and
kids, what works and what doesn't, and what everyone enjoys. To be honest with you
all, my family and I basically threw a rock and it landed in Lyndeborough when we
moved here...and discovering Goss and the amazing community that gathers there has
become the reason this has become home. I hope to continue growing with you all as
we show up for Goss while it gets through this year of growing "pains" and continues to
be a magical place for families and friends to escape to.
Goss has big dreams to serve up for members and non-members alike, while continuing
to grow and keeping the price of memberships low - but we can't do that alone! So, as a
final event of the "Goss Year," we are hosting a "Goss Prom". Don't let the title scare
you, it's a grown-up night out and fundraiser that you won't want to miss. Or, if love
music, catered food and bar (2 free drink tickets), digital photo keepsakes, AMAZING
raffle prizes (you'll get 5 free tickets with your Prom ticket and are free to purchase
more!), and chances to win some money yourself (50/50 raffle) while wearing something
fun and fancy (or relaxed yet cute, Dads and Dudes) aren't your thing, we'd appreciate
you passing the invitation along to others. Especially those outside our communities
since all are welcome. A share of one of our social media posts on your own page is
quick, simple, and does more than you think. Word of mouth is even better.
The community is what keeps the magic of Goss alive. It's not the water (though we all
love it), it's You. And we want to keep Goss here and thriving for all of us - and You - for
generations to come. A safe and affordable place of friendship and family and fun
nestled right within our own community.
~Michelle
Goss Park Prom Update
The prom committee has been actively planning for the prom night which will be on
September 16 th starting at 8:00 PM. The committee needs your help with selling tickets
to the event! Please if you have not done so already, please go to the Goss website and
purchase tickets and brings lots of friends. We are hoping the reach for this event will
also be outside of the Goss community as this will be one of the larger fundraisers for
the park and we love sharing the Goss magic with others! More details and tickets
can be purchased HERE.
We are seeking business donations from both local and corporate businesses for the
event. We have received thousands of dollars in product donations already, which will
be used for raffles and auctions the night of the event. Even if a business is not product
based, they can still sponsor the event with a monetary donation with our tiered
sponsorship program.
During the month we will be sharing some of the raffle and donations that have already
been made. Here’s a sneak peek of a couple of the businesses that have already
donated:
John Deere - Milford
County Stores - Milford
Freedom Forge
Polar Bear Caves
Clark’s Bears
Ben’s Maple Syrup - Temple
Atlantic Prefab - Wilton
Frame Theory – Milford
Nelson’s Candy - Wilton
Southern New Hampshire Health
Lastly, we could really use a few additional volunteers to help find donations and share
the event. The evening of the event we also will need some folks to help with raffles. If
dancing isn’t your thing, raffle ticket sales and volunteering may be perfect for you!
Prom committee members (More always welcome):
Jess C
Georgie M
Michelle Y
Bob S
Mike B
Sarah C
Swim Team Update
The Goss Park Turtles Swim Team has been working hard all summer with 26 members
– 21 returning and 5 new – ranging in ages from 6 to 15 and abilities from still learning
all four strokes to breaking team records. 31 new records will be going on the board at
the moment, but maybe they’ll rack up some more at the GSSA State Championship
Meet this weekend?
It’s been a challenging season with the water closing but the team has persevered with
that unique Goss Grit! Utilizing dry land practices and the graciousness of the Milford
Recreation Department allowing them to use Keyes Memorial pool for practices at
times, they’ve barely missed a beat. The team has swam in 6 regular season meets
against Nashua Country Club, Milford Keyes and Longfellow Swim & Tennis, Jasper
Valley, Bedford Barracudas and the Blue Dolphins, and Peterborough Wave and Clark’s
Sharks. They also participated in the First Annual 4 th of July Sprint Spectacular hosted
by the Granite YMCA in Goffstown and took home the 3 rd Place banner against larger,
year-round teams. A strong showing from the entire team with several ribbons earned,
with Paisley S. and Keira B. taking home the all-around 2 nd Place medals for the 9/10
and 11/12 girls age categories.
The highlight of the summer so far has been the 58 th Annual Milford Rotary Swim Meet.
The team won first place in 2021 (Division 1), and second place in 2022 (Division 2),
and regained their Division 1 First Place title this year against 7 other teams! Individual
first place finishes from Keira B. (200 Free, 50 Fly), Sydney B. (200 Free), Hadley L. (25
Fly), Molly M. (50 Free), Liam R. (200 Free), and Paisley S. (50 Back, 100 Free). The
relay teams also cleaned up with first place finishes: Girls 13-14 200 Medley, Girls 15-19
200 Medley, Girls 8 & Under 100 Free, Girls 9-10 200 Free, Girls 11-12 200 Free, and
the Girls 13-14 200 Free.
Be sure to wish any turtles you see good luck at GSSA States this weekend where they
face 9 other teams to chase the title of State Champions!
On August 10th the team will participate in their 3rd Annual Swim-A-Thon
Fundraiser at the park! Each swimmer will complete as many laps (50 yards - down and
back) as they can during that time. Donations can be made using the form
here: https://forms.gle/qBeVV4wCacw8bzQC8
The swim team is funded entirely from the Swim-a-Thon proceeds and over the last two
years has supported itself in joining Granite State Swim Association, helped fund the
new dock at piers, and purchased lane lines and flags for the piers lanes. Each season
swimmers receive custom caps with their last names as well as a t-shirt at no additional
cost. All of this while keeping swim team registration incredibly affordable!
The team would like to add team suits next year at no or very low cost for the
swimmers, which will be funded through these donations. In addition, they could use
some more practice equipment such as additional kickboards, pull buoys, and hand
paddles.
Our swimmers would appreciate any contribution as they work to improve themselves,
each other, and the community of Goss Park.
If you have any questions or would like to contribute via cash or check, please contact
the team at GossParkSwimTeam@gmail.com or drop off at the park.
Upcoming Events
The park calendar is posted on the guardhouse wall next to the snack shack. Please
also watch the Goss Park Facebook page and Instagram pages for more up to date
details.
8/2 - Youth Open Mic Night - 5:30-7pm
8/3 - Swim with The Goss Mermaid - 10-11am
8/7 - Mommy & Me Yoga with Gina; Ages 3-7 (Mom Participation Optional) $10 for 1
child, $15 for 2 – 10:30 am
8/9 - Mom's Night Out (No Kids) - (H)appy Potluck & Chill - 7-9pm
8/12 - Summer Sky Constellation Program (Courtesy of Regina and Miss. Boo of the JA
Tarbell and Wilton Public Libraries, respectively) - 7-9pm
8/13 - Dudes and Darts (No Kids) - 7-9pm
8/14 - CPR Class - 5pm - register at silvaelizabethj.com
8/15 - Kids Karaoke - 5-7pm
8/17 - Parent's Night Out: Karaoke (No Kids) - 7-9pm
8/19 - Family Campfire Sing-along & Smores with Ms. Boo and Michelle - 7-9pm
TBD - Lego Social with Connor
TBD - Wrap Up Ice Cream Social (Sponsored by JA Tarbell and Wilton Public Libraries
All Together Now Summer Reading Program)
8/22 - Pre-Teen Night - 7-9pm
8/23 - Teen Night - 7-9pm
8/24 - Bug Safari (Sponsored by JA Tarbell Public Library) - 10:30am
8/26 - Last Summer Event! "Yearbook" Signing & Leaving a mark - 5PM, followed by
Movie Night: Slumberland - 7pm
9/16 – Prom dance fundraising event Tickets available on the Goss Park website
Volunteer Opportunities
Please reach out to the Goss Park Board email if you would like to volunteer for any of
the opportunities listed below.
Newsletter Assistance – We could use 2-3 members that enjoy writing. During the
season we would like to do a newsletter at least once per month and possibly every
other month during the off season.
Marketing Assistance – We could use some assistance with marketing, social media,
and website help.
Prom Event Committee – We are still looking for a couple members to join the prom
committee to help with the event preparation.
Prom event staff – Seeking a couple folks that can assist with raffles, games, and
general event help the day of the Prom which is September 16th .
General maintenance help – We are always working on some project at the park. If you
would like to participate, we could always use a hand. We have a number of projects
scheduled toward the end of the park season.
Fundraising Assistance – We could use some assistance with grant writing. For 2023-
2024 we have a number of grants that have been identified as potential funding
sources. If a member has a skill in this area we could use the help.
Contact
Wilton-Lyndeborough Youth Center Board Email: gpboardofdirectors@gmail.com
Activities Director Email: gossactivities@gmail.com
