Newton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates grand opening

This news story was originally published by The Covington Newspaper. Thank you The Covington News for celebrating with us and for being an ongoing supporter of our Newton County Boys & Girls Club!

COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County is now part of the Club. The Boys & Girls Club, that is. 

June third marked the first day of summer camp in the new Newton County Boys & Girls Club facility on Brown Bridge Road. This day came after years of fundraising and community support to create a teen-focused center on the west side of the county. 

"This is history in the making because our teens deserve a positive place to come and that place starts right here," Bob Mackey, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia, said. 

Full of educational and entertainment resources for teens, the new club launched its first day of summer camp Monday. Mackey said the idea of a local B&G Club started more than 10 years ago. 

"I remember when it looked nothing like this," District 2 Commissioner Demond Mason said. "There was no deck, the floors were torn up, the walls were not painted. I am excited to see this place and I believe that it is going to be a very very positive thing when it comes to our youth and our teens. I am excited about what they've done here at the Boys & Girls Club and I'm just glad to be a part of it."

In a special grand opening ceremony June 3, Mackey and the B&G Club board honored all of the founding supporters of the club, which includes local businesses, families and civic organizations. 

"Thank you for the board leadership, thank you for the county leadership that is making a difference in the lives of kids," Lisa Hurst, vice president of organizational development in the B& G Club Southeast Field Operations, said. "We know that if a young person attends a Boys & Girls Club 104 days a year, not only are they more than twice as likely to graduate from high school, but they're 2.5 times as likely to go on to post-secondary education. That is compared to other young people that don't have those opportunities."

The Newton County Boys & Girls Club, located at 13634 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, is now open to provide a safe and positive place for youth in eighth to 12th grade. Programs will focus on academic success, character, leadership development and healthy lifestyles. For more information about the club, visit https://www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty. 

MMCBGC Golf Tournament Continues First Tee Program

Community Plays for our Youth 

 The hum of golf carts and laughter could be heard at Lane Creek Golf Club recently, as community members celebrated the life of Charles W. Baldwin and helped raise funds for the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club. 

The Charles W. Baldwin Memorial Hope & Promise Golf Tournament helps to facilitate funds for the MMCBGC’s The First Tee program, which was launched last year thanks to last year’s successful fundraiser. 

This year the Club’s aim was to grow its golf program to provide an even wider reach for youth in the community. Twenty-two golf teams took to the Lane Creek Golf Club course for a modified scramble tournament to do just that – help the youth.

At the conclusion of the tournament a winning team was named, which was comprised of Ross Bradly, Alex Johnson, John Steer and Chris Hubbard. 

“We are so grateful to every player and every sponsor who gave their time and treasures to our youth,” Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Director shared. “Our Club members had the opportunity to participate in this year’s tournament whether by volunteering or playing with a team. It’s incredible to see how our community continues to surround our youth to create bright futures.”

Robertson added she’s thrilled to see The First Tee program continue to grow at the Club. 

“We always look for ways to incorporate fun while learning, and First Tee will give Club kids a new, engaging and competitive sport, while instilling skills, and maybe even a new hobby, that can be carried over into adulthood and perhaps a career,” she said.

Robertson said “in order for young people to become productive, caring and contributing adults, they must have exposure to life-changing activities and experiences that can help them develop and build good character.”

If you’re interested in volunteering for The First Tee program or desire to learn more about MMCBGC, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

Celebrating Founding Supporters of Newton County Boys & Girls Club

THANK YOU FOUNDING SUPPORTERS

We are so grateful to the immense support Newton County has shown us in opening our Club. Together we will impact the lives of our Newton youth for years to come. We’d like to thank these special individuals for giving toward founding our Club.

CHAMPIONS OF THE CLUB

LEAVING A LEGACY

FRIENDS OF THE CLUB

NCBGC Board Members

Newton Count Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board

Michael Geoffroy

Keith Curry

Jeff Benzon

Nita Tompson

Kim Wilber

Amber Bennett

Cheveda McCamy

Bobby Heron

Bindford Bramblett

Steve McWilliams

Shakila Henderson-Baker

Nancy Shultz

Betsy Morehouse

Sandy Morehouse

Frank Turner Jr.

Chief Jason Cripps

Newton County Boys & Girls Club Opens Doors to Great Futures

CELEBRATING OUR GRAND OPENING

Teens join Micheal Tompkins, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia Corporate Board Chair outside for a photo opportunity.

Community members from variation Newton County Government branches joined us for our Grand Opening.

Lisa Hurst, center, Vice President of Organizational Development Southeast Field Operations of Boys & Girls Clubs of America joined us for our celebration!

NCBGC board member, Steve McWilliams, talks with NCBGC Membership Clerk, Ashley, during the grand opening.

NCBGC Club Director, Nakita Williams, shares opening remarks at the Grand Opening.

Newton County Sheriff Officers helped transport teens to the Club on our opening day.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

LEARNING ZONE

TEEN CENTER

GAME ZONE

On June 3, 2019 we officially opened the doors to our Newton County Boys & Girls Club. Teens arrived early that morning excited to discover what the Club had in store for them and many didn't want to leave once the time came for departure. We are so grateful to all who gave their time, treasures and talents to create this dream into reality. This is just the beginning of the life-long impacts Newton County youth will get to experience because of this Club. We're excited to do this alongside you all Newton County. Great Futures will unfold here, flourish here and develop here into successful adults. Come by for a Club visit, learn how you can become a volunteer and see for yourself what we are doing together. On behalf of our teens, thank you!!

WCBGC Members Visit Tallulah Falls

The Girls Scouts of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club recently visited Tallulah Falls with the annual Athens Girls Scout Retreat. In partnership with Girls Scouts of Georgia, the SMART Girls met with other troops throughout the state of Georgia in a weekend event filled with fun, laughter and fellowship. 

The girls spent the weekend participating in several different team building exercises and outdoor skill such as rope walking, log drills, canoeing and other activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and networking.  The girls also learned the basics of retiring a flag.  

 “I learned to do some things that I never knew before,” Aubrey Allen, WCBGC member shared. “It was so fun to learn new skills and meet so many new friends.”

Club Director Lynn E. Hill shared how impactful the event is for Club youth.

“This event held in north Georgia, was important for these girls of the Walton County Club because of the life lessons that were taught during the course of the event,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “The girls could take away lessons on the importance of teamwork, hard work, and understanding nature. I am so glad to know these virtues are included in a weekend field trip that they truly enjoyed.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Celebrates its Seniors

Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrated four of its seniors graduating. Among the graduating seniors was Club Director Lynn E. Hill’s son, Jared. 

Jared has been a member of the WCBGC for 12 years and is excited to enter into the Club Alumni program. 

“I have come to realize through the Boys & Girls Club that being an alumni now gives me the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the Club and what is called the Movement,” Jared shared. “The Boys & Girls Club has been everything for me. I have truly learned that ‘Great Futures really do start here.’”

For Lynn Hill he couldn’t be prouder of his son.

“I am so proud of my son Jared! I have literally watched him maneuver through the Boys & Girls Club as a Club Member, and as a parent. I witnessed how youth can be nurtured through a program and the effects that positive energy can have on a child developing through watching my own son progress through the Movement,” he shard. “He is now an alumni, and I know that the afterschool program and summer Camp works for our kids who need us the most, because I was engaged in the process with him for his duration as a life-long member of the Boys & Girls Club.

Hill shared he’s thrilled to see where each WCBGC graduate goes in their future. 

“Each Club member knows that they have a home here at our Club,” he added. 

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Names June Youth of the Month



Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month isJocelyn Ferguson.

Ferguson has been a member of the Club for three years.

“I want to thank everyone at the Club for helping me feel better about myself,” Ferguson shared. “I am a part of something that makes me feel really special and the staff here help me become something great!”

Ferguson was selected for her positive attitude and willingness to learn the Boys & Girls Club motto, as well as becoming a leader in her Club. 

“Jocelyn makes volunteering really special for me at the Boys & Girls Club,” Ms. Tranteegus Allen, Director and volunteer of Desflo, Inc., shared. “Jocelyn proves what potential a member has when they are supported and given the tools for success. She is never a youth who will shy away from challenges, and her energy is explosive.  She has all the right tools needed to build a character that will make her great, and I’m that she will always remember her humble beginnings her at the Boys & Girls Club.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s seen a change in “Jocelyn’s behavior.”

“Her parents have commented on several occasions on the improvement in her attitude and behavior, and they have given much credit to the efforts of character development and leadership offered by the Club,” he shared. “I’ve noticed that Jocelyn strives really hard to accomplish things at the Club, and that is a wonderful thing because she will use that same type of energy to accomplish much of her goals in her life.  She is a real go-getter. Jocelyn truly deserves this honor, for she has earned through her interest in the Youth of the Month, and the overall programs offered to her at the Club. “

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Memorial Day 5K full of spirit

On May 25 Walton County Boys & Girls Club hosted its annual Memorial Day Weekend 5k, which benefits the Club’s Summer Programming. To learn more about WCBGC visit, wwwbgcncg.com or call 770-207-6279.

PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for June

Aaron Smith

Andrew Smith

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of June, PNBGC named Aaron Smith and his brother Andrew Smith as Youths of the Month.

“I have watched Aaron and Andrew grow from being two shy twin boys who would only communicate with one another into these outgoing kids with a sparky personality,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “They are very involved in the Club.”

Aaron shared that his favorite program is working in the Novelis Lab on STEM projects. 

“I like the Novelis Lab because Ms. Ardra helps me with homework and allows us to do math problems on the board,” he shared. “I’ve been learning this year that it’s ok to be myself, always.”

PNBGC Youth Development Professional, Ms Ardra, echoed Aaron’s enthusiasm. 

“He’s always willing to go the extra mile on the drop of a dime,” she shared. 

His brother Andrew also favors the Novelis Lab. 

“It’s fun going into the lab and working on new projects,” he shared. “This year my most impactful moment has been reading with the K9 Angels. They helped me with my Milestones testing and to become more confident in reading.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Volunteering at PNBGC enriches community

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club volunteer Jim Borland sees the Club as a place to give back for a positive return in the lives of the youth. After retiring from 35 years of work, Jim was ready to volunteer with youth and he knew exactly where he wanted to give his time and treasures. 

“Seeing a difference in the kids who attend the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club versus the kids who don’t attend really opens your eyes to the kind of difference that’s being made here at the Club,” Jim shared. “You can tell the Club is changing the lives of these youth daily.”

When asked about an impactful moment to choose from Borland shared how much he’s enjoyed helping during PNBGC Thursday Night Dinner Program. 

“Watching these youth enjoy each other’s company and have a good meal warms your heart,” he shared. 

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director, shared “Mr. Jim has done an amazing job of bringing new meal ideas that allow our youth to stay excited and engaged during our Thursday Dinners.”

“Our volunteers are so kind and humble; they love working with the Club members and it shows in these actions and behavior,” McClendon shared. “Jim is one of those volunteers. I believe it takes someone special to volunteer and spend time with our youth, to listen and share guidance.”

Volunteering at the Club, for Jim, isn’t about what he will receive but “how much I can give.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenanceor call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC Lend Helping Hands to Atlas Ministry

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members took a field trip to Atlas Ministry recently to lend a helping hand. 

“Club members assisted volunteers by creating and helping put together packets for Atlas’ PAT Program,” Asia Mitchell, Teen Center Director, shared. “They were able to use skills they learned in our Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood Programs to get there tasks done as volunteers.”

Mitchell added this gave Club members real-world experiences in helping others and overall “our youth had an amazing experience.”

One PNBGC member shared that he liked “designing and putting the packets together knowing they were going to help someone.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC Seniors Receive Steve Scovic Scholarship

Two outstanding Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club graduating seniors were awarded The Steve Scovic $1,000 scholarships during Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Senior Celebration. 

The Steve Scovic Scholarship Fund was created to honor the memory of a beloved member of Reynolds Lake Oconee.  This is the fourth consecutive year that the golfing friends and the family of Mr. Scovic have donated funds to assist these Greene County High School students and fellow PNBGC members in their transition from high school to college.

“Steve was great friend to many in our community, with a big heart and warm smile for all who knew him,” Norm Agran, the chair of the scholarship fund shared. “Steve was passionate about education and creating opportunities for children.He served for many years as the Superintendent of a large Dayton Ohio area school system and this scholarship was created to further the values that Steve held in such high regard.  Its purpose is to assist high achieving students get a head start in their future plans, whether it is college, a trade or the military.  Students who excel in school and work toward defined goals are chosen.”

The recipients for this year’s scholarship are Marquesha Mallory and Gerald Evans. 

Marquesha will be attending East Georgia College and majoring in Criminal Justice where she will also play basketball for EGC. Gerald will be attending East Mississippi Community College in Mississippi, majoring in Sports Recreation and playing football for EMCC. 

Both students received scholarship funds of $1000 each and an HP laptop.

Both recipients are thankful for how this scholarship has allowed them to begin preparing for their next chapter in life and thrilled to be acknowledged in this special way. 

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 706-920-1400.

BGCNCG Board Chair shares his history in the Movement

June and Michael Tompkins at Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Belles & Bowties Fundraiser.

Helping youth change their lives by providing hope and opportunity has been a forefront mission for Michael. Currently he advocates for the youth of North Central Georgia as the Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Georgia. His connection with the Movement began as an 11 year old when he walked through the blue doors in the Bronx of New York City. His family endured hardships along the way, but the club became a safe harbor for him and his five brothers.

“For a number of unavoidable reasons my family moved several times including a short period of being homeless,” Michael shared. “Despite our struggles we remained together.”

In school, Michael was often called a day dreamer. He frequently took trips on the subway to window shop on the other side of town. “The dream was to one day become a customer. I wanted to become somebody of substance.”

His first meaningful employment was at Standard Oil after graduating from high school. Although it was a rewarding position, it did not fit with his long term plan. His young engineering supervisor encouraged Michael to go to college. Eventually he resigned from the refinery which was a scary decision at age 20 with a wife and new baby girl.

Michael’s sense of urgency pushed him to a full time student and employment. The vision to become a successful business executive and give back to his community kept him on target.

After finishing his education at City University of New York with a degree in accounting and economics, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer at the Jackie Robinson Residential Company. He was later recruited to the Calibre Companies in Atlanta and soon became the Managing Partner in Florida building, investing and managing apartments. He retired from TriBridge Residential as the Executive Managing Partner after 25 years developing an international real estate investment group.

Along the way, Michael remarried June, currently a BGC volunteer. Together they raised four kids. In addition, he served on several Boards including serving as a BGCA National Trustee. “I serve today for BGCNCG with a focus on our youth. I can relate to their hardships. My current dream is to make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth in the next generation.”

WCBGC Parent Involvement Highlight

Journey Clay has a wonderful family. A family who stays involved with the work that she and her older brother, Victor, does at the Boys & Girls Club.  She is shown displaying a piece of artwork that her and her mother did together, as the Future Georgia Educators also came and set up a time for parents and Club members to can enjoy.  Mrs. Brenda Clay, Journey’s mother, stated that she wanted everyone to see the good things that the Club is doing with the Club Members, and that she was so happy to be a part of it.   She doesn’t want to miss anything that gives the parents an opportunity to get involved.                      

Kamrynn Garner and Darien Lancaster are just two of several Club Members who have had parents come to the Club for a visit in participation of Club projects held in the Art Room. Mrs. Lancaster, center, supervises the production of flower pot decoration and flowers created by her son, Darien, provided by the Monroe Junior Service League of Monroe. Beside Kamrynn Garner, is Billy Lewis, Jr., who just finished a presentation with his mother on Autism Awareness Month, with a concluding activity of flower planting to show how members with autism and express and perceive things differently.

Creative Arts brings 'lights, camera, action' to Walton Club

For Tranteegus Allen ensuring youth have a bright future is a motto she lives out as the founder of Desflo, Inc – a nonprofit which helps invest in youth through the arts. 

When Allen heard of the Walton Boys & Girls Club, she knew that a partnership had to be formed. And this is where the Creative Arts Project was born for Club youth. 

For over three months now Allen has been volunteering at WCBGC teaching the youth “how to create film projects through creative arts lenses.”

“This will successfully influence youth to gain knowledge in the specific area of film-making, which promotes literacy and positive youth development,” she shared. “The Creative Art Project is a program that encourages the imagination of original ideas and artistic work of talented youth, which also promotes literacy, self-awareness, self-expression and stage presence.”

Lynn E. Hill, the Club’s director, couldn’t be more thrilled about the new program at the Club. 

“I can see the impact that she is already making with the Club Members,” he said. “Her stage play experience and the promotion of self-awareness gives them something to look forward to. Her passion and love for youth launches her above the rest and our Club members benefit greatly from her leadership.”

For Allen this partnership is about caring for our future generations. 

“Dr. Seuss puts it like this… ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,” she shared. “Our aim through the partnership is that the youth enjoy the positive activities and heed to the necessary structure and discipline these sessions will require. The sky is the only limit in achievement for these bright individuals.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

PNBGC Names Junior Youth of the Month for May

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of April, PNBGC named Tiejah Darby as Junior Youth of the Month.

“Tiejah Darby has always been a joy to have around ad really sets the example of a Club kid,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Tiejah Darby is always willing to participate and even help the staff out downstairs. Tiejah is currently our Torch Club president and she oversees a lot of our fundraisers created by our teens.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for May

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of May, PNBGC named Mareyon Miller as Youth of the Month.

Mareyon Miller has shown a huge growth in his attitude and behavior,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “The staff at Pete Nance struggled to find programs for him to participate in because he just didn’t take an interest but now he make sure he takes the initiative to participate in all programs and even offer to help around the Club”.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Walton EMC highlights youth of WCBGC in Classic Golf Tournament

Walton County Boys & Girls Club members recently enjoyed a day of Golf during the Walton EMC Charity Golf Classic sponsored by Walton Electric Membership Corporation.  All funds raised at the tournament go toward the general operating budget of the Walton Club.

“This year’s event was very special to me as Unit Director,” Mr. Lynn E. Hill, Club Director shared. “My father worked at the Walton EMC and retired there after 35 years of employment. Several employees still remember his tenure there, and we do this charity in honor of him and his dedication to Walton EMC. I’m so proud to see this legacy continue through myself and passed down to our Teens and Youth whom we encourage every day.”

The event was highlighted by the Keystone Club and Teens of the Walton Club participated in the event by speaking with golfers and sponsors on the Golf Course, eating lunch with participants and learning the game of Golf from tournament players.

Each year the Walton EMC recognizes outstanding teens of the Walton County Club and spends the day in an effort to promote fundraising for the BGC.  Those youth were recognized at the tournament. 

“These Teens who represented our Boys & Girls Club were excited to be in the Golf Classic.  As I spoke with the principals of the schools, they were all excited to excuse them from the schools because they whole-heartedly felt that the members would benefit from the event and excite them into future endeavors,” Hill shared. 

For WCBGC member Ronny Monford learning golf from those present was an exciting new skill to acquire.

“I love to play all kinds of sports,” he said. “It creates a healthy lifestyle, yet I find this sport to be the most enjoyable!”

Janiya Smith, another Club member, shared “This has been one of the best days ever! I met some really great people from my community with good hearts for the Club.”

“My heart is overjoyed with an opportunity to serve these wonderful teens who have come out to the Golf Classic today. I know the potential of these students, and that is why I wanted to come out and be a part of this annual event,” a WCBGC Volunteer shared. “I believe also that it is not so much as to how much money was raised here at this event, but to see how these Teens had an opportunity to be exposed to something that they may have ever experienced before, and to see the look on their faces, was and is priceless.  I’ve worked to support Teens before, but this year was truly special.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Names May Youth of the Month

Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club is Youth of the Month Sophia Mendez. 

Mendez has been a member of the Club for one year.

“The best thing that I like about the Club is that I get to have fun with all my friends,” Mendez shared. “The staff makes me feel important and I believe I can grow up and be really special.”

Mendez was selected for her positive attitude and willingness to try new things and excelling in implementation of the BGC way.

For Sophia, her favorite program at the Club is Power Hour and the opportunities she has to read out loud to other Club members. Sophia, a kindergartener, is currently reading at a second-grade level. 

“Sophia makes volunteering really special for me at the Boys & Girls Club,” Jenni Andersen, a student volunteer at George Walton Academy.  “Sophia will come in to share with what she has learned from school, and as she completes her homework through the Power Hour Program, she often looks for special activities related to her schoolwork that we have here in the Club. She keeps me excited and looking forward to coming to the Club each day that I come.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, “looks for Sophie coming through the doors of the Club each day.”

“She always helps in encouraging other members and lights up the whole Club with her smile,” he shared. “When I spoke with her parents, they expressed how important it was for their children to learn social skills. She’s not only improved her social skills but teaches other members about improving their social skills. Sophia is a rising Club Member, and a pleasure to have her enrolled here.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

Sophia Mendezis Walton County Boys & Girls Club Teen of the Month for May.