Union: On May 15, 2013, Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County held an awards dinner at Galloping Hill in Union, NJ. The dinner was held in honor of over 175 volunteers that donate their time to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.

In attendance were Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County board members, professional staff, club teen volunteer members, and adult volunteers. Over 90 volunteers received an award for their hard work and dedication to the Clubs. Youth volunteers from each Club were also recognized for their community service efforts and participation in the Clubs’ Keystone and Torch programs.

Among the award recipients was, Ned Fox, who has volunteered over 700 hours with Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County. Mr. Fox has dedicated his time and is the primary catalyst responsible in the re-launch of our successful Bike Exchange program at the Plainfield Clubhouse.

There were special performances were presented by some of the Clubs’ talented members. The Elizabeth Club’s dance troop performed their piece entitled “Don’t Forget About Us,” a spoken word performance that helped raise awareness about gun violence in their community. Marlisa Shaw, Union Club member, also performed her rendition of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise.” Both performances were featured at Steve Adubato’s Stand & Deliver: A Night of Eloquence earlier this month in Belleville, NJ.

Also in attendance was Justin Phillips, 2013 Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Youth of The Year recipient. Mr. Phillips gave a warm welcoming to all the volunteers, thanking them for their hard work and dedication. He stated “Without people like you and without the Boys & Girls Club, I would not be where I am today.”

Russell Triolo, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, also addressed the attendees. Mr. Triolo thanked the volunteers and club members for their efforts throughout the year, referring to them as the most vital part of the organization. Mr. Triolo stated, “You have chosen to give us your most valuable commodity, your time, and for that we are grateful!”

Russell Triolo, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County will be recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with a National Service to Youth Award in recognition of his 40 year career mark as a Boys & Girls Club Executive Professional.  He will receive the award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Conference in Orlando, Florida on the evening of May 1 at The Professional Association Reception.

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County would like to thank our Special Guests and Board Members….

From Left to Right: Russell Triolo, C.E.O; Robert Genovese, Esq.,  Board Chairman; State Senator Raymond Lesniak; Mayor Jamel Holley, Roselle; Union County Sherriff Ralph Froehlich; Marcy Metz, Board President; Mayor Chris Bollwage, Elizabeth; Ed Palmieri, Board Vice President

2013 Youth of the Year Winner Justin Phillips and C.E.O. Russ Triolo with the Board of Directors

Seven Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Elizabeth Club members joined more than 1,800 teens in Atlanta from March 21-24 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 46th National Keystone Conference. This annual conference is one of the largest, most established youth leadership conferences in the country, and the most anticipated among Boys & Girls Club teens.

Elizabeth Club Keystone Advisor and longtime staff member Lakeisha Oates led the Union County group. “Our members take this conference very seriously. They work hard all year long in school, intheir community and within our Club to earn the chance to take part in this exciting annual event”,said Oates. This year’s Conference was themed, “ATL–All Teens Lead,” as teen leadership is needed now more than ever in the U.S. Statistics show that more than 1 in 4 students fails to graduate from high school each year; 1 in 3 kids is overweight or obese; and the teen unemployment rate is at a record high. To address these and other challenges, Keystone Conference participants discussed solutions and developed action plans for addressing the most pressing issues facing youth in their communities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County’s CEO Russell Triolo said that” it gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that these youth, worked so hard all year long because they care so deeply for who they are and because they understand what it means to take part in their own community.” The Keystone Club Program is both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County’s, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier teen leadership program. Keystone Clubs are teen leadership groups within the Club that focus on leadership development through community service projects. This unique leadership development experience provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18 to participate in Club and community projects in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service.

Teens heard from a wide array of motivational speakers and entertainers, including musical performances by recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks; hip hop recording artist B.o.B; and pop group OMG Girlz. Motivational sessions will featured rap and hip hop pioneers Darryl“DMC” McDaniels of Run-D.M.C., Doug. E. Fresh and DJ Spinderella of Salt-n-Pepa; professional skateboarder Preston Pollard; and WWE wrestler and actress Eve Torres.

Teens also volunteered throughout Atlanta, participating in interactive workshops on everything from bullying prevention, financial literacy and college preparedness to robotics, golf and movie making; and had time for various social activities.

WHAT: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County (BGCUC), along with thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and the US military installations around the world will be celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week.  Daily activities have been planned to celebrate this exciting week.  The Union County agency is proud to open the door to great futures by supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Every day, in 4000 facilities across the country, Boys & Girls Clubs help young people stay engaged in school, avoid risky behaviors and choose healthy lifestyles.

Russell Triolo, Chief Executive Officer (BGCUC) stated, “During National Boys & Girls Club week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County will be celebrating the great futures they support through this partnership.”  He continued,  “There will be many fun, easy ways for greater Union County youth to participate and learn more about the positive impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on kids during National Boys and Girls Club week, April 7 — 13, 2013.”

WHO: Planned activities are open to Boys & Girls Club members age 5 – 18. On Friday, April 12 all club locations in Union, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Roselle, and Hillside will conduct “Open the Door and Take the Tour” Open Houses and special events.

WHEN: April 7 – 13, 2013

WHERE: Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Union Club (908-687-2697), Elizabeth Club (908) 351-3344, Plainfield Club (908) 822-8672, Roselle Club (908)351-3344 and Hillside Club (908-687-2697).

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE: Activities during this special week will center around the “Open the Door Take the Tour theme.  On Monday, April 8, Clubs will Open the Door to Education with activities including: Jeopardy Trivia, recognition of honor roll students and visits from college representatives. On Tuesday, April 9, Clubs will Open the Door to Technology with activities including: Internet scavenger hunt, create your own poster and photo editing. On Wednesday, April 10, Clubs will Open the Door to Character and Citizenship with activities including: Torch/Keystone/Stand & Deliver Canned Food Drive and Club Clean-up Community Service Project. On Wednesday, April 11, Clubs will Open the Door to Healthy Lifestyles with guest speakers addressing healthy habits and nutrition and the Boys & Girls Club Olympics.  On Friday, April 12, Clubs will “Open the Door to Take the Tour” by inviting the community to participate in open house tours and special events.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County (BGCUC), the nonprofit youth serving organization whose mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential, celebrated the installation of Board members at their recently held Annual Board of Directors meeting at Mario’s Tutto Bene Restaurant in Union.

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