MASSENA – The official startup of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena this past Thursday marked a big step forward in the community, according to Massena Police Chief and Boys and Girls Club Board President Timmy Currier.

The election of the charter members of the club’s board of directors and officers was conducted, bylaws were approved, thus taking a big step toward opening the club.

The charter members of the board include April Charleson; Richard Cook, treasurer; Timmy Currier, president; Sean Faucher; Gabe Hinkley, secretary; Ann-Marie Lucid; Rick Norris; Ken MacDonnell; Loren Nowak, vice president; Rhonda Rodriguez; Joanne Sevick; Joanne Stiles; Ben Todd; Patricia Wilson; and Betty Wolf.

In addition to their board responsibilities, the members are also serving on committees alongside of additional volunteers from the community who have offered their time and talents to open the club’s doors next May.

The experience that the board members bring to the effort includes leadership in foster parent programs, childhood education, fundraising, business leadership, accounting, youth development programs, social services, and probably best of all, past members of Boys and Girls Clubs.

“It is incredible that these individuals are giving their time and talents to make the Boys and Girls Club of Massena a reality,” newly Currier said. “We all realize this will take a ton of work and lots of volunteer hours; but, it’s an inspiring mission that we are taking together: to bring a Club to the kids of our community.

“We know that there is the potential for greatness within every child and that all of us play a vital role in helping our youth realize their dreams,” Currier said.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America provide a place for kids to be when school is not in session with programs and activities that help them address pressing issues young people today face.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena replicates the guiding principles of the national organization: to help enable all young people, especially those who most need it, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Just prior to their meeting on June 6, the Board members toured the location of the future club on Bayley Road, where St. Joseph’s once operated a school and later used the space for a social hall. The chance to fill that space with kids, programs and activities again is what the group is aiming to achieve within the next 11 months.

Next steps for the not-for-profit organization will be a more visible campaign to collect the donations that will cover the purchase and renovation costs of the building, as well as operating expenses to keep the club on solid footing for its first five years.

“I am truly humbled by the generosity of people who want this Club to happen,” Currier said. He added that fundraising goals have been set for each phase of the capital campaign and they have been able to achieve their first fundraising goal ahead of schedule. “In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be conducting the public appeal portion of our ‘Campaign for Kids: The Foundation of our Future’ and early indications are – again – truly inspiring,” said Currier.

For more info, email Currier at info@bgcmassena.org, call 769-3577 or complete the contact form at www.bgcmassena.org.