East Boston: Fun with Turtles at the SEL Center

By Br. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – September 25) – The heat of the summer has passed, and the cool, fresh air of autumn is upon us.

I have not written much about our pet turtles and the Salesian Emotional Learning (SEL) Center, also known as the “quiet room” at the Salesians Boys and Girls Club. We have four turtles, two of which are in different terrariums. They are a big hit with the club members and staff, who enjoy watching them play. Much like fish in an aquarium, the turtles provide an opportunity for youngsters to contact nature without roaming around a pond or stream.

Speaking of nature, the citizens of Boston got to see young whales that ventured into the Boston Harbor weekly this summer. Several club member families live along the harbor and get to see the whales. During the summer, we took the youngsters to various city and state parks in the Boston Metro area to experience wildlife and escape city life's hustle and bustle.

The SEL Center is also an opportunity for children and teens to go to a quiet place to read, nap, play games, listen to music, or work on art projects. Miss Joyce, the staff member in charge of the Center, is there to chat with the youngsters, help with homework, or provide some advice. She is well known in the neighborhood, especially among the youngsters, because she is one of the local cross guards a few blocks from the Club. She is also the club bus driver. The SEL Room and turtles are just two of the many club activities that help youngsters explore the world around them and their place.

Sunday, September 29, is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphel. Don Bosco had a devotion to the angels and often called them up for assistance, guidance, and protection. I have a deep devotion to St. Michael and St. Raphel, who have been my guides and protectors and got me through some tough times, especially while in the Coast Guard. Let us try to spend a little time with them on their feast day, a time the Church sets aside to remind us of all the importance of the angels, who are always there for us and with us.

Stay tuned for other Salesian Boys and Girls Club happenings and updates!