BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

Assistance League benefits from project

Aspiring Eagle Scout Christopher Waller of Laguna Hills chose the Early Intervention Program of the Laguna Beach Assistance League as his focus for earning his 21st merit badge; Waller is just one merit badge away from his goal.

His assignment, after identifying a community need as a focus for a project, was to present a plan for addressing the need and, on approval, executing the project.

Through a friend’s mother he learned of the program, contacted coordinator Catherine Hall, visited the facilities and decided to design and build a storage unit with cheerful-colored cubicles to hold supplies for the program’s infants.

The EIP program, founded in 1976, is a collaborative parent/infant training program for developmentally delayed infants conducted by professional therapists aided by dedicated Assistance League volunteers.

Family beach cleanup to be held March 9

The First Annual Oak St Jam and Beach Clean Up will be March 9.

The family-friendly event for kids and families includes surfing and a beach cleanup.

For more information, e-mail chris@soulsurfingschool.com.

Boys & Girls Club branch gets makeover

On Feb. 16, Rebuilding Together, Orange County and several community volunteers spent the better part of the day pampering the Boys & Girls Clubs’ TLC branch with a little “tender loving care” of their own.

Volunteers split into project groups including landscaping, painting, lighting and general maintenance.

Overgrown plants and shrubs were trimmed back from the perimeter of the building, giving the Club the much needed extra space.

For safety precautions, handrails were constructed on the walkways and stairwells, as well as flood lights mounted on the roof and around the building.

The project group responsible for painting included a mother and daughter from National Charity League, who worked diligently together painting the intricate detail of the picket fence surrounding the facility and front porch gazebo.

Meanwhile, inside the building, shelves were installed giving the Club more counter and work space for the children. All fluorescent lights were replaced, flooring was secured and new window handles and floor boards were fastened in place.

Cal Grant deadline looms near March 2

The March 2 deadline is fast approaching for high school seniors to apply for a Cal Grant — state-funded grants to help pay for college or career/technical school expenses that do not have to be paid back.

Cal Grants are guaranteed for all qualified students who meet eligibility requirements and apply by the March 2 application deadline.

With a Cal Grant, students can be awarded up to $9,700 a year to pay for college or career/technical school expenses.

Because this year’s deadline falls on a Sunday, forms postmarked by March 3 will be accepted. Other financial and academic eligibility requirements apply.

For help completing the FAFSA, students and families can visit www.calgrants.org to locate a Cash for College workshop in their area, or call (888) CA-GRANT (888-224-7268).