Passing the Torch at MPNC
' The Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council held elections on January 14' and Jose Dorado chaired his last meeting. The officers for 2009 are Chair, Krista Gulbransen; Vice Chair, Barbara Taylor; Treasurer, Scott Fuller; Minutes Secretary, Nick Stoughton, Membership Secretary, Jan Hetherington; and at large board members, Angela Gums and Kristin Johansen.'
' After the votes were counted, Jose looked around for something to pass to Krista. Lacking a baton (or even a gavel), Jose handed over the clock used to keep the meeting on track. Jose was the council's founding chair. He thanked the neighbors who built the council and called his leadership role an honor and a privilege. After stepping down as chair, he plans to increase his focus on Latino and accountability issues. He'll also be working with the new board for the next year.
' Help Wanted: Reading, Landscaping, and the Salad Bar
' Ashley Thomsak, who spearheads community support for Maxwell Park International Academy, told me that the school is looking for volunteers to work with children on reading. If you can spend some time on a regular basis helping children master that essential skill, drop in at the school (on Fleming and Monticello) and talk to Principal Mary Louise Newling. She will put you in touch with a classroom teacher or the after-school program depending on your schedule. The school is also looking for community members with expertise in landscaping and gardening to help revitalize the area where the juniper bushes were cut to the ground.
' At Horace Mann, Jeanne Nixon reported that she had raised $30,000 in grants for health and beautification during 2008. About half supports the school's salad bar. Funds from Clorox's Love Your Veggies program and from Councilmember Jean Quan's office paid for the needed equipment and staffed the program for one year. Volunteers are needed to help work at this popular lunchtime attraction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. one day a week, especially after this year's grant runs out. Call Jeanne at 533-3120 for more information.
A Second Start and an Unlucky Friday
' I checked in with Manager Sandra Toscano at Melrose Branch Library on a Tuesday afternoon when Easy English meets from 4 to 5 p.m. Under the Second Start program, adults (18 and over) learn to read or write in English. Participants whose knowledge of English is limited must be able to communicate their goals to take advantage of the program. Those who cannot attend the class should contact the library at 535-5623 or drop in at 48th Ave. and Foothill Blvd. The staff will refer them to Second Start, which will match the students with tutors.
' Friday, February 13 will be an unlucky day if you plan to go to the library—or use most Oakland City services. That's the day that many of Oakland's services will be closed because of the fiscal crisis.
Christmas lights still shine
Though it's mid-January
It's hard to let go
' Adelle Foley can be reached at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net.
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