Community Round Up: Central Neighborhood Council Supplies $3,500 for Dana Middle School's After School Programming; Another Tip a Cop You Shouldn't Miss -- Have an Officer Serve You Dinner in an Effort to Help Kids; Nutcracker Auditions Begin -- and lastly, If You are Having a Bad Day, Make Sure To Click on What One Wheelchair-bound Kid Started That Will Brighten Your Soul

Central Neighborhood Council:
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In an ongoing effort to support after school programs at middle schools, San Pedro's Central Neighborhood Council pledged $3,500 this year to continue the clubs at Dana Middle School that began there three years ago -- from art to cooking.
Two local Neighborhood Councils have supported efforts to run after school clubs and supplied funds for Spanish, art, cooking, basketball, swimming and the many other programs that continue to evolve at the school site. Volunteer parents run many of the programs. This year, one parent plans to launch an even more unique club in the area of forensics.
After School clubs started at the campus in 2005 to keep scores of students from milling outside the campus after school where fights broke out and to give students a chance to explore other interests. Several of the clubs were tied to academics, such as doing homework first in the Homework Club before attending swimming at Peck Park Pool.
Basketball Club turned out as one of the most successful programs. Students were allowed to come in with poor grades -- but had to show Coach Derrick Smith that they were improving on a consistent basis. All of his eighth graders last year were able to graduate across the stage, reflecting that they all made a C average or above.
The first Neighborhood Council -- Coastal -- showed its endorsement of the program and provided $5,000 to the efforts last fall.

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TIP A COP

Los Angeles Police Officers have once again embarked on an unusual campaign to help youth. Instead of handing out tickets this Monday (Sept. 15th) evening, they will hand out burgers and buns.
Police officers will be waiters and waitresses at the San Pedro Brewing Company on from 5 to 9 p.m. to provide thousands of dollars to its programs involving youth, including the extremely disciplined boot camp that targets juvenile delinquents to help them turn their lives around.
Most officers are fully uniformed as they wait on tables. As few have ever served in the restaurant profession, some meals might show up a tad slow -- but tips are likely to overflow at the event. Last year, officers were receiving tips higher than $20.
San Pedro Brewing Co. is located at 331 W. Sixth Street.
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Nutcracker Auditions: Don't Forget to Tell Your Friends with Kids:

WHO: San Pedro City Ballet
WHAT: 15th Anniversary of “The Nutcracker” cast auditions
WHERE: San Pedro Ballet School 1231 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro
WHEN: Sunday, September 14th
Boys and Girls ages 4 and 5 at 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Boys and Girls ages 6-8 at 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Boys and Girls ages 9-11 at 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Boys and Girls ages 12 and up at 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM
Adults at 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
All participants must enroll in classes at San Pedro Ballet School.
A $115.00 (non-refundable) rehearsal and costume fee is required to participate in the “The Nutcracker,” $99.00 rehearsal fee for second child. Payment is due September 14, 2008 at the audition.
Information (310) 732-1861
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Having a Bad Day? Feeling Sorry for Yourself? Don't Miss This Then to Brighten Your Spirits; Look at What One Wheelchair-bound Kid Succeeded in Doing With His Life; It's One of the Most Popular Videos on You Tube:

Click on:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z43PXkvVC5c
--Submitted by Peggy Lindquist