A welcome new role for Affleck
Appearing at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's centennial celebration yesterday, Ben Affleck sounded like the politician many people think he'll be someday. ''Welcome to the best city in the world," said Affleck. ''It's an honor and a thrill to be here." The actor, who became a dad in December, thanked the cheering crowd for their work with wee ones, saluting the ''decent, hard-working people who are taking care of the next generation." Affleck was introduced by ''Law & Order" star Courtney B. Vance, whose wife, Angela Bassett, stayed at home in LA to care for the couple's infant twins. The Cambridge-bred actor encouraged the several hundred in attendance to explore the city over the next three days. ''You're allowed to go out and have a good time," he said. ''Avail yourself of everything Boston has to offer." Last night the organization held an induction ceremony into its national Hall of Fame.
Inductees include Kerry Washington, lately of ''Boston Legal," former Pats linebacker Willie McGinest, former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw, former
At a VIP reception beforehand, former tennis star and current Boys & Girls Clubs spokeswoman Anna Kournikova said kids are her focus now. ''I only want to do things that I'm passionate about," said the 24-year-old. ''Making money doesn't hurt, but it's not important to me." Kournikova looked lovely as ever in high heels and a gray sleeveless number from designer Monique Lhuillier. . . . ''American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard proved to be a crowd fave performing at last night's event.
Oscar-winner Affleck is in town making his directorial debut with the feature film version of Dennis Lehane's ''Gone, Baby, Gone," which is expected to start filming within the next two weeks. Yes, Affleck's wife, Jennifer Garner, and daughter, Violet, are in town and we're told the ''Alias" star has sought out BU trainer Mike Boyle (who has worked with members of the Celtics, the Revolution, and several pro hockey players) to get in shape for her next film, ''The Kingdom," Peter Berg's political thriller also starring King-ston's Chris Cooper and Jamie Foxx. It starts shooting next month.
Damon's house is for sale
The 7,000-square-foot, six-bedroom Brookline manse that Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon called home for his last season in a Red Sox uniform is officially on the market for $5.85 million.Celeb chef extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck was on hand yesterday for the opening of his Gourmet Express eatery in the new food court in Terminal C at Logan Airport. . . . Former Boston Globe media critic and ombudsman Mark Jurkowitz, who returned to the Boston Phoenix last year, has taken a job as associate director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, based in Washington, D.C.
Davis is a hard-working woman
Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis may be facing a recall if her TV show, ''Commander in Chief," is canceled. But the Wareham native is keeping up a busy schedule, working to get more women's roles on TV and pushing for more women to participate in the political process. Davis made her way to Lowell last night to speak at a Middlesex Community College ''Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253. 
