The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-01-26

winter, moving pictures are shown once a week in the gym to an au- dience of about two hundred boys Here our Halloween and Christmas parties were held for about three hundred youngsters. Our Award Night party-at the end of the win- ter season was also held in the gym, At this party boys who had partic- ipated in the years activities and had been associated with champion ship teams or had won individual championships are honored. Open House, which has been observed for several years on Washington's Birth- day, was again highlight of our winters program. At this time, in- dividual championship tournaments are conducted, the winners receiv- ing their award and recognition on Award Night. This provides an en- thusiastic annual event and is look ed forward to by the whole member ship. Our Silver Gloves Boxing tournament for young amateur box CTS was also held in the gym for two successive nights last spring. This activity has been very popular and was witnessed by close to thousand people.
 Swimming Pool
 The swimming pool saw new and renewed activity this year. Our new physical director, certified Red Cross examiner and life saver, formed classes in all grades of swim- ming technique. Beginners were given tests and advanced to swim mer groups and each class thereon to a life-saving class. Those who passed their respective tests were awarded certificates, buttons or eIn- blems in both Red Cross and Boys Club divisions.
 The Club also offered its facilities to the Red Cross for first aid in- struction and to the Civilian Defense organization as @ sector post. Mes- sengers and wardens have been re- cruited from our groups for Civilian Defense work.
 A very important activity was or- ganized this year. A national Boys Club program called the Victory Volunteers was introduced with an induction of about fifty boys. This program ties in with the Boys Club basic program and the defense pro- gram that is being promoted throughout the nation. It involves pledges of the boys to help their country in war and service with def- mite objectives and awards in- volved. Their participation in life saving groups, first aid. scrap col- lecting, air raid messenger service, health examinations, strength and skill tests-all are recognized. A physical fitness program has been developed to tie in with the whole program and promises to make this very valuable sustaining activity for the wars duration.
 u.. Dancing Group
 Another activity continued from last year is the young peoples danc- ing group. With the help of the sound apparatus from our moving picture machine and phonograph- ic attachment this has been possible. Boys and girls attending are those just learning to dance and find this activity very helpful in improving this art by regular weekly practice. A new health program was ini- tiated this year in an effort to as- certain 8 boys physical condition prior to his using our facilities in strenuous play. Through the efforts of pr. Elliott Mayo, who heads our health committee, group of boys is examined each week. It has proved its value in that few boys have been found to require medical atten- ton and care. It is hoped that a regular follow-up program can be carried out to supplement these ex- aminations.
 One of the casualties of our per- sonnel situation was the closing of our summer camp for the year. The importance of a cook and able coun- sellorS in a camp and the uncertain ty of transportation because of the inability to obtain tires and gas led to this decision. The situation for this summer appears no better which would lead us to feel that we will not operate again this year. However, the value to the boys from homes served by the Boys Club is great and with proper conditions it is very desirable to carry this acc tivity on.
 Many repairs and replacements were again made this year. But other repairs and replacements struck definite snags in attempting to accomplish them. Conditions of dampness caused by the presence of water from showers and swimming pool have seriously affected base ment side walls. While some of these have been repaired. others that needed materials such as wa- terproof plywood have had to be de. ferred due to restrictions on use Of this material. During our Decem- Der cold snap. a pair of valves froSe on the swimming pool filter and cracked beyond repaiN The use Of the pool has been held ID awaiting necessary pTiorities for replacement and equipment for replacement. But . new pump was required for the filter and prloFlties for thls was granted and eventually installed.
 Improvements
 However. much painting and dee- oratlng waa done. 1he senior room or lobby has been fully Tedec0rated ns was the dining room. Several lf the bed rooms were Fefinished with others being woTked en ct lhe pres.