Summer Reading Program

Almost every teacher would agree that students who spend part of their summer with books are more likely to become good readers and make progress in school the next fall.But getting books into the hands of all Baltimore children -- some of whom may not live within walking distance of a public library or have books at home -- has been a challenge.After prodding by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and several nonprofit groups, the Baltimore school board appears ready to require students in first through eighth grades to read a set number of books this summer and keep a reading journal -- a first attempt at a mandatory summer reading program for the city's public schools.

Impressed by a pilot summer reading program for 8-year-olds, Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke is seeking to expand the "Supercamp" model next year for thousands of Baltimore schoolchildren between the third and fourth grades."

IF A TRIP to the seashore isn't in your plans this summer, you'll need only to go as far as the Mount Airy public library to get a glimpse of the undersea world.Bright, blinking fish lights, plastic fish and an octopus, a wet suit and loads of crepe paper have transformed the children's room at the library into an underwater adventure.If you use your imagination, you can almost smell ocean saltwater and feel the sand between your toes.Families are invited to register for "Under the Sea: Puppet Show," at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. July 15 and 16 and 1: 30 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 17 at the library, 705 Ridge Ave.Children age 4 and older are invited to the library for "Beach Party" at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. July 29 and 31.As part of the library's summer reading program, Corky the Penguin, the library mascot, is taking the plunge in "Corky Dives into Books."

READY, SET, READ! The Summer Reading Program at the Brooklyn Park Library, 1 E. 11th Ave., begins tomorrow for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade in the fall.Fill out a registration form and pick up your Summer Reading Starter Kit, then visit the library each week for new books and activities and mark your calendar for special Summer Reading Program events.Everyone who registers will receive a free pass to the Baltimore Zoo (while supplies last) and be eligible to win free passes to Adventure World, Apex Cinemas, the Babe Ruth Museum and the Chesapeake Children's Museum.

THE COUNTDOWN to summer boredom for your children begins when the final school bell rings next week.Whether they are 6 or 16, it's a matter of time until you hear those words so dear to a parent's heart: "I'm bored. There's nothing to do."It's enough to rattle the nerves of even the most patient parent.In case you have not had the time or the courage to think about that looming deadline, here are a few local programs that may help you and your children enjoy those lazy, crazy summer days.

Police logPasadena: Someone broke into Downs Memorial Park overnight Saturday, pulled up fencing around a hawk cage and released the birds, county police said.Pub Date: 6/06/96

ONE OF THE JOYS of living in this part of the county is the celebration of the seasons and the harvests of favorite foods that ripen throughout the growing cycle.Linwood Brethren Church, 150 parishioners strong, will have its annual strawberry festival at 2 p.m. June 15 on the church grounds, 575 McKinstry's Mill Road.Dee Keplinger, wife of the church's pastor, Robert Keplinger, said the strawberry festival keeps growing in size and scope."We used to pick our own berries for the event," she said, "but now it's gotten too big. The church women still cap the berries, though."

THE UNITED Methodist Youth from Nichols Bethel United Methodist Church in Odenton plan a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the church parking lot to raise money for the group's annual trip to West Virginia to help repair the homes of the elderly and poor.The youth group also will have a bake sale the same day, so you can buy something to munch on while you wait for your vehicle.Summer reading programAnne Arundel County's public libraries have tied the theme of their summer reading program, Ready, Set, READ, to the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

MEALS ON WHEELS desperately needs volunteers to deliver food to shut-ins. The job takes about an hour and a half every other week on Mondays and Wednesdays.This is a worthwhile endeavor that takes a small amount of time. Information: (410) 551-9349.Heritage societyThe Odenton Heritage Society has planned its first Recognition Dinner Friday at Perry's Restaurant and Grill, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton. The society will honor and recognize membership and community preservation contributions.

CONGRATULATIONS TO the North County High School Band and Bandfront on their outstanding performance at a recent competition in Orlando, Fla.Competing against bands from 10 other states, the students took first place for the best parade team, concert band, jazz band, indoor percussion and flag team. Indoor poms received a second-place award. First place for solo twirler went to Shannon Boyer.If you would like to hear the band, attend the Spring Concert at 7: 30 p.m. Wednesday in the school auditorium.