boys and girls club in seymour soon

seymour's time has come

published: July 10 2007 12:14 PM updated:: July 10 2007 07:00 PM

Welcome to the reality of a Boys and Girls Club in Seymour.

Several interested people attended an event Monday evening in Seymour at the home of Jim and Judy Arwood for a great cause.

It was the Kick-Off for the formation of a Seymour Boys and Girls Club.

Mark Ross, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club for nearly the past ten years said, "Seymour has needed a Boys and Girls Club for a long time."

According to Ross, in order to actually start the club, they need three things. They need $100,000 in the bank, a location with adequate facilities and at least two board members that live in the community.

Recently Dr. Bill Fry and Rob Ailey stepped forward to be the two local board members.

"We've got to appreciate having two good solid supporters that live in Seymour that have taken up the task and responsibilities of assisting in the birth of the new club," stated Ross.

Several board members and staff were on hand at the event as well as State Senator Raymond Finney and State Representative Richard Montgomery.

It was reveled at the meeting that a generous donation of $20,000 was given by Tim Williams, a former Seymour resident, and a $10,000 donation was made by Judy Arwood, who was born and raised in Seymour. Senator Finney and Representative Montgomery are collectively lobbying to direct $25,000 from the state to new Seymour club.

"We've got a real start and it's got us moving in the right direction and the only question is, not when, but what month is it going to open," stated Ross.

This would be the 6^th club operated by The Boys and Girls Club.

Ross said they targeted Seymour earlier but didn't have any key leaders that were willing to step up. "We had a lot of interest but we needed those people that were willing to make the commitment and we have that now."

Seymour will be a satisfying facility to see develop for Ross as he lives in Seymour. Ross says that unlike Sevierville, Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Seymour has no community center or any such facilities - there is more urgency now than there has been before as the growth of Seymour continues unabated.

The tentative location of the Seymour club is either the Seymour First Baptist Church on Chapman or the Seymour Heights Christian Church.

Property has already been ear-marked and ready for donation to the club once it is an established Seymour club. The church will be a temporary starting point.

For further information or to donate time or money, contact Mark Ross at 428-5437 or on the internet at http://www.bgcsmoky.com/index.asp

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User Comments

#1 "Not in MY Backyard" commented, on July 10, 2007 at 4:01 p.m.:

Seems to be the common theme whenever aproject like this is contemplated. The chourus "we need this" and "we need that" boils down to "Yes, BUT - not in MY backyard!" I would propose one of the sites currently up for auction right on Chapman Highway...or maybe the owner of a portion of that 177 acres for sale on Boyds Creek would step up...(How about it Bill?)or maybe the Seymour Recreation Park would donate a portion to the Boys and Girls Club. Basically - it's put up or shut up time for all those 'well meaning citizens of Seymour' - even John Taxpayer.

#2 We'll See What Happens commented, on July 11, 2007 at 9:12 a.m.:

I think it's great that they're all ready to go. Oh, yeah. Except for that $100,000 in the bank. Ah, and a location of course. Sure, I see this coming to fruition soon.

Now's the time for Joe Karl and his sheep/disciples to put their money where their mouths are. They've been screaming for this so let's see how strongly they believe in it.

#3 Prayer warriors needed commented, on July 11, 2007 at 9:14 p.m.:

I am excited for our kids!! Some people have no idea how needed this is in our community. Please Christians be much in prayer for this. With God everything is possible. Please commit to pray for the B & G Club and to these wonderful people who have already committed their time and money! I thank you so much.

#4 Priorities commented, on July 12, 2007 at 8:38 p.m.:

I'd like to think God is more concerned with things like people living in peace, people finding Him and people trying to please him. I find it hard to believe He would care whether Seymour gets a Boys and Girls Club. If that's the case though, let me know. I want to start praying that Hooter's opens a location here!

#5 Chapman Hwy Pilot commented, on July 14, 2007 at 6:52 p.m.:

How about a community center for this end of the county? Plus a Boys and Girls Club

#6 Seymour Mom commented, on July 14, 2007 at 11:20 p.m.:

Looks like Joe Karl IS doing his part. He's getting the publicity out there isn't he? Let's see if people can quit being complainers and start being doers.

#7 Jennifer commented, on July 22, 2007 at 8:03 p.m.:

How can it NOT be a good thing. I will support it in any way I can.