Board debuts for Boys and Girls Club

Published 10:34 pm Thursday, July 19, 2012

Though some clubs in town were recently shut down due to violence, one club is opening to stop it. The Boys and Girls Club of America Selma Chapter has been in the works for several months now under the direction of Constance Reese.

The new appointed Board of Directors for the Selma Chapter met on Thursday to discuss with the regional service director for the club, whether or not they could be a stand-alone facility or go under the umbrella of the Girls and Boys Club in Montgomery.

Reese, who worked in the federal prison system for 28 years, is now working for a cause because she said she sees the need for the club in the community.

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Well I’m hoping that the community, now that we have selected the board, they will begin to embrace the Boys and Girls Club with not only time but resources as well,” Reese said. “We will be seeking volunteers and hopefully things will work out.”

Regional service director for Boys and Girls Club of America Southeast, Clyde McGuire spoke at the Council Chambers to the new and potential board of directors about all of the possibilities the new club would offer.

“Today I’m just touching the tip of the ice burg for some of these things,” McGuire said.

He spoke about the importance of rallying the leaders in the community together from government, churches and private companies so that they could add more directors as well as volunteers to the new Selma chapter.

“We have a chance to take children that are potential liabilities and turn them into assets,” McGuire said. “And I can’t think of a better legacy for Selma.”

The new board of directors is: Wanda Goodwin, Director of DHR, Rita M. Lett, coordinator for Wallace Community College; Dave Dagostino, Sarrell Regional Dental and Eye Care, Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman, Mayor George Evans, Marchina Harrell, coordinator for Health Services and Selma City Schools, Probate Judge Kim Ballard, Aubrey Larkin principal for Clark Elementary School, Sierra Sherer, branch manager for PNC Bank, Mayor Gene McHugh, Carolyn Powell, grants coordinator for Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Judge Maggie Drake.

The Selma Chapter is still interested in seeking out board members who are tuned in and involved with the community. They would like to gather a board that represents entities across the spectrum both not for profit and private business.