Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and at the Boys & Girls Club we are celebrating the incredible women that make up our club! We sat down with a few of our female leaders, and spoke with them about inspiring women in their lives and for insight on some of the challenges young women at our clubs face today and how we can help them combat these challenges. Everyday we are inspired by the strong, intelligent and resilient females at our club. Learn more about a few of those women below!

Andrea Baez- Chief Program Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro North

 Who is a woman that inspires you and why? “A woman that inspires me is my 16 year old daughter, as a young person, navigating how hard life is. Between, social media, social norms, school work, getting ready for college: she has her head screwed on straight. She is super focused, empathetic, kind, she is all the things that I wish I was as a young person.”

What advice would you give young women that come to our clubs today? “Stay off of social media. It is a lie. When I look at our young people, whether it’s young people in our clubs and programs, or young people that work with us I think that this generation, unfortunately, has a lot of outside pressures, and the more we can teach them to truly disconnect and disengage from social media, from phones, from technology, the better. A wise woman once said that comparison is the thief of joy. And I think that our young people, specifically, women, are always comparing themselves, whether it’s grades, status, size, what they look like. I would encourage young women to be present and focus on themselves.” 

What do you think is the biggest challenge that young girls face today? And how can we support them in these challenges? “I think it’s making sure that they have the right outside influences. There is so much misinformation in the world, it is so easy to get caught up in things that aren’t true. Whether it be a filter on a person that they think they need to look like a certain esthetic, or the perfect trip or perfect house or perfect room or the perfect outfit or this perfect, perfect that, perfect, perfect life. It’s not perfect. It is messy. And I think the more we can wrap our arms around young women and remind them that everybody is their own perfect mess, that they will feel more secure in themselves and their decision making.”

What advice would you give your younger self? “Talk less, listen more. Save your money, take the trip. The bank account will always replenish itself. Experiences will always be in your mind forever. And to look out for each other. Young women today do not have the lift as they climb mentality. So I think really going back to the foundations of how all of us gals got here and remembering the trail blazers that came before us.”

Alexis Croce- Stoneham Teen Center Director

Who is a woman that inspires you and why? “A woman that inspires me is Amy Croce. She has been a great mentor and leader, and she is truly my rock.”

What advice would you give young women that come to our clubs today? “To know your worth and to use your voice and to be confident with yourself.” 

What do you think is the biggest challenge that young girls face today? And how can we support them in these challenges? “I think the biggest challenge is social media and living up to an expectation that might not be real. People just need to live their own lives and not put timelines or expectations on themselves, and just live their truth.” 

What advice would you give your younger self? “To love yourself and to really just be confident with yourself and be proud of who you are.”

Rebecca Rowell- Director of the INspire Cafe Initiative 

Who is a woman that inspires you and why? “A woman that inspires me right now would be Congresswoman Sarah McBride. I think that Sarah McBride is an incredibly brave, strong individual, facing challenges with such grace in the face of adversity. I think that we could all take a page from her book when it comes to the grace that she carries, and the bravery that she shows every day.” 

What advice would you give to young girls who attend our clubs today? “I think the best advice that I could give is to be true to yourself and to do your best to be a good person to everybody around you and also to yourself. Also to prioritize being a good community member.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge that young girls face today? And how can we support them in these challenges? “I think the cultural demands of social media and the fact that everything is so instant. My advice would be to pay more attention to what’s going on right in front of you. The interactions you have with people that you see on a daily basis are so much more important. Try to find a balance of social media and modern technology in your life with all the other things you have going on.”

What advice would you give your younger self? “I would tell myself to take a little bit more time between high school and college before making a solid decision on what I want to do with the rest of my life. I think being so young it’s really unrealistic to know who you are going to be 10 or 20 years down the line. I would tell myself to find balance between career and prioritizing being in the moment.”

Paola Rodriguez- Front Desk Receptionist at the Stoneham Teen Center 

Who is a woman that inspires you and why?  “Definitely, my mom, because she shows me every day how strong she is, and no matter how tired she is, she always keeps going.”

What advice would you give young women that come to our clubs today?  “Don’t believe everything you see on social media. Love yourself to the fullest. I feel like nowadays, social media has taken that away.  With some of the younger girls that I’ve seen, I feel like social media can cause them to have low self esteem, and it’s just not okay.”

What advice would you give your younger self?  “I would let her know how proud she should be of herself and that she has come such a long way. I would tell her to love herself. It’s definitely worth it when you learn how to love yourself. Know your worth. And know that you’re going to be happy.”

Megan Sambroski: Director of Development at INspire Cafe

Who is a woman that inspires you and why? “My two daughters (age 10 +12). I love how different they are and the unique perspective they bring to the world as young women. I admire their confidence and the care they put into the things they love. They inspire me to be a better person.” 

What advice would you give young women that come to our clubs today? “Try new things, even when it scares you! You will never regret trying something new, but you will regret not trying. Do your best to harness the confidence to try something that sparks your interest outside of your friend group and expand your circle. You will be surprised at the things that stick for you!”

What do you think is the biggest challenge that young girls face today? And how can we support them in these challenges? “Self esteem seems to be a big challenge, but that is nothing new. I love supporting programs in our clubs and community that build up self confidence and empower young girls with the tools to be successful and advocate for themselves.”

What advice would you give your younger self?   “I would tell my younger self that there will be challenges ahead, but they are all there to teach you something. Be patient with yourself- whatever is meant to be will find its way to you.”

Want to help us continue to empower young women? Donate today! https://www.classy.org/give/638305/#!/donation/checkout

Stoneham, MA, [June 20, 2024] — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham is thrilled to once again open the Memorial Hall Pool for the 2024 summer season, with a newly resurfaced Splash Pad. A favorite summer destination for families and children, the Splash Pad was able to be resurfaced in time for a new year of exciting pool activities thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This work will provide an even more enjoyable and safe environment for all visitors this summer.

“Hall Memorial Pool is one of Stoneham and the region’s best attractions for safe summer fun,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m grateful for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield for their many years of dedicated management of the pool, and for DCR’s commitment to continued investment in this invaluable resource.”

Health & Wellness Director, Natalie Phelps, also expressed excitement about the upcoming summer season. “Our resurfaced splash pad looks amazing, we have staff in training this week, and are ready to welcome this summer in with a SPLASH!”

Hall Memorial Pool 2024 Opening:

The Hall Memorial Pool’s facilities will open for the summer later this month on Saturday, June 29th. Membership for 2024 is now available. Facilities and programs include:

• Hall Memorial Pool: Open Wednesday-Sunday, Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays – Members only 10am-11am Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | Open to public 11am-6pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Splash Pad: Open Saturday-Sunday, Closed on Tuesdays – Members only 9am-6pm | Open to public 10am-6pm
• Group Lessons: June Lessons (FREE), Monday-Friday | July/August Lessons ($75), Wednesday and Friday Mornings
• Private Lessons: Scheduled per swimmer’s availability. (4 lessons for $145, 8 lessons for $280)
• Swim Safety Camp: June 17-21 | June 24-28, open to young swimmers ages 5-8 years old, $25 per week

For more information about the Memorial Hall Pool and Splash Pad and membership for the summer, please visit the pool website here or contact Jess Viens at [email protected].

Under Adam’s leadership, the Clubs serve over 500 children a day and last year served over 8,000 youth. They operate 2 clubhouses, 11 licensed after school programs, a teen center, and an outdoor pool. They have increased Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) classes from teaching children how to 3D print to learning financial literacy. They hired mental health case workers from youth development professionals to licensed clinicians who work one on one with our most vulnerable young people. 

Adam commented “I sincerely believe the Clubs have to be part of the social safety net of the community to effectively create great futures and I am proud that we are about to do that in our service area.”

This work has not gone unnoticed, during Adam’s tenure the Clubs have received Bridgestone Tires Driving Great Futures Award for program quality and increased attendance at our Clubs, the Catalyst for Change Club Advocacy Champion Award for advocacy of youth issues in the state and region, the Massachusetts Creator Award for Civic Engagement, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Yankee Chapter award for e-gaming programming, the Silver Lining Award through the New England  Employee Benefits Council for our efforts during the pandemic, and the Board of Directors received the League of Eagles award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their level of involvement. 

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and also see it as a representation of all the amazing work our staff puts in every day to make our clubs as successful as possible,” states Adam Rodgers. “We are incredibly proud of the quality services and programs we provide to our community, and that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible effort of everyone on the team.”

To continue her impact, the M.E.L.D Advisory board committed the remaining funds to a scholarship in her honor. One recipient per year will be awarded a one-time $2300 scholarship to be used to further their education in the arts at an accredited college or university. This year, M.E.L.D is excited to announce Sydney Vallone as the winner. 

“It is with great pleasure that we have chosen to award the Doreen Moore Scholarship in the Arts to Stoneham High School Senior, Sydney Vallone. She has not only met all the requirements requested, but has gone above and beyond our expectations of a deserving and well qualified candidate. Sydney has not only demonstrated her talents and abilities in her choral and dramatic pursuits as a budding artist, but also has weathered the demands of the pandemic. Through her perseverance, devotion, and dedication she helped to keep the dramatic arts alive at school and in the greater community during such trying times. We present this award with no doubt that she will pursue her dream with great success” commented the MELD Advisory group. 

For Sydney, the Arts transformed her life and shaped her middle and high school experience. Through chorus and drama club, she built skills, grew her passion, and developed confidence that helped her to thrive. As the president of the Stoneham High School Drama Club, she used her skills and confidence to lead her peers as performance expectations continued to change as a result of the pandemic. Beyond the walls of Stoneham High School, Sydney contributed to the local arts community by working with the Greater Boston Stage Company, Broken Leg Productions, and the Theater Company of Saugus. 

In the fall Sydney is attending the University of Connecticut to pursue a degree in the dramatic arts. She plans on continuing to hone her skills by joining the campus acapella group, choir, and theater group.

 “This scholarship means so much to me and I am incredibly excited to use this for my continued education with the arts. The arts are a huge part of my life with both music and theater and this scholarship will allow me to keep pursuing my love of performing. I used to be shy and introverted until I found theater and singing so I owe it to the arts for who I am today. I am so grateful to have received the Doreen Moore Scholarship Award and I can’t wait to keep performing!” commented Sydney. 

If you are interested, you can read more about the scholarship and Doreen’s accomplishments here. 

“I’m humbled to be given this award for collaborative programming. I believe that what we’re doing here will pave the way for the future of Youth Esports – not only for our members here in Wakefield and Stoneham, but for kids across the Northeast,” says John. “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Clubs to ignite the passion of competition and learning for Esports that these kids have.” 

“John’s hard work breaking ground into a field where few youth development professionals have dared to go has paid off and we are all be proud of him and his accomplishments,” said Evan Reppert, Wakefield Teen Center Director.

John introduced the Esports program in September of 2022 at the Clubs’ Wakefield location, and the newly designed “Esports Arena” has been a favorite space and after-school activity for many youth members. In addition, he launched the Boys & Girls Clubs Northeast Esports League and just this month, held the inaugural Northeast Esports League Championship competition at Southern New Hampshire University, which gathered teams from Clubs in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire for an exciting, fun, and friendly video gaming competition. 

“It’s a dream come true,” he adds. “My favorite part of the day is watching the kids come into the Arena and share a strategy they were thinking of, or ask me for advice on how to improve.”

The launch of the Esports program is further proof of the Clubs’ dedication to delivering innovative programming that makes a lasting impact on the lives of local youth.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield’s mission to build great futures for members and their families visit bgcstoneham.com or bgcwakefield.org.

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About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background.

Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.

Being recognized for decades of dedication to local causes, Susan and her husband, “Team Mansur,” have provided invaluable support for the Clubs. From music education to water safety training, Susan’s efforts have empowered the organization to launch enriching youth development programs that help members and their families thrive and build great futures.

Other than a trustee for Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation, Susan has held a number of notable positions throughout her career, including former member of the National Association of Female Executives, former Stoneham Library Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of the Women’s Guild at the First Church in Malden, member of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Board of Directors,  and much more. It is her drive to provide opportunities for local youth that has earned her continuous recognition. Over the last fifty years, Susan and her husband, Dick, who have been affectionately referred to as “Team Mansur”, have dedicated themselves to public service and proved to be Inspiring forces in the community.

“My interest in providing opportunities for youth, beginning at an early age, is to provide a personal focus on activity that allows a young person to develop as a goal-oriented, self-confident, and uniquely successful individual,” says Susan. “Mentoring young people in a positive way, during the stages of their growth and development, has the potential for achieving a bright and satisfying future for themselves and those with whom they associate,” she adds.

This year’s 50th Anniversary Gala will bring together supporters, community leaders, and friends to celebrate in style. The event will gather hundreds of guests for an unforgettable evening filled with moving testimonials from current and alumni members, the unveiling of future plans, delicious food and drink, an award ceremony, and silent and live auctions.

“For the past five decades, our Clubs have helped build great futures by providing safe and supportive places and programs that empower our community’s young people to grow and thrive,” says Adam Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield. “It is the ongoing support from such supporters as Susan Mansur and her family that has helped us expand our local footprint and launch innovative initiatives around mental health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, professional development and workforce readiness, financial assistance, free childcare and food programs, and more,” he adds. “We’re excited to share all of our exciting accomplishments and future plans with our gala guests.”

The Gala will also be honoring tech entrepreneur and Silk Title CEO Marc Trachtenberg and recognize Congresswoman and Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Congressman Seth Moulton. Sponsorship opportunities at all levels, from a $500 Benefactor to $25,000 Title sponsor, are still available.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield or for tickets and sponsorships, visit BGCGala.org.

“For 50 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield have helped countless children and families. The clubs have become a safe space for so many over those years, all while offering diverse learning opportunities and programs to our young people. The organization continues to expand to meet the needs of families, and as Dodging for Dollars is quickly turning into a tradition filled with laughs and good fun, the real victory is knowing the result is changing so many lives for the better,” said Lisa Gesci, reporter at 7 NEWS, WHDH-TV.

“Both of these teams have been dodging it out for years, and we are so grateful to have their continued support,” says Anthony Guardia, tournament Commissioner and Chief Development Officer. “These are very fierce competitors in a match I can’t wait to see.”

This is destined to be one of the must-watch match-ups of this year’s Dodging for Dollars tournament, which also includes competing teams from local businesses, law enforcement, families and more.

The teams will be facing off on the Stoneham Clubhouse court on Saturday, April 29th, at 2 pm. For the full Dodging Through the Decades tournament schedule, visit BGCDodgeball.com.

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About Dodging for Dollars

Now in its sixth year, Dodging for Dollars is an annual dodgeball tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield that invites over forty teams and 500 players to battle it out and raise funds that fuel the many programs that help youth, teens, and families build better futures.

This year’s Dodging for Dollars tournament is scheduled to take place April 23rd through May 5th on the parquet of the Club’s Stoneham location on 15 Dale Court. To participate in, or donate to, the tournament, visit BGCDodgeball.com. For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield, visit Boys & Girls Clubs obgcstoneham.org or bgcwakefield.org.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background.

Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization and to celebrate the popular annual dodgeball fundraiser, longtime supporters and corporate responsible champions C-4 Analytics and Epsilon will meet mid-court to pelt their opposing teams with rubber balls – all in the name of helping children.

“We are excited to be back for another year to support the Boys and Girls Club and all the amazing work they do in our community. After years of epic dodgeball matches against teens, we’re excited to face off against another local company. Our arms our loose; our feet are swift; and our team is ready for the moment,” said Katie Ice, Early Career Programs Manager for Epsilon.

Ready to take on the Epsilon team on Friday, April 28th at 5pm, is a team of star fundraising dodgers from C-4 Analytics, who’ve been bringing in thousands of dollars in donations year after year to help the organization provide a safe and supportive place for children and families.

“We are proud to be part of this amazing organization that helps so many of the kids in our local communities. And we relish the good-natured competition with an industry rival in the name of such a worthy cause”, says Mike Weiss, CEO of C-4 Analytics. C-4 Analytics has been involved with the Clubs for many years, donating thousands of dollars and countless volunteer service hours.

Now in its sixth year, Dodging for Dollars is an annual dodgeball fundraiser hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield that invites over forty teams and 500 players to battle it out and raise funds that fuel the many programs that help youth, teens, and families build better futures.

“This year’s event, themed ‘Dodging Through the Decades’ will pay homage to the Clubs’ 50th anniversary and decades of service in a groovy, bodacious, fresh, kewl, and definitely lit kind of way. We can’t wait to see two of our top teams take each other on during the event,” says Anthony Guardia, Chief Development Officer.

This year’s Dodging for Dollars event is scheduled to take place April 23rd through May 5th on the parquet of the Club’s Stoneham location on 15 Dale Court. To participate in, or donate to, the event, or see the schedule visit BGCDodgeball.com. For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield, visit bgcstoneham.org or bgcwakefield.org.

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About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background.

Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.

Please join us to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports and support new programming for Melrose youth. The event will also feature food stations and hors d’oeuvres provided by Turner’s Seafood and Rising Eagle Publick House, Derby hat and attire contests, a photo booth, raffles, cash bar and more. Tickets are $50 and also include a complimentary drink. Kentucky Derby attire is highly encouraged but not required.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Chamber of Commerce for this special event,” said Megan Samborski, Director of Community Relations at the Boys & Girls Clubs. “It’s part of an effort to further expand youth programming in Melrose, and we hope this will become an annual event.”

“All children deserve safe and supportive spaces to learn and grow,” said Stephanie Nelson, Executive Director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to be launching this fundraiser with the Boys & Girls Clubs to introduce their mission to support local families to our Melrose community.” 

Tickets and registration are available via Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/4h627fen

This is a 21+ event. For questions about this event or to become a sponsor please contact [email protected].

Special thanks to our sponsors Turner’s Seafood and Rising Eagle Publick House. Their contributions will enable all proceeds to benefit Melrose youth.

To purchase a ticket, visit here: https://tinyurl.com/wwzhhxdp

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About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & GirlsClubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background. Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most

school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed. For more information, visit bgcstoneham.org or bgcwakefield.org.

About the Melrose Chamber of Commerce

The Melrose Chamber of Commerce is an independent, private, 501(c)6 organization with nearly 300 business, civic and individual members in and around the City of Melrose representing a variety of industries and business sectors. The Chamber is the largest organization in Melrose dedicated to increasing economic activity through an involved membership, special events and advocacy of business friendly policies and practices.

Clubs celebrate 50 years serving youth and plans launch of “Here and Now” Mental Health and many other programming initiatives this year.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield opened its doors in Stoneham 50 years ago, and for the last five decades has been a safe place for local youth to learn, have fun, and build great futures. Beginning with one Clubhouse in Stoneham, the organization now operates two Club sites, two Teen Centers, two licensed child care facilities, a community boating program,  and a public pool. To commemorate decades of positive impact on local youth, the organization announces a year-long celebration complete with new programs, club enhancements, events, and a mental health and wellness initiative that will benefit both youth members and their families.

“As we look back on our many years of serving the Stoneham and Wakefield communities, we also look ahead to ways that we can help even more members flourish in the future. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Club members, staff, volunteers and everyone in the community who have supported and empowered our youth.” Adam Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer

The Boys & Girls Clubs is also launching a new “Here & Now” initiative designed to foster positive physical, mental, and emotional skill sets that help members grow, thrive, and succeed throughout their lives.

“The pandemic took a toll on children and families, many who are still dealing with its after-effects on their overall well-being. Through the launch of a number of programs, partnerships, activities, and amenities throughout 2023, we will be able to provide our members the very best safety and wellness support they deserve.”John Brinkman, Chief Operating Officer

Included in the early phases of the “Here and Now’ initiative is a new partnership that will introduce full-time, licensed clinician involvement with young people at the Clubs.  

The Clubs also recently partnered with the Stoneham Public Schools to operate its after school program in all three elementary schools. In 2023, the Clubs will serve more children than ever before, with plans to expand more programs in surrounding communities. Its expanded summer program and after school offerings include innovative and engaging activities in STEM, sports, and creative arts. 

The organization plans to announce a number of new happenings, upgrades, community events, and more throughout the year, while still offering its award winning afterschool and summer programs for local youth. Events planned include “Dodging Thru the Decades”, a five decade- themed Dodgeball fundraiser, the 50th Anniversary Gala, and various alumni events throughout the year. 

To stay in-the-know on the many Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield 50th anniversary celebrations, sign up for our newsletter here.