Operation Kids has a new helper in Iraq - Press-Telegram

It's not easy to write when your fingers are crossed.

But that is the case today. We hear our son, John, will leave Iraqin four weeks after more than a year there.

I note this because it will mean a change in Operation Kids, mywife Debbie's program to send toys and school supplies to soldiersfor redistribution to Iraqi kids.

All Operation Kids supplies will now go to Dave Kean, a Long Beachbattalion fire chief and Army reservist helicopter pilot serving inMosul. You can mail goodies to him at: CWO3 Dave Kean, D Co. 3/58thAVN, LSA Diamondback, APO, AE 09334.

You can also send packages via Chuck and Temple Roath at PostalAnnex, 6444 Spring St. They keep Dave's address on file. They alsohave a postage fund (while it lasts) for those who cannot afford thepricey cost of mailing to Iraq.

Update on Operation Kids

More than 250 boxes have been mailed through Operation Kids. Theyeven include donations from kindergarten students in Mamoroneck, N.Y.Instead of a holiday gift for their teacher, a relative named ConnieLevin, the kids chose to help their Iraqi counterparts.

In New York City, where the family of Dave Barbour selects acharity for an annual Christmas gift, this year's choice wasOperation Kids.

Closer to home, we received significant donations recently fromthe Hudson family in Bellflower and Seas the Moment in Seal Beach.Ditto for Long Beach's Kettering Elementary, whose student councilmembers Katie Vestre, Shelby Ishimine and Anna Napolillo helped loadour car with gifts for Iraq.

The greatest Lemon

I raised the following item once before. As usual, no one paid anyattention.

Al Larsen, an alumnus of the P-T sports department, would like tosee Park Avenue, between Seventh and 10th Streets, renamed 'Bob LemonLane' in honor of Long Beach's Hall of Fame pitcher and manager. Thisis the stretch of Park that roughly parallels Blair Field.

Meanwhile, the legendary baseball scout Harry Minor suggests thatthe ball park itself be renamed 'Bob Lemon Stadium at Blair Field.'Anyone listening?

Stoves for Darfur

Some of you have inquired about contributing solar cooking stovesto victims of the terror in Darfur. Tuesday's column noted thatstoves are saving people from rape and murder because they no longerhave to wander over the desert looking for sticks for fuel.

The Internet lists several organizations which sell and ship thestoves. Although the column noted that the stoves sell for about $8,Internet prices run between $12 and $15.

Dogs and rhymes

Poetry Week 2007 will run from April 10 through 14, but JustinRudd is already preparing for his part of the event: the annual HauteDog Poetry Contest.

Now in its fourth year, the contest starts at 2 p.m. on the 14that the off-leash Dog Zone on the sand between Roycroft and Argonneavenues, Belmont Shore.

Dogs are welcome - actually encouraged - to attend, while theirhuman partners read their favorite dog-themed poems. Prize for thebest reading is $250, with $150 and $100 given for second and thirdplace.

You can register now at JustinRudd@aol.com. Or, as Rudd says,'Just show up.'

Kids, teens and family.(Neighbor) - Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Events specifically for children or teens as well as those for, including classes, park and library programs, music, dances, family fitness events, battles of the bands. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

Keep Kids Safe: 7:30 p.m. today, Twin Grove Middle School, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Plain talk about sexting, gaming, social networking and kids on Facebook along with strategies to help keep kids safe. Guest speaker Sarah Migas of the Illinois attorney general's office. All adults are welcome. Free. No registration required. For information, (847) 459-4260, ext. 7722.

Wheeling Park District summer camp: Registration begins Tuesday, March 1. A variety of day camps for children ages 3 to 14 are offered with an emphasis on fun, positive, active experiences. Register at the Guest Service Desk at the CRC, 333 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling or at wheelingparkdistrict.com. For information, call Tim Walsh at (847) 465-7774,

Parenting gifted children: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, School District 59 Administration Center, 2123 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Michele Kane, president of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children, presents 'Living with Intensity: The Social and Emotional Aspects of Parenting Gifted Children.' RSVP to any District 59 school or Randy Haack at (847) 593-4300.

Opera in Focus: 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 1:30 and 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, Park Central, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. Choreographed rod puppets perform to the music of more than 30 operas. $12 adults; $11 seniors; $7 children under age 12. Visit operainfocus.com. (847) 818-3220.

Cosmic skating: 8-10 p.m., Friday, March 4, Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Games, music and special effects, while a DJ plays the hits in the Cosmic Club Room. All ages are welcome, and skate rentals available. (847) 291-2993.

2011 Secret Keeper Girl tour: 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, Harvest Bible Chapel, Rolling Meadows. Relationship-building event for moms and their tween daughters ages 8-12. $11.50 in advance for general admission or $17 for Gold Circle preferred seating. For tickets harvestrollingmeadows.org/skg2011 or at the Harvest Bookstore in Rolling Meadows.

Russian Children Theatre 'Charodei': 7 p.m., Friday, March 4, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. 'Poem of Beauty' presented in Russian. Register at (847) 459-4100 or indiantrailslibrary.org.

Seuss Day: Saturday, March 5; Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane. This is the 10th annual celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Free tickets currently available at the Ask Me Desk, (847) 259-6050, ext. 140.

Sports and Games Night: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 5, Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines. Tournaments include dodgeball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey and Wiffle ball. Event is supervised. $7 at the door. (847) 391-5700 or DPParks.org.

Drumming Circle: 11 a.m., Saturday, March 5, Indian Trails Public Library, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. This hands-on introduction to use of drum and percussion instruments for children and adults. Registration required. Call (847) 459-4100 or visitindiantrailslibrary.org.

Your Life: REAL STORIES: Love me, love my children; WOULD YOU LET YOUR KIDS CHOOSE WHO YOU GO OUT WITH? THAT'S WHAT SINGLE PARENTS STEVE AND LINA DID FOR A NEW BBC SHOW. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED...(Features) - The Mirror (London, England)

Byline: BY JANE SIMON

I still fancy a Goldie Hawn

Salesman Steve Isaacs, 47, lives in Guildford, Surrey. He was married for 18 years and since he separated from his wife, Clare, three years ago, his four children, Jess, 13, Zack, 11, Josh, nine, and six-year-old Jason spend every other night at his home. Steve's kids chose 38-year-old mum-of-three Amanda Greig and Celia Boss, 39, who fronts a disco tribute band.

STEVE: The problem adults have is that our picture of an ideal partner stays with us from when we were a teenager. I still expect to go out with a young Goldie Hawn lookalike.

So kids are probably better at judging who we might get on with than we are ourselves.

To be honest, if it had been me making the initial choice and not the kids, I might have thought Amanda wasn't my type physically.

My initial impression of her was that pink hair and I couldn't imagine taking her to meet my mum. But she has a fantastic personality and that's more important than being a size 10.

There was a chemistry between me and Celia but we had no privacy whatsoever because of the TV crew. The sound recordist even slept in the house to make sure nothing happened.

I've seen them both since the show finished. Celia turned out to be quite bossy and wanted to change me. As for Amanda, we're taking it slowly.

But whatever happens, doing the show was a real confidence boost after being on my own for so long. I didn't think anyone would want to take me on.

My kids found two women I could have a laugh with. I think they did a great job.

We love singing and sport, so I don't want a couch potato

Lina Roma, 36, from Middlesex, is a full-time drama student and mum to Taja, 16, and Quayz, 10. Lina's children chose 28- year-old civil engineer Chris Nsubuga, and 32-year-old poet Steve Rock.

LINA: I've made some weird choices in my past relationships, so I thought I'd let the kids choose.

I could see why they picked Chris. He's got the physique I like, but I thought he might be a bit boring for me.

I decided to give him a chance but my first instinct turned out to be right. Chris did moan when we tried to get him dancing or to do karaoke.

It's important that I meet someone who's into the same things as my family. There are 24 hours in a day, so we don't want a couch potato.

My kids made quite a mature choice with Steve. They thought he'd be good for me because he's very calm - whereas I'm quite wild.

There was a bit of a spark there and he was prepared to let his hair down.

But Steve's idea of a good time was to write a poem about the weekend. Talk about bring the mood down.

I saw him a few times after the show, but he changed. He'd sound sleepy on the phone and I'd be thinking: 'This is going to be an exciting conversation. Not.'

So even though my kids did their best, I'm still looking.LINA'S DAUGHTER TAJA

It was funny being the one telling Mum who she was allowed to go out with instead of her telling me.

She is pretty and bubbly and doesn't have any problem attracting guys, but she goes for good-looking guys who aren't very nice as people.

We thought Chris would be perfect. He came into the interview wearing an orange wig, he's a body builder and really into health and fitness, so they'd have that in common.

All weekend Chris couldn't stop looking at Mum. But he seemed uncomfortable with us.

She only gave him five out of 10.

We weren't sure about Steve at first, but Mum blatantly liked him because she couldn't stop laughing.

It's a shame she didn't like either of the dates as much as they liked her.'

DATE 1: CHRIS

Chris Nsubuga, 28, civil engineer

Lina's a special woman and if I'm chosen I'll be very happy. But it's hard when you're being watched by the children of someone you're trying to impress.

Karaoke was very uncomfortable for me because I can't sing, and I couldn't handle the dance class.

DATE 2: STEVE

Steve Rock, 32, from Berkshire, is an inspirational poet.

I was nervous about being interviewed by two kids and they were very inquisitive - which you'd expect if you're going to date their mother.

It was the first date I've been on where I was expected to show my moves on a kids' dance mat or go ice-skating, which I'd never done before.

But I'm always willing to try new things.

Lina's an attractive lady but I don't think I had a big effect on her physically.

She's very vibrant and extrovert and I'm much quieter and calmer. I do t'ai chi and meditation, whereas Lina does karate and aerobics.

On our last TV date, Lina gave me a tender kiss - but that was as passionate as it got.

Her kids were great, and I was definitely more attracted to her than she was to me.

But you can't be everybody's cup of tea.

STEVE'S DAUGHTER, JESS

My brothers and I really wanted our dad to meet someone new because I reckon he gets lonely when we're not here. We were looking for someone similar to our mum - blonde with blue eyes and fun.

But we couldn't believe some of the 20 women who showed up for the speed-dating. Some were way too old for my dad. One looked like a man with a wig on. And when we asked if they could do any interesting tricks, one of the women took her teeth out. That was awful.

We thought dad would like Celia because she was happy to sing and dance for us and was quite young and pretty.

And my brothers thought Amanda was cool because she had pink streaks in her hair and liked The Simpsons. But when she turned up at the house, she'd dyed her hair completely pink which we knew dad would hate.

My dad's embarrassing when he tries to chat up women. We told him: 'Be yourself, don't be an idiot.' But I don't think he listened.

DATE 1: AMANDA

Amanda Greig, 38, from Surrey, is a business assistant for a TV outdoor broadcasting company. She's been divorced for six years and has three sons of her own: Aidan, 12, Douglas, 10 and Lewis, six.

I was told a panel of judges would interview me for this date. So when I saw Steve's kids my initial reaction was 'Oh my God - children!'

They were looking for different qualities in a woman than their dad. Then again, the youngest did ask me how big my boobs were.

The fact I have kids myself was a big plus in my favour and although the process was quite tongue-in-cheek for TV it's actually not such a bad way of picking a partner.

Steve doesn't look the sort of bloke I'd normally go for and I'm sure he felt the same about me at first.

But once we got to know each other we both started to change our minds. Anyone who can make me laugh like Steve did is in with a chance.

We've seen each other a few times since the show, but I don't think either of us is in a hurry to get married again.

Where would we put all those kids for starters?

DATE 2: CELIA

Celia Boss, 39, says:

Steve's nice but a bit of a dinosaur. His attitude to Women's Lib is prehistoric!

This family needs someone who's a bit of a disciplinarian in their lives. I think I know who that person is.

CAPTION(S):

TRI-TOWN Y PLANNING A HEATHY KIDS DAY - Post-Tribune (IN)

THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRINTED VERSION.LAKE BRIEFS Do you have a noncommercial news item for the Lake Briefs column? Send your news release, with date, time and all important information about your event to Chris Celek, South Lake editor, Post-Tribune, 112 W. Clark St., Crown Point, Ind. 46307. Questions should be directed to 769-0135 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

DYER - The Tri-Town YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Kahler Middle School, 452 Elm St. A day of health and safety activities are planned for the entire family.Several entities in the community have been invited to participate, including the American Red Cross, D.A.R.E., local fire departments, St. Margaret Mercy Hospitals, St. Catherine Hospital and local medical and dental professionals. A variety of sports, demonstrations, family games and refreshments will also be included.

The event will also be held at the Hammond Area YMCA, 7322 Southeastern Ave., Hammond.

For more information, call 845-1507.

Local poet's work published

DYER - The National Library of Poetry has announced that Pattye Probasco of Dyer has had an original poem published in ''Windows of the Soul.'' The poem is titled ''Nature.''

The library seeks to discover and encourage new poets by sponsoring contests that are open to the public and by publishing poems in widely distributed hardback volumes.

Poets interested in publication may send one original poem of any size or style, 20 lines or less to: The National Library of Poetry, 11419-10 Cronridge Drive, P.O. Box 704-1377, Owings Mills, Md., 21117.

Munster AARP meets Friday

MUNSTER - Munster Chapter 3379 of the American Association of Retired Persons will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at the Munster Community Park Social Center. The guest speaker will be Nikki Mathieu of Hospice of the Calumet Area.

Bus trip to track is planned

MUNSTER - Munster Parks and Recreation will offer a bus trip to Sportsman's Park on Thursday, April 25. The trip will include reserved seating in the Saddle-N-Sulky dining room, gourmet lunch, race program and transportation.

The bus will leave the Munster Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. For more information, or to register, call 836-8810, Ext. 3100.

St. Lukes plans house planned

MUNSTER - St. Luke's Lutheran Pre-School, 8840 Calumet Ave., will hold an open house from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. Teachers will be present to answer any questions about the program.

Registration for the 1996-97 school year is now under way, and classes are available for children ages 3-4. For more information, call 836-5393.

Yard waste will be collected

GRIFFITH - The Griffith Department of Public Works will begin collection of grass, leaves and small twigs on Monday. Residents east of Broad Street will have Monday pickup, residents west of Broad Street will have Tuesday pickup.

Waste should be placed in a container or biodegradable paper bag and weigh less than 50 pounds. Waste will not be picked up in plastic bags.

Large branches do not qualify as yard waste. For branch removal, call the Department of Public Works at 924-3838.

Park Visitor Center to open

HOBART - The Visitor Center at Deep River County Park will open for special preseason dates in April. Featured will be a clearance on some merchandise and a demonstration of quilting on the 1996 Friendship Quilt.

The center will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, and Saturday, April 27.

For more information, call the park at 947-1958 or (800) GRISTMILL.

Noll Alumni Mothers to meet

Safe kids/parenting [Derived headline] - Yakima Herald-Republic

I remember a few years back when some NBA player got allupset after his bad behavior was pointed out, along with the factthat kids looked up to him. He was a role model.

'I don't want to be a role model,' he retorted.

Too bad. The fact is that like it or not, kids look up to biggerkids, sports figures, rock stars and sometimes even us parents. Soit makes sense to consider what we say and do around our children,and to help our kids learn that they too need to be aware of theiractions and words, especially as they get older.

This thought was brought home a few weeks ago after our youngest,Jack, returned from skateboarding with Sam, our neighbor. Sam isfour years older than Jack, but they have played together for years,and Sam still enjoys messing around with him. On this particularday, Sam had a friend over, and the three of them were practicingtheir skateboarding skills.

When Jack came home an hour later, he explained to me that hisboard had broken, but that Sam's friend was going to give him aspare one he had at home.

I think I replied, 'Oh, that's nice of him.'

I was a little surprised when Sam's mom, Joyce, came over tovisit later on. She asked about the board, and then told me whatreally happened.

Apparently, things in the driveway had gotten a little slow, andSam's guest -- noticing how old and beat up Jack's board was --asked Jack if they could snap it like, in half.

Jack looked up at these big guys, the cool bigger boys who wereactually spending time and letting him hang with them and replied,'Sure.' So they did.

Perhaps there were tears at this point, as Jack realized hisboard was useless, because Joyce became involved, and that's whenSam's friend suggested he replace the broken board with a spare fromhis home.

Joyce shared with me that when she asked Sam about the incidentlater, he initially didn't really see the problem. They had askedpermission and Jack had agreed. So she pointed out how much youngerJack is, and reminded Sam how excited he used to get when he got tohang with his older cousins (clearly, a couple of the coolest guysaround). She told him that if those cousins had told little Sam tojump off the roof, he probably would have, because they were biggerboys and very cool and they were playing with him.

Sam understood then. He adores his older cousins. They were, andare, a couple of his role models.

'Jack looks up to you, Sam,' Joyce told him. 'You need to lookout for him, and remember how much younger he is.'

What an important lesson this is for kids! When they're little,our kids are like thirsty sponges, always looking and soaking inwhat they see. Behaviors, words, clothing styles everything has thepotential to be emulated and repeated by the little people in ourlives.

In high school, I had a coach who wanted to teach all us girlsthis same lesson. She gave us this poem:

There are little eyes upon you

And they're watching day and night.

There are little ears that quickly take in every word that yousay.

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do

And a little child who is dreaming of the day she'll be like you.

You are the little one's idol

The wisest of the wise.

In her little mind about you no suspicions ever rise.

She believes in you devoutly

And holds all you say and do

So that she may do the same when she is grown up just like you.

There's a wide eyed little one

Who believes you're always right

And her eyes are always open watching you day and night.

You are setting an example every day in all you do

For the little one who is waiting to grow up to be just like you.

It doesn't matter if we, or our bigger kids, want to be rolemodels. We are. It is a responsibility that comes with maturity. Ifwe point out that responsibility to our older children, a lot ofthem will be more aware of their language and actions. They'll raisethe bar for themselves -- at least in front of impressionable youngkids -- and become better role models.

Little things like language and manners, and bigger things likefessing up, these are qualities that need to be promoted, especiallyin today's world. Let your bigger kids know how important theiractions really are.

And as our young ones strive to become like those cool biggerkids, they'll be striving for something that's truly good.

SPRING FEVER PARENTS NEED BREAK FROM SPRING BREAK -- AND THERE'S LOTS FOR THEIR KIDS TO DO - The Herald News - Joliet (IL)

When spring break comes, kids get restless.Free from school, they need something to do.

Every day.

Or they'll moan, 'We're bored.

What can we do?'

Fret not.

There are activities around Will County for kids who are out of school both this week and next.

And these aren't expensive junkets.

Why, your kids might even learn something while having a little fun.

[] Will County Forest Preserve District, (815) 727-8700.

To catch the first fragile signs of spring, there are hunts for wildflowers, spokesman Bruce Hodgdon said.

Kids and parents will tramp through the woods with a naturalist, searching for blossoms on the forest's floor.

'They are very short-lived,' Hodgdon said.

'They have found their niche -- when there is no leaf cover, and sun can flood the forest floor.

As soon as the shade begins, they have already laid their seeds and go back to sleep for another year.'

Each hour-long jaunt is free.

One will be held at 2 p.m. April 11 at Hammel Woods, Illinois 59, Shorewood.

Another will be at 2 p.m. April 19 at Messenger Woods, Bruce Road near U.S. 6, Lockport Township.

Budding anglers can learn the ropes at a beginner's fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to noon April 18 at Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee. There is a fee for the event, but it includes an hour of fishing time after the class, Hodgdon said.

Everything, including poles, is provided by the forest preserve.

Call (708) 534-8499 for more information.

[] Barnes & Noble book store, 2621 Plainfield Road, Joliet, (815) 254-2253.

April is national poetry month.

To get your kids in a rhyming frame of mind, the store is having a poetry event on April 16, spokeswoman Elaine Stonich said.

'We'll read some poetry, and then we will give them a sheet of words.

They can cut them out and make their own poem,' Stonich said.

The event is free.

[] Channahon Park District, 25334 W. Eames St., (815) 467-7275.

In Channahon, spring break is this week.

So that's when there is open skating at the Channahon Skateland.

The rink is open from noon to 3 p.m. each day.

A mere $3.50 buys skate rental and admission.

Rock tunes will blare, of course, and there's a concession stand.

[] Joliet Park District, (815) 741-7275.

Time for Easter camp.

Hartman Recreation Center, 511 N. Collins St., holds a camp during spring break.

Held daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13-17, the camp is a godsend for working parents.

'They play games, do arts and crafts, sports,' spokeswoman Ann Miller said. 'We take them on field trips to our other facilities, like the ice arena and the nature center.'

At $20 for residents with a discount card and $30 for everyone else, this camp is a bargain.

So it's popular.

Call for reservations, Miller advised.

There are also public skates April 10-19 at the Inwood Ice Area, 3000 W. Jefferson St. The times and admission fees vary, but skate rental is available through Kenwoody's Shot & A Goal Pro Shop outside the rink.

Call the park district for more information.

Do your kids need to work on their jump shots? There's a special youth open gym April 13-17 at the multipurpose center, 3000 W. Jefferson St. It costs $1 for residents, $2 for nonresidents each visit.

Bring a basketball and get to it.

[] Joliet YMCA, 749 Houbolt Drive, (815) 744-3939.

Campers can come here, too.

The YMCA has a camp program from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily April 13-17. The session is for kindergarten-age kids up through the sixth or seventh grade, said Marge Boucher, a YMCA employee.

'We have swimming every day, arts and crafts.

If it is nice out, we do a lot of outdoor activities.

There are usually around 30 kids,' Boucher said.

A whole week of camp costs $75 for members.

Non-members must pay $95 and buy a year-long basic membership for $24. A single day of camp costs $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

Older kids can get a jump on summer by attending a week of lifeguard classes, April 13-17. The daily classes go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By the end of the class, everyone should be certified to work as a lifeguard, Boucher said.

Not everyone can attend the classes -- you must be 15 or older.

The course will teach CPR for the professional rescuer and standard first aid measures.

It costs $125 for members and $175 for non-members.

It's a popular class, Boucher said.

'At this time of year, kids are wanting to get certified so they can lifeguard at different pools,' Boucher said.

Kids who can't swim also should stop by the YMCA.

There's a class for boys and girls ages 3 through 12 who haven't had lessons yet.

And it's cheap -- $5 for five sessions.

'It's a motivational thing, to get them used to the water,' Boucher said.

The April 13-17 classes are given at several times, so call for more information.

[] The Joliet Public Library main branch, 150 N. Ottawa St., (815) 740-2660.

Have your kids surfed the Internet yet?

They can do it at the library's online information center.

And it's free. The second-floor center is open during library hours.

Kids can use the computers for an hour at a time.

Before your young one jumps on the World Wide Web, they must fill out a form available at the second-floor reference desk.

Children who are younger than 14 need a parent's signature.

Young children might enjoy the first-floor public media center.

It, too, is open during library hours.

They can use the computers to play age-appropriate games.

FOOTBALL PLAYERS TEAMING UP TO MENTOR GRADE-SCHOOL KIDS - Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)

SAUGUS - Zach Summers leaned over to look at the small boy'spaper and helped him correct a word.

'It's a-c-h at the end, even though it sounds like k,' heexplained, helping him write 'stomach' for his poem about bodyparts.

The quarterback for the Saugus High School football team could bespending his Friday afternoons scrimmaging or playing video games,but between 2 and 3 p.m., he and 14 of his teammates help studentsat Bouquet Elementary School with everything from writing to artprojects to games and reading.

'Coach (Jason Bornn) said he wasn't forcing anyone to do it,'Summers said. 'We all wanted to help.'

The gridiron stars made their first visit to the campus on April29 and spent the afternoon getting to know the kids.

'They asked us about ourselves and shared a lot of stuff aboutthemselves, like what their favorite animals are,' Summers said.

'They wanted to know how we were in elementary school,' saidJustin Keehne, who plays center for the Centurions. 'They asked alot of questions about how we made the transition from elementaryschool to high school. They don't want to know much about football.

'We're here to tell them that when they get to high school, theyshould work hard if they want to succeed, even if they don't playsports.'

Receiver Wes Campbell said his math skills were tested when thekids asked for help the previous week. 'We're here to give themanything they need,' he said.

Renee Anderson welcomed the boys into her third-grade classroom,where pupils were working on their body-part poems. 'They were soexcited to know the boys were coming back,' she said as the boysworked with small groups.

''My legs are made of noodles,'' Zach read aloud. 'How do youwalk?' he asked the boys sitting at his feet.

Across the room, T.J. Gregg, a Bouquet Canyon Elementary alumnus,drew a picture for Kayla Eaton, 9, and Kailee Roth, 8.

'Let's start with the head and work down,' he said.

'We don't have a stomach!' Kailee said.

'Let's work on this some more,' Gregg suggested.

In Debbie McGreevey's fourth-grade class, pupils were in themidst of publishing newspapers about themselves. In the middle ofthe classroom, Keehne and Terence Manley were surrounded byyoungsters clamoring for their attention.

'It's so much more fun when the boys check their work than when ateacher checks it,' McGreevey joked. 'It's a real positiveexperience for everyone to have them here.'

'Make sure she can't see the writing,' Manley coached as hehelped a little one with a construction paper portrait. Nearby,Keehne stood, arms crossed and listening intently as Mina Faust, 10,read her biography.

Bornn said he got the idea to partner the team with elementaryschool children from a newspaper article.

'It's a great way to teach kids concern for others,' he said. 'Wehave about 15 kids signed up to do it. One of the moms said she'dhelp coordinate it with the school and Bouquet was the first one torespond that they were ready. We're going to continue until the endof the school year and pick it up in the fall.'

The high school students get no extra credit or community servicepoints for their involvement, a fact that didn't seem to matter tothe boys as they eagerly went to their classes.

'When I told these guys that the kids would be looking forward toseeing them every week, they were ready,' Bornn said. 'I told themthe kids would be depending on them, and let them know if theyflaked and didn't show that they would be letting the kids down.

'I remember when I was a kid, if I saw a football player walkingacross campus, it didn't matter if he was the starting quarterbackor the eighth-string punter, they were a football player and a heroin my eyes.'

Bornn said the buzz around the locker room has been nothing butpositive - and for 15 young men at Saugus High, Fridays have becomemuch more than just game days.

Carol Rock, (661) 257-5252