There’s still time to take part in Saturday’s event.

By Mary O’KEEFE

soccer try-outs were this week for Rosemont Middle School kids. The soccer teams of both boys and girls are part of an afterschool sports program that is supported by donations and volunteers from the community.

The afterschool sports program has several opportunities for athletes including cross-country, lacrosse, basketball, flag football and cheer.

“The [program] has been very successful. We have a lot of students participating [on the teams], and a lot of kids coming out to watch the games,” said Assistant Principal Ron Sowers.

The school’s drum line performs during breaks in the game and the cheer squad is at both the home and away games, he added.

This is the second year of the free sports program at Rosemont. Principal Cynthia Livingston started the program and reached out to the community for help.

Unlike several schools in the Glendale district, most Crescenta Valley schools are not categorized as Title I schools and therefore do not receive federal funding. A Title I school may operate as a school-wide program only if a minimum of 40% of the students in the school or residing in the attendance area served by the school are from low-income families [Section 1114(a)(1) of Title 1 of ESEA], according to the California Department of Education.

The Rosemont program, which is continuing to grow in popularity, will get a big boost this Saturday with the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce 5K Run/Walk.

The chamber revived its 5K Run fundraiser about three years ago with chair Neil Ryan at the helm. Under his leadership, the run has been a successful fundraiser that promotes healthy choices while supporting local schools and organizations.

“We will be giving $5 of everyone’s [entrance fee] to a school,” said Julie Rabago, executive director of the CV Chamber of Commerce.

Runners/walkers will be able to choose a school they would like their donations to go toward by simply indicating it on the entry form. The Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition is a co-sponsor of the run and a supporter of the Rosemont afterschool program.

Any donations that are made toward the CVDAPC will go to Rosemont.

The run will start at Two Strike Park at 5107 Rosemont Ave. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with the Kids Fun Run beginning at 7:55 a.m. The 5K Run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K Walk at 8:05 a.m.

The entry fee is $20 for pre registration, which includes a T-shirt given the day of the race. Shirts are limited, so it is advised for those who would like a shirt to preregister for the run. Entry fee on the day of the race is $25, with T-shirt subject to availability. Kids Fun Run is free. Anyone who would just like to buy a T-shirt can do so for $10, again subject to availability.

Entry forms are available at www.lacrescenta.org or for information contact the CV Chamber of Commerce at (818) 248-4957.

  Mary Okeefe