High Street Neighborhood News

by Adelle Foley

Meet Vic Vickers and Join the Book Club When I wandered into the Melrose Branch Library on a rainy December morning, Library Assistant Vic Vickers checked out my books. Vic came to the Melrose Branch in mid-December from the Golden Gate Branch. He told me that he would be handling day-to-day tasks to free up Branch Manager Sandra Toscano to work on programs. But he's already doing more. Vic ran the book club at Golden Gate, and he is organizing a similar group at Melrose. On the fourth Monday, at 6 p.m., adults from the Melrose community will discuss books that they will choose, and meet their neighbors. New members are always welcome, and Vic is available to answer questions. February will bring back the AARP income-tax-preparation program every Wednesday afternoon. It is also Black History Month. When you're in the Branch, check out the display titled "Bringing Black History into Focus." Plans for Black History Month aren't complete at press time, so ask about scheduled events when you are there, or call the branch at 535-5623. Combining Education and Fun The Boys and Girls Club at 3300 High Street is adding new educational programs that combine learning with fun. Site manager Maribel Corral told me that six-to-twelve-year-olds are enjoying hands-on building and engineering, and are creating their own movies. The engineering program involves the youngsters in manipulating shapes using Legos and Magnetics. Computer design will come later. With the arrival of Technical Director Daryl Bass, the Club can keep the computer lab open at all times after school. Daryl is also directing movie production. Under a joint "Animate Your World" project with the Cartoon Network, the children are creating and directing their own animated movies. Writing scripts is a great way to practice language skills. The plots treat questions of developing integrity, and animation introduces a possible career opportunity. The results will be displayed at the Film Festival, at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 3. There won't be an Oscar, but the grand prize is $100 donated by Visa. Meditate as You Sweep As we walked up High Street on our way to breakfast, we noticed some High Street Neighbors in orange vests energetically improving our community. Every couple of weeks, weather permitting, Kinu, Frances, and Christino meet at the post office about 8:30 a.m. Keep Oakland Beautiful provides equipment and bags for the debris, but the neighbors bring their own brooms and gloves. Call Kinu, at 530-0122, for information on joining the cleanup effort. To Tell the Truth It's not that I write Because of what I see. I See because I write. Adelle Foley can be reached at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net.