Children celebrate reading program

Running helter-skelter down the sloping grass at Villa Gigli, playing impromptu circle games and munching on pizza, children of all ages celebrated their completion of the summer reading program sponsored by the Alpine County Library. The event on Friday afternoon, Aug. 18, highlighted the children's efforts, as well as those by library staff members who encouraged youngsters to read for pleasure during summer vacation.

Alpine County Librarian Bessie Platten was assisted by Sonja Helfenstein and Rita Lovell in the program. According to Platten, "I've seen the number of participants increasing steadily through the years, thanks to the staff's enthusiasm and parents' involvement, especially in the zero to five group."

Wondering about the incongruity of toddlers reading, the answer is obvious; when parents read to their babies and toddlers, a lifelong love of books can develop. The goal for ages zero to five was to have at least 10 books read to them. For kids from six to eight, reading at least 100 pages was required to successfully complete the program.

The librarians proclaimed highest achievers to be Andrew Voss and Dashona Godowa.

Teenagers Amber, Vito and Macy organized games of tag and watched over the younger kids; Natane, Kristelle, Dashona, Kendall, Issaih, Ombryann, Chelsee, Anna, Corrie, Landon, Mckinna, Cole, Patrick, Andrew, Abigail, Elyssa, Tiller, Daniel, Jeff and Thomas.

Parents who enjoyed their offsprings' successful summer reading by watching their kids play and sharing Ruggero's handmade pizza were Cassandra Dick, Kim Jackson, Shannon Guerrero, Sarah Voss, Susan Van Doren and Tony Galvez.

Cassandra Dick, elementary school tutor at the Woodfords Indian Education Center, drove a van-load of kids over to Markleeville from Hung-a-lel-ti and commented, "We enjoyed collaborating with the library staff to promote reading to our students during the summer." She said that the favorite book that she read aloud to kids was "I Knew an Old Lady."

Other favorite books of the children-on-the-lawn were "Clifford," "The Baby Rattlesnake," "Where the Wild Things Are," "Rainbow Fish," and of course, the all time winner, "Cat in the Hat."

Courtney, Deanna, Jack, Shania, Teddy, Maya, Forest and Brooke were away on trips in this last week of summer vacation, or were not able to attend the pizza party, but the librarians wish to acknowledge their successful participation.

Helfenstein added, "All of the children will always be in my heart, and it's fantastic to see them so excited to read."

Lovell, a recent addition to the Alpine County Library staff, said, "We're so happy that so many children participated, and that there was so much parent support, because it's a team effort."

Platten thanked the Friends of the Library for the juice and cookies and Villa Gigli for donating the pizzas.

n Gina Gigli is Markleeville resident. Reach her at Gina@villagigli.com

Alpine Events

Alpine Kids go to Wild Waters in Reno

Saturday, September 2, 10:45 a.m.

RSVP Edie at 530-694-2934, before August 19.

Woodfords Community Faire & Country Chili & Salsa Challenge

Woodfords, Old Pony Express Road

Saturday & Sunday, September 16 & 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone 530-694-2930 for more information.

Creek Day at Markleeville Community Park

Saturday, September 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Phone 530-694-2327 for details.