Page 34 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

For 66 years, the Boys and Girls Club in our fundraising,” said Matthew Hicks, costs,” Hicks continued. “We have identified
of Van Buren has benefited thousands of Commander of the Post. “But now we have a couple of potential sites, but haven’t signed
children and teens, just as it did Taylor taken the steps to form a 501(c)3 organization any contracts as yet.”
and his family. Afterschool programming that makes people more comfortable making In the meantime, the Post plans to host
features learning centers, game rooms, their tax-deductible donations toward the some functions off-site, including its upcoming
an art area, STEM labs, and a full-size effort.” 100th Annivesrary Dinner. The centennial
gymnasium. In addition to its primary The Robert Jack VFW Post, named after celebration will take place on February 8,
facility in Van Buren’s city park, the a World War I veteran who died in combat in 2025 at Adelaide Hall in downtown Fort
organization operates afterschool and
summer programs in Cedarville. France, has grown to a membership of 298 in Smith. An open house will take place from 10
SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood recent years. According to Hicks, even with an a.m. to 2 p.m. at the current facility that day
curriculums are designed to build average monthly meeting attendance of 40- as well.
confidence and instill values in participants. 50, plus the group’s Auxiliary, which numbers “We could also use volunteers on
Character based programs such as 20-30 individuals, the current facility is at December 15 this year to lay 1,200 wreaths
Keystone and Torch Club encourage capacity and the parking lot is overflowing. on the graves of veterans buried at Gill and
community service and foster leadership “We had hoped to be to the end of our Gracelawn cemeteries,” Hicks stated. “Over
development. Like Taylor, members can fundraising effort by our 100th Anniversary, the past few years, we have been able to
also earn college scholarships through but that is coming up in February and we still research Spanish-American War and World
Youth of the Year. In addition to its have a long way to go,” Hicks added. The Post War I veterans who passed away before
diverse programming, BGCVB also serves plans to find a suitable location and build a 20 the VA made sure to mark their graves as
nutritious meals and snacks daily. x 100 ft. multi-use center that would include veterans. That added nearly 600 gravesites
BGCVB’s sports leagues enable a basketball court, an office for the county for wreaths.”
members to compete as a team and Veterans Affairs officer, physical therapy and To donate to the Vision 2025 fund
develop athletic skills. Offerings include
basketball, volleyball, spring and fall meeting rooms, and sufficient parking to for the new facility, email the Post at
soccer, and baseball. welcome members and guests RobertJack1322@gmail.com or call (479)
This year, the Club launched “5 “Our goal is to raise $500,000 to fund the 208-1575. Additional Post information may
Alive.” The new initiative encourages purchase of the property and construction also be viewed at www.VFW1322.org.
team members to go above and beyond
in building connections with each child, Ready to Meet All Your Real Estate Needs!
ensuring members feel seen, valued, and
supported. “Through this program, we 479-471-5557
create a positive and safe environment
where kids can thrive,” noted Taylor.
“Whether it’s checking in with them
regularly, offering encouragement, or
simply being there to listen, our goal is to Betty Lyles Broker Martha Rudell Mary Jo Weidman
make sure every child knows they matter 459-5368 650-0596 459-1002
and has the support they deserve.”
Taylor counts it a privilege to lead the
very organization which played such a
pivotal role in his own life. “I am grateful
to serve alongside an incredible staff and Jerel Driscoll Bob England Patricia Branson Tyler Jones
volunteers who are dedicated to helping 883-6277 414-0804 353-2881 221-7640
us ensure today’s youth have every
opportunity to have great futures.”
Learn more about BGCVB at www.
VBClub.org.
Robert Jack VFW Post 1322
In 2019 a group of local VFW members
formed a committee to plan for the
Robert Jack Post 1322 100th Anniversary
Celebration, calling itself the “Vision 2025” Denise Hill, O.D.
committee. The original plan was to raise Alex Turner, O.D.
funds for a new Post facility, as the current www.hillwww.hillvisioncenter.comvisioncenter.com
479-262-2080
building and parking couldn’t accommodate 479-262-2080
the membership any longer.
“The COVID pandemic put us a bit behind 117 Northridge Drive Van Buren, AR 72956
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34 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org