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by Tony Russell
Something new is in the works for our Lights On! summer programs-week-long day camps focusing on a single
topic. Pleasant Hill will kick off their summer with a one-week Science Camp from July 1 through July 5. (Remember that
Pleasant Hill's summer program will actually be held at the Middle/High School because of renovations going on at Pleasant
Hill.) Pleasant Hill's regular Lights On! summer program will be four weeks long, running from July 8 through
August 2. They will wrap up the summer with a one-week Computer Camp from August 5 through August 9. Arnoldsburg
will have their regular Lights On! summer program from July 1 through August 2, and follow that with a one-week
Art Camp from August 5 through August 9. One advantage of this format is that it should accommodate families' vacation
plans better than last summer's schedule. Space in the camps is limited, so parents interested in having their children
participate should register early.
When I was coaching track, one of the first lessons I tried to teach runners was to run as hard as possible through the finish
tape and five yards beyond. It was unbelievably frustrating to watch a runner who was leading a race relax as he or she
neared the finish line, slow down, and be passed by someone who was still running as hard as he or she could. I think of that
every year at this time when students begin to slack off in school, anticipating the end. If you have a son or daughter in the
tutoring program, keep him or her coming, and let them know that every hour and every day mean something-a skill or bit of
knowledge gained, or an hour wasted.
Trina Beall is a frequent visitor in our office. She and Harry make a great team, with Harry focusing on doing music with the
students and adults, and Trina doing the ordering, organizing, inventorying, scheduling, publicity, and so forth, that would drive
Harry nuts. It's one of those situations where they both believe passionately in their goals, and neither would be effective
without the other. Coaches say that games are won on the practice field; great bands and great Follies are created not just in
rehearsals but in all the hundreds of chores involved in preparation for the performances. Thanks for all that you do so well,
Trina.
We are nearing the end of our first full year of having the "Lights On!" We hope that people feel the programs have
been beneficial, the quality high, and the money well spent. During the past year you could have learned how to work in a
number of computer programs, how to work with ceramics, how to cane a chair, how to speak Spanish, how to make
beautiful baskets, how to kickbox, how to repair the body of your car, how to play the guitar, how to quilt, how to crochet,
how to take quality photographs, how to use herbs in home remedies, how to troubleshoot your computer, and on and on and
on, most of these things costing you not a cent out of pocket. If you haven't taken part in any of the activities we've offered
yet, make a resolution to take advantage of the next round. These are wonderful opportunities, and, unfortunately, they won't
be around forever.
Those are our Lights On! Highlights for this week. We'll shine our flashlights in a few new places next time.
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