Read Across America's coming up!

Read Across America has become one of my favorite celebrations. Teachers all over the country open the doors to their classrooms and welcome community members who want to read to their students.

I love reading out loud. I love being read to out loud. I think that's how my love for reading was born. And if you have the time, energy and resources, maybe you can do the same for our local children?

Jenifer Alexander, a second grade teacher at Ord Terrace Elementary in Seaside, is still looking for volunteers to come and read to the students on March 3. Time slots are available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Community members are provided with books to read with students and are scheduled to read in classrooms for 25 minute increments. They also encourage readers to bring their own favorite books from childhood and share their own experiences as readers.

If you're interested, contact Jenifer Alexander, at 392-3922 or jalexander@mpusd.k12.ca.us.

Many schools Read Across America takes part in this important event -- yes, it's so important to read to kids! So, if you can't come to Ord Terrace, maybe there's a school near you that's taking part of the event? Maybe I can list it in my blog? Shoot me an email and let me know.

Monterey teens: a summer volunteer opportunity awaits you

The Monterey Public Library is now accepting applications from student summer volunteers.

Teen Library Volunteers help with the Summer Reading Program by assisting with crafts, sign-ups and events and other tasks. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and must be at least 14 years old. This is opportunity to earn community service hours and build college resumes.

Applications may picked up at the Library or online here. Interviews begin May 29. The Library is located at 625 Pacific Street, Monterey. For more information contact Eboni Harris at (831) 646-3094 or harris@monterey.org.

Monterey teens: your help is needed at the library

The Monterey Public Library is looking for student summer volunteers.

Teen Library volunteers help with the Summer Reading Program by assisting with sign-ups, crafts and programs, and by shelving and helping with computer work. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and must be at least 14 years old. This is an opportunity to gain workplace experience, earn required academic community service hours, and build resumes for college.

Interviews begin May 29. Applications are available at the library help desk or here. For more information contact Jane Ward at 646-5660.

The Monterey Public Library is at 625 Pacific Street, Monterey.

Advocates for foster children needed

Voices for Children (formerly known as CASA) has an urgent need for more advocates.

Voices for Children-- CASA which has been serving foster children in Monterey County for 15 years. Its mission is to train and support community volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children placed in foster care, upholding the children's rights while pursuing a safe and permanent home. CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) speak up for the children’s best interests and build relationships that help restore a child’s trust. CASAs also mentor youth over age 18 as they transition out of foster care into independent living.

Voices for Children - CASA is looking for adults, 21 years and older, in particular men and bi-lingual volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. Meet the staff and current advocates to learn how you can make a difference in a child's life.

Attend an information session at the Voices for Children office at 945 S. Main Street at Romie in Salinas on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

RSVP here or call 831-455-6800. For more information click here.

More literacy tutors needed

There are over 70 adults in Monterey County waiting for a tutor to help them learn how to read, write, speak and understand English better. Language skills are crucial not only for people to navigate the labor force, but also to help their children thrive in school and become productive members of society.

One in four adults in Monterey County read below the 4th grade level. Administrators with the Monterey County Free Libraries want to change this statistic.

Become a literacy tutor. Volunteers with the program provide one-on-one tutoring to help learners read, write, speak and understand English better. New volunteers may join the program at any point during the year by registering for the new tutor training. Make a commitment of just two hours per week for six months or longer if you wish.

The next orientation and training will be held at the Seaside Branch Library at 550 Harcourt Ave, Seaside, CA 93955

Part I on Tuesday, July 17, 6:00-8:30 pm

Part II on Thursday, July 19, 6:00-8:30 pm. Would-be volunteers are asked to attend both sessions.

For more information or to register for training, call 831-883-7597, or email andrewscs@co.monterey.ca.us

Plaza Rotario: a community triumph

A big applause to all the Rotary Clubs that participated in the revamping of Closter Park in Salinas. The ceremony on Saturday, full with pony rides, races, Aztec Dancers and community participation was very special, an example of what can happen when people come together for a common goal. Particularly touching was to see many people who would not normally go to the Alisal enjoy of a sunny day, paletas, and Mariachi music on the East side.
A big shout out to the Rotarios, and a plea to the community - like the Rotarios said -- let's keep it up. Let's make it even more beautiful.

Sometimes, the way to help a child is to help an adult

Become a literacy tutor!

Imagine not being able to fill out a job application, help your children with their homework, or read the signs in a grocery store. In Monterey County, one in four adults read below the 4th grade level. Help them help themselves!

Become a literacy tutor with the Read with Monterey County Free Libraries’ literacy program and provide one-to-one tutoring to help learners read, write, speak and understand English better. New volunteers may join the program at any point during the year by registering for our new tutor training. Make a commitment of just two hours per week for at least six months.

There are over 70 adults in the Monterey our waiting list who are ready for your assistance.

The next orientation and new tutor training is at the Seaside Branch, 550 Harcourt Ave in Seaside. It takes place in two days: Monday, June 11, 6:00-8:30 pm and again on June 14 at the same time and place

For more information or to register for training, call Cathy or Edith 831-883-7597, or email andrewscs@co.monterey.ca.us

Monterey teens: here's a rewarding way to spend your summer

The Monterey Public Library is seeking teen summer volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Program.

Volunteers should enjoy working with children and must be at least 14 years old. This is an opportunity to gain workplace experience, earn required academic community service hours and build resumes for college.

Applications are available at the Library Help Desk or online here. Interviews begin May 29. For more information contact Karen Brown at 646.3744. The Monterey Public Library is at 625 Pacific Street, Monterey.

Volunteering for the environment and young people

I had no idea I was going to become a "crew leader" when I showed up to volunteer to clean up Cesar Chavez park in Salinas on Saturday. But there I was, bleary eyed -- 8 a.m. is very early for a reporter -- and practically one of the few adults to "lead" about a dozen high school students, who needed to log the hours for the community service.

It was a beautiful morning. A bit chilly, overcast, but pleasant enough for the task at hand. No rain, thank heavens.

Two things became immediately apparent. Young people need all the guidance they can get, from willing, caring adults. The second thing: by the time teenagers reach certain age -- when they're too cool, too hip -- they're beyond guidance. They're either on a good path already, or it's going to take gigantic efforts to steer them back.

So this is my advice for the week: go clean a park. It's earth day, we're lucky we have tons of open space in our beautiful county, and these parks need all the TLC they can get. Take advantage of Monterey County Clean Up day, coming up Saturday, April 21. More information here.

Our young people also need lots of TLC. It's never too late to set a good example for them.