MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- Tufts Hillel will host the 11th annual "Read by the River" literacy fair on Sunday, March 14, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in the Gantcher Center at Tufts University. New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris will be in attendance to read to the crowd. This is the second year that the event has been expanded to include elementary students from Somerville as well as Medford and organizers expect more than 850 kids.
WHAT:
Designed to promote the importance of early childhood literacy, student volunteers will transform the Gantcher Center at Tufts into a literacy event with the theme "Reading Around the World." There will be 25 booths set up with games, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and bean bag toss. Contests this year will reflect the global theme with international landmarks, activity booths covering international themes and events, and trivia. Students will also have the opportunity to turn in book reports (found at www.readbytheriver.org) to receive free books as well as participate in reading circles.
WHO:
Students from kindergarten to fifth grade (more than 850 expected to attend)
New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris (scheduled to appear at 1:15 p.m.)
200 volunteers from Tufts University, the City of Medford fire and police departments, and the City of Somerville fire and police departments
WHEN:
Sunday, March 14, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
WHERE:
Tufts University, Gantcher Center, 161 College Avenue, Medford, Mass.
SPONSORS:
Read by the River is a Tufts Hillel initiative that is made possible by many sponsors, including the New England Patriots, National Amusements, Scholastic, City of Medford, Medford fire and police departments, City of Somerville, Somerville fire and police departments, and Boloco Burritos. Local books stores, Scholastic and Tufts students have donated books for the event and National Amusements has donated free movie passes.
