New Program for the Mathews Boys and Girls Club

Tom and Karyn Dingledine have funded a new program that will begin in February 2008.  Members of the Club will come to the Bay School for classes in Tie-Dying, Weaving, Glass Painting, Felting and others at no cost.  The classes will last through July.  Most children who attend the Club are not able to take classes at the Bay School, due to finances or time constraints.  This new program will alleviate those burdens and give the children who particitpate an opportunity to experience what The Bay School has to offer and hopefully, they will find a new passion for the arts.  Our ongoing program where we take our arts and crafts to the club every other week will continue as planned.  This new program is in addition to. 

The Virginia Commission for the Arts has again shown that the Bay School is an asset to the community by granting $14,500 in general operating support, a $5,000 local challenge grant and a $2,500 Technology Enhancement Grant.  This money will help cover the overhead costs of our Outreach Programs and it has afforded the purchase of a new computer. 

Thanks to an award from The William F. and Catharine K. Owens Foundation of $17,231, all of the Direct (instructors and materials) costs of all of our outreach programs are funded for 2007/2008.

The J. Edwin Treakle Foundation has funded a grant request of $2,000 that will be used for a new program in conjunction with the Mathews Active Lifestyle Center.  Six classes that would normally be taught at the Bay School will be taught at the Center free of charge.  Classes in Felting, Embroidery, Painting, Drawing, Stained Glass and Basketry will be taught to those 55 and older on Tuesdays once a month.  This partnership will broaden the scope of the Center's reach as well as our own. 

We have also received the generous gift from the County of Mathews of $5,000 for general operating expenses.

School Director, Kim Moore says that she believes it is the continuing growth of community programs and outreach that is fueling the increase in funding and  the school’s reputation as a valuable contributor to the community.  She adds that more and more community leaders are taking note and speaking out on behalf of the school.