We hope you enjoy this month's highlights of our impact and mission in action! |
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Dear Friend,
With Valentine’s day as a centerpiece to the month of February, love is in the air at Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club. It always has been... after all, our Clubhouse is a place where kids are nurtured, encouraged, and inspired by our staff. Our kids also form deep and lasting friendships with one another and develop strong bonds with our community through volunteerism and service. Some kids even fall in love thanks to the Club. This was the case for Arlene Lindenberg and Wayne Longo who had their first date in the gymnasium back in 1968 and went on to get married! (Read their love story below!)
Of course, Arlene and Wayne’s story of finding love at the Club is unique. But in another sense, the tenderness that people develop for the Club and for each other within our four walls, is more universal. Just ask our many alumni who continue to stay involved with and support our Club despite the decades that have gone by. Their fond memories of the Club are indelible, and their love for the Club is unwavering.
To reciprocate the affection, we are planning an alumni reunion later this year to not only celebrate the “good old days,” but also to invite our former Club Kids to be part of our future and visit our newly- renovated and expanded Clubhouse. Stay tuned for reunion details.
In the meantime, I hope this issue of the Pilot will warm your hearts.
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Ramon Reyes
Executive Director
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A Lifelong Love Blooms at Grenville Baker: Meet the Longos
Wayne Longo joined Grenville Baker Boys Club in 1961. Like any young boy, he was excited to participate in many of the programs the Club had to offer: baseball, wiffleball, basketball, football, bowling, floor hockey, shop, summer camp, slot cars, and playing in ping pong and pool tournaments.
When he got a little older, he also came to appreciate the Club’s “Co-Ed” program, which invited girls to join the boys for Saturday-night activities such as bowling, roller skating, movies, and trips to see the Christmas Tree in New York City.
It was one such Saturday night that Arlene Lindenberg (14) and Wayne (17) had their first date at the Club, roller-skating around the gymnasium. The rest, as they say, is history as Arlene would go on to become Wayne’s wife, best friend, and fellow Club champion.
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Giving Back is its own kind of Love High School:
Student Nate Chen helps kids excel in school!
Mahatma Gandhi once said that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This past year, Nate Chen, a high school student at Friends Academy discovered the meaning of this quote for himself. As a volunteer who helps our 4th and 5th grade groups with their homework, Nate has discovered a love of helping others and working with children. He says “volunteering is rewarding to me because it gives me an opportunity to teach children and make them smile. It also allows me to share knowledge of my favorite subjects and study strategies that have worked for me.”
Carlos Pumar, our K-5 Youth Development Director observes that the young kids affectionately refer to Nate as “Einstein” because of his obvious intelligence and his ability to help our young members with any and all of their homework. But what really stands out is Nate’s personal warmth and patience with the kids.
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Help Us Celebrate Seth Watkins
20 Years as a Club Professional... and before that, a Club Kid himself!
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If you have been involved with the Club over the past two decades, Seth Watkins probably made you laugh, smile, learn something, or even cry tears of gratitude because of how much he cares for the kids at the Club. Seth is celebrating his 20 year anniversary as a Club professional -- and even more years as a Club Kid! We want to show this "Big Kid" some Big Time Club Love!
Click Here to share a note, memory, photo, or even video to our "Kudoboard," and online version of a group appreciation card.
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Be In The Know
& Mark Your Calendars
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Donate Your Spare Change to Make a Big Impact |
Now you can show your love for the Club by "rounding up" the spare change on credit and debit card purchases to the nearest dollar. Check out our NEW donation options... Round up, Make Monthly Gifts, or Give a One-time Donation.
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Schedule A Tour Of The Club |
We are maximizing use of existing space to enhance and expand our ability to serve our children and their families. We'd love to share our vision for a stronger club and stronger community with you!
To Schedule A Tour Contact
Ray Reyes
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Keep Up With GBBGC News
Mission Possible
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Gain access to all of our Programs, Special Events, Trips, and much more!
Click Here to browse all of our "Mission Possible" blog entries.
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