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RECENT NEWS
For more information, contact Susan Taylor, Executive Director/CPO, at 603-672-1002 x15 or email staylor@svbgc.org
8/10 Boys & Girls Club in Milford receives grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has received a grant of $20,000 from Ronald McDonald House Charities to expand its fleet of vehicles used to transport children from area schools to and from the Club on Mont Vernon Street in Milford. Because of the large geographic area the Club serves, and because many club members have families with two working parents, transportation is critical to fulfilling BGCSV’s mission: to provide a safe, positive place for children when they are out of school, regardless of ability to pay.
BGCSV currently owns two 14-passenger vans, used to deliver kids from the Club to Milford elementary schools in the morning, and to transport kids to the club from Wilton and Amherst Middle School in the afternoon. With an additional multi-function bus, the Club will be able to pick up additional children in Wilton, and expand service to Amherst elementary schools as well.
“We are so excited we are about this award!” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “The news travelled through our staff like a shockwave - everyone looking forward to serving more kids as the result of this additional vehicle.”
The Boys & Girls Club is seeking additional partners to help defray the cost of replacing the older vehicles as well. For more information, contact Susan Taylor, Executive Director, at 672-1002, ext 15, or staylor@svbgc.org.
6/10 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Launches Reading Initiatives with Support from Walmart
$10,000 Grant from the Walmart Foundation Offers Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley a “Bright Spot” Reading Room
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has received a $10,000 grant to launch a new reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for adolescents. The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative for adolescent readers will help create a reading center, provide training for staff and encourage relationships to ensure the success of young members.
Nationally, the Walmart Foundation awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of America with $1.5 million to help establish reading Bright Spots at 100 Clubs across the U.S.
6/10 Nancy O Fund Continues its Support of Boys & Girls Club Theater Arts Programs
The Nancy O Fund recently donated $1,000 to support theater arts programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. The Nancy O Fund, as part of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, provides children, especially the disadvantaged, the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of the performing arts - music, theater, and dance. The Nancy O Fund was founded in 1994 by John and Diane Ogrodowczyk, in memory of their daughter Nancy Ogrodowczyk, who died unexpectedly on April 16, 1994, the day before her 27th birthday, due to her lifelong asthma condition.
5/10 NH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS SHOW IMPACT
Results announced from NH Alumni Survey
(MANCHESTER, May 21, 2010) – The Boys & Girls Clubs in New Hampshire commissioned Harris Interactive to complete a survey of New Hampshire Boys & Girls Club alumni to prove the impact Clubs have on kids and communities. The most compelling statistic states that 66% of alumni said the Club saved their life. Respondents said this for a variety of reasons, such as helping them stay away from violence, drugs and alcohol; finding a role model at the Club to guide and mentor them; or because they were able to set goals or encouraged to further their education.
4/10 SOUHEGAN VALLEY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB TEAMS UP WITH ROCKING HORSE STUDIO
NH Recording Studio Sponsors Teen Concert to Benefit Music Programming and Education
The Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has announced that Rocking Horse Studio, a state-of-the art recording facility located in Pittsfield, NH, has been named the Primary Sponsor of the Club's "Music Makers' " Battle of the Bands fundraiser, coming to the Amato Center on Friday, June 4th. All proceeds from the event will go to the non-profit's new music initiative, designed to reach out to teens throughout the region. The winning band will receive a recording package at Rocking Horse, valued at $750.
The Music Makers Battle of the Bands event is geared primarily toward groups in high school, with all competing bands needing to have at least 50% of their membership under 18 years old. The bands will compete in a public concert on Friday, June 4th at the Amato Center for the Arts in front of hundreds of their peers and a small panel of judges. The proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing musical equipment for the Club to make available for after school and summer programming.
"We're building a collection of 'community' instruments," said John Sefel, Director of Teen Outreach and Music Makers program manager. "The idea is, whether a teen just wants to find out what it's like to bang on some drums, or a more experienced player is looking for a place to turn up the amp and receive critical feedback and guidance, we want to be there for them, tearing down any financial obstacles that might otherwise get in the way."
Rocking Horse Studios opened their doors in 2008, and have achieved a reputation as one of the finest studios in New England, including being featured in Mix Magazine's "Class of" feature which showcases the finest new recording facilities from around the world. "A chance to record at a facility like this is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Sefel said. "The generosity of Rocking Horse Studios, and specifically owners Brian Coombes and David Pierog, is going to make a huge difference in the lives of the teens that get to record there, and, even more so, the hundreds of teens to come who will benefit from the instrument purchases made possible by their help in this fundraiser."
The Music Makers Battle of the Bands concert will begin at 6:30pm on June 4th, and will feature five competing teen bands plus one established "host" band. The performance will be held at the Amato Center for the Arts, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, NH. Any bands wishing to compete should contact John Sefel at jsefel@svbgc.org.
The Club is also calling on the community to consider donating any unused instruments for the program. The group is looking for guitars (electric, acoustic, and bass), amplifiers, drums, and more. Any donation of instruments can be made at the Club during normal business hours, or by contacting Sefel directly. Any instruments not meeting the specific needs of the program will be traded in at local music shops to create additional purchasing power, and many instrument donations may provide a tax deduction.
4/10 Thank You to our Supporters
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who helped the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley prepare for the recent potential flooding and put the building back together afterwards. In particular, we would like to thank the Town of Milford for the sand and sandbags, the Milford Fire Department, especially Fire Chief Fraitzl, for his proactive communications on the status of the river, and the Milford School District, especially John Foss at Jacques Memorial for allowing us to hold our before school program at his location and alleviate concerns about having kids in our facility during times of potential flood risk. In addition we’d like to thank the employees from Ciardelli Fuels for their help removing and reinstalling the Amato Center seats, Desmarais Construction for helping to sandbag the building, and Milford Lumber for helping us move our sheds and bins. Many individuals also came to help out, too numerous to mention here, but please know that your efforts were truly appreciated.
The support from the community was incredible. People we knew and many we didn’t came down to help because they cared about the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and the Amato Center for the Performing Arts. We know everyone has busy lives, the fact that so many came to our aid with little notice and spent time supporting us, physically and emotionally, just means so much to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s staff and our Board of Directors.
With sincere appreciation
Susan Taylor, Executive Director and Bob Heaton, President of the Board of Directors
9/09 Northeast Delta Dental Supports the Riverbend School of Theater Arts
Northeast Delta Dental recently awarded $500 to support the operations of the Riverbend School of Theater Arts program at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. "We are thrilled that Northeast Delta Dental was able to support our theater arts programs." stated Toby Tarnow, Artistic Director. "We know it's a challenging time for philanthropic giving with more requests being made for fewer dollars; as a result, their recent award is all the more valuable to us."The Riverbend The Riverbend School of Theater Arts is a unique and innovative education program that provides students with professional skills in Performance and Technical Arts, focused on competency-based education standards, called Extended Learning Opportunities(ELO). The ELOs are offered in cooperation with local public high schools. Students have the added advantage of practicing the skills they are learning in class, on the stage of The Amato Center for the Performing Arts. The Amato Center for the Performing Arts is a professional main stage facility, owned by the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in Milford.
9/09 Join Keystone or Torch Club – Orientation Meeting September 22nd
Join us on Tuesday September 22nd from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon Street, for the kick-off meeting of the Keystone Club!
Keystone Club is a small group leadership program and service club for ages 14 to 18. Torch Club is a similar program targeted to youth ages 11 to 13. Members of both clubs plan and implement community service projects, social recreation activities, leadership development programs and more. They also elect officers and plan and implement activities in the following areas: Service to Club and Community, Leadership Development, Education/Career exploration, Unity, Free Enterprise and Social Recreation. A trained professional adult advisor will facilitate, helping teens develop problem solving, communication and ethical leadership skills and coordinate the Keystone Club program. The advisor uses a hands-on character education framework to help teens build these critical skills, empowering them to plan and implement their own projects and activities.
Be part of something GREAT while helping those around you. You don’t need to be a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to attend the orientation meeting – but you do need to join if you decide to participate in these fun, social, service oriented Clubs. Call Robin or Caitlin for more information at 672-1002.
6/09 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Summer Camp Scholarship Grants
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $7,500 from the Kaley Foundation and $1,250 from the Robin Colson Memorial Fund for the support of needs-based summer camp scholarships. “The support of the Kaley Foundation and the Robin Colson Memorial Fund could not have come at a more critical time,” stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “We have seen an increase in needs-based scholarship requests this year both in terms of the number of requests and the average amount awarded. The support of individuals and foundations such as the Kaley Foundation and the Robin Colson Memorial Fund helps families who may not have been able to send their kids to camp this summer.”
Camp Souhegan at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley provides a positive place for kids during the summer. At Camp Souhegan kids take part in sports, recreational activities, and swimming. In addition, campers have opportunities to participate in theater arts, community service projects, learn about nature, arts & crafts, digital photography, cooking, rock climbing, trip camps and more. Space is still available, visit www.svbgc.org for registration forms.
6/09 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Announces Clubhouse Early Education Center
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has expanded its early education programs to support the needs of working families in the Souhegan Valley area. Programs include preschool education programs, afternoon daycare, and before and after Milford public kindergarten care including transportation to and from Jacques Elementary School. Programs offer care as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m. for children aged 3-5.
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley began providing a licensed preschool program last year, and looks forward to expanding this very well received program to better support the needs of working families struggling to balance work requirements against providing a safe, positive place for their children to learn, grow and explore.
To learn more about the new Clubhouse Early Education Program for kids aged 3-5, please visit www.svbgc.org, email clubhouse@svbgc.org, or call Catherine Kendall at 672-1002.
4/09 Boys & Girls Club Announce ImageMaker Photography Winners
 The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has announced the winners to its annual ImageMaker’s photography program. This comprehensive photography program encourages girls and boys to learn and practice photography, expressing themselves in creative and innovative ways.
“By introducing members to photography, we are giving them the priceless opportunity to express themselves,” said Susan Taylor, Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, “This program enables kids to take advantage of their artistic talents and encourages creative thinking.”
Club members competed in three age categories. Photographs were judged by volunteers including Aaron Duarte, Matt Pidgeon, and Amy Sullivan. Winners included Maggie Bell, 13-15 year old category, Stefani Stroms, 10-12 year old category, and Katie Ebbert 9 years and younger category.
4/09 Taylor Made - New Boys & Girls Club Director Wants Facility to be Even More of a Communuty Resource
Milford Cabinet article by Kathy Cleveland published Thursday April 23, 2009
4/09 A Deal That's Too Good to Miss
Milford Cabinet Editorial published Thursday, Apr. 16, 2009
An anonymous donor has offered a challenge grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and will match up to $20,000. "We'd hate to see any money not taken advantage of," said Susan Taylor, the club's new chief professional officer. "This community has supported us so much in the past."
She's right, but there's something that she didn't say: Sure, the community has supported the club, but let's not forget how much the club has done for the community. Have you been there? Have you seen kids who might otherwise have nothing constructive to do not only having fun but learning? And doing their homework? The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is a fantastic community resource that depends upon us for much of the money it needs to help these kids, so when an anonymous donor agrees to match up to $20,000, that's a bandwagon we all need to join.
And it doesn't mean that anyone has to make a big donation. We know times are tough for just about everyone, but nearly all of us can afford $5 or $10. Might not sound like much, but it adds up and we hope that eventually it will add up to $20,000.
Donate online at www.svbgc.org or mail a donation to Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, P.O. Box 916, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, N.H. 03055, For more information call Susan Taylor, CPO for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley at 672-1002 ext. 15 or email
staylor@svbgc.org
4/09 Susan Taylor Named Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan
Susan Taylor has been named Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. Taylor was selected from over 70 applicants to lead the local youth development organization located at 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford.
“We are thrilled that Susan has accepted this key leadership position,” said John Siemienowicz, president of the Board of Directors. “She is well respected by both the Board of Directors and staff, and ideally suited to lead our already-strong organization.”
Taylor brings over 15 years experience in management and business development to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. Most recently, Taylor led the Club’s development efforts as the Director of Resource Development, as well as acting as a consultant for area nonprofits, including Milford Regional Counseling Services, Harbor Homes, Healthy at Home, and Keystone Hall. Prior to working in the nonprofit sector, Taylor was the VP of Marketing for Amherst Technologies, a $300 million IT solution provider, where she managed business development and marketing communications.
“I am excited to be working with the wonderful staff and supportive board of directors at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to provide programs that promote character, leadership, and healthy relationships for the youth in our community.” stated Taylor. “I look forward to working collaboratively with local businesses, members of the community, and other youth development organizations to create positive programs that address the needs of our youth and strengthen our community”.
Taylor graduated summa cum laude from Southern N.H. University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and marketing. She lives in Milford with her husband and two children, both members of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.
3/09 Katie Hammes Named Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Norman Adams Youth of the Year
Kaitlynn (Katie) Hammes of Milford was recently named the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s 2009 Norman Adam’s Youth of the Year. Hammes is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BCGA) for her sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community. Click here
1/08 Willy Wonka Jr. January 23rd - January 25th
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man comes to life January 23rd through 25th at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Amato Center for the Performing Arts. All of your favorite characters and songs (including “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination”) are featured in this show that overflows with music, comedy and heart. Willy Wonka is a wonderful family show, perfect for kids of all ages.
A production of the Riverbend Youth Company, Willy Wonka, Jr. is directed by Tom Partridge, choreographed by Bruce Williams, with music direction by Jennifer Erdody. Children from Milford, Amherst, Wilton, Mt. Vernon, Hollis and other surrounding towns make up the talented cast, including Nick Hammes as Willy Wonka, Haley Aiken as Charlie, and Andrew Cass as Grampa Joe. In a troubled world looking for escape, let Willy Wonka take you on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination.
12/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Welcomes New Board Members
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the recent election of three newembers to its Board of Directors – each of whom brings considerable talent, knowledge, and experience to the organization.
Don Brezinski of Milford, N.H. currently serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University. In this capacity he oversees SNHU’s fundraising, alumni relations, and grant writing activities. His other current volunteer activities include serving on the Board of Directors at the Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton and as a volunteer for the Capital Campaign for the Bedford, N.H. Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Tom Quinn of Amherst, N.H. is an attorney engaged in general practice of law with concentration in residential and commercial real estate. Attorney Quinn is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Amherst Soccer Club and has been active as coach for youth soccer for the past 15 years. Joe Pestana of Bedford, N.H. is the current President and co-owner of JP Pest Services. Mr. Pestana been involved in coaching many recreational sports in Bedford and is currently a member of the Quality Pro Board of Directors for the National Pest Management Association.
12/08 Letter to the Editor Thanking Community for Fundraising Support
Thanks to the support of many in our community, the 8th Annual Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Auction Fundraiser held on November 8th at Hampshire Hills was a great success. This event raised $60,000 to support programs and services for youth ages 6-18 in our community. The success of the fundraiser was only possible because of our generous supporters, both sponsors and bidders. Sponsors this year included: Cirtronics Corporation, Alene Candles Circuit City, Centrix Bank, FairPoint Communications, St. Mary’s Bank, Lake Sunapee Bank, Hollis Line Machine Company, Dionne & Strout, P.A., First Colebrook Bank, New England College, Edward Jones, Winer and Bennett LLP, Giorgio’s and the Copy Shop. I would also like to especially thank the auction committee of Allise de Smet, Alan Woolfson, Nancy Amato, Steve Desmarais, Helen Leach, Stacey Jordan, Jackie Merrill, Caitlin Hunter, Dave Parker, Susan Taylor, Mike Dionne, and the staff of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley for all the work that they put into this wonderful event. Their support, and the funds raised at this event, make it possible for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to provide structured after-school and teen center programs for over 200 kids a day, many of whom would be going home to an empty house if the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley did not exist. We are very thankful for such civic-minded corporations and individuals in our community.
Sincerely,
Pam Porter, Auction Committee Chair & Member of the Board of Directors
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley 12/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Calley Receives Grant from NHCF- Nashua Region
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is please to announce the receipt of $5,000 from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation - Nashua Region for the support of a membership and donor data entry project. For more information click here.
12/08 First Student Employees Support the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley with Donation
The employees at First Student are helping the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley provide a positive place for kids by presenting the Club with a $5,000 donation. The Milford, NH division of First Student won the award from First Student Corporation when it was recently selected for its outstanding operations at the North American Safety Conference on June 18th. The local Milford division was selected from over 200 others in the Northeast United States for its world class safety initiatives. Part of the safety award allowed First Student employees to choose a local non-profit organization or charity to receive a donation provided by the First Student Corporation.
“After much thought and consideration by our employees, the decision was made to donate the $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley,” stated Robin Bogle, Manager at First Student in Milford. “We selected the Club because of the impact it has on the kids in our community, providing an affordable outlet for kids to spend their time in a safe, productive, fun environment.”
11/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Announces Leadership Change
The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has announced that David Parker, Chief Professional Officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, is leaving the organization to pursue new opportunities.
Former Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Board President Steve Desmarais stated, “When David was hired we ran our programs at the Grange Hall. The small size of the facility never impacted Dave’s enthusiasm for reaching more kids, especially those who need the Club programs most. His dedication to the mission to provide a positive place for kids in the community stimulated the organization’s growth over the years.”
David Parker led the organization for over ten years, creating programs to attract members, engage the community, and provide a safe, fun place for kids. Dave’s leadership helped transition the Club from a unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Nashua to its own autonomous unit. During David’s tenure, member growth necessitated the move to the Granite Town Plaza, and finally to its current home at 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford. “David Parker has led the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley for the past ten years through tremendous challenges, growing Club membership from just 30 kids to over 600 last year. He also led the organization as it recovered from the devastating flood in 2007”, stated John Siemienowicz, incoming President of the Board of Directors. “We appreciate his years of service and commitment to the organization and wish him well in his new endeavors.”
The Board of Directors, in consultation with other constituencies of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, has begun a comprehensive search for a new Chief Professional Officer. During the transition, the Board of Directors has named Bob Heaton, member of the Board of Directors, to act as interim CPO. All other staff and management at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley remains in place and daily operations will continue. If you have any questions or concerns about this change in leadership, please contact Susan Taylor, Dir. Of Resource Development at 672-1002 x15 or staylor@svbgc.org.
11/08 Rich Lowney Receives President's Volunteer Service Award
 New Hampshire software company owner and Boys & Girls Club alumnus, Richard Lowney, of Amherst, was honored on November 6, 2008 when Roxanne Spillett, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented him with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, on behalf of President George W. Bush, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Northeast Regional Conference held in Newport, Rhode Island, November 5-8.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, on behalf of the President of the United States, to recognize the best in American spirit, and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation. Recipients are selected based on demanding, documented criteria of hours of service to their organizations and may be invited to greet the President when he visits the state where they reside. Lowney was recognized for his many years of service to several Boys & Girls Clubs in New Hampshire, and to the expansion of the Boys & Girls Clubs movement in the state.
Lowney started his Boys & Girls Club volunteer service in Nashua. He served on the executive board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua in 1983, on various committees and in a number of executive officer positions, including president of the board in 1993. During the 1990s he also served as a cross-over board member on the advisory board for what was initially the Milford unit of the Nashua Club. He helped develop what is today a chartered club of its own, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, by serving several terms as an executive officer and continues to serve on the Club’s board of directors. Click here for complete release.
11/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and Cirtronics Corporation Announce Holiday Card Winner
Cirtronics Corporation announced Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley member Sasha Berin Hughes as the winner of their holiday card contest. Sasha¡¯s scene of the Milford Oval was chosen to be featured on Cirtronic's corporate holiday greeting card. ¡°It was so difficult to choose a winner from all the wonderful entries,¡± stated Pamela Campman of Cirtronics. ¡°The kids really impressed us with their creativity.¡± Along with the overall winner, Connor Crawford and Morgan Peffer were announced as winners in their age group. All winners received gift certificates. All Boys & Girls Club members who participated in the contest received a set of holiday cards, including their original work of art.
11/08 Alene Candle Sale to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and S.H.A.R.E.
Proceeds from the 2008 Alene Candle Sale will benefit two local nonprofit organizations this year, S.H.A.R.E. and the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. Superior quality, custom-designed, fragrance candles for the gift, cosmetic and retail trade will be sold at discount prices on Friday December 5th from 9:00 a.m. ¨C 6:00 p.m. and Saturday December 6th from, 9:00 a.m. ¨C 4:00 p.m. This is a very popular event, so come early for best selection! The sale will be located in a new location off Elm Street in Milford. From the Milford Oval travel west on Elm Street and go approximately one mile to Riverway East Rd. (located on your right behind Milford House of Pizza). Riverway East Rd. is directly across the street from 222 Elm Street Plaza. Watch for signs! Bring non©\perishable food items for S.H.A.R.E. & receive a free candle.
11/08 Holiday Craft Fair at the Boys & Girls Club
Visit the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m on Saturday December 6th. Held annually in conjunction with the Annual Holiday Craft Fairs in Milford, the Boys & Girls Club Fair offer vendors showcasing tempting treats and treasures, including: spices and trivets, beaded jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, cell phone charms, bookmarks, J&J Jewelry Boxes, paintings, incense, candles, sachets, aromatic sprays, Avon products, plus much more! The fair also offers many ready-made crafts perfect for children, quilting books and patterns, craft supplies, and storage totes. Be sure to enter the themed stocking raffle prizes! Concessions are available throughout the event. Interested in a table at the fair? Visit www.svbgc.orgfor registration information or call Caitlin Hunter at 672-1002.
10/08 Auditions for ¡°Willy Wonka Jr.¡± November 10th and 12th
Auditions are being held for Willy Wonka Jr., Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man, on November 10th and 12th from 6:30 p.m. ¨C 8:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley¡¯s Amato Center, 56 Mont Vernon Street, Milford. A production of the Riverbend Youth Company of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, this production will be directed by Tom Partridge, choreographed by Bruce Williams, with music direction by Jennifer Erdody. Willy Wonka Jr. will be cast with youth in grades 4 and up. You do not need to be a member of the Boys & Girls Club to audition. All auditioners should bring a prepared song and will be taught a short dance routine. Call Robin at 672-1002 x20 for an appointment time.
10/08 School Days Off Camps in November
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is offering both on-site and trip camps for kids during scheduled days off from school in November! Camps are scheduled for November 4th and 11th and run from 9 a.m. ¨C 4 p.m. with before care, after care, and specialty camps available for a small additional fee.
Sign up for a fun day off from school and have access to all the fun programs at the Boys & Girls Club under the supervision of the professional staff. Kids will play in the game room, participate in Arts & Crafts, play recreational sports, and more! Want to do something special on your day off? We¡¯re holding a special Rock Climbing Camp for kids in grades 3 and up! Or travel to Chunky¡¯s on November 4th to see High School Musical, or go bowling on November 11th at Merrimack Ten Pin!
Spaces are limited and you must be a member! You can become a member at any time, just sign up at the Club, or click here for forms. If you have any questions about membership or November Vacation Camps contact Cory Sullivan at 672-1002 x18 or email csullivan@svbgc.org.
10/08 Auditions for Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
The Milford Area Players in partnership with the Riverbend Youth Company of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley are producing ¡°The Best Christmas Pageant Ever¡±, a hilarious holiday story that will appeal to all ages. Directed by Robin LaCroix and Vick Bennison, the show tells the story of the annual Christmas play the no one wants to be in ¨C except six petulant siblings who have never heard the Christmas story. Ultimately their energy and sincerity triumphs over their confusion as they make the pageant the best ever!
Auditions being held on November 1st from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and November 2nd from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club's Amato Center, 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford. The play offers speaking roles for 17 children ages 8 and up plus roles for 2 men and 9 women, and plenty of room for extras! Auditions will consist of cold readings. No appointment necessary. Families are encouraged to audition.
10/08 Haunted Theater at the Amato Theater
Legend has it that the Amato Center stage has been haunted for years! Some people say the theater was built on the site of an Indian burial ground. Or is it the ghost of an actor from the American Stage Festival who has been seen wandering the catwalks? Experience the thrills and chills of a tour through the Haunted Theater by visiting the Amato Center for the Performing Arts on October 29th and 30th from 7:00-10:00pm, October 31st 7:00-11:00pm. This event is not suitable for very young children.
The Amato Center is located at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon Street, Milford, NH. Admission is $5.00 per person. Money raised at this event support the positive programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.
10/08 Boys & Girls Club Bowl A Thon October 19th
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will hold a Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday October 19 th at Merrimack Ten Pin in Merrimack, New Hampshire. This family-friendly fundraising event combines the fun and excitement of bowling with the rewards of raising money for a good cause. All friends, families of members, and supporters of the Club are invited to attend! It¡¯s easy to participate. Register as a Bowler with your team of friends, family or coworkers and ask people to sponsor you. Don¡¯t want to bowl but still want to help? Sponsor a Boys & Girls Club staff member or other bowlers. Money raised at this event will help support the positive programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. There¡¯s still time to participate! For more information on the Bowl-A-Thon or to make an online donation please click here.
9/08 Boys & Girls Club Plans to Expand Athletic Programs
The Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is expanding its athletic programs and is looking for players and volunteer coaches. Boys & Girls Club athletic program promote the positive use of leisure time, help develop skills for stress management, provide competitive outlets, and foster teamwork. Planned programs include basketball, soccer, lacrosse and dodge ball. If interested in playing or volunteering as coach, please contact Ryan Ledoux at 672-1002 ext. 19 or rledoux@svbgc.org.
9/08 Cirtronics Employees Help Make the Boys & Girls Club a Positive Place
Several employees from Cirtronics Corporation recently spent a day at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley getting the facility ready for the new school year. Cirtronics employees spent the day cleaning, building shelves, and gardening ¨C helping make sure the Boys & Girls Club was ready for the more than 200 kids who spend their after school hours at the Milford facility.
Cirtronics Corporation, a Milford-based company, supports the Boys & Girls Club through its Cirtronics Community Out-Reach Program (CCORP), a rotating membership of employees who come together for the purpose of serving the local community with the donation of time, funds and space to serve the youth in our community. In addition, each employee is encouraged to use an allocation of paid time for volunteerism in the community.
9/08 Club Receives Support from CBM Cares Foundation
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently received $3,000 from CBM Cares Foundation. CBM Cares is College Bound Movers' not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to supporting and sustaining the needs of other not-for-profits. The organization, run by business leaders and professionals in Southern New Hampshire, plans fundraisers and events to educate people and contribute to other organizations. CBM Cares raised money during its annual ¡°Hula Hut¡± luau held on July 19th to support the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. ¡°It means so much to the Club and our members to have the support of such a wonderful community focused organization,¡± stated Caitlin Hunter, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.
 8/08 Boys & Girls Club Raises Money for the Monadnock Humane Society
Several members from the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently visited the Monadnock Humane Society to present a check for $800. The donation was raised by challenging all youth members attending the Club¡¯s Camp Souhegan summer camp program to donate pennies during a recent Penny War.
¡°It was wonderful to see how committed the kids were to raising the money for the Humane Society,¡± stated Caitlin Hunter, Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. ¡°The staff at the Club works hard to help kids learn about their ability to create change in their community. It¡¯s a lesson we repeat throughout the year by participating in community service projects.¡±
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley members recently painted over graffiti with support from the Milford Police Department and Milford Paint and Wallpaper, as well as collected donations for SHARE, and shipped 15 boxes of supplies to soldiers stationed in Iraq.
8/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Goes to the Movies Thanks to Regal Cinema 
Regal Entertainment Group selected the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to participate in the Regal Free Family Film Festival this summer. Campers from the Club¡¯s Camp Souhegan attended movies in Hooksett, N.H. ¨C keeping cool while enjoying fun, family entertainment. For more information about Regal Cinema's Free Family Film Festival click here.
8/08 Nashua Telegraph "Students revamp kitschy, educational cartoon classic into fun, musical production" 8/18/08 click here
8/08 Soldier Thanks Boys & Girls Club for Support
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently received thanks from a soldier stationed in Iraq, for the 15 boxes of food, games, stationary and other supplies the Club members recently gathered and mailed to the troops. ¡°It was awesome to get 15 boxes from the Boys and Girls Club,¡± stated Mike in an email. ¡°Your packages boosted the morale of the troops working in austere conditions.¡± In appreciation, the Club received a U.S. Flag flown on an AC-130 Gun Ship supporting U.S. and Iraqi special force troops on the ground.
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley continues to help kids in the community learn about their ability to create meaningful change through advocacy and service. Most recently Club members collected over $800 in donations for the Monadnock Humane Society by participating in ¡°Penny Wars¡±.
8/08 Boys & Girls Club Open House August 20th
Learn all about the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley at our Open House on August 20th from 6:00 ¨C 8:00 p.m. Meet the staff, tour the facility, and learn about all the programs the Club offers for kids in the community. We¡¯ll have information about Milford programs and membership fees, benefits to membership, transportation to the Club, enrichment classes, our new preschool program, and more!
7/08 Connecting Kids to the Community
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is working to help kids in the community learn about their ability to create meaningful change through advocacy and service. Club members have completed several service projects this summer, resulting in a sense of pride and accomplishment about their impact and ability to affect change in the community.
Club members collected food for SHARE, helping to stock the pantries. In addition, the Club members collected items for soldiers stationed in Iraq, successfully mailing 15 packages of food, toys, games, stationary, and other supplies to help brighten the lives of the soldiers. Most recently, members worked with the Milford Police Department to paint graffiti under Osgood Bridge and Ponemah Bridge. The Club thanks the Milford Police Department for their support and Milford Paint for the donation of the paint.
7/08 Milford Police and Fire Department Softball Fundraiser
The Milford Police & Fire Departments have challenged each other to a softball game to help raise funds to support the programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. The game will be held at Keyes Field on Sunday August 10th at 1 p.m. Boys & Girls Club staff and members will be grilling food and selling drinks during the event. It will be Police vs. Fire Department¨C come out and cheer on your favorite team and help raise funds for the kids in our community.
7/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Scholarship Support
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of support from the Kaley Foundation, the Robin Colson Foundation, and Cirtronics Corporation in support of needs-based scholarships. ¡°Approximately one in five kids require a needs-based scholarship in order to participate in the positive programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley¡¯s Camp Souhegan,¡± stated Robin deHaven, Finance Director for the Club. ¡°This year, the Club is experiencing both an increase in camp enrollment and requests for scholarships. We rely on the support of the community to insure all kids have access to our programs, regardless of ability to pay.¡±
7/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Grant from the Milford Hospital Association
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $10,000 from the Milford Hospital Association for support of the focused expansion of SMART Moves, a prevention program that utilizes age and gender appropriate curriculum for adolescent girls and boys to reduce at risk behaviors while increasing self-esteem and healthy lifestyle choices.
¡°SMART Moves, a national acclaimed resistance training program, has been utilized by the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley as an outreach program in area schools for several years. Hundred of local school kids have learned age appropriate decision making, peer pressure resistance, and self-awareness skills through this program,¡± stated David Parker, Chief Professional Officer at the Boys & Girls Club. ¡°The Club recognizes the importance of its role as a connecting point for young people in our community and looks to increase our impact with youth ages 11 - 14.¡± The support of the Milford Hospital Association will help the Club provide gender and age specific programs for young teen members through SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood programs.
6/08 Science Adventure at the Boys and Girls Club
 Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley learned about the life cycle of chickens and the importance of giving back to the community during the Club¡¯s Spring Science Adventure enrichment class. The kids tended chicken eggs, learning about the importance of temperature and humidity during the egg hatching process, and the care and feeding of live chicks. The enrichment class ¡°graduated¡± by taking a trip to MapleHaven Farm in Milford to donate the chicks to a working chicken, duck and sheep farm owned by Liisa Palance.
6/08 Milford Police Help the Boys & Girls Club Create a Positive Place for Kids
_edited.jpg) The Milford Police Department and the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley are working together to help kids in the community learn about the costs and consequences of crime, their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and their ability to bring about meaningful change through advocacy and service. The collaborative effort kicks off this summer with Office Sean Ostler attending events at the Boys & Girls Club, regularly interacting with the kids and working to implement community service projects designed to empower and educate the members of the Boys & Girls Club about their role and impact in the community.
¡°We¡¯ve always worked closely with the Milford Police Department,¡± stated David Parker, Chief Professional Officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley ¡°however, this collaboration brings our partnership to a whole new level. We¡¯ll be working proactively to help educate the kids in our community about crime while instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment about their impact in the community. It¡¯s an exciting new program, and we thank the Milford Police Department for their support.¡±
6/08 Mont Vernon Inn Auction Proceeds to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will benefit from the sale of the items being auctioned from the former Mont Vernon Inn on Saturday June 21st. The current owner of the property, Rolf Biggers, has offered the contents of the building to the Club to help support its fundraising efforts. The auction and sale will be held at the property located on Main Street in Mont Vernon, N.H. Final clearance on all items will be Sunday 6/22. For more details and information click here
6/08 Club Raises Flag with Help from Walmart
 The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (BGCSV) celebrated Flag Day by installing a new flag pole and raising the American flag at its Milford, N.H. location. Youth members, along with Board Members and other supporters, saluted the flag and sang the Star Spangled Banner at the dedication ceremony last Friday.
¡°We¡¯d like to thank Marie Grella for approaching Walmart on behalf of the Club,¡± stated David Parker, Chief Professional Officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. ¡°It was because of Marie¡¯s request and resulting support from Walmart, that we were able to install the new flag and flag pole today.¡±
Walmart provided the funding necessary for the purchase and installation of the flag pole and flag. Both Marie Grella and Tony Tiner, Walmart Store Manager, attended the flag dedication and received plaques of appreciation from David Parker and Alan Woolfson, Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley¡¯s Board President.
6/08 Milford Rotary Supports Teen Outreach at Boys & Girls Club of Souehgan Valley
 The Milford Rotary Club is shown presenting a check to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. The BGC requested the Rotary Club assist them in supporting teen program enhancements. Included in this request were funding the construction of a new climbing wall and to make some improvements to the teen center.
The current concern in our community over potential gang activity means that providing alternative opportunities for young people becomes ever more critical. The Rotary Club promised $10,000 toward the climbing wall construction, contingent on the BGC raise the remaining funding required for the purchase and installation of the Climbing Wall, and $700 for teen center improvements. This donation continues the longstanding supporting relationship the Milford Rotary Club has had with the Boys and Girls Club.
Pictured from left to right are Susan Taylor (Resource Development Director at the BGC), Caitlin Hunter (BGC Program Director), Krystina Blacksmith (BGC Assist. Teen Director), Jessica Hatch (Youth of the Year), Allise de Smet (Milford Rotary President), and Dave Parker (BGC Chief Professional Officer).
6/08 Nashua Telegraph "Theater Arts Group Get $5k Gift From Nancy O Fund" click here
6/08 Ultimate Pampering Fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley click here
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford, will host an Ultimate Pampering Event on June 12th from 5-7 p.m., including demonstrations of ultimate pampering products for you and your home. This event, hosted by Nicole Forrence and Becci Young, will showcase products from the Pampered Chef and Mary Kay Cosmetics. A great event for finding year-end teacher gifts and summer entertaining products, the fundraiser will include specials and giveaways. A portion of the proceeds generated will go to support the programs of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. For more information, or to RSVP, call Becci Young at 325-0797 or email byoung5089@marykay.com.
5/08 Milford Cabinet "Boys Girls Club Schedules Monte Carlo Fundraiser" click here
5/08 Club Receives Grant from Amherst Junior Women's Club click here
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $500 from the Amherst Junior Women¡¯s Club for the purchase of athletic equipment. The Club will use the grant to replace a broken basketball hoop, helping the Club to improve recreational activities for youth of all ages. ¡°The support of the Amherst Junior Women¡¯s Club means a lot to us and our youth members,¡± stated Ryan LeDoux, Athletic Director at the Club. ¡°Installing the new hoop will help to encourage kids to spend more time at the Club interacting with their peers and professional adult leaders in a positive environment.¡±
5/08 Nashua Telegraph "Boys & Girls Club a Worthy Investment" click here
5/08 Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser Tikets On Sale Now
Tickets are on sale now for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser! The Club is raising money for a new climbing wall program to provide youth members a positive risk-taking activity designed to improve physical, mental, emotional and social growth and development. The event is being held at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon Street in Milford on Saturday June 7th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Event sponsors include Cirtronics, Elisha¡¯s Restaurant, and the Copy Shop.
Play Monte Carlo style games to earn raffle tickets toward exciting prizes including: two Southwest Airline roundtrip vouchers for anywhere in the U.S ($800 value), a ¡°Summer of Dates¡± including over $650 worth of gift certificates to local restaurants and an overnight at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, and a ¡°Fall Foliage Getaway¡± including a stay at the Inn at Mill Falls in Meredith, Sunday Brunch on the MS Mount Washington, and digital camera ($450 value)! In addition there will be a 50/50 raffle and many silent auction items to bid on. Tickets are $50 and available at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, or may be purchased on line by clicking here.
5/08 Nashua Telegraph "Souhegan Valley Teens at Work on Original Musical" click here
4/08 Rising Star Talent Show Winners Announced
Regional talent show winners from across the State of N.H. competed on April 5th at the 1st Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of N.H. Rising Star Talent Show held at the Amato Center in Milford, N.H. Talented youngsters from Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) in Salem, Nashua, Manchester, the Souhegan Valley (Milford), and the Lakes Region competed against each other for cash prizes and the title of Rising Star 2008.
1st Place was awarded to the talented singer Chelsea LaGuerre from the BGC of Manchester. 2nd Place was awarded to the dynamic members of the Dymondz Step Team from the BGC of Nashua, including: Danelis Alejo, April McRae, Randy Alejo and Cynthia Martinez. 3nd Place winner was Valerie Manha from the BGC of Souhegan Valley for her moving dance performance. And the Audience Favorite was awarded to Shea Vaccaro and his partner Emily Langdon of the BGC of Souhegan Valley for their exciting hand-to-hand acrobatics.
4/08 Club Receives Grant from the Nancy O Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation for Support of Riverbend Youth Company
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $5,000 from the Nancy O Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation ¨C Nashua Region for the support of its Riverbend Youth Company theater arts program. ¡°We¡¯re thrilled to have the support of the Nancy O Fund,¡± stated Dave Parker, Chief Professional Office for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. ¡°Our program is all about providing kids in our community with hope and opportunity. The Riverbend Youth Company uses theater arts programs to provide opportunities for personal growth and development, resulting in a reduction of negative behaviors and increased self-esteem. Kids that may not ¡°join in¡± traditional programs have a creative, positive outlet for expression in a safe and caring environment¡±. Established in 2006, the program is relatively new but already earning accolades, including endorsement from the N.H. Board of Education as an Extended Learning Opportunity and a Merit Award for Program Excellence from the Boys & Girls Club of America.
4/08 Riverbend Youth Company presents Once Upon a Mattress May 9th - 18th
Join us at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts for Once Upon a Mattress! You¡¯ll laugh aloud during this comical retelling of ¡°The Princess and the Peas¡±, a popular children¡¯s fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. Watch as the Princess sings and dances her way to win the hand of the fair prince ¨C or does she?
Directed by Toby Tarnow, Musical Direction by Sue Reilly, and Choreographed by Bruce Williams, this production of the Riverbend Youth Theater Company of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley includes over 30 youth from across the Souhegan Valley community, including Nick Hammes as Price Dauntless, Joseph Harris as the Minstrel, Alec Paulsen as the Wizard, Ruth Kemmerer as Winifred, Caitlyn Labrecque as the Queen, TJ Long as Sir Harry, Lucas Nevrla as King Sextimus, Annie Reilly as Lady Larkin, and Dominiq Russell as the Jester.
For ticket and performance dates/times click here.
4/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Announces April Vacation Camp
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley offers both on-site and trip camps for kids! Camps run from 9 a.m. ¨C 4 p.m. with before and after care available for a small additional fee. Our recreation camps programs are run by our professional staff on site at our Milford location. Have fun playing in the game room, participating in sports, creating crafts, working on computer skills, playing video games, and watching movies! Not taking a trip with you your family this April vacation? Don¡¯t despair ¨C take a trip with us! Our Vacation Trip Camps include a bowling at Merrimack Ten Pin, an Earth Day BBQ and show, lunch and a movie at Chunky¡¯s, a fun day in Boston, including a tour of Fenway Park, and a trip to the Space Center for rides and games! Spaces are limited and you must be a Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley member. If you have any questions contact Caitlin Hunter at (603)-673-1002 ext. 16 or email chunter@svbgc.org.
3/08 TD Banknorth Hosts Boys and Girls Club Members at the Boston Celtics
Sixteen members of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley will travel in style to Boston to enjoy a Celtics game in the TD Banknoth Kid¡¯s Clubhouse at the TD Banknorth Garden on March 28th. The children, winners of an essay contest at the Club, will be chauffeured to the event by Limousines by Liz. At the game they will be treated to loge seats, dinner and featured on the LED Screen and FSN New England.
3/08 Local Teen Named Youth of the Year
Jessica Hatch is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At age 14 she has been selected as the Norman Adams Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. Hatch is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BCGA) for her sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member¡¯s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Youth of the Year award is named after Norman Adams whose generosity supported the Teen Center at the Club. Adams, a long-time Milford resident, left a gift to the Club when he passed away, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit thousands of children in our community.
A freshman at Milford High School, Hatch is on the varsity cheerleading team, and is involved in both dance and karate. Giving back to the community is very important to Hatch, and she volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley as well as High Hopes and the Light the Night Foundation. Jessica lives in Milford with mother, father and five siblings.
3/08 Walk for Kids and Help Raise Funds to Support the Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, with support from Hampshire Hills, is holding a ¡°Walk for Kids¡± at the Hampshire Dome on Saturday April 26th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get your team together of family, friends, and coworkers, and raise funds to support the after school program at the Boys & Girls Club! The walk-a-thon event encourages health and wellness all while having fun ¨C the same philosophy the Club uses for its programs. We¡¯ll have food, entertainment and themed hours. Win prizes, have fun, and raise money for a great cause! Come join us and learn what a terrific resource the Boys & Girls Club is for kids in our community!
For more information, call Caitlin Hunter at 672-1002 x16 or email chunter@svbgc.org. Complete details about the event, including registration forms are available here.
3/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Support to Build Climbing Wall
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $2,500 from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust to support the building of a climbing wall at its Milford, N.H. facility. The Club is actively raising money to support the installation of an indoor climbing wall to offer youth members, and the community, a positive-risk taking activity designed to improve physical, mental, emotional and social growth and development. The grant will be used to launch the program by supporting equipment acquisition, installation, training, and insurance. The Club is seeking additional support for the climbing wall, raising funds through grants, individual contributions, and other fundraising activities. If you are interested in learning more about how you can support the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, please contact Susan Taylor, Resource Development Director at 603-672-1002 x15 or visit www.svbgc.org.
2/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Receives Photography Equipment Grant
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of a Circuit City Photography Equipment Grant Package, including a digital camera, photo paper, memory stick and USB cable. The equipment will be used to expand and enhance the Club¡¯s ImageMakers Digital Photography Club, offering more members the ability to explore their creativity and showcase their talents in digital photography.
2/08 February Vacation Camp Announced
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley offers both on-site and trip camps for kids! Camps run from 9 a.m. ¨C 4 p.m. with before and after care available for a small additional fee. In addition to having fun playing in the game room, participating in dodgeball, doing crafts, and watching movies, this year we have two exciting special events planned! On Thursday 2/28 Wildlife Encounters is coming to the Club. This presentation includes a variety of different animals that kids can even touch! And on Friday 2/29 we¡¯re having a Build-a-Book Party! Kids will be able to create their own story with the materials provided and the finished product will be a unique project to keep. Both these special activities are available for an additional fee. Not taking a trip with you your family this February vacation? Don¡¯t despair ¨C take a trip with us! Our Trip Camps includes swimming at the Nashua Boys & Girls Club, skating at Roller Kingdom, a trip to Chunky¡¯s to see the Spiderwick Chronicles, tubing at Pat¡¯s Peak, and a trip to Parkers Maple Barn for breakfast and a tour.
Spaces are limited and you must be a member! You can become a member at any time, just sign up at the Club, or click here for more information.
2/08 NEW Enrichments Announced
Do you love art? Want to learn karate? Have you always wanted to sew or knit? Be a great babysitter? The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley announces Session 4 enrichment programs to help members learn, create, and explore new passions. Enrichments are fee-based specialty programs offered in six one-day-a-week and are taught by professional, caring adults. Sign up now -- classes begin March 3rd and spaces are limited! Click here for enrichment descriptions and sign up forms.
2/08 Riverbend Youth Company¡¯s 3rd Annual One Act Play Festival February 15 ¨C 16th
Four student-written, directed and acted plays will be performed at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley¡¯s Amato Center for the Performing Arts on February 15th and 16th at 7:30 p.m. Plays include: ¡°Home is Where the Heart Is¡±, written by Sienne S. and Haviland Johannesson-Forgit, ¡°Backstage¡± written by Katie Hammes, ¡°Life Story of a Job Hunter¡±, written by Katie, Megan & Nicholas Hammes, Andrew Cass, and Micah Edleblut. The festival will also showcase an original musical, ¡°My Play ¨C a Musical¡±, written by Andrew Cass with music co-written by Joseph Harris. Now in its 3rd year, the One Act Play Festival was created to encourage the creation of original plays by school-age students. Now is also the chance to catch some talented writers and performers at the beginning of their careers! Tivkets are $5.00 at the door.
2/08 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to Host Book Fair Fundraising Event, February 28th - March 8th
The community is invited to attend the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley¡¯s ¡°Take a Reading Road Trip¡± Book Fair Fundraiser, February 28th through March 8th! The Book Fair will offer specially priced books and educational products, including new releases, award-winning titles, children¡¯s classics, interactive software, adult books, and current bestsellers from more than 100 publishers. Books will be available for all ages ¨C from preschool to adult! Proceeds will be used to purchase books for the Club's PC Connection Learning Center and to support other Club activities. Book Fair hours vary by day, please click here for a complete schedule, or call Catherine at 672-1002 x23.
1/08 Rising Start Talent Show Winners Announced
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the winners of the first Rising Star Talent Competition held on January 19th at the Boys & Girls Club Amato Center for the Performing Arts in Milford. In addition to showcasing young talented performers from the Souhegan Valley area, this event raised $585 for the Jaiden Lyndi Tlapa Fund.
Valerie Manha of Wilton was awarded 1st Place for her moving dance selections from Pirates of the Caribbean. Sarah Perry of Tyngsboro, MA won 2nd Place for her impressive vocal performance of "I Could Have Danced All Night". The team of Shea Vaccaro and Emily Langdon of Milford were awarded 3rd Place for their exciting their hand-to-hand acrobatics performance. And an Honorable Mention was awarded to Annie Reilly of Merrimack for her moving vocal performance from "Light in the Piazza".
The top three winners of the Milford competition will represent the Souhegan Valley in the Boys & Girls Club N.H. Alliance Rising Star Talent Show finals to be held in Milford on Saturday April 5th.
1/08 Riverbend Youth Company Receives Three N.H. Theater Award Nominations
The Riverbend Youth Company¡¯s production of ¡°Just So¡± has been nominated for three N.H. Theater Awards! ¡°Just So¡± placed in the top ten in three categories: Best Sound (Aaron Duarte), Best Choreography (Bruce Williams), and Best Supporting Actor (Andrew Cass). The N.H. Theater Awards will be held on February 2 nd at the Palace Theater in Manchester. The Riverbend Youth Company is a program of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.
1/08 Club Receives Grant from Mary Louise Billings Trust for Climbing Wall
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce the receipt of $3,000 from the Mary Loise Billings Trust, Citizen's Bank Trustee, to support the building of a climbing wall at its Milford, N.H. facility. The Club is actively raising money to support the installation of an indoor climbing wall to offer youth members, and the community, a positive-risk taking activity designed to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development. The grant will be used to launch the program by supporting equipment acquisition, installation, training and insurance. The Club is seeking additional support for the climbing wall, raising funds through grants, contributions and other fundraising efforts.
1/08 Cleaning Out Your Closets? Recycle Your Clothing and Support the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley!
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to announce its partnership with Ecosmith Recyclers, New Hampshire's leading used clothing exporter. A portion of the proceeds from all donations will be given to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to support programs and services.
Feel great about making textile and clothing donations - you are helping to reduce landfills by recycling clothing and textiles while supporting your local Boys & Girls Club! The white donation bin is conveniently located in the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley parking lot at 56 Mont Vernon Street (behind Milford Lumber). Items suitable for collection are: all manners of used clothing. household linens (i.e., sheets, blankets, towels, curtains, etc.), paired footwear, stuffed animals, belts and pocketbooks. Items NOT suitable for collection are: non-textiles, wet textiles, oil soaked or otherwise contaminated textiles, rugs and carpeting, pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture.
12/07 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Awarded $20,000 Grant for SMART Moves
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has received $20,000 in support from the Boys & Girls Club of America to expand its SMART Moves programming in 2008. SMART Moves (Skills, Mastery And Resistance Training) is one of the few national prevention programs currently addressing the problems of alcohol and other drug use and teen pregnancy in one comprehensive curriculum. With this funding, the Club will expand its SMART Moves program into the Amherst and Wilton locations, work more closely with parents, and provide outreach activities in area schools, reaching more kids than ever before!
12/07 Boys & Girls Club Talent Show Announcement
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley is pleased to be hosting the N.H. BGC Alliance Rising Star Talent Competition on April 5th, 2007. All Boys & Girls Clubs in the N.H. BGC State Alliance are eligible to participate by holding their own internal talent competitions, then sending their top three finalists to compete in Milford! Categories include: vocal, dance and variety.
12/07 The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Makes Christmas Wishes Come True
Click for Nashua Telegraph article.
The staff, board of directors, and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley helped to make Christmas special for four families this holiday season. The Club adopted three Share families, as well as one family from within the Club membership. Over $2,000 in gifts were donated to help make Christmas wishes come true for these families.
¡°We thought it was important to show our members that we can have an impact on the lives of others in our community.¡± stated Dave Parker, Chief Professional Office for the Club. ¡°The support of the staff, board, and member families has been tremendous. Thanks to their generosity we were able to fill over 2 vans with presents for families in our community.¡±
12/07 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Hold Image Makers Photo Gallery Night
Talented student photographers showcases their digital artwork on December 12th to a community of peers, parents and community members. Framed photographs were sold as a fundraiser for the program, raising over $750! A special thanks to CL!X Portrait Studio for their support of Image Makers.
11/07 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Graduates 31 Members from SMART Moves Program
Click for Nashua Telegraph article.
The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recently graduated 31 members from its SMART Moves program. SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) is a prevention/education program designed to address problems such as drug and alcohol use and reduce high-risk behaviors. More than simply emphasizing a "Say No" message, the program teaches young people ages 6 to15 how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. SMART Moves Graduates during the month of November included: William Herbert, Alex Taylor, Marissa Wandrey, Emma Jordan, Joshua Snow, Drew Johnson, Elizabeth Phelps, Rachel Good, Matthew Deware, April Berry, Amber Ramos, Michael Ramos, Julia Thompson, Molly Nero, Isaiah Walter, Emma Wegener, Lauren Dishong, Rebecca Durham, Taylor Leon, Zachary Parker, Elizabeth Jordan, Katrina Deware, Meaghan Allard, Robert Mead, Kenneth Nero, Madison Crawford, Connor Crawford, Kyle Faucher-Clancy, Nikolas Kellogg, Trevor-Bryce Narine, and Jacob Georgoulakos.
11/07 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Dedicates New Teen Center
The Norman Adams Teen Center at the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley was officially dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 8th. The Teen Center was made possible by the generosity of Norman Adams, a long-time Milford resident who left a gift to the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley when he passed away, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit thousands of children in our community. The ribbon was cut by Jessica Hatch, a freshman at Milford High School and member of the Club, and Jeff Starcher, Regional Service Director for the Boys and Girls Club of America.
6/07 Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Flooded During April Storm
 On April 16th 2007, the Souhegan River rose to a record high surrounding the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley and the Amato Center with almost 4 feet of water. All the staff could do was watch from the top of the driveway as the parking lot turned to a white water river. At its highest point, the water lapped at the windowsills. Thanks to the outpouring of community support, the Club was able to run programs in alternative locations and reopened the facility in only 2 months, a testament to the importance of the Club to the community it serves.
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