High Street Neighborhood News

by Adelle Foley

Welcome Chris Logwood and Mary Wilson

' When I checked in at the Boys & Girls Club I discovered that the Anna Marie Whalen Branch (on High St.) has a new manager. Chris Logwood is a former club member and a UC Berkeley graduate. Before becoming Branch Manager and a part-time teacher, he was a part-time athletic director and a full-time teacher. Chris told me that he wants to bring the club back to basics through a focus on education. Look for more in future columns. The community has another new contact at the club in Mary Wilson, the volunteer coordinator. Mary told me that they are looking for volunteers to help tutor and assist in teaching club members the skills needed to succeed in today's society. Club hours are 3 to 9 p.m., Monday thru Friday. For more information contact Mary at 444-8211 ext. 20.'

' Mary added that the club has initiated two new programs promoting graduation and financial responsibility for our Oakland youth. "Goals for Graduation" will encourage young people to set and reach their goals with an emphasis on high school graduation, continuing education, and lifelong learning. "Money Matters" will teach members financial skills such as managing checkbooks, budgeting, saving, investing, and running successful entrepreneurial ventures. For a list of current programs check out the Boys & Girls Club's Web site at www.BGCOakland.org

Helping Kids Eat Healthy Meals on a Hot Afternoon

' During the September hot spell the Melrose Branch had to suspend access to the computers, but the staff was checking out books and inviting the community to take advantage of ongoing programs. Library Assistant Vic Vickers told me that Tween Time (for eight- to 12 year-olds) has started back up on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Homework assistance has already begun for students from 12 to 18 years of age on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults can learn to read on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

When I followed a sign that read "Love Little Children" down to the basement, I discovered Executive Director Nadia Bobyk and her staff signing up childcare providers for a program that helps them to serve healthy and nutritious food to kids from birth to age 13. The funds for the program come from the federal government through the state. We're lucky to have facilities like the downstairs meeting room in our branch library, and organizations such as this Sacramento-based nonprofit to fill the gap left in our community when the Oakland-based provider went out of business.

' Meanwhile, we can be proud of Melrose branch alumni. Pete Villasenor is the acting manager of the César Chávez Branch and Jane Gonzalez is one of the supervisors of a group of Oakland Library Branches.

Fog turns to sunshine

Balloons waving from the fence

Start the barbecue!

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