Maxwell Park Neighborhood News

by Sarah Hipolito

Maxwell Parkers Make Lemonade On August 2 over 600 Oaklanders got acquainted at National Night Out parties. It was wonderful to see the splendid diversity that makes Oakland a unique place to live. Maxwell Parkers get acquainted via our 654-member Yahoo Group, referral Web site and Friday want ads. Messages range from three to 30 daily. A core group maintains a running conversation about crime, traffic, blight, and events in the neighborhood. You would be proud to call most of the people in our cyber community "neighbor." But some "posters," like the lemons we get in life, are either chronically negative or misleading. Are they angry or just insincere? For example, this month we were treated to a post about a news story on Youth UpRising. We were told to check out a Web site for information on how Youth UpRising was supporting side shows. The implied allegation upset staunch supporters of the program, who quickly posted their experiences. Per their Web site, Youth UpRising is dedicated to being a leader in the advancement of youth leadership development as a means of effecting positive community change, by ensuring that youth and young adults are supported in actualizing their potential. So, with that lemon, can we make lemonade? Youth UpRising is next door to Castlemont High in East Oakland and serves high-risk youth by providing consciousness raising, personal transformation, hard skills, and leadership development. I was there recently and overheard some impressive conversations between staff and teens. They spoke in Teen English, which I barely understood, but they clearly did! As a result, they gained an understanding of their motivations, responsibilities, and alternatives while developing improved problem-solving skills. Lisa Cartolano, Helen da Silva, and Jan Hetherington went to a Wednesday open house, and Jan Hetherington and Joe Davis went to the Sunday Gospel Soul brunch created by Corners Caf?. Teens manage and staff the caf? as well as a catering service. We will have a chance to sample their culinary skills at our Maxwell Park "Party in the Park" on Saturday, September 16. They will be providing barbecue at $4 a plate! All proceeds go back to the organization for use in youth programs. They will also showcase their talents on our musical stage throughout the day. Now, that's some SWEET lemonade! Links: Jan Hetherington, our Yahoo group moderator, jan\@moves-to-improve.com. Helen da Silva, Party in the Park, hds2288\@aol.com. Youth UpRising, http://youthuprising.org.