Bike safety and community service

Useful stuff from the City of Cambridge!

There are two upcoming bicycle safety classes for high school students.

You gotta bring your own bike but they will give you lunch.

10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday, April 6, 2013
 *OR*

10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday, June 1, 2013

Location:
Tobin Montessori School
197 Vassal Lane
Cambridge
To register, contact Jennifer Lawrence

No, no, no -- not that Jennifer Lawrence.  Here's the info:
jlawrence@cambridgema.gov
617-349-4671

I hope they teach you how to do this:

For those of you who have already mastered bicycle safety and stopped riding on the dang sidewalks, it's time to give back to the city you love.  That's right, y'all -- it's the Police Department's April vacation community service week!

The program begins on Tuesday, April 16 and runs daily from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. through Thursday, April 18. Community Service Week, offered for the second year in a row by the Cambridge Police Department, aims to give students the opportunity to make a difference in their community by donating their April Vacation to better their city.

This program also gives teens a chance to learn valuable skills, meet new people, experience the importance and value of helping others, enhance their resume or college application, and fulfill graduation and/or court-ordered service requirements.

For more information about Community Service Week, or to sign up, please contact the Cambridge Police Department Personnel Office at 617-349-3374 or email Personnel@CambridgePolice.org.

MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities

Monday, January 21 from 2-5pm in Central Square. The Kick Off will take place on the City Hall steps.

Come volunteer for an afternoon of hands-on service on behalf of Cambridge residents in need as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. You can form your own team or just come on your own. High School students can earn community service hours, too. We will be making fleece blankets and scarves for the homeless, bookmarks for literacy projects, valentine cards for homebound seniors and veterans, sorting donated clothes, food and books and more.

Don't come empty handed: Bring a can of food, gently used winter clothing or a children's book. All are welcome! (Children accompanied by adults please.)

Sign up as an individual or group and learn more about the event at Many Helping Hands 365.

Sandy Hook Elementary School

Along with my fellow librarians, I have been following the news about the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  We all mourn the loss of such young children and their brave teachers.

At times like these it is natural to feel helpless and confused about what to do next.  The New York Times has created a page for students 13 and older to post their thoughts about the shooting, as well as a list of resources for teachers, students, parents and other concerned community members who may be struggling with how to talk about such a disturbing event.

The NYT's City Room has also posted information on how you can offer your help and condolences to the people of Newtown, Connecticut.  Edudemic also has listed ways you can show your support.

As January and Martin Luther King Jr. Day fast approach, we will be posting information about volunteering here in Cambridge.  We welcome information on any other resources.  Committing to a day of service -- with friends, with family -- is one way to we can all bring comfort to one other.  Let us hold thoughts of peace and love in our hearts as a memorial to those lost lives.

Volunteers needed for Cambridge Family Literacy Fun Day!

Community service, literacy and fun all in one event!  It's like a Reece's Peanut Butter Cup of helpful good times.

CRLS student volunteers are needed to help run the annual Cambridge Family Literacy Fun Day!

This Saturday

November 3

10:30 - 2:30

Cambridge City Hall

Central Square

Volunteers needed beginning at 8AM for the setup until end of the event and clean up.

For more information call: 617-349-6492 or email dbonilla@cpsd.us

More volunteer opportunities

Can be found at Many Helping Hands 365!

Teen Advisory Board meeting next Monday

That's November 29th at 6:00 pm. I'm just telling you now because we're all going to go into a turkey coma over the next few days.

Yes, TAB is an opportunity to gain some community service points as well. But no coasting, people! We're like the Marines of library programs -- we're looking for a few good teens. And any slackers will find themselves doing 50 pushups while balancing the complete "Princess Diaries" series on their shoulders.

Man, I need some pie...