Congratulations Intrepid Keystone Club!

Recently, 12 teen members from the Club traveled to Chicago, Illinois for the 50th Annual National Keystone Conference. Hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the event brought together 2,500 teenagers from across the United States and five other countries, all of whom are committed to making a difference in their communities

For four days, the teens engaged in a variety of sessions focused on leadership, community service, career development and other age appropriate topics. According to Meg Gambale, Clubhouse Program Director and advisor to the Intrepid Keystone Club, “The Keystone conference is a great experience for our teen leaders to come together with 2,500 other motivated and engaged teens from all over the country to network and hone their leadership skills. This year’s theme of Activate Your Legacy really inspired our teens to think about activism, service, and ways they can better their communities.”

The Intrepid Keystone Club is a team of 28 high school students who are members of the Club who meet weekly to host activities, events and fundraisers that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement.

While at the conference, the Intrepid Keystone Club of Woburn received the National Award for Teen Outreach. Over the past few years, the group has been focused on engaging more teens from the community in positive extracurricular activities. Through events such as Teens for Jeans, Friendsgiving, tabling at WMHS and so much more the members have done an excellent job of engaging more teens.

Their efforts were recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and they were chosen as the #1 group in the country in this focus area. According to Zach Santoro, President of the Intrepid Keystone Club, “It was an amazing experience and such a great feeling to be recognized for all we do to get teens involved in the Club. I am so proud of my fellow Keystoners as well as my advisors, we all worked really hard for this.”

Additionally, while at the conference, Meg Gambale was named the “National Keystone Advisor of the Year”. Gambale has been a staff member at the Boys & Girls club for more than eight years and is currently the Clubhouse Program Director. She has served as the Advisor for Tanners Torch Club, Woburn Youth Council and Intrepid Keystone Club throughout her tenure.

According to Executive Director Julie Gage, “Meg is an outstanding member of the team at the Club. She cares very much for each and every one of the youth who come through the doors every day and is a wonderful role model to our teen members. For her efforts to be recognized by the national organization is a true honor and I could not be more proud.”

Leave your mark – be part of history!

The James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn has reached an important time in its history and we hope you will be a part of it. The Building Futures Campaign supports the major renovation and expansion of our Clubhouse facility. Construction has already begun and when it is complete will nearly double the size of the Main Clubhouse and allow us to serve more youth and increase our life enhancing programming.

We have raised well over half of our ambitious $8.5 million goal from generous individuals, corporations, foundations and other institutions. We are now turning to the greater community to help us reach this goal. Donors that contribute $2,500 or more will have their name or a name in honor or in memory of a loved one, immortalized on our donor wall in the Clubhouse lobby.

“We are really pushing for this donor wall to be a huge success” says Matthew Donaghey, who is a member of the Board of Directors. Donaghey went on to say; “While we’ve been successful in our fundraising efforts, we are still well short of our obligations. If enough people step up, this effort can put us over the top and allow us to complete this project debt free. The $2,500 can be paid over 5 years at $500 per year. In return for that generous gift, your name is listed on the donor wall of the club forever. We want to recognize everyone who made this new facility a reality, and this wall will be there for all to see for decades to come.”

Please consider supporting the Building Futures Campaign today. If you would like to make a one time donation click here or if you would like to make a pledge, please click here to download a pledge form. In order to be
listed on the donor wall your gift or signed pledge must be received by July 15, 2017; however pledges can be paid over up to five years. If you have any questions please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development at 781.935.3777 or l.teta@bgcwoburn.org.

 

Pot of Gold & St. Patrick’s Day Social

Pot of Gold Raffle

The James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club Woburn’s Annual Pot of Gold raffle is coming up on March 11th. This fundraiser helps the Club raise critical operating support.

The grand prize takes home $20,000. Tickets are $100 each and only 1,000 tickets to be sold.

 Purchase your ticket today!

You might win, our kids definitely win.


St. Patrick’s Day Social 

On Saturday, March 11th the Club will be holding its Annual St. Patrick’s Day Social where we will pick the winner of the Pot of Gold Raffle. There will also be a corned beef and cabbage dinner, live Irish music, a DJ, raffles, cash bar and more! All proceeds go to support the Club!

Event Details
Saturday, March 11, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sons of Italy – Woburn, MA
$40.00 per person
21+ event
Purchase tickets
Call (781) 935-3777 for more information

Thank you for your support!

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Building Futures Update – March 2, 2017

Building Futures Update – March 2, 2017

Progress continues at Charles Gardner Lane, with all of the structural steel and exterior walls now in place. We can now see just how large the facility will be for our kids, our teens and the whole community! The slab has been poured in the gymnasium and the gunite that shapes the swimming pool has been completed. Interior walls are now beginning to take shape as well as duct work and more on the second floor. We are so excited to see the building begin to take on its own character and shape and we can’t wait to see the faces on our kids & teens when they enter their new Clubhouse!

Construction of the swimming pool is underway, with the shape complete.

Construction of the swimming pool is underway, with the shape complete.

The concrete slab has been poured in the gymnasium and is now curing with the help of the new rooftop HVAC units that are now operational.

The concrete slab has been poured in the gymnasium and is now curing with the help of the new rooftop HVAC units that are now operational.

Interior walls are now being constructed, such as here in the Boys' Locker Room.

Interior walls are now being constructed, such as here in the Boys’ Locker Room.

Grading is taking place in the new two story addition in the rear of the building, preparing to pour the slab.

Grading is taking place in the new two story addition in the rear of the building, preparing to pour the slab.

On the second story, duct work is taking place in locations such as here, which will be the Teen Center.

On the second story, duct work is taking place in locations such as here, which will be the Teen Center.

We are so thankful for our amazing partners on this important project:  The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, Century Bank, Leslie Saul & Associates and our countless donors and volunteers who are giving so much to ensure the project’s success. Please consider supporting the Building Futures Campaign today to help us see this project through to completion.

 

Building Futures Update – December 30, 2016

Building Futures Update – December 30, 2016

Rapid & exciting progress continues at Charles Gardner Lane, where the construction and renovation of our Clubhouse began in September. Recently, the structural steel was erected for the addition in the front of the building that will house both a cafeteria as well as new offices and a bright, welcoming lobby. The roofing over the gymnasium and the swimming pool have been completed. Excavation to prepare for the new swimming pool is nearly complete and construction of the new pool will begin soon. Additionally, grading at the interior of the gym is nearing completion and the slap will be poured in January.

There is still time to support this project by making a pledge to the Building Futures Campaign. Payments on pledges may be spread out over up to five years. Those pledges of $2,500 or more will be permanently recognized on a donor wall in our new lobby. Please consider pledging your support today.

Excavation of the swimming pool is nearly complete. construction of the new pool will begin in a few weeks.

Excavation of the swimming pool is nearly complete. construction of the new pool will begin in a few weeks.

Steel decking is in place over the boys' locker room. Above the locker room, on the second floor, will be the brand new Teen Center.

Steel decking is in place over the boys’ locker room. Above the locker room, on the second floor, will be the brand new Teen Center.

New masonry walls in the girls' locker room have been completed, adjacent to the swimming pool.

New masonry walls in the girls’ locker room have been completed, adjacent to the swimming pool.

Steel is being laid in place for the second floor hallway that will connect the Teen Center to the Learning Center. In the center of this photo is the location of the former kitchen.

Steel is being laid in place for the second floor hallway that will connect the Teen Center to the Learning Center. In the center of this photo is the location of the former kitchen.

The steel has been erected at the front of the building, where the cafeteria, lobby & administrative offices will be located.

The steel has been erected at the front of the building, where the cafeteria, lobby & administrative offices will be located.

We continue to be thankful for our project partners: The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, Century Bank, Leslie Saul & Associates and all the subcontractors who are working hard on our behalf. We are especially grateful for the countless donors and volunteers who have made this project a reality for our youth & teens.

2016 has been a tremendous time for all hard-working volunteers who have dreamed of this project for many years and we can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store. Happy New Year!

Building Futures Update – Roofing!

Building Futures Update: December 7, 2016

It was very exciting to be on the site today and see steel being delivered! This, of course, means that soon new joists will be installed and we will start to see our second floor begin to take shape as well as the lobby & cafeteria in the front of the building. Work continues on the roof in the gymnasium, where the deck has been installed and the roofing material will begin to be placed on Friday. The work on the masonry & steel joists in the pool continues and will be finished before the end of the week, with the roofing material being installed next week.

There are just a few weeks remaining to join the Building Futures Campaign in time to have your name or the name of your business listed on the donor wall in our new lobby. Please consider getting involved today.

We continue to be thankful for our project partners: The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, Century Bank, Leslie Saul & Associates and all the subcontractors who are working hard on our behalf. We are especially grateful for the countless donors and volunteers who have made this project a reality for our youth & teens.

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A crane assists with the replacement of steel joists at the roof of the swimming pool.

A trench is dug to replace the main sanitary pipe underneath the gymnasium.

A trench is dug to replace the main sanitary pipe underneath the gymnasium.

This hole, just outside the gamesroom and on the first floor of the addition in the back of the building will house the new elevator.

This hole, just outside the gamesroom and on the first floor of the addition in the back of the building, will house the new elevator.

Interior partition walls are now being built. Above you can see the gymnasium office taking shape.

Interior partition walls are now being built. Above you can see the gymnasium office taking shape.

To learn more about the Building Futures Campaign and how you or your business can get involved please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development.

October Members of the Month!

 

Teen of the Month!

George W., Teen of the Month

George W., Teen of the Month

George has been a Club member for 8 years, is 16 years old and is a Junior at the Woburn Memorial High School. George was awarded Teen of the Month for October for taking initiative throughout the Club and being prepared and excited to offer programs for Club members and being at the Club as much as he can!

What was it that made you want to join the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn? When I was in Summer Camp as a member of Discovery, I heard all sorts of fun stories of what goes on during the school year at the Club. Then, some of my friends from school went to the Club, and I knew I wanted to go too.

What would you say is the best thing about the Club?  The best thing about the Club is the wide spectrum of programs available to members. There’s something here to appeal for everyone. Also, all of the staff here are really positive. There have been several times where I have come to the Club after having a bad day and a staff member welcoming me into the Club made me feel a lot better.

How have you personally benefited from being a member of the Club?  I’ve learned how to make friends and become a leader as a result of my membership at the Club.

If you were to try to convince a friend to join the Club, what would you say to get them to join?  I would tell them that everyone here is very kind and that there is always something fun to do.

What is your favorite activity you engage in at the Club?  ARTinspires

Member of the Month!

Barbie D., Member of the Month

Barbie D., Member of the Month

Barbie is 12 years old, has been a member of the Club for 5 years and is currently a 7th grader at the Kennedy Middle School. Barbie is Member of the Month for October for her consistent attendance, being involved and interested in a variety of programs, and having a positive attitude in everything she does.

What would you say is the best thing about the Club? Everyone is accepted for who they are.

What is your favorite activity you engage in at the Club? Any gym game!

A.C.E. Award!

Vladimir L., A.C.E. Award Recipient

Vladimir L., A.C.E. Award Recipient

Vlad is currently in 6th grade at the Kennedy Middle School, been a Club member for 2 years, and is turning 12 in December. Vlad was awarded the A.C.E. award this month for continuously stepping out of his comfort zone and pushing himself to try new things.

What was it that made you want to join the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn?  My dad signed me up because he didn’t want me to be lazy at home.

What would you say is the best thing about the Club?  The gym games

How have you personally benefited from being a member of the Club?  I have lost weight.

If you were to try to convince a friend to join the Club, what would you say to get them to join?  There are a lot of gym games.

What is your favorite activity you engage in at the Club?  Crack Up!

G.R.E.A.T. Award!

Lizzy N., G.R.E.A.T. Award Recipient

Lizzy N., G.R.E.A.T. Award Recipient

Lizzy is 17 years old and a senior at Woburn Memorial High School. She is the current Vice President of Keystone and was selected this month for the G.R.E.A.T. award for being the driving force in engaging elementary members in service and getting them excited through advising the Gemstone Program.

What would you say is the best thing about the Club? All of the kids and their enthusiasm to get involved in the community.

How have you personally benefited from being a member of the Club? I used to be very shy but since I started coming I broke out of that shell.

What is your favorite activity you engage in at the Club? My favorite activity I engage in at the Club is definitely Keystone and Gemstones. Keystone because I love giving back and Gemstones because I love leading a group amazing kids.

S.T.A.R. Award!

Naysha C., S.T.A.R. Award Recipient

Naysha C., S.T.A.R. Award Recipient

Naysha is 10 years old, in 4th grade, has been a member of the Club for 2 years and is home schooled along with 6 of her siblings. Naysha was presented with the S.T.A.R. award this month for her varied participation in STEM programs, her dedication to her guitar lessons, and her consistent involvement in Power Hour always completing the writing prompt and practicing flash cards.

What was it that made you want to join the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn?  My sister joined and said that it was really cool. Plus, my mother needs time off from all of us kids.

What would you say is the best thing about the Club? The best thing about the Club is all the staff. They are not plain.

How have you personally benefited from being a member of the Club? The Club has made me more social!

What is your favorite activity you engage in at the Club? My favorite activity is anything in the library. Especially earning an extra power point by doing the writing prompt because I like writing.

Building Futures Update – Steel

November 30, 2016

Construction continues at Charles Gardner Lane! Steel has been erected in the form of joists over the gym, where the walls have been completed. The building is starting to look much different on a week to week basis and we could not be more excited.  We are so thankful for our amazing partners on this important project:  The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, Century Bank, Leslie Saul & Associates and our countless donors and volunteers who are giving so much to ensure the project’s success.

Time is running out to leave your mark by contributing to the project and having your name listed on the donor wall in the newly constructed, welcoming front lobby at the Clubhouse. Please consider pledging your support today.

As noted above, steel roof joists have been placed over the gym where the walls have been completed. The roof deck will be installed next.

As noted above, steel roof joists have been placed over the gym where the walls have been completed. The roof deck will be installed next.

With the gym addition masonry complete, work has now begun on the walls that will house the addition of program rooms next to the gym and behind the gamesroom.

With the gym addition masonry complete, work has now begun on the walls that will house the addition of program rooms next to the gym and behind the gamesroom.

Interior partitions have begun to take shape this week as well. This will be the new girls locker room, located in the same space as the former girls locker room.

Interior partitions have begun to take shape this week as well. This will be the new girls locker room, located in the same space as the former girls locker room.

Repair work continues at the swimming pool roof where the work in zone 1 is complete and zone 2 is underway.

Repair work continues at the swimming pool roof where the work in zone 1 is complete and zone 2 is underway.

In this view from the other side of the pool, you can see that the new addition at the front of the building, that will house bleacher seating, has been completed.

In this view from the other side of the pool, you can see that the new addition at the front of the building, that will house bleacher seating, has been completed.

As always, your support is needed to see this important project through to completion. Please consider getting involved in the Building Futures Campaign today.

Building Futures Update – Progress Continues!

November 16, 2016 – Seeing Progress

Construction at our new 48,000 square foot facility at Charles Gardner Lane continues this week. We are so pleased with the progress and excited to share some new photos with our Club members, alumni, families and supporters! Masonry work continues at both the swimming pool and gymnasium, and steel is expected to arrive next week. At that time, the building project should start to look really different.

If you haven’t yet given to the Building Futures Campaign, there is still time. Donors have until December 31, 2016 to make a contribution of $2,500 or more to be included in our beautiful donor wall that will be located in our new lobby.

Our continued thanks to our project partners:  The Maggiore Companies, Century Bank, Design Development Solutions, Leslie Saul & Associates and all those who continue to push this project forward for our kids and our teens.

The walls at the front of the swimming pool have taken shape. This new 25 foot section will feature a seating area for parents & spectators.

The walls at the front of the swimming pool have taken shape. This new 25 foot section will feature a seating area for parents & spectators.

Inside the swimming pool, the masonry work on the far wall has been complete and the windows that will allow viewing from the Teen Center on the second floor have been cut.

Inside the swimming pool, the masonry work on the far wall has been complete and the windows that will allow viewing from the Teen Center on the second floor have been cut.

A view of that same wall from what will be the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

A view of that same wall from what will be the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

The masonry walls continue to grow taller around the gymnasium. We expect steel to be put in the gym to frame the roof next week.

The masonry walls continue to grow taller around the gymnasium. We expect steel to be put in the gym to frame the roof next week.

Forms are being laid out to pour steps & a concrete landing for the emergency exit at the rear of the gymnasium.

Forms are being laid out to pour steps & a concrete landing for the emergency exit at the rear of the gymnasium.

Thank you to our donors for your continued support of this important project for our kids, our organization and our entire community. There is still time to get involved for those who have not yet given. Please consider giving to the Building Futures Campaign today.

Building Futures Update – Pool Roof & Continued Masonry

November 9, 2016 – Pool Roof & Continued Masonry

This week has been a busy one at Charles Gardner Lane!  Masonry work has continued on the gymnasium addition and new seating section at the front of the swimming pool. The backfill at the gymnasium (both interior and exterior) is just 1 week away from being complete. This week also saw the beginning of a complex project to repair and replace the roof over the swimming pool. Zone 1 has been removed and next next week a bond beam will be installed, followed by new joists and new steel roof decking.

Donations are still needed to make this project a reality. To learn more about how you can become a Building Futures Campaign donor, please contact Lytta Teta, Director of Development. Those who wish to make a donation of $2,500 or more will be have their name (or that of a loved one) displayed on the beautiful donor wall in our new lobby.

A new wall is constructed that will separate the swimming pool from the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

A new wall is constructed that will separate the swimming pool from the Boys Locker Room (1st floor) and Teen Center (2nd floor).

This wall in the gymnasium (along the Place Lane side of the property) is nearly as tall as it will be when finished.

This wall in the gymnasium (along the Place Lane side of the property) is nearly as tall as it will be when finished.

The roof over zone 1 in the swimming pool has been removed to make room for bond beams, new joists and a new steel roof deck.

The roof over zone 1 in the swimming pool has been removed to make room for bond beams, new joists and a new steel roof deck.

Looking the other direction in the swimming pool, windows that will look down from the second floor Teen Center have been cut and repair work on that wall continues.

Looking the other direction in the swimming pool, windows that will look down from the second floor Teen Center have been cut and repair work on that wall continues.

We continue to be so thankful for all of the project partners that have made this project so successful to date. Thank you to our donors,Century Bank, The Maggiore Companies, Design & Development Solutions, the City of Woburn, and a special thank you to our kind and understanding neighbors.