By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The Boys and Girls Club will officially launch its pilot program on Oct. 29 at Jefferson Elementary, 75 Bayley Rd.

Club director Debra Donatto said those attending the event at 5:30 p.m. will be able to see children in action at various activity stations, including hands-on crafts, physical activity and guided study. It runs after each school day from 3 to 6 p.m. and serves bout 100 Jefferson students.

A ceremony at 6 p.m. will include the club's board president Tim Currier giving a speech, and possibly Massena Superintendent of Schools William Flynn. She said Assemblywoman Addie Russell has also been invited.

"It's mostly to recognize Alcoa for their contribution … and to the Massena Central School District for working with us," Donatto said. "The teachers have stepped up … quite a few volunteer who are teachers … many are from Jefferson."

She also acknowledged United Health Care for giving 10 laptop computers.

The club has received support from a plethora of public and private donors, including $85,000 from the Alcoa Foundation.

In December, the club signed a deal to purchase the former St. Joseph's School on Bayley Road for its permanent clubhouse.

The club asks those interested in making an RSVP for the opening event by Oct. 24 to director@bgcmassena.org or 250-7806.