First Potter County Boys/Girls Club Opens Doors Monday

Potter County Boys and Girls Club will open its doors after school on Monday (Sept. 19). The first of what the organizers hope will be many community-based clubs in the county is located at the Coudersport Alliance Church Barn. Volunteers and supporters have been meeting for two years to establish the organization. Here, committee chairman George Dubots (right) chats with Pete Wyatt during an open house held at the facility earlier this week.

Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, hope and opportunity. A wide variety of activities are offered, from video gaming to computer programs, hobby groups, life skills, education and career focuses, and the arts.

Potter County’s club was awarded a $46,000 grant from the Integrated Children’s Services Plan to allow the hiring of Monica Fourness as a full-time executive director and to address other start-up needs. She is responsible for the establishment of club sites and programs throughout the county, curriculum planning, program scheduling, volunteer recruiting and fundraising. A local volunteer committee is headed by George Dubots, president; Amy Thompson, vice president; and Nancy Grupp, treasurer.

The organizers are seeking more people to help, whether as board members or volunteers. Financial support is also welcome. Contributions can be dropped off or mailed to Northwest Savings Bank, 302 N. East St., Coudersport PA 16915. Checks should be made out to Boys & Girls Club of Potter County. The club has its own Facebook page, entitled Potter County Boys and Girls Club.