Last evening I attended the last in a series of "Library After Hours" events. These events, created by the Library Night Owls, were designed as networking and social mini fundraisers geared to bringing awareness and funding to the Story Express Bookmobile in our community. Held at the Elizabeth Lahti Library in Indiantown, it was so much more. It was the largest event to date with more than 200 people in attendance. Included among them were Iris Wahl, rancher and owner of the Seminole Inn who told some tales of growing up in Indiantown in such an engaging way that the crowd could have sat there for hours. Following Miss Wahl was "Miss" Waters, a native of Indiantown who talked about growing up in a family of 12 and learning about volunteerism before anyone told her what it was.
But, the most heart-warming and entertaining part of the entire evening was when the 3rd grade children of Warfield Elementary performed the Pledge of Allegiance in a wrap-style chant. Looking over the faces of every color and ethnicity it was hard to keep the eyes dry. This group was followed by a group of youngsters who are learning the guitar (for free) at the library. Then the Hope Rural School 1st graders did their rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Their wicked witch was really green and their Dorothy concluded the performance with her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Such showmanship!!!
These children are our future and our hope. We need the Story Express back on the road to bring the joy of learning into the future.
But, the most heart-warming and entertaining part of the entire evening was when the 3rd grade children of Warfield Elementary performed the Pledge of Allegiance in a wrap-style chant. Looking over the faces of every color and ethnicity it was hard to keep the eyes dry. This group was followed by a group of youngsters who are learning the guitar (for free) at the library. Then the Hope Rural School 1st graders did their rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Their wicked witch was really green and their Dorothy concluded the performance with her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Such showmanship!!!
These children are our future and our hope. We need the Story Express back on the road to bring the joy of learning into the future.
