by Sherry Bowman-Kluck
The Board members of the Petersburgh Veteran’s Memorial Community Center have made it a priority to raise money for the Town of Petersburgh’s Youth Program. Each summer approximately 28 to 35 children from Petersburgh have had the opportunity to attend either or both components of the Youth Program; three weeks consisting of a recreation camp coordinated with the library’s programs and two weeks consisting of certified swim lessons. Nutritional lunches are also provided for both components.
[private]Sadly, a robust $6,000 was cut from this year’s budget, leaving only $1,600 to run its five week program ($2,000 if an anticipated $400 reimbursement is applied for by the Program Director and granted by the State and County). Last year the busing for swim lessons alone cost around $1,500. At that amount, $100 would be left for needed supplies, certified swim lessons and the regulated State and County staffing requirements. Volunteer staff do not qualify for reimbursement from the governing municipalities.
The PVMCC recognizes the program’s immeasurable value to the Petersburgh community. As such, the Board is making plans and arrangements for fundraising opportunities.
The PVMCC will continue to house the Youth Program this summer at no cost.
The PVMCC’s first event will be fun, a “Roaring 1920’s Evening” with a Mardi Gras twist on March 1. Interested in helping? Please contact Sherry Bowman-Kluck at 518-658-0597.
An account earmarked for the Petersburgh Youth Program is being established to collect donations. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, it would be eminently utilized by the youth! Any check amount is greatly appreciated and can be written to the PVMCC. Please indicate its intent for the Petersburgh Youth Program. The check may be sent to PVMCC, P.O. Box 516, Petersburgh, NY, 12138.
Jack Barnhill, as indicated during his campaign for the Town Board, has graciously agreed to be the first to donate $1,700 (the approximate amount of his salary) to the Youth Program. Mr. Barnhill stated that his boys attended the program’s swim lessons and he couldn’t think of a better cause to donate the money to.[/private]