The TCBGC is hosting their annual Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17 starting at 5 p.m. The event is open to the community and will feature a free dinner, music, games and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be an ugly sweater contest. (Provided photo)
The Tioga County Boys & Girls Club (TCBGC), located at 201 Erie St. in Owego, N.Y. has been enhancing the lives of youth in the community for generations.
From after-school, summer and athletic programs, along with special activities and events, the Club provides a safe and positive environment for Tioga County youth ages five to 18, and combined with adult mentorship, helps young people achieve success on many levels. For adults and students age 16 or older, the club offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility, pick-up basketball and adult programs.
TCBGC Director, Katie Tracy, previously shared, “We’re expanding social programs for youth who may not play team sports, or for those who want to do both.”
Tracy explained that social programs encompass arts and crafts and a tech room with computers and iPad use, among others. For the many youth who utilize the facility after school, staff or volunteers are on-site to help with homework, too. New programs will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and other creative classes, such as a photography club.
Recently, volunteers and companies donated their time and resources to help the TCBGC clear land located between the building and Prospect Street. Tracy explained that the work completed will increase safety for people who walk to the Club and also reduces the risk of trees or tree limbs damaging the building’s roof, which has been an issue in the past. In addition, new usable space on the TCBGC property will provide more parking. Tracy is confident that these improvements will ultimately benefit members as well as encourage more Tioga County residents to utilize the facility.
As an example of the far-reaching support that TCBGC provides to the community, the Club hosted their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 18 where TCBGC Board members served well over 100 hot meals to Tioga county youth and residents.
Tracy acknowledged that the support residents and businesses give to the Club is a tremendous help and genuinely appreciated. For example, a group of Lockheed Martin employees helped revitalize and clean the Club’s weight room as part of their “Day of Caring” program.
Another recent example of local support will provide new uniforms that were in need of updating. Tracy explained, “Tom Bronk made a donation which will be used toward new basketball uniforms for some of the Club teams.”
Tracy also shared that Chris Leach, owner of Village Wine and Spirits in Newark Valley, recently made a donation to TCBGC through the Club’s banner sponsorship. Sponsored banners are displayed in the Club’s large gym and help support the Club’s youth programming.
The TCBGC will be holding their annual Christmas Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17 starting at 5 p.m. Free to the community, the evening features dinner, music, games and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and every child will leave with a gift from the man in the red suit. A prize will be awarded to one adult and one youth who brave to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and enter their name in the ugly sweater contest. For more information, contact the Club at (607) 687-0690.
Nicolas Ruiz, president of the TCBGC Board of Directors, previously shared, “We encourage anyone who is not familiar with the club to stop in and take a tour.”
For more information about the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club, visit their Facebook page or website, tiogabgca.org, or call (607) 687-0690.
