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!”

Triolo is recognized throughout the movement as a visionary leader. He is also a Boys & Girls Club Alumni having attended the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton regularly from age 6 – 18.

He has been affiliated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America national movement for his entire career. He started with Boys & Girls Clubs in 1972 in the position of Program Director at the Club in Garfield. He was named the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County in 1980, a position he has now held for 34 years. He was named to the charter class of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton “Hall of Fame” in 2009.

Under his leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County has grown from a single clubhouse in 1980 serving 2,000 children to five that today provides services to over 7,500 children annually. Widely recognized as a mentor to his peers, his board and his staff, Triolo always makes himself available to help anyone in need from professional guidance to personal inspiration.

Russ has served on countless committees and has been a presenter at conferences on state, regional and national levels. In 2O1O, he began a tenure as Vice President on the Board for the New Jersey Boys & Girls Clubs. He is a longtime member and supporter of the Garden State Chapter Professional Association, serving as President from 1978-1984. He also served as a National Professional Association Board member from 1985-1987 and as Executive secretary of the New Jersey Area Council for 12 years. He has dedicated his career to working with professionals and volunteers for the greater good of New Jersey Clubs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized his 35 years of service with the “National Service to Youth Award” in 2007.  Prior to that, he was selected by The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Professional Association as the recipient of the Northeast Regional “Contribution to the Profession” Award. Representing the Northeast, he is the only two-time recipient of this prestigious honor having been recognized in both 2006 and 1997.

In 2011, Russ was named “Executive of the Year” by the Garden State Chapter of The Professional Association of Boys & Girls Clubs. This award is presented annually to a member who holds the title, duties and responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer within their organization and who has made significant contributions to the work of the Boys & Girls Club Movement while in this executive leadership role.

In May 2012, Russ was one of four exceptional professionals recognized as a Masters & Mentors recipient from the Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals during the 106th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) National Conference in San Diego, Calif. As a testament to the Academy’s belief that “enduring lessons are taught by example,” Triolo was recognized for his inspirational leadership and mentoring of numerous staff within the Boys & Girls Club Movement. Masters & Mentors is a distinguished honor bestowed by the Academy’s National Advisory Council. Triolo was nominated by the National Training and Professional Development Advisory Committee based upon one or more of the following: contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement over a sustained period; successful mentoring of Academy members; demonstrated excellence in the Boys & Girls Clubs profession.

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

BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF UNION COUNTY

BUILDING HIS FUTURE ONE BRIDGE AT A TIME

Union, NJ – April 09,2013 – Selected as the 2013 Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Youth of the Year at the annual Youth of the Year Awards Dinner, Justin Phillips, 17, a future Civil Engineer hopeful, is a fine example of an extraordinary youth. An Elizabeth resident, Phillips, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Elizabeth Club, is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for sound character and leadership skills and desire to give back to the community. The 2013 Union County nominees included Natalia Rincon of the Union Club and Raven Atkins of the Plainfield Club.

This year’s event was at the Galloping Hill Caterers in Union and was attended by almost 200 guests including dignitaries State Senator Raymond Lesniak, Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley, and Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich. Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Board President Marcy Metz stated “I am honored that these gentlemen took the time to attend our event and to speak so highly of the efforts that our Club puts forth to ensure that our children always have a place to go, to grow, and to excel. This event is an annual highlight for all of us fortunate enough to be a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs family.”

The Union County Youth of the Year winner receives a $1000 scholarship to pursue their post secondary education and will compete against other local Boys & Girls Club winners in the State for the New Jersey Youth of the Year title on June 4^th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Each state candidate receives $1500, the top 3 receive $5000, and the State winner receives a $20,000 scholarship and goes on to compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year. Five regional winners travel to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National winner receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States in an Oval Office ceremony. For the second straight year, Hillman Consulting located in Union, NJ provided education scholarships to all of the Youth of the Year nominees with the winner receiving $4000 and both runners up receiving $2000.

The Youth of the Year program, which is administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and has been nationally sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation since 1947, recognizes outstanding effort and contributions by a club member to their family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as having overcome personal challenges and obstacles. “The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program for well over 60 years,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation.  “We are thrilled that we can honor amazing teens like Justin for their dedication and hard work.”

A senior at Saint Mary’s of the Assumption High School in Elizabeth, Justin has grown up in a single parent household and has grown into a mature young man. He values and believes deeply in community service, respect to self and others, dedication and hard work, whether at home, in school or at the Elizabeth Club.

Justin’s easy smile and demeanor and considerate nature make him readily approachable as he is always willing to share his unique wisdom.

Justin is always looking for opportunities to engage the younger members at the Boys & Girls Club so they know they can count on him. He is very well respected by his peers and is a strong and positive influence on them. When there are not enough volunteers for a task, Justin always takes on more responsibilities. This positive attitude greatly impacts those around him as they seem to gravitate toward him and look to him for guidance.

As a member of the Elizabeth Club for over 5 years, Justin has been a positive inspiration and influence on the young members. He has participated in the Money Matters, Keystone, Career Launch and Goals for Graduation programs and  as an active participant in the Money Matters, Stand & Deliver and the Job Ready programs, Justin helps his peers understand the importance of participating in all the Club has to offer in order to prepare for success in the future.

Justin is looking to pursue a career as a civil engineer and has his sights set upon the University of Florida.

Over the years, “I have had such great relationships with my Boys & Girls Club family. Because of their dedication, their guidance and support, I will be off to attend college this Fall. The academic support, career awareness programs and financial literacy programs run by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County paved the way for my current success and have put me on firm footing for a great future ahead.”"As the 2013 Youth of the Year, I encourage all youth in Union County to reach out to a Boys & Girls Club. They offer great programs and a very safe and nurturing environment. One of my favorite aspects of the Club is the diversity of members, and everyone is able to express themselves and grow”

“After sitting down and speaking with Justin, I realize what a unique and responsible young man he is. His ability to see the big picture and his understanding that our Club has provided him with a solid foundation, and his unique grasp on knowing that all of his experiences, and some very difficult, are all stepping stones to his future, speak to what an unusual person Justin is.”, said Russell Triolo, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County. “He is a valued member and a wonderful choice to be our 2013 Youth of the Year.”

To be considered for the title, Club members must write an essay and complete a face-to-face interview with a panel of judges, comprised of community leaders and several members of the BGCUC Board of Directors. This year’s panel is headed by Timothy Williams, who is the Community Outreach Manager, Mid-Atlantic Region, for the event’s premier sponsor, Elizabethtown Gas. They actively support local youth through their companywide V-Force employee volunteer program. Additional judges include: Douglas W. Schoenberger-VP Public Policy, Verizon, Maureen Tinen-President, UCEDC, John Crisafulli-Assistant VP, Northfield Bank, Brian McLain-VP Operations, Elizabethtown Gas, Jamel Holley-Mayor, Roselle NJ, Colleen Mahr-Mayor, Fanwood, NJ, Sharon Robinson-Briggs-Mayor, Plainfield, NJ

Also honored at this year’s event were Club members in the categories of Buddie of the Year (ages 6-9), Junior of the Year (ages 10-13), Sportsman of the Year, and SPIRIT Awards.   They included:

ELIZABETH: Ciara Robertson  – Buddie of the Year; Jahyeer Pendleton – Junior of the Year; PLAINFIELD: Janell Moore – Buddie of the Year; Rashid Odoms – Junior of the Year; Aiyana Williams- SPIRIT Award

ROSELLE: Harrison Elementary School: Jayden Nelson – Buddie of the Year;  Dr. Charles C. Polk Elementary School – Donovan Long-Buddie of the Year  –Washington Elementary School – Andres DiMatteo- Buddie of the Year;

Leonard V. Moore Middle School – Dashaun Issac-Junior of the Year- Success Academy- – Jakeim Keymell-Walker – Buddie of the Year HILLSIDE: AP Morris – Jasmine Lareya – Buddie of the Year; Calvin Coolidge – Julia Ramos- Buddie of the Year –George Washington – Chidinma Chigozie-Nwosu-Spirit Award Hurden Looker – Anita Ojibe-Buddie of the Year; WOK Middle School-Ajanee Wineglass-Junior of the Year UNION: Kaylona Smith – Buddie of the Year; Jalynn White – Junior of the Year; Marlon Roberts – SPIRIT Award

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.

For the past 15 years, the Chandler Learning Center has been tutoring students in Bedminster and surrounding areas. Chandler Learning Center strives to bridge the gap between the student and the SAT by deconstructing each component and offering insight into the design of the test, while concurrently capturing the students’ attention.

This collaborative effort provides affordable access for youth to elevate their SAT scores to help get into the college of their choice and have the opportunity to receive better scholarship money.

The cost per student is $20 per class or $90 if paying for all six classes up front. The Learning Center will provide all needed materials. Registration is open to anyone registered for the June 2 SAT exam.

Classes are May 4, 11, 18, 23, 30 and June 1 from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Union Club, 1050 Jeanette Ave. in Union.

Pre-registration is mandatory to ensure that the proper amounts of materials are on hand for each class. To register contact the Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County, Union Club directly at 908-687-2697, ext. 0.

Russell Triolo, CEO, proudly welcomed the new slate of officers as well as the full Board of Directors. “After leading this organization for well over three decades, this event, this annual celebration,  remains a most happy and exciting time for me as I have the pleasure of continuing this journey with a group of people that I admire and respect greatly,”

Newly elected Board President Marcy Metz, stated” I am both excited by the prospect of this leadership position and at the same time, humbled. My goal is to open our doors even wider for more children, in the communities we serve, and the only way we can accomplish this is with an all-out team effort to increase funding through awareness of who we are.”

A graduate of the Executive MBA Program from Rutgers University, she is President of BJ&M Auto Inc and ASISCO Automotive Company Inc, located in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  ASISCO and BJ&M are SBE and WBE certified in New Jersey.  On a national level, the companies are WBENC certified.  Both companies service the tri-state area and have memberships with the Women President’s Organization, New Jersey Business Industry Association, New Jersey Motor Truck Association and National Association Fleet Administrators, Equipment Managers Council Association, New Jersey Association Women Business Owners and National Association Women Business Owners.

Metz is currently serving on the following boards:  Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club Union County, Groundwork Elizabeth, Elizabeth Development Company, Union County Economic Development Corporation, Trinitas Health Foundation and Crime Stoppers of Union County.

Comprised of 17 members, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Board of Directors also installed   Robert Genovese, Esq. as Chairman, Edmund Palmieri (Economic Planning Group)as VP Marketing & Development, Jennifer Fernandes (Northfield Bank) as VP of Fundraising, Angel Cartagena (Batteries Plus of Union) as VP of Finance, Robert Poles (Toll Brothers Construction) as VP of Operations and Regina Nicholls (Investors Bank) as Secretary.

Board members re-elected to another term included: Geraldine Boone (Coldwell Banker Real Estate), Wendy Cama (Crowe Horwath LLP), Ana Galindo (Allstate NJ), Frank Lawrence (James R. Guerra, P.A.), Brian Lupo (Celgene Corp.), Marie Maguire (Unity Bank), Roberta Miles(Verizon), Robert Oliver(Lincoln Tech), Derrick Watkins(Community Education Centers), Tim Williams(Elizabethtown Gas).

As part of the Annual Meeting, Metz presented Robert Genovese and Edmund Palmieri in recognition as President and Chairman respectively during the last four years.  In addition, Robert Oliver, Derrick Watkins and Carlos Calisto the organization’s Comptroller was presented Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Service to Youth Awards.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, which operates facilities in Union, Roselle, Plainfield, Elizabeth and Hillside, serves over 7,500 children.  They seek to inspire and enable young people, who need them most, to realize their full potential and have provided opportunity for youth since 1955. They are part of a national network of some 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves more than 4.6 million young people annually, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.

As this holiday season quickly approaches, we would like to give thanks to all of our supporters for making the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County a very special place to be. Without the help of our members, families, sponsors, donors, staff and volunteers, we would not be able to offer the programs and services we provide to the community. Thank you for being a part of something great!

Here are some of the benefits of participating in an after-school program:

1. After-School programs can enhance children’s academic achievement.
2. After-School programs support children’s social development and their relationships with adults and peers.
3. As well as supporting positive goals, After-School programs can also lessen risky behavior by providing young people with positive and healthy alternatives.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County offers After-School programs in all of our locations. Every site provides time for homework and time for play! Click on the location nearest you for more information on the great programs we have to offer!

• Elizabeth
• Hillside
• Plainfield
• Roselle
• Union