Journal-News.com

The children excitedly piled off the bus as it pulled into the cul-de-sac on East Ridge Drive in Lebanon and headed into their clubhouse.

The clubhouse, a two-story duplex, is littered with books, maps and now computers with educational games and programs. Inside on any given day, you can smell pizza and hear the voice of Mary Wells encouraging the children to finish their homework assignments.

Wells is the director and perhaps den mother of the East Ridge Homework Club, an informal after-school program that encourages children to fulfill their potential, expand their minds and explore their world.

"It grew out of a Girl Scout troop I started with my daughters," said Wells, who has run the club for eight years and worked with children in a similar manner for more than 20 years.

"There just aren't many places like this," said Arla Tannehill of the Area Progress Council. "It takes a commitment to form relationships with little people, and that's what makes it worth being here every week."

On most days, Wells and Linda Boyer operate the club alone. But Wells is quick to pull in anyone she can find for assistance. She is constantly probing adults for the hobbies and interests and then imploring them — politely of course — to let the kids join in on a summer day.

Wells admits one of the secrets to her clubs success is bribery — good grades will net a member pizza, trips or even money.

"When they start to get good grades and smiles, it's addictive," Wells rationalized. "Once they can see themselves as honor students, it's not about the money anymore. It can really change their own view of themselves."

Many club members have gone on to attend college.

Matt Baradihi is a Lebanon High School senior and member of the club for five years. In the fall, he is headed to the University of Cincinnati to major in chemical engineering.

"It definitely helped me to succeed, especially with AP and honors classes," Baradihi said.

Matt also credited the group's summer programs, such as camping at John Bryant State Park and performing in ropes adventure courses, with helping him succeed.

Wells is trying to make the club high tech. The Homework Club recently received five lap top computers equipped with up-to-date software and Internet connections thanks to a joint effort of the Lebanon Kroger, the Area Progress Council, National Bank and Trust, and private donations.

But beyond computers and books, Wells said she still needs people most of all.

Even though the club is theoretically about grades, for Wells and its members, it also is about a sense of community and exploration. She said she is looking for anyone who wants to help and spend time with the club.

The East Ridge Homework Club can be reached by calling (513) 695-2251 or e-mailing wellsmary@hotmail.com.