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From Summer Groove to "I Do"

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:46:44 GMT

This weekend marks a first for the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club: a couple who met at one of our own events is getting married.

Lia Wayman and Mike DeMakos met at Summer Groove in 2024, the same year Lia served as co-chair. After months of a mutual friend trying to get them in the same room, it finally happened that night at the Club.

Lia has been part of the Club community for years. In addition to leading Summer Groove, she was a team captain for the inaugural Sam Sylvia Women's Golf Tournament in 2025. Her parents, Jim and Rosalee Wayman, have been longtime supporters of the Club. Mike’s connection is just as strong. His sons, Kolton and Gavin were both Club members, and he spent years on island as the Head Golf Pro at Nantucket Golf Club.

They were already part of the same community, just on different paths, until the night of Groove.

To celebrate them, the Club sent Lia and Mike a custom blanket in deep navy with cream stitching, designed with small details from that night and Nantucket, including a disco ball, florals, and other island elements elements and staples woven throughout. “We met at Summer Groove” sits at the top, with their names woven in at the bottom.

Today, Lia and Mike are based in Florida, but Nantucket and the Club remain part of their story.

Lia and Mike, congratulations! We're so thrilled for you both and are proud to be a small part of your forever story.

State Leaders Visit Nantucket Boys & Girls Club to Explore Early Education and Youth Programming

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:55:14 GMT

From left to right: Julian Cyr (State Senator) , Bess Clarke (Board Chair), Jamie Foster (CEO), Thomas Moakley (State Rep)

On Monday, April 6th, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club welcomed State Senator Julian Cyr and State Representative Thomas Moakley to the Club for a visit focused on early education and youth programming.

During their time at the Club, Cyr and Moakley toured the facility, met with staff, and gained a firsthand look at how programming supports Nantucket youth and families year round. The visit included a conversation about the growing importance of early education on the island, as well as the Club’s role in providing accessible, high quality learning environments for young children.

A key focus of the discussion was Club Jr. Preschool, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club’s early childhood program serving children ages 2.9 to 5. Leaders discussed both the program’s impact and the ongoing need to expand access to early education opportunities on Nantucket.

In addition to early education, the visit highlighted the span of programming offered at the Club and reinforced the importance of continued investment in areas like workforce readiness and facility improvements.

“Visits like this are really important to the Club,” said Jamie Foster, CEO. “They give our lawmakers and advocates a clear picture of what’s happening inside the Club every day and why continued investment in youth and families on Nantucket matters.”

The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club continues to work closely with local and state partners to strengthen programming, expand access, and ensure every young person on Nantucket has a place to go after school and beyond.

NBGC Travels to Palm Beach

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:28:55 GMT

On February 19th, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club gathered supporters in Palm Beach for an intimate reception at LoLa 41, generously hosted by Trustee Mark Daley.

More than 70 guests were invited to join trustees and Club leadership for the evening. While the setting was Florida, everyone in the room shared a connection to Nantucket. For some, the Club has been part of their lives for years. For others, the reception served as a first time introduction to the work happening every day at 61 Sparks Ave.

Board Chair Bess Clarke opened the evening by sharing her personal connection to the organization as a former Club kid. She reflected on what the Club meant to her growing up on Nantucket and why she remains deeply committed to ensuring its strength for future generations. Her journey from Club member to Board Chair speaks for itself.

CEO Jamie Foster followed with remarks about the Club’s growing reach and the responsibility of expanding opportunity for young people on Nantucket. He spoke about the role the Club plays in providing stability and exposure to new possibilities for more than 1,300 children each year.

Guests were also among the first to hear about several key priorities guiding the organization’s next phase of growth, including investments in infrastructure and long term stability that will ensure the Club can continue serving Nantucket families for decades to come.

The evening was thoughtfully designed to reflect the Club’s Nantucket roots. Guests were welcomed with curated materials about the Club’s impact and received gift bags featuring Nantucket Looms soap along with custom Nantucket Boys & Girls Club hats embroidered with “Palm Beach” on the back.

The Palm Beach reception reflects a broader effort to stay connected with Nantucket supporters wherever they spend their time throughout the year. As island families and friends gather beyond Nantucket, so too does the community that supports the Club and its mission.

We are grateful to Mark Daley for his hospitality and to everyone who joined us for a meaningful evening of connection and conversation.

Club Jr. Celebrates 100 Days of Pre-Kindergarten

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:50:54 GMT

Snow days may have pushed the calendar around a bit, but that certainly did not slow down our Club Jr. preschool students from celebrating their 100th day of school.

Dressed in hair rollers, cat-eye glasses, and greying mustaches, our preschool kids spent the day imagining what their future will look like when they’re 100 years old. Our car aficionado, Lucas, says that he sees a Lamborghini in his future, while Alaina looks forward to finally being tall. Damien looks forward to having a lamp and a bed in the tent that he’ll live with. Now we know who to get in touch with if the world goes off-grid.

The preschoolers also spent the day getting their movement through a series of 100 exercises including jumping jacks, push ups, marches, hops, spins, and stretches. It’s easy to say that nap time came with minimal retaliation.

After a brief, slumbering pause, the celebration continued with special snacks honoring 100 days of learning, growing, and building friendships together. For students who have navigated their first school routines, classroom expectations, and social milestones the day served as a reminder of just how much they have accomplished together.

We look forward to seeing what the rest of the school year holds for our students as many of them prepare to move to kindergarten next fall. As we continue to prepare our students that are aging out of Club Jr. with the tools and comprehension they need to tackle kindergarten, we look forward to welcoming new members to our 2026-2027 preschool cohort.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open and parents are encouraged to inquire about joining the program by completing the interest form found on the preschool webpage below:

https://www.nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org/preschool

For more information about the program, to meet our staff, and to schedule a tour, please contact Carly Peixoto, Preschool Director at carly@nantucketbc.org

Club Kid Makes A Birthday Gift

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:06:24 GMT

For most twelve year olds, a birthday party means cake, gifts, and being the center of attention for a day. For Stella Davis, her birthday was an opportunity to give back.

On January 18th, Stella celebrated her birthday at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club with family, friends, and teammates by her side. As she marked her final year as a tween, Stella chose to celebrate in a way that felt both meaningful and unmistakably her. Instead of asking for presents, she invited her guests to make a donation to the Club. Together, attendees contributed over $350 to support the programs and spaces that have become such an important part of her world.

Stella is a sixth grader who feels right at home at the Club. You can often find her on the basketball court as part of the Poet’s Corner D1 Girls Basketball Team, where her energy and focus are hard to miss.

Choosing to celebrate her birthday by supporting the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club reflects a generosity and thoughtfulness well beyond Stella’s years. While many kids her age are focused on parties and presents, Stella was thinking about a place that has given her community, confidence, and space to grow.

It is a grown up choice, made by someone still very much enjoying being a kid.

And of course, Stella still has her tween priorities. When she is not on the court or at the Club, you can find her reading her way through The Summer I Turned Pretty series. She is patiently finishing the books before watching the show, by choice.

The Club is grateful to Stella and her friends for turning a birthday celebration into a meaningful act of giving. Her story is a reminder that kindness and community mindedness can start early, and that sometimes the coolest thing you can do is think of others first.

A Full Stroll Weekend for the NBGC

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:01:11 GMT

The fifty first Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll brought excitement to Main Street and the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club was proud to be part of the festivities. From holiday music to community gatherings to joyful performances, our kids and staff helped make the weekend shine.

At 11am, eight Club carolers gathered at the top of Main Street to share holiday songs with the crowd. Their set included favorites like the Twelve Days of Christmas and brought smiles to everyone passing by. The performance was made possible through our partnership with the Nantucket Community Music Center , which supports our young musicians throughout the year. Kezia Duarte played keys and led the group alongside Ashly Akins , guiding our young singers with clear direction and encouragement.

Kezia Duarte, Ashly Akins (left to right, top row) Tara Corbett, and Emma Petracca (right to left top row) with our 8 Club members.

At the same time, our development team hosted a Mimosas on Main Street event with Nantucket Looms. Visitors stopped in to meet Robyn Sanders, our new Director of Philanthropy, and connect with Bess Clarke, the NBGC Board Chair CEO of Nantucket Looms, and enjoyed warm conversation with our advancement staff. As a small celebration of the season, the team handed out free Nantucket holiday mugs with an Annual Fund appeal, which quickly became a favorite keepsake for shoppers and supporters.

Stroll Weekend also featured a special moment for our young dancers. 8 Club members performed in the Nantucket Dance Theater production of the Nutcracker through our partnership with the Nantucket Dance Theatre. The group was taught by Cora Iller, a talented senior at Nantucket High School and a former NBGC kid. This year she continued her role as a lead dancer with the Nantucket Dance Theater while also mentoring our younger performers. Her guidance and their dedication showed in every movement and the Club community could not have been prouder.

NBGC members and Cora working through their Nutcracker choreography, photographed in October.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Richards

The celebration continues at the Whaling Museum, where our Christmas tree is featured in the Festival of Trees. You will find it on the second floor balcony overlooking the whale skeleton, designed in honor of our eightieth anniversary.

Stroll Weekend reminded us how strong and spirited Nantucket is. We are grateful to all who shared the season with us.

Celebrating 80 Years of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:51:20 GMT

On November 19th, 2025 the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club marked its eightieth birthday . To celebrate the impressive milestone, staff decorated the front entrance of the building with balloons and a birthday banner, which caught the attention of all 352 members that attended the Club that afternoon.

Once members filed into the building, they came together with their respective cohorts and were given party crowns to decorate with jewels, stickers and rhinestones to add even more of shine and sparkle to what was already a very special day. The kids wore their crowns for the rest of the day and celebrated like the true royalty that they are.

Earlier in the week the Club also went on air with our eightieth anniversary radio spot on ACK FM 97.7 and Quahog Country 89.5 FM . Several of our members helped record it and the spot will continue running through next month.

The week wrapped up on Friday, November 21st with the first Family Fun Night of the school year. Families brought dishes to share and filled the canteen with everything from homemade meals to takeout favorites. NBGC's own Junior Chefs also contributed by making their own mac and cheese and a chicken caesar salad the day before, which was served along with the potluck.

After everyone ate, the gym opened for adult versus kids dodgeball which was exactly as chaotic and entertaining as it sounds. The night ended with a special eightieth birthday cake by ACK Pastry for everyone to enjoy.

The anniversary was a simple way to recognize how far the Club has come while staying focused on what matters most. Kids showed up. Families showed up. The Club did what it has done for eight decades: it created a place where people want to be.

Thank you to our families staff and supporters for being part of this moment and for everything you bring to the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club.

It has been our honor to serve you for eighty years. We look forward to the next eighty and beyond.

A Sold-Out Celebration: 2025 Community Fall BBQ

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:13:51 GMT

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 Visits PR For Leadership Conference

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:01:26 GMT

NBGC Team Attends the 2025 Northeast Leadership Conference

The 2025 Northeast Leadership Conference wrapped up last week, and our team of five had an incredible time representing the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. Attending on behalf of the Club were:

Jamie Foster , Chief Executive Officer
Jasmine Lee , Chief Development Officer
Nicole Reindel , Assistant Director of Advancement
Tara Corbett , Program Director
Joe Headen , Athletic Director

While the team was away, Fernando Jones, Director of Operations, kept everything running smoothly back on Sparks Avenue.
He will be heading out later this year for his own professional development opportunity.

Our team convened with more than 400 Club professionals, board members, and BGCA staff from across the Northeast at El Conquistador Resort, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Throughout the week, the NBGC team connected with colleagues, shared best practices, and engaged in sessions focused on critical areas of impact for youth-serving organizations, including:

Advocacy
Club safety
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Fundraising and revenue development
Workforce readiness
Trauma-informed practices
Community partnerships and collective impact

The conference also featured:

Over twenty exhibitors sharing new tools and resources for Clubs
Performances from local Club youth
Keynote speakers Jim Clark (BGCA President), Cam Awesome (Olympic boxer), and Hannah Ubi (youth advocate)
A moving in-memoriam tribute honoring Club professionals who have recently passed, including Carlos “Los” Grangrade
A closing luncheon and celebration recognizing staff excellence and collective achievement

Attendance at the Northeast Leadership Conference was made possible through support from the Remain Fund . This was the first time NBGC’s directors were able to travel together for professional development, marking an important milestone in the Club’s continued commitment to growth, learning, and collaboration.

Check out this Instagram reel to see more highlights of the week.

What’s That Smell? NBGC STEAM Explores the Sewer Department

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:21:55 GMT

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 .

New NBGC Fleet Van

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:37:02 GMT

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, Olivia Patterson, Faith Hensley, Yesica Gutierrez-Deras (not all staff pictured).

The NBGC expands our number of fleet vans with a brand-new 15-passenger Ford Transit van, generously funded by a grant from the Nantucket Golf Club Foundation back in 2021. While it's been a long wait due to global supply chain shortages, we're thrilled to finally get our hands on this gift and to hit the road!

For the NBGC, this new addition allow the Club to continue to ease travel for our members on and off island. Throughout the winter we rely heavily on our vans, two of which are relocated to Hyannis, to serve our travel basketball team who compete against various teams across the Cape. Our off-island vans also facilitate off-island field trips during the school year, like the one's that brought our member's to the Franklin Zoo and the Citizen's Bank Opera House in Boston last year.

Club members at the Citizen's Bank Opera House to see the musical "& Juliet" after visiting the WNDR museum in 2024.

Club members at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston in 2024.

We also rely on our vans throughout the summer to transport our NBGC campers across the island to explore and discover the island in the summertime. From the Sankaty lighthouse to the "Madaket Mall" (i.e. Take-it-or-Leave-It), our member's Club experience is highly affected by our ability to move freely on and off island -- and thanks to our vans, we are able to do just that.

Not only are we able to transport our Club members with our NBGC vans but we are able to to it safely. We’re proud to say that this new van is packed with features that help ensure a safe ride. With stability control, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver-assist technology like blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera, we know our staff will have the tools they need to drive safely, no matter where we go. Our team is trained to drive these 15-passenger vans, and the new Ford Transit makes the job even easier, thanks to its smooth handling and modern safety features.

We’re looking forward to putting some miles on the van in the months ahead. It’s an investment in the experiences we’re able to offer our kids, and we can’t wait to see where the road takes us!

A huge thank you again to the Nantucket Golf Club for making this possible. We are so grateful for their support and commitment to our community.

See you on the road!

Remebering Carlos "Los" Grangrade

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:19:26 GMT

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

Honoring Lucile W. Hays

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:36:42 GMT

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

On August 18, 2025, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and its Board of Trustees honored longtime supporter and Trustee Emerita Lucile W. Hays with a memorial stone bench placed at the entrance of the Club. The dedication marked five decades of extraordinary support and leadership that has helped shape the Club into the vital community resource it is today.

When Lucile first moved to Nantucket, she quickly sought out ways to support local children. That decision began a half-century partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, where her leadership, philanthropy, and vision made a lasting difference. Over the years she served on both the Nantucket Club’s Board of Trustees and the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America, always advocating for programs that built character, strengthened confidence, and created a welcoming place for every child.

One of her most meaningful contributions was helping ensure the Club expanded opportunities for girls, opening the door for all children on Nantucket to benefit from the Club’s programs. She was also a guiding force in the growth of the Sparks Avenue campus, which today provides thousands of square feet of safe, modern space where children can learn, play, and thrive.

Lucile’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the Club. Her commitment to preserving Nantucket’s natural beauty and improving access to community spaces has left an indelible mark on the island. Whether through her generosity in land conservation or her dedication to children’s programs, she has helped generations of Nantucketers feel connected and supported.

The new bench now standing at the front of the Club is more than a memorial. It is a daily reminder of Lucile’s enduring legacy and the countless lives she has touched. Each child, parent, and visitor who passes by will be greeted by a symbol of gratitude for her fifty years of care, vision, and generosity.

NBGC’s First College Tour Takes Flight

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:14:43 GMT

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.

Trip at a Glance:

Dates: April 21–25, 2025

Colleges Visited:

– Winston-Salem State University

– North Carolina A&T State University

– North Carolina Central University

Participants: 10 high school students + 2 NBGC staff

Miles Traveled: 1,200+ round trip

Highlights:

– Winston-Salem State University campus step show

– Student-led Q&A sessions

– Topgolf group dinner

– Visit to the North Carolina Zoo

– First-time college visits outside the Northeast

Club Kids Bloom at Daffy Arrangement Competition 🌼

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:22:46 GMT

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. ��

NBGC Shows Up Rain or Shine for the 48th Annual Daffodil Festival

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:24:43 GMT

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.

NBGC Hits the Road for Statewide E-Sports Showdown

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:24:42 GMT

The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, in partnership with Comcast, hosted its first-ever E-Sports Tournament on April 24th at Patriots Place in Foxborough. The event brought together 14 Clubs from across eastern and western Massachusetts, with 55 youth participants representing their communities in a high-energy, Mario Kart-themed competition.

The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club proudly took four competitors off-island to join the action: Georgie R., Jack M., Alex I. and Tyreke T. While they didn’t place this time, they competed with outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship, representing our Club with pride.

E-Sports has become one of the most popular programs at NBGC, thanks to the leadership of staff members Trey G., and Jehren B., who have created a welcoming and competitive space for members to build skills in teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy. We’re proud of our participants and grateful to have been part of this inaugural tournament—we’re already looking forward to the next one!

Gap Energy Grant Project

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:24:41 GMT

We are proud to take part in the Gap Energy Grant project, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Energy Results Program (MassDEP, CERP).

Take a look at our solar panels, which are on top of all NBGC Employee Housing buildings that house 90% of our full time year round staff.

The Gap Energy Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Energy Results Program (MassDEP, CERP). The Gap Energy Grant is an innovative and cost-effective funding model that produces energy-efficient and renewable energy project results!

Stop & Shop Snack Shack Partnership: 2nd Year!

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:28:17 GMT

Stop & Shop Snack Shack Partnership: 2nd Year!

2024 marks the second year of the Stop & Shop - NBGC Snack Shack Partnership. In 2023 and 2024, Stop & Shop will have donated over $50,000.00 worth of free snacks to the NBGC Snack Shack. Daily, NBGC members receive free and healthy snacks from the Snack Shack. Snacks include string cheese, fresh fruit, frozen yogurt, apple sauce, goldfish, granola bars, and more! The Snack Shack is open daily at 3pm and 4:30pm. We are so grateful to both the corporate and local stores for facilitating this amazing partnership.