Dimond Neighborhood News

by Kathleen Russell and Daniel Swafford

New Businesses in Dimond

Lee Long, 2nd grade student at Sequoia, reads a story to classmates with Kristen Caven, guest reader/speaker, at the Read-a-thon. Photo courtesy Kathleen Russell.

Flavor Brigade, Italian Ice and Ice Cream, opened at 3540 Fruitvale Ave. Roni Deutch Tax Center is nearby at 3544 Fruitvale Ave. Welcome them to the neighborhood.

Sequoia Read-a-thon a Huge Success

At the Sequoia Elementary School Read-a-thon in February, various activities focused on the benefits of reading. Sequoia's first Read-a-thon continued for ten days and included a Scholastic Book Fair, the Drop Everything and Read Day (DEAR day), student sponsorship, and evening storytelling. The Read-a-thon raised over $10,000 to support art, garden, library, music, and physical education enrichment programs at Sequoia.

At DEAR day on February 10, every classroom featured guest speakers/readers who spoke of their own reading experiences. "Our guest readers inspired in our students the possibility of our dreams. The many events throughout the Read-a-thon cultivated an excitement for reading and reinforced our school's sense of community. It was a great pleasure to pay witness to this," said Giovanna Queeto, parent and event organizer. At the Family Reading Night sponsored by Oakland Parents Literacy Project, more than 200 participants enjoyed dinner and storytelling by Suellen.

Sequoia parent Will Sellman said, "The Read-a-thon was a great way to both promote reading and raise money for our school. Kids all love to be read to and to read themselves when they are able, so there was a lot of excitement and momentum surrounding the whole event. We swallowed at least three chapter books in a week at my house."

La Farine Bakery, Dimond, had a booth at Sequoia School on DEAR day and donated sales of $560. "We feel it is most important to support youth in the community, and raising funds for the Sequoia Dads' Club is a great way to contribute to the enrichment programs for the students," said Stan Dodson, manager.

Modeled after the successful Glenview Elementary Read-a-Thon, the Sequoia event was encouraged by veteran teacher Cindy Young. Organizer Giovanna Queeto appreciates all who contributed to this successful event. The February 16 newsletter (sequoiaschool.net) has more. Editor Kelly McGrath was nominated as a Local Hero for her weekly production of this excellent newsletter. If you missed Sequoia's, the 12th annual Glenview Read-a-Thon is coming right up, March 2 through March 16. Call Suzanne McKaig-Laber or email glenviewreadathon\@gmail.com.

DIA Meeting: March 3

Dimond Improvement Association will host a discussion regarding a Public Art plan for the Dimond District at 7 p.m. at Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. The Fruitvale Alive Streetscape renovation breaks ground in March, giving the district a new canvas to show the unique character and talents of the neighborhood. This will be an informational meeting with the expectation of forming a committee of local artists and area residents to formulate a long-term vision, identify prospective sites, and make recommendations for the disbursement of funds. Circus Bella will begin the meeting, introducing their 2010 program. For more information, email dia\@dimondnews.org. This community meeting is open to the public.

Kathleen Russell can be emailed at krussell\@russell-gordon.com.