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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to Oversee Marshfield Flag Football Program

The founders and leaders of the Marshfield Flag Football Program have turned over the league to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

The Marshfield Flag Football Program serves more than 500 Marshfield families, with children ranging from six to 15 years old. The program is co-ed and open to all Marshfield residents.

Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield assumed management of Marshfield Flag Football’s Kindergarten to Grade 3 divisions, comprised of approximately 300 children. Effective July 1st, the founders and leaders of Marshfield Flag Football have turned over management of the entire Marshfield Flag Football Program to the Boys & Girls Club. This includes the 4th to 8th grade divisions.

Marshfield Flag Football league was founded by Marshfield residents Dante DiMassa and Mark Stiles, who established the program in 2012. They had wanted to create a fun experience for children and families and the program has been very successful and grown each year. DiMassa is Marshfield Flag Football’s treasurer/EVP and Steve Medeiros is the commissioner.

“We’re very pleased to transition the league to the Boys & Girls Club,” said DiMassa. “Their values and support of youth align with Marshfield Flag Football and the transition will be positive for the growth and continuity of the program.”

DiMassa and Marshfield Flag Football’s leadership team will function in an advisory capacity to the Club to assist with the transition and operations. They will continue to support the town’s youth through issuances of academic scholarships.

All players will benefit as they gain membership to the Boys & Girls Club along with opportunities to participate in other sports and activities offered by the Club.

“Marshfield Flag Football is a tremendous program that directly aligns with our health and fitness area of youth development,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Dante, Mark and the Marshfield Flag Football leadership team have dedicated themselves to building and maintaining an incredibly successful program that serves hundreds of local youth. Now, they are passing the torch on to the Club and we appreciate this wonderful opportunity.”

More information will be forthcoming in the Fall.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Vigil for George Floyd to be held June 13th at Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield athletic field

On Tuesday, the funeral service honoring the life of George Floyd, a father, brother, son and friend to many, was held in Houston. In memory of George Floyd, a vigil will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield athletic field on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. 

This peaceful gathering, organized by Sabrina Holland of Marshfield and her team of volunteers, was originally scheduled for June 5th at Harbor Park but postponed based on safety recommendations of Police Chief Tavares. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield was then approached to host the event, as the athletic field better accommodates a large number of people and parking is available.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield condemns any act of racism or discrimination. We are proud to be hosting the vigil as it fits in with the Boys & Girls Club mission. We advocate for all youth to have the same opportunities and encourage young people to utilize and focus the power of their voice. We believe it is critical to speak up and take action. As a nation, we can and must demand change to support black people and anyone who faces systemic prejudices. Together, we must listen and take action to ensure the future is great for the youth that are counting on us.

The pain we are feeling, as a nation, as a Movement and as individuals, is real. It is not simply a reaction to the news of the past weeks. We are experiencing a moment of profound reflection on what equality and justice really mean, and how far we still need to go. 

According to Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, “As we honor George Floyd in this peaceful vigil, we hope to deliver a positive and constructive message, and continue to build a community that works together and treats each other with respect and equality.”

In light of COVID-19, social distancing must be observed and face coverings are required. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  For more information, visit www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces “2020 Youth of the Year”

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, selects one exceptional Club member as “Youth of the Year” to serve as an ambassador for the Club’s youth as well as a voice for all young people. 

Jessica Martin and Johanna Cullen, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield in summer 2019.
Jessica Martin and Johanna Cullen, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
in summer 2019.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is pleased to announce Jessica Martin, a senior at Marshfield High School, has been named the 2020 Marshfield Youth of the Year. 

Ms. Martin has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield for 10 years. Over the last four years, Ms. Martin has held the role of Afterschool Staff/Summer Camp Counselor at the Club, where she wears “a number of hats” taking on duties ranging from helping with homework to supervising the Games Room. In September 2019, Ms. Martin became the President of the Keystone Club, and has since planned a variety of successful fundraisers.

Outside of the Club, Ms. Martin has served as After School Program staff for Marshfield Recreation Department. For the past six years, she has taught Pre-school and Kindergarten CCD as an assistant teacher at her church. In 2016, Ms. Martin received the Library Volunteer of the Year award from Furnace Brook Middle School for having the most volunteer hours, and in 2018, she received the National Honor Society award. A dedicated volunteer, Ms. Martin has volunteered 95 hours over the past 12 months to the Boys & Girls Club and the community.

As Youth of the Year, Ms. Martin will continue to spread awareness about the Club as a resource and its important role for youth and teens throughout the community. She has her sights set on becoming a teacher and intends to major in Elementary and Special Education at Endicott College in Beverly, MA in the fall.

“I can’t imagine where I would be right now, as the Club has been my second home,” said Ms. Martin. “The Club really played a significant part in my life after elementary school, as I was faced with new challenges. I look forward to starting college in the fall, but I will definitely return to the Club on break and continue to volunteer and give back to this amazing organization that has given me so much.”

About Youth of the Year

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BCGA) premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.

The journey to being named National Youth of the Year begins locally and progresses to state, regional and national levels, with an additional military phase for members of BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations.

The Election Process

There are a number of steps that must be taken prior to being named Youth of the Year at the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield. Club staff members nominate several teens, who are then asked to write an essay on the “Club experience”. The essays are read by staff and volunteers and four are selected. The top four candidates interview with a panel to discuss their essay, club impact and four areas of development – education, community service, leadership and family life. After the interviews, the panel and club leadership discuss and elect Youth of the Year.

Ms. Martin’s next step is to advance to the State level and compete against 43 other teens from across the commonwealth. This virtual event will take place on June 18, 2020.

“Jessica has tremendous leadership ability and she is a wonderful role model,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “It is our great pleasure to honor Jessica as the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Youth of the Year. We wish her every success in the future.”

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website https://www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Receives 700+ lbs. Seafood Donation to Help Families in Need

When the 40th edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Representative Patrick Kearney and suppliers quickly stepped up and arranged for the seafood to be donated to families and children in need.

More than 700 pounds of prepackaged restaurant-grade flash frozen Trident Seafood (originally earmarked for the Expo) was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to serve families who would benefit. The seafood included pollock, fillet, shrimp and lobster, which are ingredients many families use in stir fry recipes, stews, and fish tacos. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield divided the seafood donation, half of it was distributed to 40 local families and the other half to Quincy Community Action Program’s food center for distribution to families in need.

The Boys & Girls Club would like to thank the seafood suppliers, along with Representative Kearney, Jack McGinnis from JD Transport, Charlie DiPesa from F.J. O’Hara & Sons, Inc., Julie Johnson and Steve Meneely from the Marshfield Food Pantry, Chuck Haddad from Haddad’s Ocean Café in Marshfield, and Dan Burke, Boys & Girls Club Board member, for their assistance in coordinating the donation.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield works alongside the Marshfield Food Pantry and Marshfield School Department and has become a food distribution site that serves hundreds of families and children throughout the area,” Jim Bunnell, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Representative Kearney connected with us for assistance in getting this generous donation to families who would benefit. We’re extremely grateful to everyone involved who worked with us in this essential mission to support local families. We will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of kids and communities.”

Serving the Needs of Children & Families during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is committed more than ever, to ensure that members, families, and communities have the resources and support they need to navigate these uncertain times. Although the Club is closed for onsite programming until further notice, they are still providing services and doing critical work to help youth, families and communities. These services include:

– Distributing meals and essential supplies to kids

– Providing affordable childcare support to first responders, healthcare workers, and essential staff

– Providing tutoring and age appropriate counseling support

– Supplying access to virtual programming

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield or to access virtual programming, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Rockland Federal Credit Union Renews Corporate Partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, is pleased to announce Rockland Federal Credit Union has renewed their corporate partnership with the Club for 2020.

Karen Macedo of Rockland Federal Credit Union and Paula Klim White of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Rockland Federal Credit Union has been a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. They were a large supporter of the Club’s new building campaign when the Club moved from a 4,000 square foot storefront to their Proprietor’s Drive location. The current state-of-the-art 17,000 square foot clubhouse officially opened its doors in June, 2012 and includes a gymnasium, arts center, elementary games room, learning center, computer lab, kitchen, teen center, pool and playground.

Rockland Federal Credit Union also gave a large gift in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s recent Outdoor Clubhouse Expansion Project. The Outdoor Classroom is a designated fenced-in area containing flower and vegetable gardens, a patio and seating area that supports Club programming such as natural sciences, nutrition and art classes.

“Rockland Federal Credit Union has been a proud community partner of the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club for 14 years,” said Karen Macedo of Rockland Federal Credit Union. “We believe in supporting the programs and services offered by the Boys & Girls Club, which help make a difference in the lives of those within our community.”

“We are very thankful to  Rockland Federal Credit Union for their generosity and ongoing support which ultimately helps us to deliver programs that are the cornerstone of youth development and fulfill our mission in the community,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has hundreds of member families and serves more than 5,000 youth annually from all across the South Shore in afterschool, school vacation and summer camp programs.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.

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Haunted Car Wash Raises $5K for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Nearly 200 cars cruised through Briteway’s Haunted Car Wash, held October 29-30th at their Marshfield location. All proceeds, totaling $5,000, were donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield in support of programming.

Briteway’s Haunted Car Wash

The Haunted Car Wash was an entertaining event that featured spooky scenes such as a graveyard, witches lair and sunken ship. Volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club donned creepy costumes – vampires, werewolves, mummies, zombies and other creatures – and provided patrons with a haunted experience.

“The Haunted Car Wash was a tremendous success and a truly memorable event. We’re grateful for Briteway’s ongoing support and thank them for their generous donation,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

To learn more about Briteway Car Wash, visit their website at https://www.britewaycarwash.com/briteway_car_wash.php

Club Programming

The Boys & Girls Club’s programming is extensive. The afterschool program provides a social and recreational room for elementary school students, a full court gymnasium, as well as an active art center. Students can learn about healthy food choices and discover the art of cooking in the Club’s commercial kitchen. Tutors and instructors help children with their homework in the Club’s learning center, and there is a computer center for STEAM and STEM programming.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.

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South Shore Turkey Trot Registration Now Open. Annual Thanksgiving Day Race Benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Online registration is now open for the 5th Annual South Shore Turkey Trot road race, which will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2019.

Gather friends, family and neighbors together to race in the South Shore Turkey Trot, a four-mile, family-friendly road race event with younger age categories, costumed runners, and team running. The race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community.

Race mascot, Elvis Turkey, encourages organizations and groups from the community to form teams, create themes, and dress in costumes to celebrate the holiday.

The South Shore Turkey Trot start and finish line is at South River School, 59 Hatch Street, Marshfield, MA, 02050. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. The four-mile course is flat and quiet through scenic back roads of Marshfield.

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield employees will host a “Kid Zone” with activities to keep children entertained while parents run the race.

Free Pie for Race Finishers

Top Finishers will receive awards, which will be mailed out after the event. Every finisher of the race will receive a free apple pie provided by Roche Bros.

Canned Food Drive for the Marshfield Food Pantry

Runners and spectators are encouraged to bring a canned good on the day of the race for donation to the Marshfield Food Pantry.

“The race is a wonderful community event and proceeds from it will provide resources for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s programs and scholarships,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Our afterschool program and summer camp serves hundreds of working families from all across the South Shore.”

The number of participants in the South Shore Turkey Trot increases each year and last year there were more than 500 runners registered. The race, which is hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, draws runners from other states as well as from over 60 towns throughout Massachusetts. In 2018, more than $23K was raised to support Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s programming and scholarships.

2019 Turkey Trot sponsors include: TJX Foundation; Sigma Mechanical Services; Rand Handy Oil Co.; Marathon Physical Therapy; John Foster Lumber, Co.; South Shore Children Dentistry; Stiles and Associates, LLC; Prop Fuel; ABC Equipment Company, Inc. and Peppermint Twist.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $100- $5000. To sponsor, visit: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=is6nrjcab&oeidk=a07eglxkiy4b41a54b0

The cost of registration (through October 25th) is $28. All registrants will receive a custom event long sleeve t-shirt. To register for the race, visit http://events.racewire.com/south-shore-turkey-trot/

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.

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SpeedStairs Fitness Partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. Innovative Stair-Slide Steps Up the Fun in Getting Fit.

Collis Brown, principal and designer of SpeedStairs Fitness with Jim Bunnell, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

SpeedStairs Fitness of Marshfield has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to offer innovative fitness programs for the Club’s youth as well as adults, families and teams in the community.

SpeedStairs Fitness, an educational based program that improves athletic ability and agility while decreasing the risk of injury, is now part of the physical education program rotation built into the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield membership.  In addition to youth training, the popular SpeedStairs Fitness program is also being offered to individuals, families, teams and organizations as a fee-based program on-site at the Club.

A unique fitness program that uses patented stair-slide equipment to assess an individual’s running mechanics and to increase his/her anaerobic performance, SpeedStairs Fitness professional approach helps participants attain optimal fitness at any age. In addition to the stair-slide itself, multiple exercise stations with options such as chain/regular pull-ups, speed bag, medicine balls, heavy bag, TRX, and resistance bands are underneath. For those who struggle with back, hip, knee, or shoulder pain, physical therapy is incorporated into training sessions.

The program is led by Collis Brown, principal and designer of SpeedStairs Fitness. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education K-12 with a concentration in Exercise Science from University of Massachusetts Boston, and also has Deans award from UMass in Exercise Science. Brown has five years of experience as a public school teacher, five years as a varsity team coach, and 16 years as a professional trainer and fitness club owner.

“SpeedStairs is an educational based program that teaches children, teens and adults the science and purpose behind each exercise and stretch,” explained Brown. “SpeedStairs is a structured fitness program focused on speed, agility, coordination, and strength that builds self-confidence, self-esteem, and life habits.”

“One of the Boys & Girls Club of America top five key elements for Youth development is to adopt a healthy diet, practice healthy lifestyle choices and make a lifelong commitment to fitness,” said Jim Bunnell, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “We’re very excited to have this incredibly fun fitness program in-house for our after school program members, while also offering set hours and making it available to families, teams and other organizations in the community.”

Join SpeedStairs at the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield for a “SpeedStairs Open House” on Monday, November 12, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and try a SpeedStairs Workout and enjoy other activities.

To learn more about SpeedStairs Fitness at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and schedule a free trial class, visit http://marshfieldbgc.com/speedstairs

About SpeedStairs

SpeedStairs is revolutionizing exercise one stair at a time. As the only patented stair-slide group training apparatus in the world, SpeedStairs is comprised of stair-slide combination, as well as multiple exercise stations underneath. Program successes include City of Watertown-Department of Health and Wellness, and City of Brockton-Department of Special Education. SpeedStairs caters to all ages and walks of life. Learn more by visiting the website, www.speedstairs777.com

About Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield (the Club) is a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community. The Club’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.

SpeedStairs Fitness Partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. Innovative Stair-Slide Steps Up the Fun in Getting Fit.Read More