Dr. David Hopson
I’m pleased to report that a “Night of a Million Books” will be held in the district for the third consecutive year. The Coordinated Community and Family Engagement Grant, the Gateway Family Center, Hilltown Community Health Centers, and the Gateway Regional School District are sponsoring this event, designed to promote reading in families and across the community.
This year’s book is “Young Men and Fire” by Norman Maclean, and the kickoff event will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. “Young Men and Fire” is both an epic act of storytelling about the events surrounding the 1949 Mann Gulch Forest Fire in Montana, and an investigation into the truth behind those stories. It explores the often unclear line between heroes and villains, and how individuals and communities deal with tragedies.
Dinner will be served in the Gateway HS Cafeteria from 5:30 – 6 p.m. and is free for all participants.
Wonderful activities follow for everyone! After dinner, children will go to the Middle School Gym for music, activities and childcare: their evening will feature music and movement specialist Rick Goldin. Adult activities begin with Rona Leventhal—a local tale-spinner and artist—who will discuss the art and power of storytelling. Participants will experience, through story, song, and shared memories, the epic and often-mythical battle between humans and fire. An additional guest speaker, smokejumper and firefighter Tim Zelazo will share his experiences and award-winning photos of some spectacular fires. The organizers only request is that families and individuals R.S.V.P. to Dianne Meehan or Kim Savery at 667-2203 so that there is sufficient food and child supervision.
In addition to the event being free, the first 20 families to arrive and sign in will receive a free copy of the “Young Men and Fire” book, and there will be free children’s books for every family that attends.
The organizers are also hoping to involve local fire departments in the evening’s activities including involving students from Gateway who are Junior Fire Fighters – truly trying to expand the activity to include various groups in our communities.
Last year’s event attracted 75 participants and their feedback was very positive. Given the activities and guest speakers planned for this year’s event, the organizers hope to attract even more participants. I certainly hope that many families and individuals take this opportunity to enjoy a free evening out with childcare provided, a chance to hear from—and interact with—some wonderful and exciting guest speakers, and to participate in this ‘Community Read’ – part of the 2014 World Book Night. I commend all of the people and organizations who are working so diligently to provide us with this wonderful opportunity for our greater community.
