High Street Neighborhood News

by Adelle Foley

Parties on Our Streets On August 1 several hundred Maxwell Park neighbors gathered on the streets as part of the annual National Night Out. There were at least 12 parties in Maxwell Park and nearby. About 50 neighbors (some led by dogs or pushing strollers) divided into two groups for a walk that wound around the neighborhood. Some parties had music, others offered shrimp hors d'oeuvres or ice cream for dessert. Representatives of the Police and Public Works Departments and fire-engine crews gave out information and plastic fire hats. The weather and the atmosphere were warm. Thanks to Barbara and her Monticello crew for welcoming the walkers to their party. Welcome Noa Mikala At the Laurel World Music Festival, Jeremy Gluskin introduced his beautiful new daughter to some of her Maxwell Park neighbors. Noa Mikala was born to Jeremy and Kelly on July 27. Thanks For Your Generosity When I saw Maribel Corral, site manager of the Boys & Girls Club, she told me that she was thankful for the generosity of the Oakland A's and the club's neighbors and friends. The August 10 bowl-a-thon, sponsored by A's players Eric Chavez and Mark Kotsay, was a huge success. The teams of competing club members and A's players and their families, and the auction of signed memorabilia, raised $50,000. About the same time, Maribel put out a call for help for a single mother and her children who had just moved into an apartment after a year of homelessness. The outpouring of furnishings, kitchenware, food, and other necessities was outstanding. Maribel told me that by September, when this column appears, the wish list will be down to clothing for children aged six to 12. For information on the after-school program beginning September 5, check out the Web site, www.bgcoakland.org, or call 535-9461. Cheers for Island Market With a growing list of concerns about High Street properties, it's great to recognize positive changes. The shiny new coat of paint and the enlarged front windows at Island Market on High and Congress are part of a work-in-progress. Look for more improvements. Candy and Pi?atas One Saturday early in August, I noticed a large jar of candy (including my childhood favorite, Tootsie Rolls) at the Melrose Branch Library. Children's Librarian Sharon Sensor explained that the jar is a prize associated with the summer reading program. The entry form for the contest is part of a questionnaire that a child fills out, in any language, after finishing a book. The closest guess wins the candy. Children five years and older are invited to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month on Wednesday, September 13, at 3:30 p.m. Rachel Palacios will combine stories and art and help the youngsters make their own pi?atas. The PASS program will begin on September 11, with homework assistance available from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The library is looking for volunteers to help the children in the PASS program. For more information or to volunteer, stop by or call the branch at 535-5623. Adelle Foley can be reached at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net.