The Simi Valley Youth Council is accepting applications from high school students to attend the 2008 Youth Summit from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, 5005 Los Angeles Ave.

The summit includes lunch with local dignitaries provided by the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley, a keynote speaker, interactive workshops and small group discussions.

Students who attend will have the opportunity to speak with City Council, school board and park district board members about youth-related issues and concerns.

The keynote speaker will be Jill Esplin. Esplin speaks, writes and facilitates student leadership programs to inspire young people.

Students interested in attending the summit must submit an application by Friday, Jan. 25.

For more information, call (805) 522-4473.

Local Lions sponsoring new 'Leo Club'

Simi Valley Lions Club, spearheaded by club President Kathy Strange, is sponsoring a new Leo Club for young people ages 14 to 20.

The Simi Valley Leo Club meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at 3481 Highwood Court, Unit 106, Simi Valley.

Elvie Marfil is the Leo Club adviser. Leo Mikaila Morton was elected to serve as the first president of the new club, and Leo Alyssa Marfil will serve as the club secretary.

Leo Club members plan to become involved with aid for the elderly, read stories to young children, organize a recycling campaign, collect used eyeglasses and perform city cleanup, among other activities.

"We are excited to give back to our community," said Kaitlyn Seckar, club project chair. "Through this important work, we plan to make a difference in our community."

The club's mission is "To provide the young people of the world with opportunities for achievement, learning, contribution and service, individually and collectively, through sponsorship of activities identified as best practices in the field of youth development."

The Simi Valley Lions Club will hold its 80th anniversary celebration and Leo Club Charter Night at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Best Western Posada Royal in Simi Valley.

B&G Club needs volunteers for summer auction

The Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley will host the 30th annual auction, "An Adventure To Treasure Island," on Saturday, June 7. It is one of the club's largest fundraisers of the year.

The club is seeking auction volunteers to assist with decorations, live auction, arrangements and other tasks.

Volunteers are invited to the auction's kickoff party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday., Jan. 30 at the club, 2850 Lemon Drive, Simi Valley. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Event chairs Bob Huber of Huber & Takasugi, and Deb Holler of Citibank, the 2006 Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, will be present at the kickoff.

For more information, call the club at (805) 527-4437.

Please send your community briefs to: simi@theacorn.com