By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Local groups and libraries have lots of fun activities planned to help those on summer vacation to continue learning, keep moving and have lots of summer fun. Each library is offering tons of fun reading activities.
Yvonne Martinez at the Mountaintop Library in Thomas is again offering up a summer reading list and reward. She said students who read two books over the summer will receive a gift certificate for a free ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Shop in Davis and said those who read five books will have the opportunity to choose between two prizes.
Some of the suggested reading materials include Amelia & Eleanor Go For a Ride for Pre K and kindergarten age students; The Drinking Gourd for grades 1 and 2; Hatchet for grades 3 and 4; Old Yeller for those in grades 5 and 6; The Hobbit for those in grades 7 and 8; and the Prodigal Summer for those in high school.
The complete list of suggested summer reading is available at the Mountaintop Library.
The Five Rivers Public Library in Parsons is sponsoring ‘On Your Mark, Get Set, Read’ for students. Library assistant Angie Johnson said the program is slated for 10 a.m. to noon June 15, 22 and 29. Johnson said the program will include reading and activities.
“There will be competition like a sports week, a health and fitness week and a science and sports week,” Johnson said. “We will be melting crayons to see which color melts the quickest.”
Johnson said folks do not need to register for the program and said older and younger siblings are welcome to attend.
“We also have some reading and craft activities planned for the events,” she said.
The Five Rivers Public Library is offering summer movie days beginning July 6.
“They will be every Wednesday through Aug. 10,” Johnson said. “We will show movies from 1 to 3 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Movies include Zootopia, Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Peanuts Movie, Minions, Norm of the North and the Good Dinosaur.”
The Pioneer Memorial Public Library in Harman is sponsoring a summer reading program from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays beginning June 29 and will run through the end of July. Library Director Judy Bucher said the program is for school age children and their families.
“The theme is On Your Mark, Get Set, Read,” Bucher said. “The program includes reading and activities such as crafts or other fun activities.”
Bucher said there are no pre-registration requirements and encourages folks to come enjoy some summer reading fun.
“The other thing we are going to have is an interpretive nature hike on July 23,” Bucher said. “We are asking folks interested in this to call the library for additional details and for registration.”
The Pioneer Memorial Public Library phone is 304-227-4788.
Let’s Get Moving will be held in conjunction with the Summer Food Program and will feature an hour of physical activity. The fun will include six games that promote and encourage physical activity and outdoor play.
The Family Resource Network is sponsoring tye-dying in the park on Friday. Folks are asked to bring their own T-shirts and additional information is available by calling 304-478-3827.
The Summer Food Program is offered beginning about noon at Mill Race Park, St. George Park, Hambleton Park, Hendricks Park, Thomas Park and Davis Park. Tentatively, the program will be at Mill Race June 13 and July 5 and 26; St. George on June 21, July 12, and Aug. 2; Hambleton June 28 and July 19; Hendricks June 17 and July 8, 29; Thomas June 24, July 15 and Aug. 2; and Davis July 1 and 22.
The Summer Food Program is sponsored by the Parsons Senior Center and will be available to students 18 years of age and younger, regardless of income. Those wishing to participate in the Summer Foods Program should call 304-478-2423 by 9:30 a.m. to let them know which site children will be eating at so there is enough food.
Tucker County Senior Center Director Roxanne Tuesing said they need a few more volunteers to pick up meals each day and transport them to the sites. Anyone wishing to help can call her at 304-478-2423.