Jun 5, 2008
Easton celebrates a dog’s life with reading event
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by Karen Dydzuhn
Correspondent
The dog days of summer arrived in Easton a few weeks ahead of schedule as the Easton Public Library hosted a dog show Saturday.
The fun-filled, family event kicked off “One Book, One Read,” a literacy program featuring a book about man’s best friend, Marley and Me: Life and Love of the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan.
Rolled out in cities and towns throughout the United States, including nearby Westport and Shelton, the program is designed so that as many community members as possible read the same book at the same time. Its goals are two-fold: To promote a love of reading, and to bring residents together in an educational and social setting.
Easton Library Director Bernadette Baldino said she chose this particular title because there are three versions of the book available and all ages would be able to participate in the program.
Although Mr. Grogan originally penned an adult, nonfiction book, Marley and Me, he has since released Marley: A Dog Like No Other, a fiction tale geared towards those children in third to fifth grade, and a picture book called Bad Dog, Marley! for the preschool set.
“I felt this would truly be a ‘One Book, One Town’ experience because everyone, from the very youngest to the very oldest resident in Easton could participate,” said Ms. Baldino.
Several copies of the books are available at the library. However, baskets filled with the three different titles will also be placed at the Easton Community Center, Easton Village Store and Senior Center. Residents are encouraged to take a copy to read and then pass it on.
Funded by grants from the Easton Learning Foundation, Friends of the Easton Public Library and Easton Library’s Board of Trustees, Ms. Baldino said that everyone should be able to “get their hand on a copy of the book.”
“This is a great way to build community relationships and meet new friends,” Ms. Baldino said. “The book itself is a great conversation starter. It’s wonderful that we will be able to encourage dialogue through literature.”
Other ‘dog days’
From now until mid-November, she is planning several exciting dog-related activities for readers of all ages.
This week the library and the town’s Parks and Recreation Department will co-sponsor an outdoor movie, “The Shaggy Dog,” starring Tim Allen. Everyone is invited to the field at Helen Keller Middle School tomorrow (Friday, June 6) at 7 p.m.
Book discussion groups are scheduled this summer.
There will also be visits from local dog trainers and behaviorists who will offer tips for how to best care for your dog, she added.
“I think this whole concept of ‘One Book, One Town’ is exciting for a town like Easton, which is sometimes politically divisive,” said Barbie Powell, president of the Friends of the Easton Library. “This reading program will transcend generations.”
The dog show
Ms. Baldino appreciated the support of the library’s volunteer organization in organizing Saturday’s dog show.
“They all worked very hard to get this whole program going,” Ms. Baldino noted.
Along with the Friends, members of Helen Keller Middle School’s Kids Who Care (K.W.C) club were also instrumental in the Dog Show’s overall success.
Comprised of sixth grade students, the goal of the newly formed community service group is to support children in hospitals and raise money to help with the construction of Easton’s new animal shelter.
As part of the “One Book, One Read” program, K.W.C members are hoping to raise funds by selling paper dog bones for $1. These will be available for purchase at the library.
“The best part about being in K.W.C. (Kids Who Care) and coming to the dog show is that it’s all about being able to learn about things in the world that could be changed and made better,” said sixth-grader, Milo Barer.
Dogs were paraded around a ring that was set up in the rear of the library’s building. Children were also encouraged to dress up as a dog.
Lisa Burghardt, coordinator of K.W.C., said that it was exciting to see such a great turnout for Saturday’s event.
Her daughter, Shannon, agreed.
“I really liked helping out with the show,” Shannon said. “There were over 54 dogs, and everyone who came had a great time. I’m glad that Easton is so involved. Our club is great, and I think it is really wonderful that so many members came to help out.”
Ms. Burghardt was also impressed to see representatives from several local organizations in attendance.
“It was gratifying to see different volunteers from different organizations working with each other to make this event a success,” she said. “I hope to see more events like this where the community can come together for some fun and promote community spirit.”
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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