The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is reminding everyone to think of summer safety now that school is out.

For Parents:

--  Wear all safety equipment, including a helmet when riding a bicycle

--  Look all ways before crossing the street

--  Educate your children about 'strangers'

--  Teach children how to handle stranger encounters

--  There is safety in numbers when using the 'buddy system' when playing or walking home

--  Cyber-proof your children when it comes to internet use

For Children:

--  Look all ways and only cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections

--  Wait for a walk signal, if there is one at an intersection.  When on a bike, walk it across the intersection

--  Wear all safety equipment, including a helmet when riding a bicycle

--  Walk with others whenever possible.  Do not talk to strangers or accept rides from people without parental permission

Water Safety:

--  Never leave children unattended around water

--  Enroll your children in swimming lessons at an early age

--  Learn CPR and First Aid

--  Always wear a life jacket when boating

--  Keep small children within arm's length around water

Drivers should especially keep an eye out for children riding their bikes and in areas where they would not normally be during the school year.  Slow down, obey the rules of the road and be award of additional pedestrian and cyclist traffic.  Officers will also be stepping up their enforcement regarding texting and cell phone use while driving.  Be safe and have a happy summer from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

Cherished Wings is having a Pasta and Meatball benefit at the Grand Gardens (Old Union Hall) on Dennis Street, on Tuesday, September 14th.  Cherished Wings is a group that cares for and rescues unwanted birds.  They currently have 100 birds in their care to house and feed, among other things.

Tickets are 20 dollars each -- to learn more, visit their website:  www.cherishedwings.ca.

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is offering basic Computer  workshops to members of the community. The workshops are held on Thursdays from 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm.  All sessions are one hour. They cost $10 each. Workshops available include: Introduction to Computers, Intoduction to Internet, Introduction to E-Mail,  To sign up for a workshop or for more information contact the Library's Reference and Information Desk at 759-5236.

If you would like to get your non- profit event on EZ Rock Heartbeats or on our website e-mail us at contests@ezrocksoo.com

35 boys are waiting for a Big Brother in the Sault area.  You could be part of shaping a boy into a man of the future.  Two hours per week to be a friend to a young boy between the ages of 6 to 14 for a minimum commitment of one year.  A little brother is waiting.  Respond to our request today.  Police checks are required.

Everyday 1 in 3 members of our community are helped by a United Way Program or Services. For information on United Way programs in our community or to make a donation visit www.ssmunitedway.ca