High Street Neighborhood Newsby Adelle Foley |
Teen Photographers at Melrose Branch |
Outside the Melrose Branch Library, security has been beefed up with the addition of 24-hour video cameras and a gate. Inside, the summer program is in full swing. School-age children are logging hours for prizes in the summer reading program, every Saturday is game day, and special programs continue into August. Latino music groups will spice up the afternoon at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. The next two Wednesdays will focus on tricks and comedy. Children will be amazed and amused by a magic show on August 7 and by Uncle Monkey's tricks and
slapstick comedy on August 14. Both programs are at 4 p.m. If you've noticed teenagers roaming Oakland with cameras, they might be participating in the "Teen Life in Oakland" photo project. Several branches, including Melrose, accepted applications from teens describing their proposed photo project. The successful young people received cameras. The library will process the file and display the best shots at the end of August. The photography program is also attracting new teen volunteers. It's a great way to spend summer, after-school, and weekend hours. For more information, call 535-5623. Boys and Girls Club
Walking down High Street one morning, we noticed a sign on a utility pole inviting comments on the Boys and Girls Club's application for a minor zoning variance. I scribbled down the details and called the Case Planner. He confirmed that the comment period was closing on July 8, and he told me that he expected a decision soon. If all goes smoothly, the Club should have a better idea of their construction plans and schedule by the next Metro deadline. Taking Care of Our Parks
Community members armed with clipboards and pencils fanned out to parks and medians during early July for the second Oakland Park Coalition (OPC) Survey. This time we'll have information on Courtland Creek Park and the median strip on Courtland between High and Foothill. The February survey resulted in a report to City Council that influenced the mid-cycle budget decisions. The OPC is building a network of stewards (or stewardship teams) committed to fill out evaluation forms on a quarterly basis, establish working relationships with city
maintenance staff, report park problems to city staff, and build community involvement in the program. The coalition aims to bring together neighbors who share concerns and show city staff that community cares. We're happy to report that the survey will find new trash cans in Courtland Creek park. And planning for curbs and gutters at the High Street end of Courtland is in progress. Summertime at Brookdale Rec Center
The full-day Shorties Camp is in full swing. Swimming, bowling and movies supplement ongoing crafts and games. The fee is for this popular program is $50 a week. Call or stop by to check if the week of your choice still has openings. Middle-school girls can also join the girls' basketball program. For more details and information, drop in, or call 535-5632.
Adelle Foley can be reached by e-mail at jasfoley\@aol.com.
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