By Cynthia Cheponis
Writers, storytellers, and songwriters will present some of their work to children and their families at the first annual “An Evening with Authors” this weekend.
Local group Ottawa Lifelong Learning (OLL) is hosting the event at the Bronson Centre to raise money for literacy. The proceeds from the ticket sales will be split between the early literacy programs for kindergarten through grade three students at Bayshore and Charles H. Hulse public schools.
Children’s author Ginette Proulx-Weaver will present some stories for children, likely in French. As well, two members of the Ottawa Storytellers will do readings. One is Donna Stewart, who will be reading a children’s story called “The Ghost Train.” She has been a storyteller for almost 20 years and believes live events such as this are important to show children the fun of reading and telling stories.
“There’s something about personal contact with the person who’s telling the story that adds another dimension than you find on television or with computers,” says Stewart.
Ottawa Lifelong Learning began in 1994 as an affiliate of Algonquin College. Two years ago the group became independent and it started looking at ways to encourage literacy in elementary schools. The two beneficiaries of the fund-raiser have been “adopted” by OLL, and its members go into classrooms and read to children once a week. Event chair Catherine Mason is hoping to raise between $2,000 and $3,000 to be split evenly between the schools.
Karen Lynch, vice-principal of Charles H. Hulse, says OLL has been working with her school for a year. All the money donated will go to buying new books for the students in the junior primary grades. School administration has posted notices about the event around the school and is encouraging families to attend.
“We’re very excited to have this community involvement, and we’re delighted they have chosen to hold this event for us (and Bayshore),” says Lynch.
Chris White, the artistic director of the Ottawa Folk Festival, will provide musical entertainment between the readings and will also sing a song called “Bibliophile.” He says this is particularly appropriate for an event designed to increase awareness of the importance of literacy.
“It’s all about books and reading, so it’s really perfect for this,” says White.
He was asked to perform by Mason, and he says he was eager to participate.
“My early memories of being read to are so deep and rich. At an early part of my life I decided anyone who wrote books had the most exalted career, and I still do idolize them,” says White.
He hopes the fund-raiser turns into an annual event and says he would love to take part in future years.