Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Hosting After School Celebration – Lights On After School And The Power of 3:00 To Be Discussed

Located on six acres of donated farm and fields, the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC) at 551 Sag Turnpike in Bridgehampton continues its long history of offering a safe, healthy and encouraging environment to pursue educational, interesting and engaging enrichment programs that all children – particularly those of working parents – can pursue, enjoy and grow.

BHCCRC, which began in 1949 following a tragic fire that claimed the lives of two children of seasonal migrant workers, has continually expanded their programs for young children, as well as teens, by offering friendship and learning environments to help build and maintain leadership and self-esteem skills; art, music and cultural participation programs and field trips; cooking and nutrition programs; homework and tutoring assistance, and fun but challenging clubs such as the Scrabble and Chess Clubs.

On November 9, BHCCRC will host their first ever “Lights On After-School” and “Power of 3:00” Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at which time attendees can learn more about these initiatives and the benefits and importance of after-school programs.

According to the New York State Network for Youth Success, the Power of 3:00 is an Ambassadorship program “Where passionate after-school, summer, and expanded learning providers and supporters from across New York will work directly with staff from the Network’s Policy Department to develop the advocacy and media skill set to become effective advocates for the children and youth they serve.” Further, “Ambassadors will be required to attend a two-day training in Albany in September, host one Lights On After-school event on National Lights On After-school Day, attend an annual Advocacy Day in Albany, host a springtime advocacy event, and participate in Power of 3:00 Ambassador update calls.”

Mr. Doug with BHCCRCers. (Photo: Courtesy of BHCCRC)

Douglas Gee (“Mr. Doug”) of BHCCRC will participate in this year’s training program, and relays that he is “Enthusiastically looking forward to [my] participation, as well as the opportunities [it] will afford young learners and members of the Bridgehampton community.”

The youngest of seven children, Gee was born and raised in Southampton. He graduated from Paul Smith’s College where he was awarded the Chester L. Burton Award for Academic Excellence and the Culinary Institute of America where he was awarded the Brillat Savarin Award. A former LPN and experienced background vocalist, this Renaissance man became “The first culinary arts instructor at BHCCRC, where he initiated the popular Sol Garden – an edible school yard garden designed to provide learners with a hands on experience from the first steps to harvesting the bounty,” thus, “providing students, teachers, and local community members an innovative and healthy vehicle to communicate and share.” Additionally, Gee assumed the positions of after-school instructor and Assistant Director of the summer program, and is a strong advocate for expanded learning opportunities for all learners and understands fully the need to challenge the young people of today for the challenges of tomorrow.”

According to Bonnie Cannon, Executive Director of BCCRC since 2007, and former Southampton Board Trustee, “We are thrilled at the attention to after school as we have always known how important this is, and we are grateful to Doug for bringing this program to the spotlight.”

So come on out and show your support for the good works of both BHCCRC and Gee as yet another opportunity to educate, inspire and instill a desire for knowledge and growth to our young citizens is pursued by this dedicated staff and organization.

To RSVP for the event, contact Debra McEneaney at [email protected] or call 917-741-6257. For more information on BHCCRC, call 631-537-0616, or visit www.bhccrc.org.