N-oyances

This morning I was taking my usual route on the N train to the Family Support Center on Sixth Avenue--a route I am sure that at least a few of you are familiar with. The train passed its usual stops--Atlantic Avenue, 36th Street.


"The next stop on this train will be 59th Street" the cheery automated voice told me.

And then, without warning, I found myself at...9th Avenue? Much like the boy in the book "Have you seen my cat?" I was wandering befuddled, asking "Have you seen my stop? This is not my stop."

Last week I got a call from a couple of volunteers who ended up in the same trap, so I thought I would forewarn anyone else who uses this route to get to the center.

If you do find yourself cought up in the perils of the N, first and foremost, as the Hitchiker's Guide the Galaxy states, don't panic.

Next, if you are at 36th Street and have the chance to hear that the N is being re-routed, get out and transfer to the R train, which will take you safely to 53rd or 59th (dependant on where you are headed to read at).

If the train does happen to whoosh past 36th without warning, stay on it until you reach 62nd Street, and then get onto the next Manhattan bound N train, which will also take you to 59th.

Hopefully this will help you with future travels.

*This announcement has been brought to you by the letters N and R, and the numbers 53 and 59*

Project Closet

It's big. It's bad. It's the RoR closet.
(See pictoral representation at left)

And with nearly 1,500 free books distributed annually, it's no surprise.

July 30, commencing at 4:00 pm in the Family Support Center, the closet will finally meet its match.

Prepare for an fierce and grueling battle between human and storeroom. Books, tags, sorting, MADNESS! All I can say is "Closet, I've got three words for you--Are you ready?"

Mark your calanders, stop by the FSC, meet with fellow RoR-ers and show this bad boy who's boss. Refreshments and music will be provided (of course!) but you are welcome to bring a dish to share. Friends and loved ones are welcome to join as well.

Where: Family Support Center, 6025 6th Avenue

When: July 30th, 4:00 p.m.

Who: Team RoR

What: Project Closet

Why: It might mutate into a big book monster and take over the entire building.

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to the first post on the official Reach Out and Read blog--"Reaching and Reading." Feel free to look around and learn more about our program. Whether you are a prospective volunteer or have been with us from the beginning, thank you for your support and dedication to bringing the joy of books to our children.

Do you remember the first book that really captivated and pulled you in? As a kid who loved dinosaurs growing up, mine would have to be James Gurney's Dinotopia. Even today, I can still remember discovering the world he had so intricately created within the pages.

When books are looked upon as something to simply drudge through for an assignment, Reach Out and Read is there working to make them fun and magical again. After all, you and I both know they always have been. It's our job to make sure young children know this just as much today as we did then.

It is my hope that this blog will spark discussion among current and prospective volunteers, inform you about upcoming events and opportunities, and provide you with useful information along your journey as a literacy promoter. Whether you realize it or not, you are making a real difference in our community.

So, take a look around and make sure check for updates on RoR happenings in your neighborhood.

Happy reading,

Desiree Sotomayor

Volunteer Coordinator