Boys and Girls Club after-school program will open in Buena Vista

by Kirsten Laskey
Mail Staff Writer

Chaffee County Boys and Girls Club will open Nov. 13 in Avery Parsons Elementary School in Buena Vista.

It will be for elementary school-age children, although staff members hope to eventually include middle school and high school, club executive director Penny Wilken said.

Programming will be focused on providing a healthy snack to club members and offering tutoring and help with homework, Andrew Miller, program director for the Buena Vista club, said.

He said optional electives will be available such as art classes or fitness games.

One thing the club won't be, Wilken said, is a cookie cutter version of the Salida club.

The Buena Vista club will be tailored to the local community and local youths, Wilken said. For example, a local artist could be brought in to teach an art class or have a local chef teach club members how to cook a specific dish.

"We would like the community to step in and give us a more Buena Vista feel," she said.

Wilken said creating a Boys and Girls Club in Buena Vista has been discussed, but it was seriously considered in the spring 2005.

She said since the club was founded in Salida, Buena Vista residents have asked for their own.

"I think there is currently no after school program for youths in Buena Vista and I feel also our communities are so close that they're aware of things happening here," Wilken said.

She said word has spread about the quality programs offered in the club. Buena Vista community members are supportive of bringing the club to the area, Wilken said.

"We've had incredible support from the school board, local businesses and the school district to get us to this stage," she said.

Wilken thanked Avery Parsons staff members for providing space for the club, adding, "We wouldn't be opening a club (in Buena Vista) with out them," she said.

Miller decided to get on board with the Buena Vista club because, "I think for me, it's just not being part of a great community, but giving back to that community."

Miller added that through his involvement, he is able to positively impact youth.

As program director, he is responsible for getting the club off the ground, its day-to-day management and recruiting staff members and volunteers.

Buena Vista Boys and Girls Club will operate from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a membership fee of $10 a year and members need to be at least 6 years old.

Volunteers are needed for both the Salida and Buena Vista clubs.

For information about becoming involved with the Buena Vista Club, people can call Miller at 221-1087. Those seeking information about volunteering with the Salida club, can call 539-9500.

Donations including games, sports equipment and office furniture for the new club will be appreciated, organizers said.