Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1423520
704-484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Our 38th Year • Issue No. 43 • October 28, 2021 "Striving To Help Small Businesses Succeed!" N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES SERVICE PARTS PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! ASK ABOUT 0% INTEREST by MICHAEL E. POWELL Writer – CF Media michael@cfmedia.info Since May 13, 1971, the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County Clubhouse has been an important place for young men and women to get the help and mentoring they need to go forward into the future. The building is soon to cel- ebrate 50 years of being a special place in Cleveland County for young lives to be molded and changed, and they want everyone to come out and celebrate their half-century birthday with them. Immediate Past President Dr. Jack Weller said recently they will recognize the legacy members of their founding members and long-time donors on Thursday, Nov. 18, during a "drop-in" event at the Main Clubhouse, located at 412 West Sumter St., Shelby. The Club's current president Rick Francis will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. "The drop-in will be from 5 to 7 p.m.," said Dr. Weller, "but the actual ceremony to recognize our legacy members and long-time donors and dedicate the Tony Izzi Exercise Room will be at 6 p.m." Weller noted the Boys Club has been around since the 50's, and a local newspaper article from July 2016 on the Club's website mentions the Cleveland County Club – chartered by the national Boys & Girls Club of America in 1966 – celebrated its 50th anniversary that year. According to the Boys & Girls Club's website, the Club then served only boys (hence the name) and the building in which they now meet had ground broken in 1970, with the actual building being dedicated in 1971. The Club went through a name change in 1994 when girls were allowed to join. Weller noted the Clubhouse received a facelift in 2015 thanks to a $40,000 grant from Lowe's. They have since had further rooms renovated and painted, as well as adding a playground and garden area. "The creation of the Tony Izzi, Jr. Exercise Room, complete with a climbing wall and interactive computer Exer-Game, was made possible by a contribution from the Hoyt Bailey Endowment, who wanted to recognize Hoyt's long- time business partner and friend, Tony Izzi, Jr.," Weller said. The Club's mission statement says it all. It reads: "The pur- pose of the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County is to enable all young people in our community, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." The organization serves 120- 125 kids a day, Weller said. The Club has partnered with Cleveland County School district to serve Graham Elementary School, the Main Clubhouse, the Teen Center, and the Casar community with After School Programs. Joshua Propst, Executive Director said, "The Boys & Girls Club is working to open a fifth Club soon in Kings Mountain." At the Clubs, Weller said the kids – many of whom come from single parent homes – can get their homework done, getting help with it, encouragement to do their best, and a snack after school. This focus on academics results in around 82 percent of See CLUBS, Page 5 Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County celebrate 50 years at Main Clubhouse Helping to set out the snacks at the Cleveland County Boys & Girls Club on Sumter Street, are, (left to right): Ethel Shell, Betty B., Betty C., and Jeanette Epps. These ladies are part of the Foster Grandparents program of United Way and have been helping out at the Clubhouse for many, many years now. (photos by Michael E. Powell/CF Media) Immediate Past President of the B&GC/CC Dr. Jack Weller stands in the Club's recently repainted Joe and Nell Harand Gymnasium that was made possible by a gift from Shelby Rotary Club Foundation. The new Tony Izzi, Jr. Exercise Room at the Clubhouse. This room was made possible by a generous donation from the Bailey Endowment by the Hoyt Bailey Family to honor and remember Izzi's 60-plus years of service to the Club's Board. aserviceinc.com