Celebrating 80 Years of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club

The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club welcomed more than 200 friends and families for a sold-out afternoon of fall fun during our annual Community Fall BBQ . The event has become one of the Club’s most anticipated traditions, giving our community the chance to gather, share a meal, and enjoy the crisp autumn air together. Our back field on was filled with laughter and activity as families enjoyed classic lawn games, face painting, and a 'friendly' round of cornhole. Kids explored the playground, posed for photos, and lined up for a turn at the Club’s newest favorite attraction: a bright blue cotton candy machine that spun up sweet clouds all afternoon. Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue spread provided by Island Kitchen , complete with all the favorites that make this event feel like home. The evening was made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and community partners: Cape Cod 5, Bartlett’s Farm, Cheney Custom Homes, Hatch’s Package Store, Nantucket Party Rentals, Sandbar at Jetties, Nantucket Septic, Stop & Shop, and Unite for Safe Social Media . The Community Fall BBQ is a reminder of what makes Nantucket special. Neighbors come together, kids play, and the Club fills with the same sense of warmth and belonging that has defined it for generations. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration. For more pictures of the event, please visit: https://nantucketbgc.smugmug.com/2025-Community-Fall-BBQ

NBGC Team Attends the 2025 Northeast Leadership Conference

As part of the STEAM program, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club traveled to the Surfside Wastewater Treatment Facility, managed by the Nantucket Sewer Department, to learn about its mission: “to protect public health and the environment for our communities by providing high-quality wastewater treatment services in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner.” With this mission in mind, NBGC members were given a tour of the facility and learned about the very stinky engineering process that transforms our dirty water into clean, potable water. The Surfside Wastewater Treatment Plant treats nearly 1.52 million gallons of water each day and can see up to 2.5 million gallons during the peak months of June, July, and August. A team of 12 full-time employees maintain the premises, run the plant’s software, respond to clog calls, and perform daily tests to measure the contents of the water (yes, even on weekends). Originally constructed in the 1980s, Nantucket’s primary wastewater facility processes 85% of the town’s wastewater and includes stations across Sea Street, Monomoy Road, Goldfinch Drive, and South Valley Road. This “dirty” water is transported to headworks where sewage is screened for solids, sand, and dirt. Once clear of solids, the water moves through a clarifying process, which quickly became our members’ favorite part of the trip. NBGC kids pointed excitedly as bits of corn and other “mystery materials” floated to the top of the water. The bio waste, affectionately known as scum , caused quite a stir. Club kids covered their noses, laughed intensely, and more than a few kids recalled stories about the last time they ate corn. Not to worry, our Club kids also learned that this isn’t the final phase of the process. The water then enters a secondary clarifying stage, is disinfected to remove microbes, and is sterilized before being transferred to a neighboring sand bed where it returns safely to the earth. While the trip sparked plenty of laughter and silly jokes about #2, it also sparked curiosity. The STEAM program at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club helps members explore how science, technology, engineering, art, and math shape the world around them, inspiring future problem solvers who may one day design the next great wastewater innovation for our island. For more information about our programs, please visit nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org/programs . 

NBGC staff, from left to right: Lianna Otto, Jehren Buckley, Trey Geier, Emma Petracca, Joe Headen, Tara Corbett (in van window), Joshua Little, Ian Graiff, Tiara Lewis, Kenard Liburd, Tyler Wisdom, Olivia Patterson, Faith Hensley, Yesica Gutierrez-Deras

This weekend, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club lost one of its most beloved figures. Carlos Grangrade, known to generations of members as “Los,” passed away on Saturday. For 41 years Carlos filled the Club with laughter, energy, and a spirit that drew kids in and made them feel at home. Carlos’ connection to the Club began long before he joined the staff. As a child, he was a member of the Nantucket Boys Club, years before it became the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. Those early days shaped his love for the Club, and when he returned as game room supervisor in 1978, he poured that same sense of belonging and joy into every moment he spent with members. He went on to become the longest-serving employee in the Club’s history, retiring in 2019 before moving to North Carolina to be with family. The game room was Carlos’ world. Outgoing, lively, and always ready to cheer on kids, he taught the rules of bumper pool and ping-pong, encouraged friendly competition, and made sure everyone felt part of the fun. Many alumni still smile when they remember “Los Bucks,” the currency he invented that kids earned by playing tournaments and games. After collecting enough, members could trade their Los Bucks in at the snack shack for a “free” snack. Today snacks are free for all, but Los Bucks live on as one of the most treasured traditions from his time at the Club. Carlos also had his own rituals. He often came in at 6:30 in the morning to get the game room ready for the day and to check in on his Farmville lawn, an online game he cared about and joked about with staff. Those early mornings reflected the enthusiasm and energy he brought not just to his work but to everything he did. Over four decades, Carlos became more than a staff member. He was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. He had a remarkable ability to connect with kids, remembering their names, their stories, and their quirks. He made every child feel like they mattered. For staff, he was a colleague who spoke openly, supported others, and always brought humor to the workday. His influence can still be felt in every corner of the building and in the lives of generations of members. The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club is planning a ceremonial honoring of Carlos, with details to be announced soon. In the meantime, we invite anyone who has a memory, story, or photo of Carlos to share it with us at info@nantucketbgc.org . We are gathering these narratives as a way to celebrate his life and preserve the countless moments that made him unforgettable. Carlos Grangrade devoted his life to the children of Nantucket, first as a member himself and later as a staff member for more than four decades. His laughter, energy, and care will always be part of the story of the Club. Photo by Nicole Harnishfeger

Back Row, from left to right: Board Members William Hannum, Eileen Taveras, Laura Jacobson Marttila, Allan Levine, Mark Daley, Dick Mucci, and Richard Phillips Jr. Second Row, from left to right: Board Members David Gregory, Kerry Tilton, Susan O'Malley, Susan Chambers, Liz Ann Sonders, John Brescher, Steve Hollister, and Melanie Sabin Seated: Bess Clarke (Board Chair), and Lucile W. Hays, honoree

From April 21–25, 2025, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club took a bold step in expanding educational access for island youth. For the first time in our 80-year history, the Club organized an off-island college tour, bringing ten Nantucket High School students to North Carolina to visit three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina Central University. For many participants, this marked their first time visiting colleges outside the Northeast—an opportunity to broaden their perspectives and imagine futures beyond familiar surroundings. Students Rihanna C., Jazmine F., Travon J., Ebony M., Gaven S., Vallon J., TQ S., Kellyane R., Nicoli M., and Rashaun W. traveled alongside Club staff Joseph H. and Emily M. for the five-day trip during April school break. “Getting off-island and seeing what’s out there—it meant a lot to these kids,” said Joe. “They were curious, engaged, and open to the experience. You could tell it made a difference.” The group departed Nantucket on Monday, April 21, taking the ferry to Hyannis before traveling to Logan Airport and flying into Raleigh-Durham. Each day was packed with activity—from guided campus tours and student-led Q&As to group dinners and recreational outings including Topgolf and the North Carolina Zoo. A highlight for many was a lively step show at Winston-Salem State University, which brought energy, culture, and school spirit to the forefront of the tour. Beyond the activities, the experience gave students a firsthand look at college life and sparked conversations about future goals. One participant even took the initiative to connect with a college coach about athletic opportunities—a powerful example of what exposure and encouragement can lead to. This trip represents more than a milestone—it reflects the Club’s long-standing commitment to education as a core pillar of youth development. From our Club Jr. preschoolers learning foundational skills to our teens navigating college readiness, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club is proud to walk alongside our members every step of the way. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, this tour symbolizes the direction we’re heading: forward, outward, and always in support of the next generation of Nantucket leaders. Thank you to the McHenry-Assaf family for making this trip possible. Your support gave our students the chance to explore new opportunities and take meaningful steps toward their future.

In the days leading up to Nantucket’s iconic Daffodil Festival, nine talented members of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club joined forces with the Nantucket Garden Club for a fun and floral collaboration. Hosted at Essex Park, this year’s youth floral design workshop had a playful twist: the theme was “Monster Mash!” Our Club kids let their creativity run wild—pairing bright daffodils with googly eyes, fuzzy pom-poms, and pops of color to bring their monstrous masterpieces to life. Their finished arrangements were proudly displayed at Bartlett’s Farm during the annual flower show, standing among an impressive lineup of local competitors. We’re thrilled to share that nearly every one of our participants earned a ribbon, with several taking home third and second place awards—and one standout arrangement securing a first place blue ribbon! A heartfelt thank you to the Nantucket Garden Club for welcoming our members and encouraging their artistic expression. Opportunities like these give our youth a chance to build confidence, explore creativity, and celebrate the joy of community traditions. We’re proud of our Club kids for showing up, standing out, and making the island just a little bit brighter—one daffodil at a time. 🌼💛

This past weekend, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club proudly participated in the 48th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival, marking our first-ever appearance in 'Sconset as part of our 80th-anniversary celebrations. Despite the rainy weather, our team showed up with enthusiasm and dedication, embodying our commitment to being a steadfast presence for our community, no matter the circumstances. At our vibrant booth, we offered free juice boxes, delightful cake pops, NBGC-themed coloring books, and crayons to festival-goers of all ages. Our staff and volunteers were on hand to share information about the wide range of programs and services we offer at the Club, from after-school activities to summer camps, emphasizing our mission to support and uplift the youth of Nantucket. Adding to the festive spirit, our Board Chair, Matt MacEachern, joined the festivities alongside his dog Lucky, helping to spread smiles and celebrate the day. Our participation in this beloved island tradition underscores our unwavering dedication to the Nantucket community. Rain or shine, the NBGC remains committed to being a reliable and supportive resource for families and children across the island. As we celebrate 80 years of service, we look forward to continuing our involvement in community events and finding new ways to connect with and support our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth—we're grateful for your support.