Recipient of the 2021 Watertown Unity Award Announced

The Unity Breakfast committee will present the 2021 award to Rhode Moise, Program Director at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, at the MLK Day Unity Breakfast on Jan. 18. The following announcement was provided by the Unity Award Committee:

A favorite annual tradition at each MLK Day Unity Breakfast is the presentation of the Unity Award. The Unity Award recognizes an individual or group that is furthering Dr. King’s vision of racial, social and economic justice right here in our town. The Unity Breakfast committee is honored to present this year’s award to Rhode Moise, Program Director at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.

Watertown Boys & Girls Partners with Philanthropic Group to Get New Solar Panels

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received new Solar panels (not shown) thanks to a partnership with Rise Up Solar and SunBug Solar. The following information was provided by SunBug Solar:

Watertown Boys & Girls Club, a local non-profit, has partnered with Rise Up Solar, a philanthropic solar investment firm, to turn rising energy costsinto an opportunity to go green and save big. After some renovations to the facilities in 2016, the Watertown Boys & Girls Club’s utility bills skyrocketed. Renee Gaudette, Watertown BGC’s executive director, recognized that this extra cost took money away from the kids they serve. The organization had already been investigating a solar solution, but years of searching ended due to difficulty with the roof, somelofty trees, and a steep initial cost to invest.

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Girls Joining the Club

A photo of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club founders, including Bernadette Corbett (in white), who pushed the national headquarters of the Boys Club to allow girls. The following piece was provided by the Watertown Boys & Girls Club:

Forty years ago, the Board of Directors of the Watertown Boys Club made the landmark decision to welcome girls into the Club, making Watertown one of the nation’s first communities to offer membership to females. In 1980, Clubs across the country were open only to boys, and the national organization of Boys’ Clubs was still 10 years away from renaming itself Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Watertown Boys Club, which was founded eight years earlier in 1972, had a woman director who wasn’t about to wait to bring girls into the Club. Bernadette Corbett, one of the Club’s founders and the first woman Board president, was the force behind including female members.

Solar Panels Donated to Watertown Boys & Girls Club Will Generate Power, Funds

Solar panels are being installed on the roof of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. They were donated by Peter Glick and Rise Up Solar. The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received a donation of an array of solar panels, which will reduce electricity costs in the short run, and long term will generate revenue for the club. The solar panels were donated by Peter Glick who teamed up with Rise Up Solar, a Cambridge-based company which helps community-based non-profits gain access to solar panels. The Club will reap the environmental and financial rewards.

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Hosting Charity Golf Tournament

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club will host the 43rd Annual Stephen P. Mugar Golf Tournament on Aug. 24, 2020 to raise money for the club. The Boys & Girls Club sent out the following information:

Our single largest fundraiser of the year! Whether you choose to play in the tournament, sponsor a hole or donate an auction item, you will have a hand in transforming the lives of young people in our community. The Mugar Family will match the tournament’s net profits up to $80,000, in memory of one of the Club’s founding members, Stephen P. Mugar!

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Closing as Precaution for Coronavirus

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it will follow the lead of the Watertown Public Schools and will close temporarily as a precaution after the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the area. Executive Director Renee Gaudette said: “At this point in time, WBGC will remain closed in sync with Watertown Public Schools. We are working closely with all town departments to ensure the safety of our members, families and community.” She added that updates about Club operations will be posted to the WBGC website (http://www.watertownbgc.org/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WatertownBoysandGirlsClub/). Originally, the Club planned to close for deep cleaning and reopen on Monday, but that was before the Watertown School’s decision to close through March 27.

Summer Positions Available at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club

Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it is now accepting Camp Counselor applicants for the 2020 calendar year. Swim Camp Counselors

Requirements:

16 years of age minimumLifeguard certified preferred but not requiredFirst Aid & CPR certified or the ability to attend our certification courseBackground in youth work preferred but not requiredPrevious swimming experience a plusAvailable from June – August 

Summer Adventure at Hale Camp Counselor

Requirements:

High school graduate or entering final year of high schoolFirst Aid & CPR certified or the ability to attend our certification courseBackground in youth work preferredAvailable from June – August 

Summer Camp Aide * Works with both Swim Camp and with Summer Adventure

Requirements:

Experience in a school, after-school and/or camp program in a 1:1 roleAcademic Paraprofessional and/or enrolled in school, working towards an applicable degreeExperience and familiarity working with children with mental health and/or behavioral needsExperience working in an inclusive setting preferredExcellent communication skillsFlexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstancesFirst Aid & CPR certified or the ability to attend our certification courseAvailable from June – August 

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club Directors listed below:

Swim Camp Counselor Applicants: ehickey@watertownbgc.org

Summer Adventure at Hale Camp Counselor Applicants: rmoise@watertownbgc.org 

Summer Camp Aide: roneill@watertownbgc.org