I would be greatly remiss if I did not pause and thank our Immediate Past President, Jim Murphy for his outstanding contributions to the Club, the children of Marshfield and the surrounding communities.  Jim’s commitment to the mission of the Club is longstanding and he will continue to be an integral part of the organization going forward.  He should always be proud and we should acknowledge that one of our greatest successes to date; occurred on his watch. 

The grand opening of the Pat & Barbara Roche Clubhouse was an exciting and awe inspiring day capping off years of work by many dedicated and highly generous individuals.   In a recent email, I mentioned that I could not be prouder, than to be associated with a group that could pull off such a project during one of the most challenging economic periods that most of us have experienced. Despite the challenges, this organization, and this community, worked together to develop a site and building that all can be proud of and that will have a positive impact on generations to come.  I congratulate all involved and thank you for your patience and commitment. 

We can pause for just a moment, take a deep breath and even pat ourselves on the back; but our work begins anew as we continue to raise funding for the building and the operation of the Club on a day to day basis.  Make no mistake … we are not close to being finished and I doubt that we ever will be.  There will always be challenges.  That said, I am confident that this organization and this community will always work together to ensure an ongoing success of the Club.

While the opening of the building marks an important milestone, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has been in operation for years and affecting the lives of kids and families.  What happens in the building is far more important than the building itself.  Our staff lead by Jim Moriarty, assisted by Kathleen Newcomb, is continuously developing programs while working to improve on what is currently offered.  The new clubhouse affords them greater options, but is falls back to their commitment and love of our kids that creates the smiles and life altering experiences.  We are incredibly fortunate to have both Jim and Kathleen, as well as the entire staff, because without them we are little more than a building.   

I look forward to working with the Board, Staff and community in mutual efforts to provide kids and families with the services and programming that will make real and meaningful differences in their lives.  For those who think the “ride” is over … buckle-up … we’re just getting started.

Bill Bowers

Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17th at the Venus II beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our Annual Dinner is a celebration of our successes over the past year. We will conduct our business meeting including election of new board members and corporators and re-election of board members, approval of by-law revisions and amendments and annual reports from Jim Murphy and myself followed by our awards ceremony . Our Youth of the Year, Emily Burke, will be present for our 99 Restaurant and scholarship presentations. Please RSVP to Sharon Robbins and join us in welcoming our new board members and corporators to the Club Family and celebrating our program, capital campaign and building construction successes over the past year.

Moving right to the top of the list is our 7th Annual Golf Classic sponsored by Beth & Jack Griffin at Buythecase.net. Our event will be held at the Crosswinds Golf Club on June 29th . . Please plan on joining us for a great day of golf while supporting the Club. Kudos to Jim Murphy for proving us with our first foursome from South Shore Hospital.

Other Dates to remember:

Monday, June 18th – First Day of our summer program

Friday, June 29th – 7th Annual Golf Classic sponsored by Buythecase.net Saturday

June 30th – Grand Opening of the new Club!

Just a few thank yous to Board Members Geoff Meader, Beth Griffin and Bill Bowers for joining me at the State House for the Mass Alliance of Boys & Girls Club Legislative Luncheon.   I want to thank State Representative Jim Cantwell for joining us at the luncheon.  It is great to see the tremendous support our Clubs have across the State among our legislators and senators not to mention the Governor himself.  This year the Alliance has  requested $2.5 m for the forty clubs in Massachusetts. 

Thanks to Dr. Bart Cilento for serving as our Health Consultant for our Summer Program.   I want to thank Mike Maresco for making this crucial connection for us.  Mike, Kathleen  Newcomb and I will be meeting with Dr. Cilento this coming Monday.

A Can’t Miss Opportunity

Kathleen Newcomb, Erin Ahearn and I will be participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s   Advanced Leadership Program In Boston May 21-24.   The program is offered in three segments including three day sessions in July & September.    The $5,400 cost of the training will be covered by scholarships from Boys & Girls Club of America.  .

Rough plumbing and electrical has been completed. In fact, some of the finish electrical is in place. Drywall is being installed and should be completed in short order. The floors have been finished in the Teen and Games Rooms as well as the restrooms. All of this activity is in anticipation of the millwork installation.

In coming weeks we will see the floor and wall tiles in the kitchen as well as the cabinet installation. The remainder of the floors will be finished or carpeted, ceilings will be hung and paint will be applied.

Moving back outside, the installation of the on-site septic system has begun. Final grading is still in order and the landscaping, loaming and seeding will begin as the weather warms.

The Building Committee could not be happier with the progress of the project. We look forward to a project completion in late May as forecasted.

Jim Murphy

Board Chair

The gym at the new clubhouse will be 7500 square feet. It will have a full size court east to west & two smaller courts north to south. A durable curtain will allow the foot print to be separated into two separate areas to allow a variety of activities during the day. As you look at the front of the building, the gym will be located at the back of the building.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy & prosperous new year.

Jim Murphy

Progress continues at a rapid pace. Hope to begin featuring photos of the interior as each room takes shape. Thanks for checking in.

Jim Murphy

Board Chair

“It has been about a month since I 1st posted a picture of the building project which I referred to as a steel skeleton. Obviously, much progress has been made since the original post. The progress we have made is directly related to the generosity bestowed by our supporters.

During this season of givings thanks, on behalf of the board of directors and the members we serve, please accept my best wishes for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Warmest regards,

Jim Murphy

Board Chair, Marshfield Boys and Girls club

Jim Murphy