J. KENNETH SELF BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
2020 NEWSLETTER
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB REOPENS AFTER VIRUS SHUTDOWN
The Self Boys and Girls Club reopened for daily operation on June 15th following a 13-week closure as a result of
the worldwide Co-Vid 19 pandemic. The Club's cleaning service conducted a thorough deep cleaning process prior to the reopening. The Boys and Girls Club board of directors approved a comprehensive plan that included regular hand-washing, daily temperature checks and communication with parents. Board president Brady Claxton stated that safety was the primary objective when preparing for the reopening: “We worked diligently in
collaboration with our national and state organizations to consider all factors in creating a comprehensive plan that would ensure the safety of Club members.”
Summer Camp at the Shelbyville Club resumed June 15th while the Morristown Club will reopen for summer
activity on July 1. “There will be some adjustments because some of our traditional options will not be open and camp will be shorter due to the later start,” said executive director John Hartnett. “However I am confident that
camp will be as enjoyable as ever.”
JULIA HAMBLEN RUNNER-UP IN STATE YOUTH OF YEAR COMPETITION
Shelbyville High School senior Julia Hamblen achieved a second-place finish in the 2020 Indiana Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year event. This year's competition, held during the peak of the pandemic moratorium, was conducted via digital format. The recent Youth of the Year program featured 28 state candidates from across the state who participated in a variety of activities including: Speech, a judges panel interview, and resume submission. Judges also consider references and recommendations.
Hamblen, the Shelbyville Club's first female Youth of the Year selection, is a 10-year Club member who most recently served as a member of the Junior Staff. “Julia was extremely helpful this year as a Club employee. She was able to handle numerous roles and responsibilities and is a true positive example,” said assistant director Jenni Wheeler.
Hamblen has an extensive resume in addition to her Boys and Girls Club activity. She received the 2020 “Shining Star” award from the Chamber of Commerce, is an officer with FFA and won FFA district and state speech competitions last year. She will attend Purdue University next fall after serving her term as the 2020-2021 FFA Indiana State President.
CLUB FOOTBALL PROGRAM SLATED TO BEGIN JULY 6
The Boys and Girls Club football program is scheduled to begin with July 6th workouts. League games will tentatively begin August 8th or 15th. Football participation has steadily increased over the past three years with 7 teams participating in 6 age divisions during the 2019 season. 2020 will mark the 32nd season for Club football.
SHELBYVILLE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB MOURNS LOSS OF NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Boys and Girls Club notes the recent passing of four exceptional alumni. Ron Cole, Carlos Craven, Eddie Phelps and Nolan Parker died over the course of the past six months. These individuals made significant contributions to the Shelbyville Club and maintained a strong connection to the organization throughout their lives.
Ron Cole was the 1959 Youth of the Year. He received the prestigious Shelbyville High School Paul Cross Basketball Award in 1963. Following his graduation from Franklin College, he embarked upon a career with Reader's Digest, eventually becoming CEO of their Canadian operation. He was a member of the Shelbyville High School Alumni Hall of Fame. For many years he sponsored annual Club scholarships in memory of brothers Greg and Michael. Ron credited the Boys and Girls Club and mentor Ken Self with
providing him a foundation and inspiration that served him throughout his life.
Carlos Craven served as a member of the original Boys Club board of directors in 1954 and remained a key supporter over the course of the next sixty years. Carlos served in the United States military, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. He saw action in both World War II and the Korean conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his military service , he worked at the Farmers National Bank and eventually became the bank's president and CEO. His extensive community service included: President and board of directors of SCUFFY and the Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of the Indiana Bankers Association. He was a also a member of the investment group that brought cable television to Shelby County
Eddie Phelps was a neighborhood Club kid who spent much of his youth participating in activities and interacting at the Boys and Girls Club. He was extremely proud of his basketball all-star team's 1984 15-16 Year-Old state championship team. As an adult, Eddie volunteered as a coach and instructor for a variety of Club activities and was also involved in the Babe Ruth Baseball program. He was very proud that his three sons followed in his footsteps and became active Boys and Girls Club members
Shelbyville High School senior Nolan Parker tragically lost his life in a car accident on March 14th. Nolan was a standout soccer player and excellent student. He spent numerous hours at the Boys and Girls Club during his younger years and most recently played in the Club’s high school basketball leagues. Nolan will be forever remembered for his kindness and friendly demeanor. The Nolan T. Parker Scholarship Fund has been established at the Blue River Foundation.
RETROSPECTIVES
Former Shelbyville executive director Ken Self and staff member Bill Wheeler pause after the Club’s 1980 awards banquet. Self would serve as Boys and Girls Club head for 28 years, until his death in 1983. Wheeler, who grew up through the Shelbyville Club, would go on to become the CEO of the Clinton County Boys and Girls Club in Frankfort, Indiana for 22 years until his untimely passing in 2003. His daughter Jenny currently serves as assistant director at the Shelbyville Unit.
David Brown, Larry Brown and Brett Morris play tic-tac-toe with staff member Darin Pilk on a Saturday afternoon in the spring of 1999.
MORRISTOWN BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Morristown Boys and Girls Club begins its 19th year in September. Club director Scott Spahr is currently making
plans for summer reopening and fall activities. “We passed out food (provided by the Indiana Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs) during the shutdown. We are now making plans for summer camp and when school starts,” stated Spahr. The Club will open for summer camp on July 1. The annual fundraising carnival has been moved to the weekend of September 25-27. The Morristown Golf Benefit is scheduled for August 15.
SCOTT ASHER BEGINS NEW CAREER
Long-time Shelbyville Club program director Scott Asher left his position in December to become the city of Shelbyville Clerk-Treasurer. Asher served on the Club staff for more than 17 years. I will always be thankful to the Boys and Girls Club for the opportunities they provided me,” said Asher. “It was a great experience.” Asher served on the Shelby County Council for three terms and is past president of the Shelby County Drug-Free Coalition and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
RYOBI AND RUNNEBOHM MAKE CHRISTMAS DONATIONS
Ryobi Die Casting and Runnebohm Construction made significant contributions during the Christmas season. Ryobi employees donated coats, hats and gloves to 78 Club members. Runnebohm Construction sponsored five families for Christmas. “Ryobi and Runnebohm made Christmas very special for many of our Club members,” said director John Hartnett. These companies and their employees are very dedicated to our community and this is just another example. We are extremely thankful.”
