Steve Sclafani
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the Club?
The Boys and Girl club did so much for me when I was growing up. It was a place that I could friendships through sports, and learn how to play sports. Playing rotary basketball, flag football in Friday nights, travel basketball, and church league. Gary D provided memories that have lasted a lifetime❤️
How did the Club positively impact your life?
The club taught me teamwork, leadership, perseverance in the face of adversity, sportsmanship, and how to work hard to achieve your goals.
What is your current career or life focus today?
I have been a Virginia State Trooper for 18 years.
How, if at all, did the Club help you develop the skills or talents you’re using today?
The club helped develop skills that I have utilized throughout my life my career when dealing with high stress situations in my different positions with the Virginia State Police. Teamwork, leadership, and respecting everyone you come into contact with on a daily basis.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since leaving the Club?
The most important accomplishments I have achieved since leaving the Oneonta area, would be achieving the title of state trooper, which I dreamed of since 1994, as a 3rd grader at St. Mary’s school in oneonta.
What advice would you share with today’s Club kids to help them be successful?
Appreciate the small community, cherish your friends and family, utilize the club to build life skills that will help you the rest of your life.
Damien Burch
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the Club?
Playing league basketball. Enjoying the camaraderie.
How did the Club positively impact your life?
Helped me become more social. More open to meeting new people.
What is your current career or life focus today?
Part owner of ServiceMaster. We deal with disaster restoration.
How, if at all, did the Club help you develop the skills or talents you’re using today?
I would say the social aspect has helped me through life. Being more open and outgoing.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since leaving the Club?
I would say just the part of growing up. Setting a path for myself and family.
What advice would you share with today’s Club kids to help them be successful?
Be open to change and always be a hard worker. That never goes out of style.
Michael Wilcox
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the Club?
My friend Steve Monington and I told Carl it would be really great if the club could see him on his phone through that big window in front of his desk. An hour later he announced he had asked some "friends" for their help and we would see the new mat in about a month.
How did the Club positively impact your life?
Carl taught us to appreciate and respect the Club. It was "our Club" and we kept it clean and taken care of. The positive focus we learn though sports was with me my whole life. I coached wrestling for over 20 years, and worked with the Rotary Student Exchange Program for over 40 years..
What is your current career or life focus today?
I am a retired insurance agent, coach, and Wrestling Official. I support local sports teams in Sec V, my new home in retirement I drive bus for the Red Jacket School District and provide snacks for whatever team I am transporting. I have also been honored by the Upstate Chapter of The National Wrestling Hall of Fame for "Life Time Achievement"
How, if at all, did the Club help you develop the skills or talents you’re using today?
Carl and the whole club showed me how to relate with youth and to help them develop.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since leaving the Club?
Being honored by the Wrestling Hall of fame, named a Paul Harris Fellow 10 times.
What advice would you share with today’s Club kids to help them be successful?
Focus on YOUR positive..
