Boys and Girls Club dances thanks to district attorney

March 10, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni poses with the dance students at the Springfield Boys and Girls Club in their new dance studio.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – District Attorney Anthony Gulluni saw the benefits of his forfeiture grant program first hand at the Springfield Boys and Girls Club on March 4.

The DA attended one of the dance classes at the club in a room that has been redesigned to be a dance studio.

“I was excited to announce the $70,000 [in total] in forfeiture grants last summer. Now having the opportunity to see firsthand the positive effects these funds have on youth development will be wonderful. Giving kids productive and healthy outlets is the key to their bright futures and for all our communities in Hampden County,” Gulluni said.

Club Executive Director Sarah Tsitso explained that dance classes were being conducted in the spaces in the club, but really didn’t have a designated area. The $7,000 grant from the DA was used to install a new floor and mirrored wall as well as new paint, a sound system and dance barres.

Tsitso said the room is also used for yoga and cheerleading classes. She added the Springfield Lowe’s contributed to the project by donating paint and volunteer labor for both the painting and the installation of the floors.

Linda Hernandez, who teaches the dance classes, said she has 15 students between the ages of 6 and 18. Before the renovation the floor was chipped asbestos tile.

Gulluni said his office would do another round of grants in June. The Boys and Girls Club was one of eight charitable agencies that work with children that had applied with specific projects.

The money was seized through criminal investigations, Gulluni said.

Gulluni told the students, “I’m so happy you’re enjoying it.”

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