As spring gets into full swing, Heather Schmiedicke, youth education coordinator for the Civic Garden Center, thinks about children and adults working together in neighborhood gardens.

She is looking for mentors who wish to have a positive impact on the life of a child.

"We would like to get at least 12 mentors who could spend maybe two hours a week working with children in the Summer Sprout Garden Program," Schmiedicke said.

"We have four neighborhood gardens in the program, which involve about 200 children," she said.

The program runs from June 2 through Aug. 31, but will extend into September at some gardens for harvesting.

Volunteer mentors may sign up by calling Schmiedicke at 221-0981.

Neighborhood garden sites are: 1411 Race St. and 406 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine; Reading and Burton streets, Avondale; and Nassau and St. James, Walnut Hills.

Schmiedicke said most Summer Sprout programming takes place 3-5 p.m., Sunday through Friday.

"We usually put up a sign to let the children know the gardens are open. Volunteers may come in and work with them.

"Knowledge of gardening is not necessary. We want to teach the children about teamwork, education and skills about gardening. The children get a chance to take the produce home," Schmiedicke said.

The neighborhood garden programs were started 20 years ago and have spread to more than 50 gardens in 21 communities in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Mary Ann Westendorf, neighborhood gardens coordinator, said gardens raised more than $90,000 worth of produce and served more than 1,000 people in the communities where they were located.

Volunteers are needed to work at Summerfair the weekend of May 30-31 and June 1 at Coney Island.

Teresa Donley, Summerfair festival chairman, said more that 300 artists and food vendors will participate this year. To volunteer, call 271-7111.

Students at Heritage Hill Elementary School, 11961 Chesterdale Road, Springdale, hosted a special "Parade of Pride" Thursday. The event was in celebration of Right to Read Week

The parade was a simulation of the Rose Bowl Parade, with 308 special book floats, created by the students, on display in hallways.

Marine Cpl. Lacey Sullivan, a 1998 graduate of Batavia High school, was part of the United States Marine Corps Band that performed on March 25 for President Bush at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla.

Sullivan is the daughter of Debbie Scott of Batavia. Sullivan started playing in a band when she was 5 years old. She has been a member of the USMC Band since 1999, stationed in New Orleans. She is a section leader and principal flautist.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News'' column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, ahoward@enquirer.com or fax 768-8340.