For local firefighter Chris Eline, his life has literally come full circle. It took over 30 years but he and Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem are together again. This is the club which helped raise him from the ages of 6 to 16, the same club that continues to mentor underprivileged youth in our city through positive role models and core programs geared to kids of all ages.

Today Chris is a volunteer and a member of the board of directors, the only beneficiary of the club to ever be on the board. Gary Martell, Director, was a recent college graduate and working at the club when Chris was a youth. Chris remembers Gary being firm yet caring. Gary remembers Chris being an energetic and curious young boy.

Today they share a deep commitment to the club and a treasured bond that goes back to the 1970s!

Chris is not your typical board member. He is not a corporate guy who dons a suit and he did not attend college. He served in the Navy from 1988 -1992 and soon after joined the City of Bethlehem Fire Department, where he is now in his 22nd year and for over 15 years, has served as the librarian and historian. His rotating schedule does not allow for much consistency but he has found ways to donate his time in unique and meaningful ways.

In fact, Chris climbed Mt. Rainier in honor of the death of another B&G Club member, Sergeant Mark Renninger, who was shot near Seattle in 2010. His climb raised over $17,000. Chris’s wife Adrin lived in Seattle for over 20 years and he yearned to summit after doing a training hike with her to Camp Muir, the 10,000’ basecamp, a week after they were married. After the tragic death of Renninger, Chris decided to dedicate his climb to the Club and to honor Mark’s service to his community.

In 2011, Chris and Adrin spearheaded a Live Band Benefit at the Northeast Club which raised over $4,000. This September they organized a second Live Band Benefit hosted by The Clubhouse Grille at The Bethlehem Golf Club Sept. 13. It showcases three local cover bands, The Groove Crew, featuring oldies, soul and Motown, The Dark Matters, a rock band featuring Chris on the bass guitar, and Call Your Mama, featuring 50s to 80s soul, rock and pop music.

The goal of the event was to raise funds for a 12 passenger van to transport the kids safely to the pool during the summer and to their many events and activities throughout the year. Currently the NE kids are walking along Stefko Boulevard and forced to cross two busy, dangerous intersections to get to their pool. A safe, weather-friendly van is greatly needed and long overdue.

Chris’s wife Adrin has taken an active role by sharing what she loves, teaching health and wellness through movement. She teaches a 30 minute Yoga-based class at the Southside Club once a month, usually on Fridays. The kids have grown fond of the class and are always excited to get on their mats. Ironically, Adrin interned at The Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue, Wash., near Seattle, while she was in college studying public relations. Her past volunteerism includes tutoring first graders and transporting dogs from the south to the Northeast.

Chris and Adrin share a profound desire to give back to their community and understand that even small things make a difference. They have learned that if they focus on what they are good at and what they enjoy, it is easily shared and gratefully received.

For more information please visit www.bgcob.org.