Last Wednesday, the Pershing County Board of Commissioners approved the recreation department's grant of $100,000 to the Truckee Meadows Boys & Girls Club (BGC) for startup costs in Lovelock. The money comes from room taxes. Commissioner Shayla Hudson stipulated that if, for any reason, the Club does not materialize, the funds revert to the recreation board.
The supporters of Lovelock's Boys & Girls Club are in the trenches. Most either have children that struggle with drugs or work with at-risk kids.
Commissioner Larry Rackley scolded them. He said while he appreciated their interest, people have accused them of bullying, innuendo and borderline threats, especially on social media. The supporters asked for specific examples but none were forthcoming.
Middle school principal Shea Murphy reminded the assembly that the boys and girls club is about the kids, not the adults.
Mike Wurm and Mark Jacoby from the Truckee Meadows BGC traveled to Lovelock to answer questions. In response to a question from Commissioner Joe Crim, they estimated startup costs for the first two years would run about $100,000 a year.
LEE ANN GALLAGHER • Great Basin Sun
Pershing County teenager Miya Gallagher (PCHS Class of 2023) supports funding the startup of a Boys & Girls Club in Lovelock.
According to its website, the Truckee Meadows Boys & Girls Club (BGC) serves 14,000 youth ages 6-18 in over 40 locations across Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Ely, Tonopah, Panaca, and Winnemucca.
Is the Boys & Girls Club sustainable?
The commissioners and others raised questions about sustainability.
"Will they come back and ask us for more money?" asked a Lovelock resident by letter.
Once the program launches, it becomes eligible for other state and federal grants, the BGC spokespersons explained. Also, some corporations and foundations want to fund the rural Clubs. And, behind the scenes, locals are already talking about how to sustain and grow Lovelock's Boys & Girls Club.
Is there a community buy-in?
The commissioners and others questioned the "community buy-in" given that donations stand at about $7,000. The recreation board had stipulated that the group raise $50,000. Some people said because the goal had not been met the funds should not be released.
Youth advocate Tina Gallagher said with the Nevada Resilience Grant of $100,000, they've raised a total of $107,000. There was no requirement that all the funds must come from the community. Gallagher applied for a grant rather than asking Lovelock's cash-strapped businesses and residents for dollars.
"Seven thousand dollars from Lovelock is a lot of money. We are a poor community," she said. "People are opening their pockets to try to do something good for the town. Let's not be dismissive of their contribution."
City of Lovelock Councilperson Bonnie Skoglie said, "Some donors are hesitant until they see what the city and county are willing to do. Once we invest I bet we'll get more donations from people but we did meet the requirement with that grant."
Does Lovelock need a Boys & Girls Club?
Miya Gallagher (PCHS Class of 2023) gave her opinion as a teen in a roomful of adults.
"We have programs like FFA and sports but they don't start until middle school. Not everyone can afford those things," she said. "I'm happy the Boys & Girls Club would have activities for my younger cousins."
Community member Heidi Lusby disputed the idea that Lovelock children are "falling through the cracks." She said she moved to Lovelock from a major metropolitan area and her three daughters had opportunities they would not have had in a larger city.
Lifelong educator and pool director Pat Rowe talked about the kids who count out pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters to get into the pool, saying those are the ones who would benefit. "They need hope," she said as her voice broke.
Murphy said she expects 152 students to enroll in the middle school this fall. Ninety-two qualify for free and reduced price lunch, more than 60%.
"Lovelock needs to care about kids who don't have the same opportunities as mine or yours," said retired teacher and coach, Steve Cerini. "They are just as important."
"What are we going to do about kids that don't have a family that gives a damn about them?," asked Lee Ann Gallagher. "What we can and should do as a community is try to save those kids at the swimming pool who haven't met the local meth dealers yet."
With the decision, Lovelock is one step closer to a before-and-after school program for elementary- and middle-school-aged children. Supporters hope to start this fall.