High Street Neighborhood News

by Adelle Foley

Welcome Juenita Lee

' The staff at Melrose Branch Library is delighted to welcome Juenita Lee, the new Children's Librarian. A graduate of the San Jose State library program, Juenita was already well known to the younger Melrose community from the time she spent filling in at the Melrose Branch. With Juenita on board, the Tween Time program is back in gear for eight-to-twelve year olds at 3:30 to 4:40 p.m. on Wednesdays. Weekly story time for pre-schoolers will also resume soon. Stop in or call 535-5623 for details, and drop by to say hello to Juenita. If you know people who would like to improve their reading skills or who could use help reading and writing English, tell them about the Second Start Program, Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.

Scholarships for Boys and Girls

' Do you want to help kids take the right road? Community Volunteer Jeanne Nixon asked me to help spread the word on how we can help out by contributing to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland's scholarship fund. After two generous neighbors contributed $250, Jeanne set a goal of 25 scholarships at $25 each. Within a week donations were at 40 percent of the goal. To donate on the Web or to print out a donation form, go to http://www.bgcoakland.org/donate/donate.html. You can also call 444-8211 to make a donation. Those who live in the Melrose/Maxwell Park area can designate the High Hopes Scholarship Fund in the Gift Information section after clicking "on behalf of."

' When I talked to Pelton Stewart, who is filling in on High Street until a new manager is hired, he stressed that the scholarships are for children who are seriously in need and cannot afford even the intentionally modest $25 fee. He also told me about the club's Guitars not Guns program, which provides free guitar lessons—another good reason for youngsters to join this spring.

Spring Cleaning on Earth Day

' Spring is here, so it's time to join your neighbors weeding, pruning, and cleaning along Courtland Creek. We'll be meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Brookdale cul-de-sac entrance to Courtland Creek Park. Bring your hats, gloves, sunscreen, and enthusiasm.

This year we'll also have a chance to identify the shrubs and trees growing along the creek.

I've always thought that Earth Day should be late in February or early March. That's when the plum trees that we planted over a decade ago are in full bloom. If you missed them this year, mark your calendar for 2009.

Along Courtland Creek

Bright rows of plum trees in bloom

Bring tears to my eyes

' Adelle Foley can be reached at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net.