Tag Archive for: #bgcncnc

Cameron Majette Competing For State BGC Youth Of The Year

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A local high school senior is headed to Raleigh to compete in a statewide competition for Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.

Cameron Majette just got back from a weeklong stint in the Governor’s Page Program last month, so he may feel right at home when he attends a reception with lawmakers in the Executive Mansion Friday evening.

No matter Friday’s decision by the judges, Vance BGC Unit Director Evelyn Taylor said Majette’s a winner in her book.

“He has blossomed into a leader,” Taylor told WIZS News Thursday. A club member for 11 years, Majette used to be on the shy side, Taylor said, but that shyness has been replaced with a high level of confidence.

“I’m so proud of him,” Taylor said, “I’m beaming with pride.” She said his influence and leadership throughout the club is palpable, he helps younger children with homework and is helping to re-establish the Keystone Club at the Vance Unit.

The Henderson Collegiate senior was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for being named the BGCNCNC (North Central North Carolina) youth of the year. He’ll go up against about 20 others for the statewide honor.

The young people will assemble at PNC Arena in Raleigh Friday morning, and a panel of judges will review all the information packets, which includes a nomination form, letters of reference and three personal essays about his club experience, what matters to him and his personal growth, Taylor said.

Each will have a 3-minute speech which basically will be a combination of the three essays, Taylor noted, and judges will evaluate the candidates’ overall public speaking.

Whether in front of a group of judges or back at home in the club, Taylor said she believes Majette’s confidence and focus will serve him well.

“He definitely found his voice and he is not afraid of using it,” Taylor said.

Boys and Girls Clubs

Put Donation To BGCNCNC On Your “To-Do” List

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The Thanksgiving holiday kicks off in earnest a season of giving, and there are several different ways to make donations that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in the coming days and weeks.

Of course, a check mailed to BGCNCNC, P.O. Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565 is always welcome, said CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones, and something for individuals to consider on Giving Tuesday, coming up next week.

Jones said a link will go live on BGCNCNC’s Facebook page Wednesday to make a donation quick and easy.

There are two toy drives underway as well – one in Oxford by Will Jakes, whose Edward Jones office collects new, unwrapped gifts for club members in Granville County.

Jones said the Zeta Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity is sponsoring toy drives across the counties that have clubs as well. “They are really committed about spreading the love and supporting the counties,” Jones said.

Following is a list of collection locations and deadlines:

  • Vance County – Beckford Medical Center, 176 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson. Deadline is Dec. 16.
  • Granville County – Bobo’s Menswear, 216 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Oxford. Deadline is Dec. 20.
  • Warren County – Henderson and Henderson Dentistry, LLC, 516 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton. Deadline is Dec. 19.
  • Franklin County – Franklinton Town Hall, 101 N. Main St., Franklinton. Deadline is Dec. 15.

Through generous donations from the community last year, Jones said every club member received a gift for Christmas.

He said he hopes that financial contributions come in between now and the end of the year to help “give us a leg up in 2023.”

Whether it’s a check in the mail, a click on the Facebook page or a gift for a child, Jones said efforts from a caring community “truly make a difference for our young people.”

Boys and Girls Clubs

State Treasurer Folwell Returns $310.58 To BGC Halifax Unit From Unclaimed Property Division

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Donyell “DJ” Jones understands better than most the post-pandemic budgetary and fundraising pressures on nonprofit organizations. That’s why State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, was eager to return missing money to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina, where Jones is chief executive officer.

Jones accepted the $310.58 from the state’s unclaimed property division, commonly called NCCash.com. It may seem a small sum, but every penny counts.

“This funding will support our feeding program, allowing each child to enjoy a hot, healthy meal and a healthy snack each day after school,” Jones said. “On behalf of the over 1,700 kids and teens that we serve each year, we appreciate Treasurer Folwell and his team for their support of our local communities.”

Folwell presented the check to Jones during a visit Thursday to the Halifax unit of the BGCNCNC.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina is committed to ensuring that each young person that walks through our doors has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Through supportive relationships with club leaders, a healthy meal, quality programs and activities, or just being in a safe environment, our club members are provided a sense of hope,” Jones said.

“We understand that we cannot achieve this alone and rely on the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and community partners to fulfill our mission. We truly thank the Department of State Treasurer for emphasizing the unclaimed property program and ensuring that organizations like ours have access to the much-needed resources to serve our kids,” Jones said.

“The staff and volunteers provide a unique and valuable service to their community, and even more so in helping to shape, guide and influence the young people with whom they work,” Folwell said. “By nurturing and nudging them into self-discovery and positive pathways, they help club members to see new worlds and imagine exciting possibilities.”

 

For the fiscal year through Aug. 31, UPD has paid 32,129 claims totaling more than $15 million from NCCash. Part of that total has been disbursed through the NCCash Match program, a no-hassle, expedited system that eliminated paperwork processing. As of Aug. 31, DST paid 16,986 Cash Match claims totaling nearly $7.3 million.

Under state law, UPD receives and safeguards funds that are escheated – turned over – to DST. The unclaimed property consists of bank accounts, wages, utility deposits, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. More information, including how to find out if you are owed money, can be found at https://www.nccash.com/.

Vance County Schools Announces Partnership with Boys and Girls Club

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— press release courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is excited to announce a partnership with the North Central North Carolina Boys and Girls Club through a 21st Century Grant. This partnership will provide an afterschool program for students in grades 3-5 at Carver Elementary and New Hope Elementary.

Dr. Bennett, VCS Superintendent, shared, “The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina are so supportive of our students. Many of our students attend the local Boys and Girls Club here in Henderson, but to have two school-based afterschool programs is an added
blessing.”

The programming will include academic support as well as enhanced experiences for our participating students. Additionally, dinner will be provided each day of programming at their respective school. As part of the grant, these students will also be afforded the opportunity to
participate in a summer program at their elementary school for several weeks.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for New Hope Elementary’s Boys and Girls Club program will take place at the school on Friday, October 1 at 4pm. Principal Letitia Fields shared, “An onsite program gives our scholars the opportunity to receive additional academic support, as well as
participate in real world enrichment activities that promote social emotional well being and career readiness. We are elated to have this opportunity for our students at New Hope Elementary.”

Carver Elementary’s ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, October 6 at 4pm at the school. Stephanie Alston, Principal at Carver, shared, “I am overjoyed to have this opportunity at our school knowing that it is satisfying so many needs for our students, our parents, and
helping us to provide an additional way to close gaps created during the pandemic. Families that have returned back to work now have support to assist students with homework while they may work after school-hour jobs. We are truly grateful and ecstatic to have this opportunity now within our Eagles’ Nest!”

Bennett shared, “Students and families at New Hope and Carver Elementary are so excited to have this opportunity in their community. I look forward to a continued partnership with the Boys and Girls club as we seek to enhance the experiences available to our students. This is truly another win for our community!”

Boys and Girls Clubs

BGC Leader Receives National Award For Honoring Diversity, Equality

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Donyell “DJ” Jones, CEO of the local Boys & Girls Club, has received one of the organization’s highest awards for honoring the values of diversity and equality.

Although scheduled to accept the Herman S. Prescott award at the 2020 BGC National Conference, COVID-19 restrictions intervened.

Jones had been at his new job of CEO of the North Central North Carolina Boys & Girls Clubs for a few weeks before the pandemic struck, said Xavier Wortham, chair of the BGCNCNC corporate board. Wortham said Jones has done a great job of navigating the challenges of the pandemic and looks forward to the clubs’ continued success.

“This is a great time for him and even a better time for our club and our children,” Wortham told WIZS News Tuesday. “We’re really excited to have DJ as part of the North Central North Carolina Boys and Girls Club,” he said. “His level of experience and expertise can clearly be seen” by his receiving the Prescott award.

He was nominated for the award by Kimberly Boyd, CEO of the Coastal Plain BGC, Jones said in a statement to WIZS.

“What makes this award so humbling is that my peers and colleagues see something in me that I often overlook,” Jones said in the statement. “I work each day to empower club professionals to achieve their very best through opportunities that will pull out their greatness.”

The BGCNCNC includes clubs in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties. Wortham said Jones has done a wonderful job of shifting focus during the pandemic to make sure staff was “motivated to keep everyone safe and trained and better prepared as we’re coming out of COVID (restrictions).”

The Herman S. Prescott award is presented each year to a member of The Professional Association of BGC “whose service emulates that of one of the Movement’s great visionaries, Herman S. Prescott,” according to information on the BGC website.

Criteria include being “an advocate for the rights and dignity of all and belief in the principles of diversity, equality and empowerment must be the hallmark of their work within the Boys & Girls Club’s Movement.”

Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys and Girls Clubs Announces Planned Reopening Date for Local Units

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the BGCNCNC newsletter and President/CEO DJ Jones

In a recent newsletter, Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) President/CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones announced that the Boys & Girls Clubs is working to finalize its reopening strategy. 

Current plans include opening the following locations on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with hours to be determined:

  • Granville Unit
  • Vance Unit
  • Franklin Unit
  • Franklinton Middle School Unit
  • Halifax Unit

Approval from the local school systems is still needed to open the following locations: 

  • Mariam Boyd Elementary Unit
  • Northside K-8 Unit
  • West Oxford Elementary Unit
  • Creedmoor Elementary Unit
  • Inborden Elementary Unit
  • Everetts Elementary Unit

Although several locations will be open, due to social distancing requirements and guidance from the local health professionals, BGCNCNC will not be able to operate at full capacity. Capacity will be determined as club spaces are evaluated. The current plan is to offer in-person services and virtual programming. 

As BGCNCNC moves forward with its reopening strategy and procedures, members will be contacted by the Area Director/Unit Director.

Members whose contact information has changed should contact the appropriate club location to update:

  • Granville Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 121
  • West Oxford Elementary Unit, Creedmoor Elementary Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 107
  • Vance Unit, Mariam Boyd Elem. Unit and Northside K-8 Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 105
  • Franklin Unit and Franklinton Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 104
  • Halifax Unit, Inborden Elem. Unit and Everetts Elem. Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 108

For more information, please call (919) 690-0036 or visit www.bgcncnc.com.

Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Club to Resume Dinner Meal Program

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy BGCNCNC

Beginning on Monday, April 27, 2020, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina will restart its dinner meal program.

BGCNCNC understands the needs and struggles for some of our families and hopes that this meal will relieve some of the burden as they continue to maneuver the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meals are provided Monday – Friday from 4:30 until 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Granville Club – 105 West St. in Oxford

Vance Club – 212 N. Clark St. in Henderson

Roanoke Rapids Club – 116 W 3rd St. in Roanoke Rapids

Guidelines:

  • Your child must be a member to receive a meal.
  • Stay inside your vehicle unless directed otherwise – no walkups.
  • Please be patient, follow the direction of staff and volunteers and respect social distancing guidelines.
  • Please look for signage at each site. You will be directed where to line up.

Please visit www.bgcncnc.com for more information.

Town Talk 02/11/20: Celebrate ‘New Orleans Style’ at BGC’s Mardi Gras Bash

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Thomas Falgout, interim CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. The BGCNCNC represents Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties.

Falgout invited the public to celebrate “New Orleans style” at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Bash to benefit the Granville County chapter of the Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 6:30 until 10 p.m.

The bash will be held at Thorndale Oaks, 105 W. Quail Ridge Rd in Oxford, and will include dinner, dancing and music by The Retro Band, all in the spirit of Bourbon St.

Tickets for the adult event are available for $65 each, or two for $120, and may be purchased by calling the BGC Office at (919) 690-0036 or visiting the online Event Brite link by clicking here.

Discussing the benefits of the Boys & Girls Club, which serves school-aged children between the ages of 5-18 in after-school and summer programs, Falgout said the outcome for both the participants and the community is tremendous.

“We get one shot to give children the best childhood imaginable,” said Falgout. “It’s not something they get to do over again. The more people that invest in the Boys & Girls Club, the better the childhood and future of these kids.”

Falgout stated that the benefit to the community is proven. “For every dollar invested in the Boys & Girls Club, there’s about $10 in future earnings in your community.”

The North Central NC Boys & Girls Club currently serves approximately 2,300 youth in various programs throughout the year.

To hear the interview with Falgout in its entirety, including more information on the Boys & Girls Club, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

‘Bass for Cash’ Fishing Tournament to Benefit Local Boys & Girls Club

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Dennis Jarvis, vice chair of the Vance County Advisory Council of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central North Carolina, was the guest of honor on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

Jarvis announced the club’s upcoming 12th Annual “Bass for Cash” Fishing Tournament to be held on Kerr Lake Saturday, April 20, 2019. The tournament will begin early in the morning – at safe light – at Nutbush on Kerr Lake.

“The Boys & Girls Club partnered in 2018 with Collins, Inc. in the ‘Bass for Cash’ Series and continued with the partnership for 2019,” said Jarvis. “We had over 120 boats last year, with hopes to exceed that number this year.”

For an entry fee of $180, participants can fish alone or in two-person teams. There is a five fish limit with the potential to win cash prizes of $5,000+.

One place will be paid for every seven boats, with a maximum of 15 positions paid.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Vance County chapter of the Boys & Girls Club. According to Jarvis, approximately 85 percent of the fishing tournament funds raised through entry fees and sponsorships will stay in the local chapter to expand the club’s youth services.

Jarvis said he has personally witnessed the way fundraisers help the local chapter grow. “In the year-and-a-half I’ve been with the organization, the club has added new features including what I call a ‘beats lab,’ essentially a music-mixing facility with a recording studio. They’ve also recently opened a game room.”

Giving anglers an opportunity to participate in what they enjoy doing while raising money to provide fun, safe experiences for local youth is a win-win situation, according to Jarvis.

“What a wonderful opportunity for those who like to fish to come have a great day on Kerr Lake for a nominal fee and a chance to win prize money.”

For additional tournament rules and registration information, click here. For more on the Boys & Girls Club of North Central North Carolina, please call (919) 690-0036 or visit www.bgcncnc.com.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Dennis Jarvis in its entirety, including Henderson-Vance Economic Development updates, click here.

Boys and Girls Club Recognizes 2017 Graduates

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Dre’ Terry will graduate with the Class of 2017, on June 9th, 2017 from Roanoke Rapids High School.  Dre’ will be graduating as a member of DECA and the National Honor Society.  Dre’ plays football, basketball as well as runs track, all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.  The talented football and basketball player will be majoring in Mathematics, with a minor in Coaching at Chowan University.  Dre’ has signed a letter on intent to play football for Chowan in the fall.  Dre’ has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club since he was in elementary school..  We are so very proud of Dre’.

Christopher Blue has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 7 years. As a member Chris has participated in all programs offered. Chris is a member of the 2016 & 2017 African American Quiz Bowl Team, the Keystone Club President, & the 2016 & 2017 Youth of the Year. Chris has earned a position at the Boys & Girls Club as an activity leader. Chris graduated from Vance Granville Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Arts and Science on May 12, 2017 and from Vance County Early College on May 26, 2017. Chris plans to attend Fayetteville State University pursuing a degree in Pre-Dentistry.

Timothy Terry joined the Boys & Girls Club on his 18th birthday and considers it the biggest mistake of his life. Tim regrets not joining the club at an earlier age. While at the Boys & Girls Club Tim worked hard not just at programs but being a leader. As a result of his hard work and leadership Tim earned a position as an Employee. As an employee Tim has created a program Called NBA at the Club. NBA @ The Club allows older members to mentor younger members using the sports of basketball and cheer leading. One of the main focuses is to teach the importance of being a student athlete. Tim graduated from Vance County Early College on May 26th and is on his way to Shaw University to major in Recreation Management and minor in Computer and Information Sciences.

Jaylil Majette has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 6 years. As a member Jaylil participated in various programs and Trips. Jaylil was a member of the first place 2015 and 2017 African American Quiz Bowl team. He was also a member of the 16-18 Boys & Girls Club traveling basketball Team. Jaylil is undecided as to where he will be attending this fall but has been accepted to Greensboro College, Pfeiffer University and is awaiting on acceptance letters from Fayetteville State University, and Elizabeth City State University. Jaylil will graduate from Vance County Early College on May 26, 2017.

Ileq Jones has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 9 years. As a member Ileq has participated in all programs offered. As Ileq got older his involvement in athletics took him away from the Club but he always kept up his membership so that he could attend when he could. Ileq will be graduating from Southern Vance High School on June 10, 2017 with plans to attend the North Carolina Central University pursuing a degree in Engineering. Ileq has recently been accepted into the Stem program for Engineers to get hands on experience and college credits starting in June.

Kristofer Taylor has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 9 years. As a member Kris has participated in all programs that the club has offered. Kris has been a member of the Keystone Club (leadership club), and traveling basketball team. Kris will be graduating from Northern Vance High School on June 10, 2017 with plans to attend East Carolina University pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine & Business.

Quincy Henderson has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 5 years. Standing 6’4” he is known as “Teddy” the Teddy Bear. Quincy has been the alternate for the 2016 & 2017 African American Bowl teams and one of the biggest cheerleaders for the 16-18 traveling basketball team. Quincy will graduate Southern Vance High School on June 10, 2017 with plans to attend Vance Granville Community College to pursue a trade in welding.

Lawrence Hodge an Army Vet and 911 first responder came to the Boys  & Girls Club Franklin County Unit as a volunteer looking to help mentor our youth and support Great Futures. While volunteering Lawrence was attending Vance Granville in pursuit of an Associates in Applied Science-Health and Human Services. Somewhere along the way a kitchen manager position at our Vance County unit opened up and Lawrence was the right person to fill it. Lawrence is responsible for preparing food everyday for 3 of our clubs in Vance, Granville, and Franklin counties.

On Friday, May 22, 2017 Lawrence graduated with an Associates in Applied Science-Health and Human Services and walked across the stage with his two children also graduating. We are so proud to have our staff member reach his fullest potential.

Lawrence Plans on pursuing his dream of educating the public about the Prevention, Intervention, and Education of Domestic Violence. He will use his knowledge and business “Real Men Against Domestic Violence”  to make a difference for victims everywhere.