By Maureen Forry-Sorrell, Reporter Staff

The Dorchester Reporter was thrilled to be a guest at the Sportmen’s Tennis and Enrichment Center’s annual gala on Nov. 16. The event, which drew hundreds of people to Lombardo’s in Randolph, honored former Gov. Deval Patrick, the cardiologist Dr. Kim Allan Williams, Marilyn Chase, and Boston Police Superintendent William Gross, who accepted an award on behalf of the Boston Police Department.

Among the highlights of the evening were a silent auction and a presentation by several current and extremely impressive young members of the center who spoke of the academic, social, and emotional support that they receive as members of STEC.

The center not only encourages kids to achieve their potential through tennis, but also through community events, fitness and nutrition programs, and also health classes which are made possible through a partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. There is so much happening under this roof on Blue Hill Ave for kids and adults alike.

Who needs some homework help? The Boston Teachers Union is offering free help at branch libraries from 4-6 p.m. on the following days: Adams Street—Mondays and Wednesdays; Codman Square- Mondays and Thursdays; Fields Corner—Tuesdays; Lower Mills- Mondays and Thursdays, and Mattapan— Tuesdays and Thursdays.

As the temps go down, the holiday event calendar is heating up! There are so many things to see and do in Dot in December, including:

• Sat., Dec. 8, features two events at 9 a.m.:

– Halfway to Dot Day 5k. This is a family friendly run for all ages and abilities along the paths of DCR’s Pope John Paul Park and is certified and sanctioned by USA Track and Field – New England. It’s a shotgun start at 9. After the race, the Mayor’s Toy Drive and Breakfast will be held inside Florian Hall. All youth under 12 who donate a toy are registered at no cost. Registration for adults and teenagers is $20.

– Bowling with Santa at Boston Bowl. Each child will receive a Toy and Picture with Santa! Reserve your lane today: 617-740-1406.

• Sun., Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. — Dorchester Historical Society’s Holiday Party. Dorchester-based pianist Bil Mooney-McCoy will play music of the holiday season and lead the gathering in a lively carol singalong. Enjoy food, good company, and shopping in the specialty gift shop at the Clapp House, 195 Boston St.

• Thurs., Dec. 13, at 1 p.m.— Holiday Mosaic Workshop at the Lower Mills Branch Library. Create a mosaic in this hands-on beginner workshop. Participants will design and make a 6” x 6” glass mosaic art panel to keep. Each student should bring ideas about a design they would like to create after registering by phone.

• Thurs., Dec. 27, at 10:30 a.m.— National Marionette Theater—Peter and the Wolf at JFK Library. Watch as artisanal marionette puppets and handmade scenery tell the story of Peter and the Wolf and listen to the music from Prokofiev’s original musical score. Call 617-514-1644 for more info. Or see jfklibrary.org