City leaders enjoy lunch at the club

~ By donating their lunch hour, the guests got to see the club's summer program in action.

Cape Girardeau community leaders recently donated their lunch hours to visit with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau. Mayor Jay Knudtson, Cape Chamber of Commerce vice president of community development Tim Arbeiter, city manager Doug Leslie and executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Chuck Martin were among those who visited.

NaTika Rowles, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, said asking community leaders, educators and board members to donate their lunch hour is a good way for them to see the summer program in action. "This was the first time we tried something like this, and we plan on continuing in the fall."

Known as "The Positive Place For Kids," Boys and Girls Clubs provide ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, character development experiences, hope and opportunity.

Arbeiter said, "I was glad to have lunch with the kids and eager to answer all of their questions about who I am, what I do and why I was there."

Even though it was only a short visit, interacting with children at the club enabled him to witness the opportunities they have during summer break.

Knudtson enjoyed playing card games with the children.

Leslie previewed the show the children prepared for the Akidemy Awards Ceremony, an annual end-of-summer program that invites parents to see what their children are learning about.

The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place for children to learn and grow, with programs and services to promote and enhance the development of youth by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

The fall program begins Aug. 29, with doors open from 3 to 8 p.m. Rowles said they are still planning a schedule, but there will be life skills programs, dance, art, computer lab and homework help. There will also be career launch and job readiness programs, offering teens paid work experience, and the keystone club where teenagers serve the club and the community, acting as role models.

"We're planning new activities and will have longer hours on Saturday," Rowles said.

In thes days, an increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. The Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau helps to provide youths with a place to go for positive experiences with adults who care.

Registration for the fall program is $5 per year and, besides being open after school and Saturdays, the Boys and Girls Club also has limited hours during school breaks. For more information, call 335-7141 or pick up an application at 232 Broadway.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133