The former St. Joseph's Catholic School and Social Hall now has new flooring, LED lights, new doors and painting is underway as a crew from Lavigne's Construction and volunteers continue work on the project.
Assemblywoman Jenne secured $250,000 in grant funding from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York through the community Capital Assistance program for the project.
"It has been an absolute joy working with the community that has come together to create this wonderful program and new facility to serve our children. It became clear to me very early in the planning process that the level of commitment and competence involved in this effort would ensure its complete success. My tour the other day was proof of what I knew would be the case," she said.
She said she still vividly recalls sitting at Ken MacDonnell's kitchen table with Mayor Timmy J. Currier discussing the impact a Boys and Girls Club could have on the future of Massena.
"Ken had toiled for weeks, probably months, on a 'just the basics' renovation plan. And while I felt bad when I told him that I’d rather not fund that plan, I knew he would be up to the challenge of designing a larger-scale project so the club could make as dramatic an impact as possible. They certainly met that challenge," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"Mr. MacDonnell, Mayor Currier and everyone involved in the project have given generously of their time, leveraged donations and managed the renovation with precision and perfection. I wish there was a place like this in every community, and I know the kids are going to love it," she added.
The concept of a Boys and Girls Club in Massena originated from the community's Neighborhood Watch program and dates back to 2012.
The Boys and Girls Club of Massena board closed on the purchase on Bayley Road property in January 2017.
Construction and renovation work, including a full asbestos abatement has been underway at the property since that time.
Boys and Girls Club of Massena leaders anticipate the building will be ready for use by late this spring or early this summer. The club's programs, currently being held at Jefferson Elementary School, will then be moved to the clubhouse.
Mayor Currier, who also serves as the president of the Boys and Girls Club board, said the impact this club will have on Massena and the surrounding communities is significant.
"Massena continues to be a great place to live, but in recent years we have faced some challenges in terms of the illegal drug problem that has driven the increased crime in our neighborhoods and the economic issues we face," he said.
"We believe that investing in our kids, with the proven programming that a Boys and Girls Club provides will have a positive impact on the future of Massena," according to Mayor Currier.
"As we have worked on this project, we have been blessed with broad support from citizens, businesses and various leaders," he noted.
Mayor Currier said Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong supporter of the effort to open a Boys and Girls Club in Massena.
“Assemblywomen Jenne has been an important supporter. She recognized this community needed support to make this project happen and she stepped up in a big way to help us secure funding to purchase and renovate this building,” Mayor Currier said.
“Assemblywomen Jenne recognizes that a key part of turning Massena around is investing in our future and in our kids. Her support on this project allowed us to purchase and renovate the clubhouse,” he pointed out.
The mayor said he was very thankful for Assemblywomen Jenne’s support for the project.
"Her passion for helping kids and her strong commitment to this community is very clear. She has a long record of believing in and supporting Massena,” Mayor Currier said.
“Not only does Addie know we can turn this community around, she is here working with us and finding ways to support the programs we are implementing to move this community forward,” he added.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne discusses the renovation work currently underway at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena with Debra Ann Donatto, the Massena club's chief professional officer. Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier, president of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and board Second Vice President Tim Lashomb were also part of the conversation. Greg Rycroft, a Lavigne's Construction employee, is working in the background.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Ken MacDonnell, treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, talks to Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (center) about the decision to replace lights at the future home of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. Mr. MacDonnell told Assemblywoman Jenne the new LED lights will translate into energy cost savings. Debra Ann Donatto, chief professional officer at the Boys and Girls of Massena, and staff member Melody Pike are shown in the background.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (l) talks with Debra Ann Donatto, chief professional officer at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. Club Board of Directors Board of Directors officers Ken MacDonnell, treasurer, and Timmy J. Currier, president, were also part of the discussion.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier discuss programming plans for the soon to open Boys and Girls Club of Massena clubhouse.
