Students open program with a medley of patriotic songs
Submitted by Jean Simers
The seventh 2008-2009 Saturday Fun and Learning Day was held at Calhoun Middle-High School March 14th with over 300 people attending.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was also launched at the event. The program is open to any child up to 5 years old. A book is mailed to their home each month free of charge.
The day began with students from Arnoldsburg and Pleasant Hill entertaining the group with a medley of patriotic songs.
Robin Taylor, from the WV Department of Education for the Arts, explained the Imagination Library to everyone. Delegate David Walker was on hand to lend support to the program. Eighty children were enrolled in the program on Saturday which is 20% of the eligible children in Calhoun County. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who has a child who is under the age of five, please contact the Calhoun County Library at 354-6300, FRN Office at 304-354-7177 or WIC office at 304-354-6868.
Besides Imagination Library, there was informational tables from 12 organizations: Calhoun County Library (free books), Family Resource Network (WV CHIP information), Health Department - WIC information, Wal-mart, Minnie Hamilton Health System, Minnie's Rainbow Daycare Center, Parent Educator Resource Center, State Treasurer's Office (SMART 529 information), Higher Education, Angel Food Ministries, WVU Extension office and Heartwood in the Hills.
Participants create St. Patrick's Day crafts
Robin Taylor explains the "Imagination Library"
After visiting the displays, the parents and children created St. Patrick's Day crafts together before lunch, catered by the Middle School Boosters.
Those winning prizes were, Ada Overbaugh, chair donated by GEAR UP'
Cassandra Fowler, bookends donated by Imagination Library;
Jadelynn Hicks, Imagination Library book bag; Dylan Murphy, Imagination Library book bag; Holly Wilson, Build-a-Bear donated by State Treasurer's Office (SMART 529); Kim Butler, Kathryn Holbert, Linda Husk, and Sandra Woods, $25 gift certificates from the Pit Stop donated by Heads Up.
Entertainment was provided by magician, clown, Tommy King
The next Saturday Fun and Learning Day will be April 11th which will include a health fair with information from several agencies. Children will also participate in a Bicycle Safety class with each child receiving a bicycle helmet. Roads to Success will have an informational display. Wal-mart will have an informational table and will be drawing for two bicycles and two Easter baskets that day.
Each family will also assemble an emergency preparedness kit. Three pound coffee cans are needed for the event (either plastic or metal).
If you have questions contact Jean Simers, Heads Up Coordinator at 304-354-7595.
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