Club News October 2022

October 2022

GREAT FUTURES START HERE

Club Member Jayden Hall: Martinsburg Mayor For a Day

What would you do if you were mayor for a day?

Berkeley County Club member Jayden Hall wanted to throw an alcohol- and drug-free block party and establish a teen center for older Club Members. Her ideas captured the interest of Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles, who had met with club members during the summer and challenged them to write an essay about what they would do if they were mayor for day.

"He said he would choose the winning essay and the prize would be to serve as Mayor of Martinsburg for a day," said Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle CEO Stacie Rohn. "Sixteen essays were submitted, and the Mayor chose Jayden's as the winning one."

On September 8, Mayor Knowles, Jayden's mother Birttaney Taylor, and Boys & Girls Club staff surprised Jayden with the honor while she was in class at South Middle School. After being sworn in, Jayden was treated to lunch by the Mayor. Mayor Knowles also took her on a tour of city offices to meet employees. Jayden also attended a Martinsburg City Council meeting, where she read a proclamation.

"Jayden is an example of how the opportunities provided by the Boys & Girls Club encourage young people to take on leadership roles," said Rohn. "We appreciate our community partners, like the Mayor and the City of Martinsburg for providing such opportunities."

Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles and Mayor for a Day Jayden Hall

Fast Cars and A Winning Fundraiser

Thanks to Taylor Hyatt, the Charity Coordinator for the Washington D.C. Region of the Sports Car Club of America, for organizing a fundraiser at Summit Point Motorsports Park over the Labor Day Weekend.

With her encouragement and support, the SCC raised more than $7,500 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle by offering the opportunity to drive on the track, take exotic car rides and participate in a raffle with numerous prizes.

Christian Rose,West Virginia's own professional stock car racing driver and an advocate for the Boys & Girls Club, was also on hand for a meet and greet.

All of the funds raised will be used to support the Jefferson County Club, which offers after school programming for youth ages 6 - 18.

Christian Rose meets his young fans

After School Happenings

Following a successful summer, after-school programs are now in full swing at all three clubs in the Eastern Panhandle. The Martinsburg Club is especially grateful to Calvary United Methodist Church, which is providing use of their building while renovations continue at the John Street location. (Renovations are being completed thanks to Community Development Block Grants funds from the City of Martinsburg.)

After-school programs are open to anyone age 6 to 18 in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties, and staff work to ensure we provide services to the families who need us most. The cost is $15.00 each month per child with scholarships available for those who need financial assistance.

After-school programing primarily focuses on five areas: education & career; character and leadership; health and life skills; The Arts; and sports, fitness and recreation.. Activities vary from day to day and season to season but programming always includes meals, a snack, homework help, fun activities, and supportive services such as mentoring.

Thank You For Your Support!

The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle depends on the generosity of our community. From giving money to giving time, so many people and organizations make our work possible. In September, both the Charles Town Car Show and the Berkeley County Social Collective held fundraisers on our behalf. Additionally, volunteers from Charles Town Rotary were happy to help us out on the Day of Caring while Negley's donated water for the event.

Our Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

For more information, contact our administrative offices at 304-263-1832 or visit our website at https://www.bgcepwv.net/.