Sounds of beautiful, controlled operatic voices echo through the CSUN Music Department several hours daily. About 30 classically trained singers of the OperaWorks program attempt to perfect their voices in preparation for an annual performance. Jessica Slatknff, who is in her first year of the program, said she noticed a difference in her voice after two weeks of being in the program.

A $585,000 three-year grant was awarded to the Community Service Learning Program and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at CSUN to fund a gang prevention program. Mentoring to Overcome Struggles and Inspire Courage, which serves disadvantaged youths who are involved in gangs throughout the San Fernando Valley, was awarded the grant to fund services that include counseling and tutoring, said Maureen Rubin, director of CSL at the new Center for Innovative and Engaged Learning Opportunities at CSUN.

At-risk students and CSUN’s Mentoring to Overcome Struggles and Inspire Courage mentors were acknowledged for their commitment to end gang violence June 17 during the second annual Peace Conference at the Jack London Continuation High School. “This type of program is for the at-risk youths, to empower them and provide them with the skills they need to succeed,” said Bibi Caspari, director of Forward Step.

Recently, I went to my local Blockbuster video store to rent a movie for the evening and as I was checking out, I handed the clerk a DVD, my Blockbuster and credit/ATM card. The clerk returned my Blockbuster card and handed me the DVD. It was a typical Blockbuster experience.