Music - as well as an expanded homework assistance program – is part of the new offerings at the Manteca Boys & Girls Club.

It is part of an overall effort to step up available services for 1,500 members in addition to major building renovations made possible by a grant from Lowe’s Home Improvement.

The building improvements at the clubhouse located at 545 W. Alameda St. include:
•Newer and brighter lighting for the gym.

•A larger and remodeled education center.

•Remodeled bathrooms.

•Improved exterior lighting as well as better lighting in the parking lot.

 GK Music is working with the club to provide free music lessons starting in October. It will include guitar, percussion and voice. Like all other programs, the music lessons are covered by the annual membership fee of $24. There are scholarships for those who are 6 to 17 years of age whose families are unable to afford that amount.

Program Director Jon Cardoza noted the club has significantly improved its education center and expanded offerings.

It has been moved to the remodeled former art room where a new computer lab was built. It offers three components - computer lab, tutoring, and a transition program to prepare youths to go from sixth grade to middle school, middle school to high school and then high school to college.

Flag football league signups are underway with a jamboree planned for this Friday afternoon. League play starts next week.

The club offers programs to help build character and leadership, education and career exploration, health and life skills, the arts, sports as well as fitness and recreation.

One of the more popular programs is the free karate lessons taught by Robin Taberna.

There are nearly 1,500 members between two sites.
School year hours are 3 to 8 p.m. at the main site at 545 W. Alameda St. and 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lathrop School site. On school year holidays, the hours are 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

It costs just over $350 a year to provide services per club member.

The difference between membership and actual costs are covered by various community fundraisers including the telethon planned for Nov. 8-9.

For more information contact the Boys & Girls Club at 239-KIDS.