Denney Center News
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester’s Denney Center Unit, located in the Harbor Point section, is planning a busy schedule of activities for the month of January. Some of these special events include: the start of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest (1/4 to 1/15), the re-start of the Philosophy Club (1/5) and our Ski/Snowboard Outing to Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, ME (1/8). Later in the month we will hold a trip to the Celtics Game (1/14), our M.L.K. Day of Service with U-Mass Boston (1/17), the Parents Forum (1/18), Family Fun Night Dinner & Games (1/19) and the Teen Munch & Mingle (1/20). On 1/21 we will host our Annual Winter Open House for residents of the community. There will be food, games, tours and free memberships for Harbor Point residents who are registering (and re-registering) on this night. We welcome all members of the community to stop by and learn about the programs available. In addition to these special events, some of our ongoing programs include the Keystone Club (ages 14-18) and Torch Club (ages 10-13) Leadership programs, Patriot’s Kids Café Dinner program, McCormack Gym, U-Mass Tutoring Program, Art Classes, Double Dutch, Stonehill Tutoring program, Creative Writing, the Career Launch Jobs program and more. The Center also houses a Licensed After-School Care program for ages 5 to 12. The Licensed program includes a before-school component, extended hours during the school vacations and summer, and the program accepts vouchers for eligible families. For more information on the programs at our Denney Center Unit please contact Queenette Santos at (617) 822-3701.

All-Star Basketball Program
This Winter the Club has 4 teams playing in the N.E.N.E.A.P.C. Basketball program against Boys and Girls Clubs from the region. Over the past month all four teams hosted try-outs, picked their final rosters and began practicing in anticipation of the start of the season in January. The Boys 12&U team will open their season by hosting the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton (1/4). The Girls 14 & under team will also open the season at home when the Hanscom Air Force Base Boys and Girls Club comes to Dorchester (1/7). The Boys 15 & under All-Stars will open their season on the road when they travel to Billerica (1/10). Lastly, the Boys 18 & under team will begin their season against Waltham at home (1/6). All four teams will continue regular season play into March followed by the play-off tournament for those teams qualifying. For more information on our Winter Athletic program, which also includes Intramural Basketball Leagues & Clinics, the Beginner Gymnastics Class and the Judo Club, please contact Athletic Director, Bruce Seals at ext. 2210.

Social Recreation Program
The Social Recreation program at the Club is housed in the Marr Clubhouse gamesroom and is open for our 6-12 year old members. Each afternoon the Gamesroom offers members a chance to play board games, table games, do arts & crafts projects and play group games. The program also offers group clubs such as Girls Scouts, Boys Group, the Torch Club Leadership program and the Girls Group. Upcoming events include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest (1/4 to 1/15) and field trips to the Treat Cupcake Bar (1/13) and Build-a-Bear (1/27). For more information on the Social Recreation program please contact Zack Solomon at ext. 2121.

Education Program To Host Financial Aid Night
The Education program at the Boys and Girls Club is pleased to announce that we will be holding a special Financial Aid Seminar on January 19th in the Homework Center. The seminar will be open to all High School Juniors and Seniors along with their parents. We will welcome a representative of American Student Assistance to host the workshop. We will review the Financial Aid application for College, and the documentation you will need to have in order to complete your application properly. The Financial Aid Night is one of many activities offered to High School members as part of the College Bound series which also includes: the Wilson Daily Prep on-line S.A.T Course, College Tours, Application Workshop, assistance with College Essays and one-to-one guidance. For more information on the upcoming Financial Aid Night, or any other aspects of the College Bound Series, please contact Education Director, Emily Capurso at 617-288-7120, ext 2320.