The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

New facility should be ready to provide after-school activities by January

DAYTON-Dan and Ginny Butler, of Dayton, have begun the process of purchasing the former bowling alley, on Cameron St. in Dayton. They plan to establish an after-school care and enrichment program for children living in the Dayton and the Waitsburg school districts, as well as for other community events.

The Dayton School Board has identified a need for a place that is safe and secure for kids to go after school and during school vacations, said Dan Butler, who is chairman of the Dayton School Board.

Butler said he has reached out to the Boys and Girls Club of Spokane to run the program, using their policies and administrative experience.

The Boys and Girls Club of America has as priority outcomes, academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Regular attendance by children of just two days a week yields positive outcomes, Butler said.

"Both Ginny and I believe it is a good fit," he said. "There will be lots of good things going on for kids, with one place for parents to pick up the kids."

Butler said after the sale closes around mid-August, work will begin on renovating and retrofitting the property for a computer room, a technology room, an art room, a "maker space" with 3D printers and laser cutters, a basketball court, and spaces for other activities, including ping pong.

The property already has a commercial kitchen, and Butler said a subsidized lunch program, including snacks and dinner, will be offered.

He said he thinks the facility will need a full time director, and one supervisor for each of three age groups: elementary, middle school and high school, along with a membership coordinator.

Butler is soliciting surplus equipment, such as computers, from different organizations, and he is seeking any help he can get to make the club run as efficiently and sustainably as possible, under the operating guidelines for a 501 3-C nonprofit program.

The property should be ready for use by the Boys and Girls Club in January 2018. Hours of operation will be from 2 - 7 p.m.

The property will also be available on weekdays, earlier in the day, for other community events, Butler said.

"We are pliable, at this point. We will let the community decide the best uses, and go from there," he said.

"Ginny and I have always wanted to do something that is impactful," Butler said. "The Boys and Girls Clubs are tried and true, all over the U.S. It is a place where kids can belong, and believe in themselves, and it is good for the community, also."

Butler said he is available for speaking engagements, and that he "will talk to anyone," about the plan going forward.

Butler may be contacted by phone at (509) 290-3881, or by email at: butlerda@mac.com