Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club held their annual their Annual Lights on After School Open House on Thursday, October 20th to celebrate the Club’s afterschool programs and the important role it plays in the lives of children and families in the Glen Cove community. Retired Sergeant Jack McDougal, selected to win a 2016 Maytag Dependable Leadership Award on behalf of the Club, was also honored at the event.
A native of Glen Cove, Sargent McDougal made it his own personal mission to serve the young people of his community. Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club became one of his favorite centers which soon led to a leadership role as a board member of the organization. That was 15 years ago and through the years, Sergeant McDougal has become one of our most ardent mentors and dedicated role models, actively engaging in changing the lives of Club youth. Sergeant McDougal has run many anti-bullying programs, determined to making anti-bullying impact on Club members with a series of open and honest dialogue and discussions on the negative effects of being a bully and how not to be a victim of a bully. Most recently Jack worked closely with fellow board member Carla Hall D’Ambra to facilitate a “Snacks with Officer Jack” program which strives to help build trust with law enforcement while encouraging youth to maintain positive outlook and engagement with police. The program also addresses important issues relevant to today’s youth culture including bullying, empathy, compassion, sportsmanship, Club and community pride, current events, and what it means to be a police officer.
“The Maytag Dependable Leader Award allows Maytag brand to give back to Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers across the country who give tirelessly to their local communities,” said Laura Somers, brand manager, Maytag. “It is our honor to recognize Jack McDougal for his exemplary efforts and support at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club.”
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Evening activities at the Club consisted of raffles prizes, refreshments, family fun cooking hosted by LIU Post- Cooking Up Energy Nutrition Students, creative movement dance lessons instructed by the NYIT Pacemakers, Teen Leadership Tours, hands on STEM projects, and interactive relay races facilitated by teen Club members, professionals and volunteers from local colleges and universities. Special thank you to our local business and community supporters; Vito’s Pizzeria, LI Bagel Café, Starbucks of Glen Cove & Sea Cliff, Forest Pizza, Delicious Pizzeria, Panera Bread of Glen Cove, Asian Fusion, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Broom Nails & Spa, and Downtown Café.
Lights on Afterschool was well attended by many parents and community leaders with several local organizations and booth displays including Glen Cove Hospital Northwell Health offering free flu shots, Glen Cove Public Library, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York Life, Long Island Volunteer Community Center and United Healthcare.
