Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Starts New Program Year with Major Changes

Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club has started its 2015-2016 program year, under the leadership of new Executive Director, Franca Trunzo, with changes to Club professional responsibilities and capital improvements to the organization’s building.

Program Director Desirae O’Neill will be assuming the role of Associate Director and will be overseeing the day-to-day management of the Club and programs. Her responsibilities will include program development and implementation, partnerships, facilities and operation. “We are thrilled to have Desirae fill the position of Associate Director. As a past Club member, volunteer, part-time and full-time staff, I can think of no one who better understands the nuances and dynamics of our Club than Desirae,” said Ms. Trunzo.

After the Club’s summer program ended and prior to the beginning of the new program year, the Club undertook necessary remodeling projects to some of the interior spaces of the facility. Sherman Williams Paint Store of Glen Cove kindly donated paint for the Club to recoat several rooms including three main offices, the Computer Lab, Learning Center, Library and the Games Room. The Computer Lab Learning Center and the Library are instrumental to the success of the Club’s education program while the Games Room is one of the most heavily utilized recreational spaces in the building.

Improvements to the building also incorporated the recent reconstruction of the Dance Studio thanks to a generous grant from the William C. and Joyce C. O’Neil Charitable Trust. This is the first time the Dance Studio has had a major overhaul since the building was constructed in 1976. The much needed renovation of the Dance Studio, contracted by LMW Group of Glen Cove, included a Harlequin sprung dance floor, a suspended ceiling, HVAC, electric lighting and fixtures, new doors and paneling, sheetrock and paint, mirrors, ballet bars and custom cabinetry to house audio equipment.

“We are truly grateful to the William C. and Joyce C. O’Neil Charitable Trust for providing us with this generous funding to renovate our Dance Studio. The Dance Program is one of our most relevant curriculums because it teaches educational discipline, promotes physical fitness and health, and fosters positive behavior and self-image,” said Ms. Trunzo. “We are also very thankful to the Sherwin Williams Company for donating 35 gallons of paint to refresh and brighten up our much used spaces. We want our kids, many of whom call the Club a home away from home, to be happy and cheerful and the colors we have chosen are conducive to inspiring that mood.”

With the new Dance Studio now completely renovated, the Club invites specialists and instructors in dance, gymnastics, Zumba, yoga, salsa, cheerleading, etc. to volunteer their time teaching Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club members in the new studio. Contact Desirae O’Neill at doneill@glencovebgc.org to learn more about volunteering at the Club.

The Club is almost 40 years old and while remodeling has been completed for some of the Club’s spaces, renovations to other areas, including the boys and girls bathrooms, Club entryway and the Teen Center are all original and in dire need of upgrades and improvements. To find out more about how to get involved in renovation projects, contact Franca Trunzo at ftrunzo@glencovebgc.org.