Local group seeks county permission to continue Boys & Girls Club pilot at Whitesville Road

Jeff Luca, who introduced a LaGrange College public policy class and the advisory group pushing the project, asked the commission to allow the Boys & Girls Club to continue using the old Whitesville Road facilities on days when the county is not using the building. He said the spring pilot brought 22 children to an after‑school program and that a longer‑term plan aims to start in the summer or the next school year.

Fred Maglione, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley, described the organization's priorities and capacity: "This year, we'll work with about 1,600 students across 700 different families at 6 different sites," and said the local plan would initially focus on elementary and middle school students. Presenters told commissioners they would likely use three of four classrooms plus the gymnasium, and start with “probably 40 to between 40 and 60 students,” expanding later as needed.

Advisory chair Wade Hall and several local Optimist Club members attended to show local backing; presenters said a lease is prepared and requested any suggestions from county staff. The chair said the commission would "take this matter up tonight," referring to the evening meeting for formal consideration.