High Street Neighborhood Newsby Adelle Foley | |
Preston Turner emcees at the Melrose-High Hopes block party. PPhoto by Adelle Foley
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A Great Night Out
' The weather cooperated to make the 25th National Night Out a fine time for neighbors to hang out together. There were at least 15 parties in the Maxwell Park area, plus the traditional neighborhood walk. Some blocks, like Allendale and Walnut, celebrated a tradition of gatherings with photos from past years, while others, like Maxwell, held their first night out event—low-key but very successful. The Brookdale party started early to accommodate a bumper crop of young children, and El Camile stayed open late enough to welcome neighbors putting in overtime. The biggest bash was at the Miracles of Faith Church on Virginia, which combined forces with the Monticello group. Reverend Gregg MC'd and the line dance attracted everyone from experts to first-time dancers. The neighborhood walk visited a number of parties, sampled the food, and walked some of it off. Some neighbors checked out building projects and took home ideas for their own redecorating. Climbing back up the hill we were treated to a rainbow in the clouds.
One HOT Green Party
' The smell of sausage cooking on the grill and the sight of cooling watermelon ready to be eaten in the hot sun meant it was annual block party time. In addition to the book exchange, Police Department fingerprinting, Discover Center make-it-yourself fans, and Eddie's bug show, the 2008 Melrose-High Hopes party was definitely green. Jeanne Nixon proudly showed us the Horace Mann students' planters sporting flowers and corn and offered up home-grown strawberries and greens. Suzanne du Pont demonstrated drip irrigation, California Youth Energy Services offered to swap out compact fluorescent lamps for halogen ones, and Graffiti Busters gave advice on dealing with tags. On the main stage The Prayer Tower Church choir sang and danced, and Preston Turner MC'd and joined Alma and the Blue Wave.
Summer's End at Courtland Creek
' The autumnal equinox sneaks up on us, and with it comes Creek to Bay Day. Come out to Courtland Creek Park on Saturday, September 20. We'll meet at the Brookdale entrance to the park at 9 a.m. (although late arrivals are more than welcome) for a cleanup, pruning, and the end of summer. Don't forget your gloves, hats, sunscreen, and tools.'
Melrose Needs a Full Staff
' The Melrose Branch library has effectively been without a children's librarian for the last year. Sandra Toscano and her staff have done a terrific job of filling in, but the void leaves the branch without a key professional position. It's time to speak out about our concern. Email Adelle Foley at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net if you're concerned about this issue.
' Become a Citizen
If you or someone you know would like to become a U.S. citizen, find out how at the Immigration Services presentation. It's on Saturday, September 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Melrose Branch Library, 48th Ave. and Foothill Blvd. Call 535-5623 for information.