This year, the event was more successful than ever because of the large number of readers. While Glasier expected 46 community members, members of the Dunkirk High School Honor Society and Job Corps participants swelled the ranks. United Way volunteers and employees, retired teachers, members of the Dunkirk Police Department as well as officials from city hall, and others met in the school library.

Some readers brought their own books, others chose from the wide selection in the library.

Glasier’s shirt set the tone for the afternoon. “You’re Never Too OLD Too WACKY Too WILD, To PICK up a book and READ To A Child,” it read. The adult readers received a name tag, a goody bag, a bottle of water and a special thank you note at the registration table

In the library, Glasier addressed the group. “We’re relaxed here today,” she said. “It’s Jama (pajama) Day at School 5.”

OBSERVER Photo by Diane Chodan Community Readers could bring a favorite book or pick one from the School 5 library. Readers Lucy Hurley (left) and Anita Espersen discuss books to read aloud.

Principal David Boyda used the school’s public address system to welcome the visitors. Glasier then asked each reader to tell the students in the assigned classroom a little bit about him/herself. Each reader could also explain the importance of reading in his/her life.

School 5 classrooms range from kindergarten to Grade 5. In addition the school has two special education classes. Students from each class escorted their readers to the assigned rooms.

Students were divided into smaller groups in each classroom to listen to the stories adults chose and to ask questions. After reading and interacting with the students, adults lingered in the cafeteria and the library to discuss their experiences. The readers enjoyed their audiences.

Martha Lukasik sported a large smile and a decorated name tag. She said, “I really didn’t want to leave. Look at these stickers the kids put on my name tag.” The Seuss-themed stickers complimented her–Yahoo, Great, Nice Work.

City Clerk Edwin Ramos read a number of books to a group of kindergarteners. “One book was a counting book, so we had to count which took some time. There was one student who spoke Spanish as a primary language and he was a little shy, but he warmed up. I hope I am invited back next year.”

OBSERVER Photo by Diane Chodan A group of students in Kyle Damon’s fourth grade heard “The Lorax,” a book by Dr. Seuss. Pictured around a table beginning at left are: Jenesis Ortiz, Alexia Marie Firman, Adam Lukach, Anthony Rodriguez Rivera, and Armani Wallher.

Executive Director of the United Way Adam Dolce enjoyed his debut at this event. “This helps me connect with the young crowd,” he said. Children’s literacy has been a target for the United Way’s efforts. Dolce explained that the United Way has provided books to children from Pre K to Third Grade in Northern Chautauqua County and partnered with the Job Corps. “It’s an important issue,” he added.

Councilman Don Williams read in his wife’s kindergarten class. He began because she asked him to read and he has participated for either five or six years. “I look forward to it,” he said. “I tell the kids I went to school here.”

As usual the Dunkirk Police Department sent a good number of officers to school. In addition to Police Chief David Ortolano, Sergeant Chris Makowski, and officers Edwin Gomez, Jeff Ortolano, Joe Carruth, and Amy Noble read. Chief Ortolano said, “We try to get out to the schools because the kids are important.”

Officer Gomez likes this event as well as others that involve visiting the local schools. He said, “I can meet the kids and later they remember me and aren’t scared of me.”

Principal Boyda summed up the day. “It brings our school community to the larger local community and the larger community to our school.”