Girlfriends

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

It happened over coffee, that the topic and ensuing discussion came up. A group of Columbus women wondered how they could “pay it forward” after having families, careers, memorable experiences traveling, attending cultural events, and interesting classes.

They soon came up with the idea of focusing on third and fourth grade girls attending the Columbus Boys & Girls Club. They might benefit from activities not readily available to them.

Careful plans were made with the Club teachers. Currently, the ladies meet the girls at the Club on Wednesday afternoons. They play games, have “classes”, and generally have a good time. The ladies take them out to discover the world around them.

In the course of a year, the women – having dubbed themselves “the girlfriends” - took the group to Unity Theatre’s production of Cinderella. They held two sessions on phone photography. The girls were guests for tea at the Carriage Step. They visited Columbus City Hall (at the invitation of Mayor Gobert). The visit at city hall included time with the firemen and police. There also was a session arranging flowers.

The objective of “opening doors” for the girls has been a success. The girlfriends look forward to new opportunities in the future. The ladies get as much satisfaction as the girls. The girlfriend’s group includes Ann Butler, Grace McCullough, Robin Robinson, Barbara Peterman, Renee Sullens, and Kathleen Townsend. Anyone wishing to participate in the girlfriend’s activity can contact Barbara at blphoutx@yahoo. com (clearance is required to participate in Boys & Girls Club activities).

Boys & Girls Club Board is hopeful that the program will be replicated in its Clubs in Weimar and in Schulenburg. Anyone wishing to volunteer as a mentor will please call Jennifer Owens, Executive Director of Champion Valley Boys & Girls Club.

If you know any of the ‘girlfriends”, thank them for their leadership and contribution in our community.