Boys & Girls Club Award Schlolarships to Valley Students

SHELTON – The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley held its 2017 Scholarship Award Ceremony Tuesday. Linda Welch, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, awarded 20 students with a combined total of $28,949 in college scholarships.  

The scholarship recipients were: Samantha B., Matthew B., Megan B., Jess C., Holly C., Mackenzie C., Kiara D., Alina G., Julia H., Kyle H., Emily K., Jaylen L., Sabrina M., William M., Yancere P., Keith P., Taylor Q., Tayliah Q., Marila S. and Lauren S. 

The scholarships and awards amounts were as follows: 

Coram Gardens Civic Association - $7,000

This award was established in 1987 by the former Coram Gardens Civic Association to help improve the quality of life for those people from the geographic region of Coram Gardens. Since its inception, more than $137,000 has been disbursed to help defer the cost of college tuitions.
 

Raymond P. Lavietes - $4,000

This award was established in 2005 by long-time friend and supporter Ray Lavietes. Ray left our Boys & Girls Club a bequest of $100,000 to help our members afford a secondary education. Thanks to Ray’s generosity, more than $43,000 has been disbursed in scholarship funds. 
 

Dr. Edward G. Bednar - $5,000

This award was established in 2010, in memory of “Doc” Bednar, a long-time Board member and unfailing supporter of our Club and the children who attend every day. Since the first scholarship only seven years ago, the Bednar family has already awarded more than $12,200 to help students pursuing an education in the healthcare field. 
 

George C. & Margaret Smith - $5,000

George C. and Margaret Smith left a surprise bequest of $100,000 to our Boys & Girls Club. Since its inception this fund has provided more than $114,000 for secondary education to our young men and women. 
 

Fortin Family Foundation - $5,000

This new scholarship is being awarded for the first time this year, to a member of the graduating class to further their post-high school education at an accredited post-high school institution. A recipient may reapply for such scholarship in ensuing college years up to a maximum of four years.

George & Beatrice Ryan - $2,949

After leaving the service after World War II, Shelton resident George Ryan jumped with both feet into the automotive industry.  Many years later, Ryan is still passionate about the career that has taken him from the gas pumps to the successful Curtiss-Ryan Honda car dealership.  And now George is eager to share his passion by extending a helping hand to others who enter the field.  “I always thought I should give back to the community,” Ryan said.  “It has supported me, and I believe that I should support it.”  In 2004, Ryan chose to do exactly that by establishing the George and Beatrice Ryan Scholarship Fund at Valley Community Fund, which provides scholarships to students who are planning to study automotive administration, sales or technology. 

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.

 
(This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley)

Brooke Grand of Shelton is Boys & Girls Club's Connecticut Youth of the Year

From the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley:

Please join us in congratulating Brooke Grand of the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton--she has won the coveted title of Connecticut Youth of the Year! Brooke faced fierce competition from the 15 other Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Connecticut, and she will now move on to the regional competition. 
Brooke has been a member of the Lavietes unit for 12 years. She's a hardworking, highly motivated young woman, with a willingness to help others and positive attitude that set her apart. Brooke has served as a Keystone Club officer, she has run our Happy Hoopers health program, she's been a mentor in our Immersion Mentoring program and has also worked as a counselor both at our clubhouse and in Perry Hill school for our after school program there. 
At school, Brooke is in the National Honor Society, is a three-year varsity player for the volleyball team, and an AP student. She sets off this fall to attend Southern Connecticut State University, where she will major in business.
Congratulations to you, Brooke! We love you!

Fair at club in Shelton to promote health, wellness

Annual event for children slated Sept. 21
SHELTON - The 13th Annual Children’s Health and Safety Fair will take on a family carnival theme from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, One Positive Place.

The event will offer free food, fun, and games along with a variety of health, wellness and safety programs and displays.

Sponsored by the Valley Parish Nurses of Griffin Hospital, The Valley Community Foundation, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, and Griffin Faculty Physicians, the fair will feature carnival games, a moon bounce and magic show.

Other activities include health, wellness and safety interactive displays, a car seat and bike helmet clinic, the Child Identification Program (CHIP), fire engines and rescue vehicles, a safety house to teach about safety features in homes, and much more.

Free bike helmets will be available for the first 400 children and there will be free CPR for Friends and Family Training (must call Cathi at 203-732-1337 to register for the CPR training).

The Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse program was established in 1990 and is now one of the largest in the country, with nearly 40 participating churches, more than 125 parish nurses, and 350 additional volunteers who support the nurses and who serve on the health cabinets of the individual churches.

The Boys & Girls Club provides, in a safe environment, programs that inspire, educate, guide, and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Griffin Faculty Physicians Primary Care is a multi-specialty medical group affiliated with Griffin Hospital, offering exceptional, personalized care to residents in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and the surrounding communities at our conveniently located offices in Derby, Oxford, Southbury, Seymour and Shelton.

For more information about the fair, call 203-732-1337.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Fall basketball league opens registration in Shelton

SHELTON -The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s Raymond P. Lavietes Unit has opened registration for its Fall All American Basketball League.

Cost is $65 per player, and the registration deadline is Sept. 18. Cost after Sept. 18 is $75 per player.
Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/Shelton Clubhouse/All American Basketball League.

Open to all boys in high school, All American Basketball is a 4 v 4 basketball league. You make your own team, find your own coach, and fill out and submit a team roster.
Players have to register individually online. Each team must have an adult coach, and rosters must be submitted to the Boys & Girls Club by Sept. 18. Eight players are allowed per team, minimum of six players allowed.
The league will follow a 10-game schedule and the top two seeds will play the Championship game.

For further information about the All American Basketball League, contact Matt Trzaski, matttrzaski@BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club in Shelton registering for basketball league

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s Raymond P. Lavietes Unit has opened registration for its Fall Basketball League.

Cost is $60 per player, and registration deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 18.

Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/Shelton Clubhouse/Fall Basketball.

The league is open to boys and girls. Grades 3-4 are instructional drill clinics and include scrimmages; there are no player evaluations.

Player evaluations for girls in Grades 5-6 are Sept. 25 at 6:15 p.m.; for girls in Grades 7-9, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Player evaluations for boys in Grades 5-6 are Sept. 23 at 6:15 p.m.; boys in Grades 7-8 are Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

If your child misses the player evaluations, he or she will still be placed on a team; please wait for a phone call from your child’s coach.
Schedules will be created after the player evaluations.

If any parents want to coach, coaches with a positive attitude are needed.
To volunteer, fill out the coach’s volunteer form on the website, or pick one up at the Clubhouse,  One Positive Place.

For information about Fall Basketball, contact Matt Trzaski, Physical Director, at 203-924-9329, MattTrzaski@BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club in Shelton to offer children's karate classes

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s Raymond P. Lavietes Unit, One Positive Place, is offering children’s self defense karate and safety awareness classes through KidSafe Karate.

Registration is from 9-11 am. Sept. 20.
Classes begin on Sept. 27 as follows:

• All new students and white belts with stripes from 9-9:40 a.m.
• All yellow and orange belts from 9:50-10:30 a.m.
• All purple and blue belts from 10:40-11:20 a.m.
• All green belts from 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
• All red, brown, and black belts from 12:20-1 p.m.

The fall session runs every Saturday through Dec. 20 (no class on Nov. 29); there are 12 sessions in all.

Classes are open to boys and girls ages 5-15. The program is designed to enhance self esteem, self discipline, and safety awareness.
Students are placed into classes according to age and ability. A black belt instructor teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques for self defense only. Self discipline and defense, rather than aggressiveness, are emphasized throughout the course.

Weekly safety flyers focus on a wide range of topics including stranger safety, fire safety, home safety, and more.
The dangers of bullying and how to deal with peer pressure are also an important part of our program.


Registration costs $10, and classes cost $9 per week. You may pay as you go, or pay in full and receive a discount of one free lesson.
New students are accepted up the fourth week.

Uniforms are not required but are highly recommended and may be purchased at class for $30. KidSafe staff will fit your child with the proper size uniform.


For information about KidSafe Karate, visit www.BGC-LNV.org, or contact KidSafe, 800-850-0800.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club plans programs for Seymour students

SEYMOUR - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has opened school year registration for its Seymour Unit, operating in the Seymour recreation building, 20 Pine St.

Programming will run from 2-6:30 p.m., and Seymour school buses will transport Club members from school directly to the Clubhouse. 

Cost is $125 a month for children ages 5-7 (five-year olds must be attending kindergarten) and $75 a month for ages 8 –through Grade 8. Transportation is free. 

The program will run on scheduled half days and early dismissals due to inclement weather, as well as snow days as school holidays and vacations.

The program offers homework help, sports, gym games, and fun activities. Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/Seymour program. 

A Transportation Request Form from the Seymour public school system must be completed and returned to the schools at least one week prior to the child’s start date if they will be riding the school bus to the program. 

The form may be downloaded from the website.

Registration and payment must be done by Aug. 20 to attend the first day of school; it takes two days to process registrations once payment is received.

For information about the Seymour program, contact the Boys & Girls Club at 203-924-9329 or e-mail Program Director Jesse Patrick at JessePatrick@BGC-LNV.org. 

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club offers before-school program for Shelton students

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley now offers a before-school program for students of Long Hill and Sunnyside schools. 

The program will be held at the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton. Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/SheltonClubhouse.

Parents may drop their children off at our Clubhouse as early as 7 a.m. Shelton school buses will transport students to school in time for the start of the school day. 

The program will open early to accommodate delayed openings, but parents must refer to our Parent Handbook for important details and hours of operation. 

Membership discounts are available for siblings and for any kindergartner through 7-year old who will also attend the after-school program.

Registration must be completed online by Aug. 20 and payment must be made by Aug. 22 to attend the first day of school. 

Registration will be closed from Aug. 23-Sept. 3.

For more information visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club to provide program for Derby students

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley now offers a before-school program for students of Bradley and Irving Schools in Derby. 

The program will be held at the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, One Positive Place. Registration is all online at www.BGC-LNV.org/SheltonClubhouse.

Parents may drop their children off at the Clubhouse as early as 7 a.m. They will be transported to Bradley and Irving schools in time for the start of the school day.
The before-school van transportation fee is included in the cost of membership. The program will also open early to accommodate delayed openings, but parents must refer tothe Parent Handbook for important details and hours of operation. 
Membership discounts are available for siblings and for any kindergartner through 7 year old who will also attend our after school program. Van fees for after school programs are paid separately.

Parents needing van transportation must complete their child’s online membership application by Aug. 19 and come to the Clubhouse to complete a Transportation Application and pay by Aug. 21 if they would like transportation for the first day of school. 
Registration will be closed from Aug. 23-Sept. 3.

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club to offer Pre-K at Shelton site

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is now offering a Pre-K program at its Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, One Positive Place.

The program will offer members countless opportunities to learn each day, with the chance to develop fine and gross motor skills, participate in dramatic play and arts, be constructively engaged with other children and adult staff, and develop math, literacy, and critical thinking skills, including letters and numbers.

The program is open to all 3-5 year olds not enrolled in school. Children may attend full or half days; the program will run from 7 a.m. - 6 .pm. Nutritious snacks and lunch will be provided daily.

Cost is $300 per month for half-day membership (up to five hours per month); additional hours are available when needed for $20 per day. 

Cost for full-day memberships is $550 per month (up to 11 hours per day). Parents must register in person at the Clubhouse, One Positive Place. Registration will be closed from Aug.23-Sept. 3.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club, visit us at www.BGC-LNV.org. 

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club in Shelton registering for school year programs

SHELTON - School year registration for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s Raymond P. Lavietes Unit in Shelton is now open.  

Registration is at www.BGC-LNV.org/Shelton Clubhouse/Shelton School Year. 

The only exception is the new Pre-K program; parents must register in person for this program.

After school memberships are available to children in kindergarten through high school. Cost for K-7 years is $170 per month.
 Cost for 8-12 year olds is $150 per year. Cost for 13-18 year olds is $25 per year. 
School bus transportation for members from Shelton public schools (excluding Shelton High) is provided free of charge. Van transportation is available for members from Shelton High and Derby public schools for a monthly fee of $40 per child.

Before school memberships are available to students of Elizabeth Shelton, Booth Hill, Mohegan, Perry Hill, Long Hill, and Sunnyside schools in Shelton, as well as students at Bradley and Irving schools in Derby. Discounts are available for members attending both morning and afternoon and for siblings. Van transportation for the before school program is included in the cost of membership for Derby members.

Pre-K memberships are available to children ages 3-5 who are not enrolled in school for the 2014-2015 school year. This program offer members countless opportunities to learn each day, with the chance to develop fine and gross motor skills, participate in dramatic play and arts, be constructively engaged with other children and adult staff, and develop math, literacy, and critical-thinking skills, including letters and numbers. Cost is $300 per month for half day memberships (up to five hours per day); additional hours are available when needed for $20 per day. Cost is $550 per month for full day memberships (up to 11 hours per day). Nutritious snacks and lunch will be provided.

Parents needing van transportation for any of our programs must complete their child’s online membership application by Aug. 19 and come to the Clubhouse to complete a Transportation Application and pay by Aug. 21 if they would like transportation for the first day of school. Parents not needing van transportation must complete their child’s online membership application by Aug. 20 and pay by Aug. 22 if they would like bus transportation for the first day of school. Registration will be closed from Aug. 23-Sept. 2.

Membership fees cover participation in the Club’s core programs, academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. 
Additional fees apply to snow days, holidays, school vacations, sports leagues, summer camp, and special events. 
After-school membership starts on the first day of school in Shelton and ends on Shelton’s last day of school.

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club. For more information visit www.BGC-LNV.org.

Club in Shelton to launch Great Futures Campaign

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is teaming up with the Boy & Girls Clubs of America to promote the Great Futures Campaign for America’s Kids.

On Thursday the campaign will be launched to mobilize the country around the issues facing America’s youth, raise awareness about the critical role of Out-of-School Time, and empower the next generation on its path to a great future.

 At 3 p.m. the “Bell Heard Around the Web” digital disruptor will engage celebrity supporters, corporate partners and employees, Clubs and alumni to raise awareness on social media and on websites.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is asking the Valley community to join the effort.


“When schools are out, the Clubs are in,” says Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director, of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
“We seek to ensure that all kids, especially those who need us most, have a positive and enriching experience after the school bell rings to put them on the path to success. As the nation prepares to go back to school, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley wants to ensure out-of-school is part of the conversation. What happens during these hours can significantly impact a child’s life path.”
“By providing access to positive and productive after school and summer programs, we can reverse negative trends facing our Valley’s youth,” says Jim Queen, Director of Operations.

It takes the knowledge, skills, and behaviors kids learn both in school and out of school to put young people on the right path.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley offers programs at its Shelton, Seymour, and Ansonia clubs as well as satellite programs at schools. All Valley children are welcome.  


“I am forever grateful for my Boys & Girls Club, whose doors opened for a young, timid, unsure little boy and helped to transform him into the confident, determined young man who stands before you,” says Fred Dapp, 2014 Youth of the Year.


If you would like to donate, sponsor a child, or volunteer call 203-924-7462.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club, www.BGC-LNV.org.

This press release is from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, which has been serving the Valley community for more than 58 years.
 

Re-posting: Club to host 5K Run-Walk in Derby

Club to hold annual 5K at Derby Greenway

DERBY - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will hold its annual Herbie Rollinson Memorial 5K Run-Walk Sunday at the Derby Greenway.
Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Shelton, the 5K is a community event for all Valley residents.

Registration is all online; go to www.BGC-LNV.org and click the 5K link at the top of the page.  The event is open to children and adults. Start time is 9 a.m. for the 5K and 9:30 a.m. for walkers. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Closing date is June 6 or upon reaching 300 participants, whichever comes first.  Register by June 6 to be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt.  The route will begin at the Caroline Street end of the Greenway. Parking will be at Factory Street and Hallock Court (behind St. Anthony’s Book & Gift Shop, across from Calvert Safe & Lock).

Proceeds from the Herbie Rollinson 5K will support programs at our Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton and Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia, as well as our satellite programs at Elizabeth Shelton and Perry Hill schools in Shelton and at the Seymour Recreation Center in Seymour.

For more than 65 years the Boys & Girls Club has been a positive alternative for youth. But the Club is so much more than just a place to hang out after school.  When children walk through the doors, they are exposed to a team committed to their success and programming designed to help them succeed in school and in life. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

  This is a press release from the club.

 

Group donates $10K to Smilow Clubhouse program in Ansonia

Pictured from left, Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley; Jimmy Miller; Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti; and Joe Palmucci and Ben Perry, Friends of Jimmy Miller Dinner committee members./ Contributed photo

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has received a $10,000 donation from the Friends of Jimmy Miller Inc. to support its homework program at the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia. 

The Friends of Jimmy Miller Inc. has been a supporter of the Boys & Girls Club for many years. Their donation will help run the Power Hour program, which operates daily for Club members needing assistance with their homework. 

The goal of the program is to raise the academic proficiency of participating members.

For information about the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club to hold annual 5K at Derby Greenway

DERBY - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will hold its annual Herbie Rollinson Memorial 5K Run-Walk June 29 at the Derby Greenway.
Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Shelton, the 5K is a community event for all Valley residents.

Registration is all online; go to www.BGC-LNV.org and click the 5K link at the top of the page. 
The event is open to children and adults. Start time is 9 a.m. for the 5K and 9:30 a.m. for walkers.

Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Closing date is June 6 or upon reaching 300 participants, whichever comes first. 
Register by June 6 to be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt. 
The route will begin at the Caroline Street end of the Greenway. Parking will be at Factory Street and Hallock Court (behind St. Anthony’s Book & Gift Shop, across from Calvert Safe & Lock).

Proceeds from the Herbie Rollinson 5K will support programs at our Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton and Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia, as well as our satellite programs at Elizabeth Shelton and Perry Hill schools in Shelton and at the Seymour Recreation Center in Seymour.

For more than 65 years the Boys & Girls Club has been a positive alternative for youth. But the Club is so much more than just a place to hang out after school. 
When children walk through the doors, they are exposed to a team committed to their success and programming designed to help them succeed in school and in life.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

This is a press release from the club.

 

Club's alumni group to hold golf tourney in Woodbridge

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s Alumni Association will be hosting its annual golf tournament May 23 at Woodbridge Country Club in Woodbridge. Back by popular demand, the tournament will include a Golf Ball Drop raffle.

For information and a registration or sponsorship form, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


The tournament will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start and a scramble format. 
Entry fee of $165 includes 18 holes of golf and cart, driving range, continental breakfast/buffet lunch/social with open bar (after golf), refreshments/hot dogs on the course, and tournament gift. A raffle, as well as live and silent auctions will also be available.


Entries should include names, handicaps, and contact email or phone number sent to Alumni Golf, Boys & Girls Club LNV, One Positive Place, Shelton, 06484. 
Checks should be made payable to the Alumni Association.


Anyone wishing to become a sponsor, purchase a tee sign, or donate an auction item should contact Chris Jones, 203-414-5046 or Ann Wheeler, 203-924-7462, AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.


Gold Tournament Sponsorships of $2,500 include a foursome of golf, tee sign, recognition at the awards dinner, inclusion in press releases, program, and tournament banner. 

Silver Sponsorships of $1,500 include a foursome of golf, full-page ad in the program, and name on the tournament banner.
Shirt Sponsorships of $1,000 receive their name on the shirts and recognition at the awards ceremony. 
Auction Sponsorships of $500 have their name at the registration table and recognition at the awards ceremony. Sign sponsorships include $500 Cart Sponsor, $250 Putting Green Sign Sponsor, $150 Halfway House Sign Sponsor, and $100 Hole Sign Sponsor. Deadline for all sponsorships is May 13.


The Golf Ball Drop raffle prize features a $1,000 minimum payout. You need not be present to win. Tickets are $10 each, buy as many as you like. The Drop will be held at the golf tournament. First ball in or closest to the hole wins. To purchase tickets, contact Jim Queen at 203-924-7462, JimQueen@BGC-LNV.org.


The LNV Alumni Association golf tournament is held each year to support youth programs and provide equipment to our Boys & Girls Club. 
With more than 3,000 Club members attending our Shelton and Ansonia clubhouses, the need for more programs, more program funding, and more equipment has become a focus of the Alumni Association. 
Over the years our golf tournament has been able to purchase a portable street hockey rink, air hockey table, and foosball table for our games room; purchase 12 computer lab stations; sponsor the music program for children to learn how to play guitar, keyboard, and drums; sponsor the chess club, sponsor the Club members’ Award Dinner; and purchase ping pong tables, an indoor batting cage, outdoor basketball hoops, and a moon bounce.


For information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit us at www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is taken from a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Club names Shelton teen Youth of the Year

Freddy Dapp

SHELTON - Selected among several local outstanding youth, Freddy Dapp will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corp. 

As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, 17-year old Dapp is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his 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. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. 

Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles, and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

Despite a troubled home life, Freddy exudes a positive attitude many adults in the same situation would be hard pressed to show.  He possesses a work ethic that has taken him past all obstacles in reach of his goals.
Freddy is full of energy, life, and ideas that he consistently sees to fruition.

Freddy came to our Boys & Girls Club through a high school community service requirement and gave back far more than what was required of him. After completing his volunteer hours, he stayed because he had found a home at the Club, a sense of family that he wants every member to feel. Freddy became a Club member and joined the Keystone Club, which is a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service. He served as treasurer his first year. 

Teen Advisory Council
In 2012 he was selected as one of 12 teen-agers nationwide to be part of BGCA’s Teen Advisory Council, serving as the liaison between BGCA and the youth of the community. 
Freddy played a large part in the start up of our Interact Club and now serves as Event Coordinator in the group. Although he has many other commitments as a high school senior, Freddy still manages to spend all of his free time at the club.

“My life was forever changed the moment I walked into the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley," he said.
"I went in timid and self-conscious. I had no motivation to better myself and grow. I was a scared kid that did not have any guidance. My journey began with community service that was a mandatory requirement for my high school. But I realized that I could look at the hours as an opportunity to change the lives of kids that were in similar situation as I once was. Mentoring the members at Club also helped me learn more about myself. I liked who I was becoming and gained the motivation I was lacking before. 
"I discovered that we all have the power to choose the path to our future; boy was I on the right path to an amazing future.
"I am forever grateful for my Boys & Girls Club whose doors opened for a young, timid, unsure little boy and helped to transform him into a confident, determined young man.”

If Freddy wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September, 2014, to compete for the title of BGC's National Youth of the Year.
The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley had two additional youth competing for the Youth of the Year honor—Jessica Cipriano also from the Raymond P. Lavietes Unit in Shelton and Jevonne Lashley from the Joel E. Smilow Unit in Ansonia. 

Nine members from the Board of Directors interviewed the candidates and deliberated to choose the winner: Richard Carroll, Toyota Financial Service; John Coughlin; John Calcaterra, 99 Restaurant; Ben McGorty; Ben Perry; Yashu Putorti, Hubbell Wiring Devices; Fred Serra, Serra & DelVecchio Insurance Group; Fernando Solis, Hampton Inn Shelton; and Jimmy Tickey.

For information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Boys & Girls Club in Valley receives nearly $13K

Donation is part of $500,000 contribution to 35 clubs in U.S.

Standing behind club members are, from left: Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director of the LNV Boys & Girls Club, Richard Carroll, Toyota Financial Services, Shelton, Joe Kuzmano, Toyota Financial Services, Shelton, and Bill Alston,Toyota Financial Services of Massachusetts.   

ANSONIA - Toyota Financial Services has partnered with four auto remarketing firms, ADESA (www.adesa.com), Manheim (www.manheim.com), DAA Northwest (www.daanorthwest.com), and Norwalk Auto Auctions (www.norwalkautoauction.com), to provide a donation of $12,857 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

This is part of a larger contribution of $500,000 from Toyota Financial Services to Boys & Girls Clubs of America that will be divided equally among 35 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country currently running Diplomas to Degrees (d2D), the organization’s college readiness program.

Launched in 2012, d2D is a program supported by Toyota that provides tools, resources, and training for thousands of Club teens to help prepare them to successfully transition from high school to college graduation. 

“Our partnership with Toyota allows us to continue combating the high school dropout crisis locally and prepare our teens for successful futures in college,” said Shaye Roscoe, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
“But the support doesn’t stop there, from Toyota employees volunteering as mentors, to the tremendous fundraising collaboration with the re-marketing firms; we appreciate Toyota’s commitment to impacting the lives of our nation’s youth.”

The funding provided will help Boys & Girls Clubs of The Lower Naugatuck Valley maintain its commitment to academic success for all Club members with programs that help youth continue to learn over the summer, introduce them to college-going experiences, facilitate exposure to diverse career opportunities and increase their proficiency in technology.

For every vehicle purchased from Nov. 1- Dec. 2, 2013, TFS pledged a $50 donation and the four participating remarketing firms pledged an additional $15 to $25 per vehicle. 
This marks the third consecutive year TFS and its auction partners have joined together to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Last year, 19 Clubs shared donations totaling $464,425.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley celebrated the donation received from TFS Wednesday at the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia at a check presentation event with participation by local TFS employees and Boys & Girls Clubs members.

About Toyota Financial Services

TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust, and extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS).


This is a press release from Mike Cotela, Unit Director, Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia.