Council named for Boys and Girls Club
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore Boys and Girls Club has named its club council.

Through the labors of Pam Deceault, Kilgore National Bank vice president; Laura McKethan, Kilgore Junior Achievement instructor; Latane Speer, Kilgore College instructor; and Ronnie Spradlin, councilman and local business owner, approximately 30 assembled to hear club expectations and directives.

Joe Stiewe, executive director of Boys and Girls Club - Longview Unit, spoke to potential council members and took them on a tour of Boys and Girls Club Kilgore Unit. Stiewe shared several success stories, including his own, then gave a short history of the club.

Stiewe said there are more than 4,000 clubs across the United States, with more than 342 of those in Texas, with membership totaling 418,000 and climbing..

According to Stiewe, Boys and Girls Club is based on five core beliefs - that a Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place for children to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character developing experiences as well as hope and opportunity.

Stiewe said the club also focuses on five core areas including character and leadership development, health and life skills, sports fitness and recreation, and education and career development.

"Boys and Girls club programs promote the development of young people by instilling a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of power or influence," Stiewe said. "When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and creates an environment that helps boys and girls achieve their full potential."

Of those in attendance the list narrowed to include Kristy Boyd, drill team booster; Allan Bussey, Kilgore Brookshire's manager; Jody Clements, Kilgore Independent School District superintendent-elect; Wendy Crim, former teacher; Jeff Davis, Kilgore dentist; Lisa Denton, Kilgore Economic Development Corporation economic development specialist; Bryan Johnston, Kilgore Boys Baseball Association chair and Kilgore Chamber of Commerce sports chair; Lani Laird, First Presbyterian Church deacon; Tamara Mankins, KISD Parent Teacher Association life member; Travis Martin, Kilgore Lions Club and football booster; Kathryn Martinez, Kilgore News Herald reporter; Billie Mimms, Austin Bank banker; Bill Mishkind, director KEDC Board of Directors; Johnnie McCrory, active in several youth programs; Ty Sharp, Kilgore Lion; and Julie Woods, MB Construction.

Each council member has individual member responsibilities. Members are expected to give a personally meaningful gift. Member will raise, through personal donation, annual campaign, or fundraisers at least $5,000 per year. Members shall stay informed about the club, review written materials and attend at least 75 percent of meetings. Members must also inform others about the club.

The role of the council is resource development, visit and provide insight to the board, community relations and have a voice on the Board of Directors.

An effective council will have a respected community image, be well managed and ensure a highly effective unit that provides programs to meet the needs of boys and girls, demonstrate achievement of the organization's goals and objectives, have 100 percent of unit needs met through council giving and influence as well as work with the board to ensure that the unit meets the needs of the local community.

Boys and Girls Club Kilgore Unit was created last fall after Spradlin asked Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County to consider Kilgore for unit construction. Paula Martin Jones Charities gave more than $500,000 in funds for renovations to a building donated by City of Kilgore.