‘Family Reading Picnics’ Strive for Family Fun

by Jonathan Weaver

The free book giveaways continue this year for local students.

Only seven weeks away from the start of their next school year, Kittanning Salvation Army leaders want to make sure children are still reading, but also enjoying the summer break.

During the first family reading picnic of the summer outside the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society in Kittanning, Lieutenant Amber Imhoff said the next six weeks will have a simple objective, but a whole lot of fun.

“Basically, the goal is just getting families to be able to have time to be families,” Lieutenant Amber said. “This year, we’re just kind-of taking it on the road for six weeks.”

Last year, Mission Literacy Team members held events such as at Worthington-West Franklin Library and in September 2014, a ‘Reading Under the Stars’ event was held at West Hills Community Park in East Franklin Township.

This year will culminate into ‘Reading on Market Street’ Saturday, August 13 with food, crafts and activities centered on different children’s books. Children will also receive free backpacks with school supplies at this event if pre-registered.

“We just started registration for backpacks and school supplies today, so registration goes from now until August 5,” Lieutenant Amber said. “Any kid that lives in Armstrong County – preschool through 12th grade.”

While Lieutenant Amber read to about 30 children on the front lawn, literacy team members like Nicole Jorgan – of Ford City – prepared for children to take part in their first craft – painting on canvas.

Jorgan – a member of the Kittanning Salvation Army – responded to Lieutenant Amber’s group message about the six picnics. Jorgan’s 13-year-old daughter, Gabrielle, is also a member of the literacy team.

“Ultimately, (we wanted to) bring books to the kids, and give something for lower-income families to do as a family,” Jorgan said.

Last night, children picked their favorite books from about 200 titles - including science fiction titles by C.S. Lewis and horror from R.L. Stine.

“The kids will get to pick a new book each week,” Lieutenant Amber said.

‎Armstrong County Historical Society Museum Curator Anne Pepling said Salvation Army leaders requested if the site was available on a wide range of dates, and curators selected last night and August 9.

She said Salvation Army groups have visited the site in the past.

Crystal Mack of Kittanning was persuaded to bring her three children after eight-year-old daughter, Riley Rosenberger, heard about the event from some friends.

“I wanted to be with my friends and some of my cousins,” Riley said.

During the craft, Riley painted her backyard – including an apple tree and grape bushes – while her mom painted hearts.

While Lieutenant Amber read and directed children at the top of the hill, husband Lieutenant Jason distributed free hot dogs, cookies and chips to participants in the Army canteen truck along

Lieutenant Amber said the next two picnics – Thursday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 19 – will be held in Ford City Park.

All picnics begin at 6:30PM and are free to all ages.