“The Boys and Girls Club of Massena offers our children a safe place to learn and grow. I’m proud to continue supporting this great program so that they can continue providing students in the North County with more great opportunities,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
The Boys and Girls Club will be opening the doors at its clubhouse on Bayley Road, the former St. Joseph's School and Social Hall, within the next few weeks, and the Extravaganza was the first of what is planned to be an annual event to sustain the club's operation.
Timmy J. Currier, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena's Board of Director, said Assemblywoman Jenne has backed the Massena club since its earliest days, recognizing the need to reach out to the community's youth in a challenging time for the region.
"In a few short weeks, the facility will be open, and there has been no bigger supporter than Assemblywoman Jenne," he said.
Club officials said the first Extravaganza was a major success drawing over 80 registered vendors and attracting over 2,000 visitors during the course of the day.
"We couldn't be more pleased at how well everything turned out for our first Extravaganza," Tim Lashomb, event co-chair, said. "We are so grateful for all of the support. It's that continuing support that makes it possible for us to serve the kids of our community."
Club officials said their ability to serve those most in need of the program's offerings depends on the gracious support of individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and participation at Boys and Girls Club of Massena fundraising events like the Extravagannza.
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," she said.
"It has been tremendous to see all the work done by the volunteers involved in making the Boys and Girls Club of Massena a reality. This has truly been a community effort. We're all supporting each other to make this happen, and we also need to support our businesses that are supporting our kids," Assemblywoman Jenne 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 next month. The club's programs, currently being held at Jefferson Elementary School, will then be moved to the clubhouse.
Debra Donatto, the club's program director, has said the club has grown to meet the needs of 425 students since its pre-launch program started in October 2014.
The club's full-time after school program will start in September and will be open until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Boys and Girls Club staff and volunteers will assist students with their homework and offer sports and recreational opportunities, arts and crafts and a fun time in a safe environment in addition to a daily snack.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, check out www.bgcmassena,org or like them at Boys & Girls Club of Massena on Facebook.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne praised volunteers and local businesses for working together to make the Boys and Girls Club of Massena a reality during a stop at the Boys and Girls Club's Extravaganza fundraiser Saturday at the Massena Arena.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, second from left, listens as Deb Donatto, chief professional officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, visits with club members at Saturday's Extravaganza at the Massena Arena.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne praised the work of volunteers for their work to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Massena.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne posed for a photograph with board members and staff from the Boys and Girls Club during a Saturday stop in Massena. Pictured are, front row: Virginia Mossow, Debra Donatto, Assemblywoman Jenne, Trish Wilson, Shannon Boyce, Hailey Boyce and Sharmela Garcia-Martin. Back row: Nichole Ashley Terminelli, Tim Currier and Tim Lashomb.
