Boys & Girls Club to Move Into New Home April 1

It's no joke. Pending final inspections, the Boys & Girls Club of the MonDak - Richland Unit plans to be in their new home on April 1.

It has been a very long wait but the new ADA compliant space is well worth it. After receiving the historic Lonsdale United Methodist Church, remodeling began to create a building full of fun and learning opportunities for up to 300 children. An addition to the church houses a welcoming reception area, staff offices, the board room, five spacious program areas, both teaching and commercial kitchens, and a multi-purpose room for eating and recreation.

The church sanctuary did not change other than the addition of fire suppression for safety. It will continue to be used for worship, weddings and funerals. The church also contains the pastor's office and a meeting room. They will also share the kitchen and board room.

Construction will continue to the exterior. In front, the street will be bumped in to provide extra safety for students while the back will become staff parking. Some concrete work, exterior painting and landscaping remains to be done but CEO Elaine Stedman expects everything to be completed in May or June, depending on the weather.

With the expanded capacity, the Club is accepting registrations for new members at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 in the Central School gym, for now until the end of the school year.

Programs will remain pretty much the same for the rest of this school year, but the possibilities are incredible for next year. The Club has had great materials but now they also have the space to expand technology and STEM classes. They also would like to see more volunteers who could offer cooking classes, foreign language classes, music and more. The facilities and supplies are there, they just need willing people. "We have the capacity for all kinds of things we couldn't do before, and we love our volunteers," Stedman said. They are also looking for a full-time program coordinator to start immediately.

The Club is also gearing up for their summer program, which consists of seven one-week themed camps, limited to 50 kids per camp. Kids may sign up for individual camps, or all seven. Priority will be given to existing members. "We have to keep it at a manageable level with all the field trips and activities off-site," Stedman explained.

Fundraising is on-going, to pay for the facility, future improvements, and expanded programs. Stedman and the staff are really excited about the recent grant of $350,000 from the Murdock Foundation. That money is designated for the building fund.

The popular "Out of the Gate Kentucky Derby Gala is set for 6-10 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at the Richland County Event Center, with V.I.P. pre-function at 5 p.m.

Enjoy interactive horse races and southern cuisine by The Meadowlark and bid on some great items during the silent and live auctions. Tickets are on sale through March 31 for $40 per person or $75 per couple. After March 31, tickets are $50 per person. They are available on line at BGCDerby19.givesmart.com or by texting BGCDerby19 to 52182, at the office, or by calling 406-433-6763.

A Grand Opening is planned for April 16 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at the Club, with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.