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Northampton Mayor and Local Authors
Gather to Read Children's Stories
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - From 10 a.m. to noon
on Saturday, Oct. 4, local public figures will gather to read their favorite
children's books aloud at Davis Ballroom, Prospect Street, Smith College.
The event, known as Stories & Snacks,
is co-sponsored by Service Organizations of Smith (S.O.S.) and Safe Passage,
a Northampton-based organization that offers support and shelter for
domestic violence victims and their loved ones.
Those to read include Northampton Mayor
Mary Clare Higgins and local writers Norton Juster, author of "The
Phantom Tollbooth," and Heidi Stemple, co-author of the "Unsolved
Mysteries from History" series for children. In addition, a member
of the Northampton Police Department and Safe Passage staff will read.
The event will benefit Safe Passage's children's
program, which includes counseling, play therapy, outings, food and clothing.
The idea for Stories & Snacks came from
Smith sophomore Stacey Braverman, a board member of S.O.S. Braverman
has volunteered at Safe Passage in the past and often read to the children
there.
"I realized how amazing the kids were," said
Braverman. "One thing I also noticed was how much they enjoyed being
read to. "
Last year, Braverman organized a book drive
to benefit Safe Passage. More than 300 books were collected, which will
be "shared with other shelters and given to children when they leave
the shelter so they can have their own book," said Braverman.
This year, Braverman decided to organize this public book reading to raise
funds for Safe Passage in response to budget cuts, which many non-profit organizations
are facing this year.
Braverman also hopes that the event will
benefit the children who attend.
" I like the idea of different ages and genders reading -- it's great to
see that. I think it's a good message to kids if they see a police officer reading
stories, " said Braverman.
The cost of the event is $5 per person.
Snacks and drinks will be available. A raffle will also be held at the
event. The raffle winner will receive an original lithograph by local
children's book author Eric Carle. Other prizes include gift certificates
to local businesses.
S.O.S. will also be collecting "new
and gently used" children's books at the event.
For more information regarding the event, contact Braverman at (413) 585-7018,
orsbraverm@smith.edu.
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Office of College
Relations
Smith College
Garrison Hall
Northampton, Massachusetts 01063 |
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Marti
Hobbes
News Assistant
T (413) 585-2190
F (413) 585-2174
mhobbes@email.smith.edu
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