This month, we’re proud to celebrate Michael Cannici’s 30th anniversary with the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley! In honor of this milestone, we asked Mike, affectionately known as “Neech” to reflect on his three decades at the Club—and the memories, kids, and experiences that have shaped his journey. His dedication continues to leave an undeniable impact on our programs, our staff, and most importantly, the thousands of young people who’ve walked through our doors. We are so grateful for his passion, leadership, and heart.

Looking Back

Do you remember your very first day at the Club? What was it like?
I was a little overwhelmed and nervous, but within an hour a couple of kids had already taken me under their wing. That made it so much easier to settle in over the next few days.

What inspired you to begin working here 30 years ago?
I had teachers and coaches who were incredible role models growing up. I thought maybe I could do for kids what they did for me.

How has the Club changed since you first started?
When I first started, we weren’t in the Lavietes Clubhouse—we were renting a facility under the bridge on Canal Street. One of the biggest changes has been technology. Back then, it wasn’t nearly what it is today. Now, technology is such a big part of kids’ lives, and we’ve had to adapt to that reality.

What are some of your favorite memories from your early years at the Club?
There are so many. A standout memory was taking a group of kids to play pool at the Shelton Senior Center. The seniors were so kind, teaching them tricks and strategies—it was a great experience. Another was our jogging club at summer camp, where every morning we’d run for about a half hour. I really felt like I was making a difference, and that was so rewarding. But my fondest memory was the TGIF program—movie nights, dances, gamesroom nights, and more. The kids had such a great time, and it really made you feel part of something special.

The Work

What has kept you passionate about your work all these years?
The more I’ve done this, the more I understand that—big or small—you make a difference in a child’s life every single day. There isn’t a better feeling. And honestly, it doesn’t happen alone—the kids impact me just as much. They’ve made me better at my job, and more importantly, a better person.

How have the kids influenced or inspired you throughout your career?
Like anyone, I’ve had good days and bad days. But whenever I was at the Club, the kids always managed to put a smile on my face. They’ve taught me a lot, and I can never thank them enough for making me feel like a rockstar.

Is there a program, event, or tradition at the Club that’s especially meaningful to you?
Torch Club will always hold a special place in my heart. I was involved for 13 years, and we created so many memorable experiences. My favorite was our “Dinner to Remember,” an Italian restaurant–themed night where kids got to experience what it was like to be waiters and waitresses. They worked so hard and so well as a team—it made me so proud.

Another event that means a lot to me is our annual Awards Dinner. Recognizing our members for their dedication and commitment is one of the most gratifying parts of what we do.

What does a “typical day” look like for you—or is there even such a thing?
(laughs) That’s a good one. My day starts at 6:30 a.m. with our morning program at Elizabeth Shelton Elementary, where our goal is to start kids’ day off with fun. After that ends, I’ll step out for a bit, sometimes do a school show, then return to the Club and head back to school around 3:00. Our afternoon program is a lot like the morning—safety and fun always come first. I think as a staff, we’ve consistently met that goal.

Impact & Relationships

Are there former Club members who come back to share their success stories with you?
Absolutely. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of—when former members want to come back and share their stories with us. This work isn’t about validation, but hearing them say you made a difference—that’s where the true validation comes in.

What do you hope the kids take away from their time with you at the Club?
I just hope they know it was never just a job for me. I’ve cared deeply about every kid I’ve ever worked with. My proudest achievement in life has been this work, and I’m forever grateful for the wonderful kids I’ve had the privilege to know.

Can you share a moment when you realized the impact you were making?
Years ago, one of our members gave a speech after winning Boy of the Year. He talked about his closest friends, and I was one of the people he mentioned. Our job is to be mentors, but when a child thinks of you as a friend or family—that feeling stays with you forever.

Reflection & Advice

If you could give one piece of advice to a young staff member just starting out, what would it be?
Be patient. It might feel overwhelming at first, but I promise this job will impact you every single day. You’ll always feel like you’re making a difference, and you can’t put a price on that.

What has been the most rewarding part of your 30 years at the Club?
There are so many. I met a coworker early on who has been my best friend for nearly 30 years. I’ve worked with incredible colleagues who taught me so much, and that means the world to me.

But truly, it’s the kids. There’s no better feeling than when they make you feel like the greatest person in the world. What they don’t realize is how much they’ve impacted me. They’ve given me memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for making me the youth worker—and person—I am.

How has this work shaped who you are today?
I wouldn’t be the person I am without the lessons I’ve learned here. Like anyone, I’ve made mistakes, but this job—and the people around me—helped me grow from them. There wouldn’t be 30 years without a great support system, and I’m so grateful for that.

Looking back, what are you most proud of?
Working with all these wonderful kids. It may sound simple, but it’s the truth. They’ve brought out the best in me, made me a better person, and given me lifetime memories.

Looking Ahead

What do you see for the future of the Club?
I see us continuing to grow, which is saying a lot because we’ve already grown so much. We have an amazing group of future leaders who will carry this mission forward. When the time comes for me to step aside, I know the Club will be in great hands.

What excites you most about where we’re headed?
If I never did another thing in my life, I’d still feel fulfilled because of these last 30 years. But what excites me most is that I can still do today what I did 30 years ago—make an impact in a child’s life. That never gets old.

Do you have any dreams for what you’d like to see in the next 30 years of the Club?
I’d love to see a Boys & Girls Club in every town in the Naugatuck Valley. Every kid deserves what this Club offers—a place where you belong, grow, and feel part of something special.

Personal Touch

What do you like to do outside of the Club to recharge?
I’ve been podcasting for over 10 years and absolutely love it. I went to Connecticut School of Broadcasting years ago, but it took me a while to really dive in. Now it’s something that brings me so much joy. I’m also a big fan of the New York Yankees, UConn basketball, the Miami Dolphins, and ‘90s music (laughs). Spending time with family and friends is always special too.

If you could describe your 30 years at the Club in three words, what would they be?
Simply the best.