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The Boys and Girts Chib in Pryor, helps provide necessities for kids, thanks to the efforts of workers such as Christine Taylor.
One club alumnus, high school senior Abby Stephens, 18,
still strives to make her club a positive place, and she takes
advantage of Club Service to earn money for college. The
Club Service program, in cooperation with AmeriCorps,
allows club members and alumni, ages 17 to 24, to continue
serving their club on a volunteer basis.
Stephens, who’s been dancing since
age 2, teaches ballet and jazz to children
ages Bto 12. “It's a really good program,”
she says. “Especially getting to give the
girls that wouldn't normally take dance
an opportunity to experience what it’s
like. The girls are so excited to come to
class every week.”
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities
they serve. According to the latest alumni survey, 28
percent of former club members reported that they would’ve
DEC. 1-21
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ALABAMA
Christmas on the River —Demopolis,
Nov. 30-Dec. 6. A decorated float parade
cxi the Tombigbee River, a Christmas
stay reading on the public square, an ante
bellum home tour and a barbecue cookoff
highlight this event. (334) 289-0270.
ARKANSAS
Battle of Prairie Grove Celebration—
Prairie Grove, Dec. 6-7. Watch a re-enact
ment of the 1862 Gvil War battle, plus
view Andy Thomas’ new painting of the
battlefield at the Prairie Grove Battlefield
State Park. (479) 846-2990.
FLORIDA
Santa Over the Rainbow—Dunnel
lon, Dec. 12-14, 19-21. Greet Santa
Claus as he arrives on a decorated
pontoon boat on Rainbow River, and
enjoy entertainment, concessions and
gift shopping at Rainbow Springs
State Park. (352)465-8555.
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GEORGIA
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas
Home Tour —Marietta, Dec. 6-7.
Tour historic homes decorated for
the holidays, view the Decorator
Showcase at the Strand Theatre, and
enjoy candlelight shopping on the
town square and treats at Merry Olde
Marietta Tearoom. (800) 835-0445.
KENTUCKY
Light Up Shepherdsville —Shep-
herdsville, Dec. 5. Get in the holiday
spirit during this event, which fea
tures illuminating City Park, refresh
ments and visits with Santa Claus.
(502) 543-2923.
LOUISIANA
Southwest Louisiana Christmas
Lighting Festival— Lake Charles, Dec.
1-31. Fearures a lighted flotilla, a giant
balloon parade, a carnival, fireworks and
mistletoe-topped trees. (800) 456-7952.
dropped out of high school if not for the club, and nearly 67
percent credit the influence of club staff for giving them the
ability to avoid difficulty with the law.
Those sorts of statistics don’t surprise Derek Papich, unit
director of the Flodin Boys and Girls Club in Rockford.
"They become our kids," Papich says.
“They’re here five days a week and many
are here during awake hours more than
they’re at home. This is where they
come to learn problem-solving skills,
how to share, how to say no to drugs,
the tools to be successful adults in our
community." ★
Story by Marian Collins of Kirkland. 111.
Click on this story at americanprofile.com for a
link to BGCA’s website.
Go to www.AmericanProfile.com/sale
MISSISSIPPI
Tillis Family Christmas —Meridian,
Dec. 7. Entertainer Mel Tillis and
children Pam, Mel Jr., and Carrie
share holiday memories set to music
during this show at Mississippi State
University’s Riley Center in down
town Meridian. (601) 696-2200.
NORTH CAROLINA
Holly & Ivy House Tour —New
Bern, Dec. 13. Tour six historic
homes bedecked for the holi
days, and enjoy cookies and hot
cider during this seasonal event.
(252) 672-9334.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Christmas for the Birds —North
Augusta, Dec. 6. Create decorations
using apples, oranges, peanut butter,
lard, pinecones and seeds for the
birds to eat during the winter at
Living History Park. (803) 279-7560.
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TENNESSEE
Carols in the City —Cleveland,
Dec. 5. Attend the illumination of
the community Christmas tree and
welcome Santa Claus on the Bradley
County Courthouse square, followed
by musical presentations at historic
downtown churches. (423) 479-1000.
VIRGINIA
Hollydazzle —Newport News, Dec. 5.
Lighting of a 44-foot animated holiday
tree structure, fireworks, strolling
musicians, kids’ crafts and costumed
characters highlight this event at Oys
ter Point’s City Center. (757) 926-l4(X).
WEST VIRGINIA
Victorian Homes Christmas Tour
and Tea— Parkersburg, Dec. 6-7. Tour
decorated historic homes guided by
homeowners in period dress, and enjoy
a Victorian tea in the Julia-Ann Square
Historic District. (304) 422-2687.