Page 61 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 53 Early Spring 2025

journey in this field.
They would of course, like to
Jermaine joined Ulbrich Boys mention our own Mayor Cer-
& Girls Club nine years ago. voni who has been a support-
Kids, K-5 coming in from low- ive cog in this wheel aiding the
er income families, joined this efforts of the Boys & Girls Club
after-school program thanks even before he took office. His
to the advice and support of attention has been welcomed,
the school principles. A 5-year indeed.
grant was taken advantage of
for those families in need. They Located in Wallingford, a
are currently on year 4 and are “food court”, which is how I
now looking for assistance as perceive it because the food
this grant may not be available comes from various locations
at the end of the 5-year plan. Group Photo of David Ospina, Winner of Youth but all served hot and fresh
Currently there are 50 students of the Year Award-2025 each day, is Hubspoke Kitchen.
from Cook Hill Elem and 50 stu- They are located on Main St
dents from Parker Farms Ele- Snacks are given each day which are and serve various dishes from
mentary that are eligible to be covered brought in. They are in partnership with local restaurant chains. They are in
under this federal grant. They part- Midwest Foodbank, a lifesaver. Food in- partnership with B&G Club, generously
nership with school districts based on securities are prevalent in Wallingford. giving discounts for their special dinner
specific percentages of how many kids Midwest, located in Manchester allows events. They are located near the west-
are eligible to receive assistance, ex- organizations and their vehicles to en- side YMCA. Very community oriented.
ample, free lunches. Now they need to ter and select items to fill vehicles to Ted and Susan who manage and run
look at ways to continue this program the brim. Whatever can fit will be most the business at Hubspoke, are always
as affordable, if not free. Ulbrich Steel welcomed in coming weeks. Any foods willing to help when asked.
is part of the board and will step in so left over at the club, are given to fami-
funding continues in the right direction. lies on any given day. Jermaine travels Preparing for the Youth of the Year
Right now, Ulbrich Clubhouse of Wall- to Manchester once per month. award takes so much dedication, hard
ingford is looking to continue building work and encouragement. Select mem-
off its momentum, building a strong There are two clubs, New Haven & bers are chosen by directors and then
middle and high school gram that will Wallingford. North Haven operates di- need to present a written essay as to
impact the Wallingford community and rectly from their schools where as the why they should be chosen Youth of
beyond. The future is promising thanks others have an actual club location. the Year. There are requirements that
to the Ulbrich family and Jermaine Jermaine and the new Tween / Teen Di- are needed to submit which consist of
Mitchell Jr. rector, Stephen Zenisky are always try- a resume, cover letter, writing three
ing to reach goals to meet and expand essays and receiving two recommen-
this wonderful program. They will be dation letters. One from the club and
going to Moran and Dag middle schools the second from the community. When
monthly luncheon workshops to en- that member is selected, he or she
courage them to come to the club for continues on to the State awards and
recruitment. Tween nights consist of a then onto the Nationals if they should
dinner. Free to middle school aged stu- be so fortunate. This event took place
dents that live in Wallingford. At that at Albertus Magnus this year. The 2025
time, new friendships are developed, “Youth of the Year” Award Winner is
meeting counselors and those who are David Ospina.
looking for role models. Parents are
highly encouraged to be a part, taking Eager and passionate kids tend to stay
part in their child’s wellbeing. Not just at our local club. They blossom over
a drop off but a drop in as well ! They the years, they see themselves grow as
stay, get to know the staff and how youngsters into young adults and know
dedicated they are in spending quality just how wonderful their growing years
time with their children. Parents don’t nurtured, guided, fed them mind body
typically stay, but always willing to get and spirit, took them to heights that
involved in perhaps cooking for Tween they will forever remember and ad-
night adding donated items as well. mire. These skills will be a highlight in
Youth development professionals work their first real life resume. An employ-
and coach kids in the club’s gym. Social Tammie Ulbrich extends her passion to er will take notice and one day shake
skills are taught during this court time. better the youth who take part in this the hand of perhaps the next elected
Games and fun time abound. Being in a program. Her visit in February was to official, CEO, financial director. Who
group gives the child the chance to in- observe, take note to be on top of any knows! Ulbrich paved the way and their
teract, learn patience and to help your improvements that were necessary and life travels are borderless.
fellow classmate. It builds confidence check on programing as well. She would
and character for all ages. always have resources at hand. For further info, go to: bgcgnh.org

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