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UNION COUNTY TO HOST SENSORY FRIENDLY BEDTIME STORY READING ON ZOOM, MARCH 1ST

sensory friendly bedtime stories flyerUnion County, NJ – February 25, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Elizabeth Public Library will host a Virtual Sensory Friendly Bedtime Stories event via Zoom, on Tuesday, March 1st from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Read Across America is a great way to motivate and inspire our youngest residents to read and the Commissioner Board strong supports this initiative,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We are proud to assist in the effort to make this day an inclusive and welcoming event for everyone.”

In celebration of National Read Across America Day, Commissioners, as well as other community leaders will join together and read books to children ages 12 and under. Commissioners reading will be Chair Rebecca Williams, Vice-Chair Chris Hudak, Sergio Granados, Bette Jane Kowalski, Dr. Angela R. Garretson, Lourdes Leon and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

“Reading plays a vital role in shaping us into who we are and helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “In a world full of ever-changing technology, it more important than ever to motivate our youth to read, and having stories that are inclusive to all backgrounds and cultures is even more important. This coincides with Union County’s efforts to ensure all of our residents feel included, respected and valued in our community.”

Nationally, Read Across America Day takes place on Wednesday, March 2nd. The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to encourage students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation to come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading.

“I am grateful to participate in this initiative; for the last two years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some stress and disruption to families with young children, including to daily routines,” said Commissioner Kowalski. “Reading is such a valuable tool for children so encouraging families to make this activity a part of their everyday lives is so important, especially to their growth and development.”

Guided by a committee of educators, Read across America is an inclusive program that embraces books in which different students can see their own experiences, as well as books that open windows to see different people and different worlds.  For more information visit nea.org.

Offered by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, this virtual read-aloud program is free of charge, however, pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs offers social and recreational activities for individuals of all abilities and ages, provides information and referral services, and advocates for inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of community life.

For more information visit ucnj.org/special-needs online or contact Jasmine Doughty-Whithous at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

For more information about the Elizabeth Public Library, please visit elizpl.org, email elizpublib@gmail.com, or call the Main Branch at 908-354-6060.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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