HOULTON, Maine — One of the goals of the Houlton Rotary Club is supporting literacy efforts in the Greater Houlton community. As a part of this effort, the club has an active Literacy Committee, which consists of Rotarians, educators, and representatives from the Cary Library and the Houlton Higher Education Center.
Literacy was the focus of the Houlton Rotary Club’s community service and support during the months of February and March. Books were given out to the students at Houlton Higher Education Center in February so individuals could take part in the Read to ME challenge.
As part of this challenge, individuals were asked to read 15 minutes to a child or to have a child read to the adult or to himself or herself for 15 minutes. They were then asked to take a picture of the reading or of the book and to post it with the hashtag, #ReadtoME.
By doing so, the Maine Department of Education tracked how many Mainers took part in the challenge. Approximately 40 books were given out.
Additionally, fellow Rotarians took part in the Read Across America event during the first week of March. With the assistance of Janet Murakami, RSU 29’s literacy coach, 12 Rotarians went into 12 different classrooms at the Houlton Elementary School and read to each of these classes.
Since this first week of March ends with the celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, most of the books read to the children were their favorite books by Dr. Seuss. Feedback from all who participated was positive and there is intention to add this as an annual literacy event.
Other annual literacy-focused activities Rotarians participate in include passing out books during the Annual Light Parade, a summer Book Swap program at the Houlton Higher Education Center, and a group of Rotarians going into the Southside and the Elementary school to read to children throughout the entire school year.
The Houlton Rotary Club celebrates 100 years of Service Above Self this year.
