Posted by Paul Lehman

BOOKS BY THE BUSHEL

The third annual Bushels of Books program of the Lockport Rotary Club was a delightful experience.  Rotary held its story time and book distribution on June 23 at the Lockport YMCA.  The children were divided into two age groups of K-2nd and 3-4th graders, and were supervised by the excellent staff of the YMCA Afterschool Program. Reading Rotarians were children's author Cyndy Cotten, Maria Biano, and Jackie Davis. The program was coordinated by Literacy Chair Jackie Davis and YMCA Youth Director Laurie Ferris.
 
The Rotary Club of Lockport collected approximately 175 new books, at 5 different locations.  It sends a special thanks to DeSalles Catholic School, the YMCA, The Palace Theater, and the Lockport High School Interact Club for serving as collection sights, in addition to Rotary.  The club advertised Bushels of Books LCTV's Community Bulletin Board, Facebook, and Clubrunner. 
 
Members of Rotary, and the local community donated new books for some of Lockport's youngest readers. Rotarians placed a Rotary Club logo in every book. The children of the YMCA After-School program were very exited to enjoy a story time, and receive a new book as a gift. Children's author Cyndy Cotten autographed copies of her books. Maria Biano, a retired Spanish teacher read in both English and Spanish at the children's request. Jackie Davis, a local voice teacher, sang one of the children's elementary school songs prior to reading her selection. The children were invited to select a new book following the story time. It was a wonderful event. The remainder of the books were given to each child attending the YMCA Day Camp held this summer.