Martin cuts ribbon on Boys and Girls Club
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF KILGORE
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

News Herald Photo by Kathryn Martinez Margaret Martin puts the R in ribbon cutting and peeks over the R in Kilgore as the ceremonial ribbon takes to the wind at the ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Boys & Girls Club Kilgore Unit. At left is Rubin Martin, her son and co-benefactor. Martin cut the ribbon yesterday afternoon amidst a sea of children and club supporters.

It's official; Boys and Girls Club's Kilgore Unit held its grand opening and ribbon cutting yesterday and marked its name in pages of Kilgore history as the city's first ever Boys & Girls Club.

with 165 children enrolled and engaged in activities from homework help to soccer and baseball to a variety of gameroom activities, the club may well be the best thing that has ever happened to Kilgore kids.

The club came about through the efforts of many and the charity of the Paula Martin Jones Foundation.

"This place is great for the children," Margaret Martin, mother of the foundation's namesake, said "I am pleased with the outcome. It is all for the children."

City representatives, county officials, Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls club council gathered with the club's children for the brief outdoor ceremony.

Mrs. Martin cut the club's ceremonial ribbon, with her son and co-benefactor Rubin Martin by her side.

Before the festivities many locals enjoyed tours given by club members.

David Stiewe, unite director, said he was shocked by turnout for the event.

"I am proud that so many in the community appreciate and support the club," Stiewe said. "Seeing smiles across this crowd of visitors and on these kids' faces is what sill make this club a sure success."

Open enrollment is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $10 for the entire school year.