The Red & Black | May 9. 2024

The power of reading

Libraries promote imagination and learning

Guinevere Grant

The turn of a book’s page can take people to a new world full of imagination and adventure. From nature, art, history, science and more, local libraries allow access to a variety of topics that spark curiosity.

According to a 2019 study by Scholastic, the most common places children got their books were schools and public libraries. Of the parents surveyed, 95% said that they believed every child needed to have a school library and every community needed access to a public library.

Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary’s library, run by school library media specialist Tanya Hudson, holds around 14,000 books for children to access whenever they want. Hudson has been working with Burks Elementary for 13 years and sees almost every student every week. She not only makes sure the library is full of books, but also that the library has books that kids will look for and want to read.

Hudson said that libraries are an amazing way to provide books to every child.

“Every kid has access to their school library,“ Hudson said. “So I feel like it’s just an incredible way to make sure that kids have access to books and reading literacy.”

Hudson said there are many programs that promote literacy at Burks Elementary, including a point system where students can gather points if they follow expectations. Points can be cashed in for prizes like cozy reading time, lunch with the librarian or a coin for the book vending machine.

95%

According to a 2019 study by Scholastic, 95% of parents said that they believed every child needed to have access to a school library and every community needed a public library.

Ava Oyegun, a fourth grade student at Burks Elementary, was first introduced to her favorite genre through the book vending machine. When she visits the library every Friday, Oyegun is often found browsing the shelves of the mythology section.

“Sometimes it takes you to another world in your head, and you get to imagine the character the way you like it,” Oyegun said.

Hudson said the most popular genres include funny and

scary books. Among the most checked-out titles are “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants.”

The Athens-Clarke County Library said these titles are some of the most circulated children’s books, with the “Dog Man” series being the most checked out.

Rebecca Ballard, regional children’s services coordinator at Athens Regional Library System, said that although these graphic novels are popular with kids, some parents are hesitant.

“Graphic novels are great for reading because they combine visuals with text,” Ballard said. “Graphic novels often have more complicated texts than you would have in some chapter books with no pictures, so it’s really great for bridging readers who are afraid or nervous about reading a big chapter book with no pictures.”

Burks Elementary kindergarten students Rowan McClester and Ernest Reifeld said that their favorite genre is comic books.

McClester said that her sister often reads comic books to her while she reads the sight words, which are the words she doesn’t have to sound out.

“It helps me a lot with learning, and it helps my brain,” McClester said.

Hudson said some kids have a lot of books at home, and some kids don’t have any books at home. Libraries are a place where it doesn’t cost money to check out a book, allowing children to access anything they want.

“Libraries really work hard to have something for everybody, which I feel like just makes it such an accessible space,” Hudson said. “Specifically school libraries because

it’s housed in a place that kids are every day anyways.”

Ayden Davenport, a fourth grade student at Burks Elementary, comes to the school library every Thursday, and usually goes to libraries or bookstores twice a week to browse. As a passionate sports fan, he usually checks out books about sports.

“When you get into books, you don’t want to stop reading because they’re so good,” Davenport said. “When I was little I just had this feeling that I wanted to do sports, and I’ve liked it ever since.”

It helps me a lot with learning, and it helps my brain.

ROWAN MCCLESTER | BURKS ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN STUDENT

Hudson said that knowing that there’s a sports section in the library where he can find books about his favorite players, teams and sports is why libraries are important for children.

“Reading opens your mind up to so many things in the world that you might not ever get a chance to experience in real life,” Hudson said. “It takes you to so many places, makes your imagination work, teaches you things [and] helps you learn about things you’re interested in.”

GRAPHIC/ABBIE HERRIN

Celebrating youth art

Price Andersen

Tristian Baugh, a first grader at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, looked up at his artwork as his older brother, Gregory Baugh, wrapped his arms around him, admiring his little brother’s work.

“I’m proud of him,” Gregory Baugh said.

Tristian Baugh said that his artwork was a picture of his house. The painted house was below a blue sky with clouds and sunshine. The roof was bright red, cut from construction paper, and the steps to the front door were painted royal purple.

On Sunday, March 24, families flooded the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art and entered a realm of bright color bursting from both student artwork and free M&M cookies. Cheerful smiles were painted on students’ faces as they displayed their work for friends and family.

Tristian Baugh’s artwork was part of Clarke County School District’s annual art exhibition.

The showcase and its reception celebrated Youth Art Month and featured work from artists of all grade levels from across the school district.

Ila Edwards, a kindergartener from Timothy Road Elementary School, stood with her painting made with oil pastels and permanent marker.

In a black outline, Edwards traced what resembles a ladybug with six legs. However, she was an inventor of her own kind of bug – one that was a rainbow of colors.

“I was thinking it could be an ordinary bug,” Edwards said.

Tait Gibbons, a fifth grade student from Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School, also thought outside the box.

“I made this after me,” Gibbons said. “I thought I would make something happy and creative.”

His artwork depicts himself and is woven with different clothes, a skill he learned in his art class. The colorful, cloth figure jumps out of a box and into the front of the page surrounded with splatter paint art. The figure has a speech bubble that says, “Think outside the box!”

Gibbons’ mom, Becca Leopkey, said Tait is interested in designing cars or engineering, fields that require artistic ability.

Kyden Johnson, an eighth grader from Hilsman Middle School, said she was very happy to have her artwork displayed. Through her graphic design, she also used art as an expression of self.

“The person in this painting is a very dark, gloomy person surrounded by a gloomy area,” Johnson said. “But even if they don’t know it themselves, they are bright and vibrant. That’s how I want to be perceived.”

Harvey Crenshaw, a fifth grader at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, enjoys playing soccer, his dad said. However, off the field he enjoys doodling things he sees and hears about.

Crenshaw’s piece hung with three other selected projects that were filled with bright oranges, yellows and reds. His, however, was an ocean scenery with blue and green watercolor.

“I wanted to do something that had cool colors because the project was on light colors,” Crenshaw said. “I wanted to do something a little different.”

Every student contributed a different artistic perspective, even though most of the artwork was assigned by their art teachers. Jason Crenshaw, Harvey Crenshaw’s father, found the artwork original, creative and unique.

“It’s really cool to see his paintings up next to all this other cool artwork,” Jason Crenshaw said.

Tremani Edwards, a kindergartener at Whit Davis Elementary School, spreads the love with her artwork’s four big, blue hearts stamped on a background of bright pink and orange stripes. She said that she was inspired by Valentine’s Day for her artwork.

Edwards said that one day, she wants to take pictures of people as a photographer. Jennifer Berkowitz, an art teacher at Whit Davis Elementary, stood with Edwards as her student’s art was honored during the event’s reception at UGA.

The event encouraged many students to pursue their artistic passions further in life. Many had not had their artwork displayed before and this opportunity reminded them of the value of their artistic expression.

“I try to teach the kids that art doesn’t just belong in museums,” Berkowitz said. “Art is everything from the Jittery Joe’s cup, the Hershey’s wrapper or egg carton. And that it doesn’t have to be put on a pedestal to be admired or deserving of praise. But still, it’s a big deal for them because they always feel extra special since the University of Georgia honors it by having it on the walls.”

CCSD has been celebrating Youth Art Month at Lamar Dodd every year since the art museum’s opening, said Dan Smith, CCSD Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator for CCSD.

“We

Tremani Edwards and

Tristian Baugh and his brother Gregory point to Tristian’s piece, “Faith Rignold Quilt House,” (top) at the CCSD Youth Art Exhibition at the Lamar Dodd School of Art in Athens, Georgia, on Sunday, March 24. PHOTO/EVAN FRILINGOS

Jordy Castro Pena points to his piece, “Flower Vase,” at the CCSD

of Art in Athens, Georgia,

Ila Edwards points to her piece, “I is for Insect,” at the CCSD Youth Art Exhibition at the Lamar Dodd School of Art in Athens, Georgia, on Sunday, March 24. Edwards used a combination of paint, oil pastels, sharpies and pencils. PHOTO/EVAN FRILINGOS

‘THE

Songs for the summer A

playlist for the perfect summer day in Athens

Imagine you’re walking through downtown Athens with an ice cream in hand, or you’re at Bear Hollow Zoo learning about animals, or you’re at the pool cooling off in the heat. Here are five songs

MORE WE GET TOGETHER’ BY REBECCA SUNSHINE BAND

Gather your friends this summer and sing along with Rebecca Sunshine Band. The “more you get together, the happier you’ll be!”

‘ASTRONAUT

KIDS’ BY HOTEL FICTION

Dream about what you want to be when you grow up to the tune of this song by Hotel Fiction, a group from Athens. Maybe you’ll be a painter, a singer or an astronaut!

‘HAPPY’ BY PHARRELL WILLIAMS

This classic song is still the sunny song of the summer. Dance around, enjoy the sunshine, and as Pharrell sings, clap along if you know what happiness is to you!

‘UPSIDE DOWN’ BY JACK JOHNSON

This hit, featured in the TV show Curious George, is an optimistic tune for adventurous days. “Who’s to say what’s impossible and can’t be found?” Let this song motivate you to explore and learn.

Fun in the sun

Nethu

Gabe’s

COMMUNICATIONS 706-433-3021

DISTRIBUTION DISTRO@RANDB.COM

DISTRIBUTION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Varnum

706-433-3009 | cvarnum@randb.com

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Melissa Mooney

706-433-3007 | mmooney@randb.com

NEWSROOM ADVISER Kayla Renie 706-433-3026 | krenie@randb.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carter Webb 706-433-3012 | cwebb@randb.com

GUIDES & MAGAZINES SUPERVISOR Maddie Daniel 706-433-3046 | adaniel@randb.com

Avni Trivedi

PHOTO/SAM HURLEY

PHOTO/SAM HURLEY

PHOTO/SAM

PHOTO/SAM HURLEY

The Local 706

1676 S. Lumpkin St.

The Local 706 menu includes classic comfort foods for kids, such as two hamburger sliders, a kids’ portion of five chicken wings, or three chicken tenders with crispy fries on the side. A special menu item is the creamy bacon mac ‘n cheese. The Local 706 provides classic options for all family members and ages.

Utage Athens Sushi Bar

440 E. Clayton St.

Everyone can experience the flavors of Japanese food at Utage Athens Sushi Bar. The kids menu, intended for those 10 years old and under, offers lots of dishes like crispy katsu — which is similar to fried chicken — tasty teriyaki and delicious fried rice. This local favorite is an opportunity to taste Japanese food for the first time or to have it again if you’ve tried it before.

Trappeze Pub

269 N. Hull St.

At Trappeze Pub, kids can select from pasta, creamy mac ‘n cheese or traditional grilled cheese sandwiches. The experience is intended to be enjoyable for the whole family, with elevated yet familiar classics for mom, dad and kids alike.

Ted’s Most Best

254 W. Washington St.

Cuisine for kids

10 local kids menu options

Color in this page!

Ben & Jerry’s

105 College Ave.

Everyone needs a sweet treat once in a while and Ben & Jerry’s is a go-to for hot days. Try smaller portions of popular ice cream flavors in a cup or cone. Whether you go for traditional flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough or adventurous options like “Cherry Garcia,” you’ll be sure to cool down with a scoop at Ben & Jerry’s.

Ted’s Most Best offers a kids’ menu with two customizable choices. Enjoy kid-sized slices of build-your-own pizza and choose from different toppings, cheeses and sauces.

DePalma’s Italian Cafe 401 E. Broad St.

Even picky eaters will find something on the menu at DePalma’s Italian Cafe. If you are 10 and under, you can enjoy pasta with marinara, butter and Parmesan cheese or Alfredo sauce. You can also select spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccine, penne or tortellini. Or, get a slice of pizza with a topping if you’re not in the mood for pasta. The chicken Parmesan strips are a cheesy alternative. If your parents insist on something healthy, tell them that you can select sautéed spinach, peas or steamed broccoli as a side.

El Paso Tacos & Tequila

255 W. Washington St.

With a larger kids’ menu, El Paso offers traditional Mexican food, from tacos to cheesy quesadillas, savory burritos or enchiladas. For those who like to keep it simple, the menu also offers crispy chicken tenders and cheeseburgers with a side of fries. Every bite is a fiesta of flavors that the whole family can enjoy.

Tsunami’s mini tacos are made with kids in mind. Select chicken or beef as the filling, and then top the tacos with shredded cheese and fresh salsa. Let your parents know that when they dine in on Tuesdays, you’ll receive a free kids meal with each adult entree they purchase.

GRAPHIC/ABBIE HERRIN

Andy Mathis

Athens is a home for all different levels of sports, highlighting the city’s growing importance in the athletic world.

With the Athens Pro Hockey team kicking off its first season in 2024, the University of Georgia winning back-toback national titles in football and several local athletes preparing to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Athens is proving to be a center of elite athletic activity.

The influence of such feats has touched the lives of young and old alike. One notable example is the Chastain and Associates Bombers Little League Baseball team.

The young squad embodies the spirit of resilience and enjoyment in sports through their passion for baseball — regardless of the outcome of the game.

The team’s focus isn’t solely on winning games. The coaches have placed heavy emphasis on growth, teamwork and a love for the game, which has stuck with the group of elementary-school players.

“Helping my team and doing stuff that could make us win is what I enjoy most about playing baseball,” first baseman and second grader John Kinney said. “I love being out here.”

Their season, under the guidance of the team’s coaches, Aidan “Unc” Marjoram, Shawn McGrath and Owen

Wright, is an example of how sports can foster community connections.

Marjoram, McGrath and Wright, three current juniors at UGA, are coaching the little league team in the hopes of giving back and staying connected to the game they love.

“We wanted to have more productive hobbies in college,” Marjoram said. “I grew up playing Little League Baseball, Shawn grew up playing Little League Baseball, and it kind of just came about. I always kind of wanted to coach a team.”

One of the season’s best moments so far came in a nail-biting game in April. The come-from-behind victory against one of the league’s best teams showed their grit and ability to rise to the occasion.

“It was a tie game, two outs and the closest game we had all season,” Marjoram said. “This is where men are made.” Moments later, the Bombers struck out the next batter and clinched their first victory of the season in style.

The Bombers have also taken an approach of inclusivity to their game, making sure everyone gets a chance to get in the game and make a play.

John Templin, the team’s shortstop and second baseman, expressed his appreciation for baseball and the team’s ability to include all different types of people.

“I think it’s fun because if you’re someone who’s not as active, you can play outfield,” Templin said. “If you’re

more active, you can play infield. [It’s] got something for everyone.”

Playing sports at any level can provide essential lessons of teamwork, resilience and the pursuit of personal excellence. More than anything, it can foster a love of the game.

The influence of playing sports has also inspired several athletes to continue their passion even after the season wraps up.

Young players like shortstop Baylor Bush, who, inspired by their current coaches, have dreams of a big future in baseball.

“I might want to go to the MLB, or at least make it to Triple-A,” Bush said when reflecting on the impact of his coaches and his little league experience.

As Athens continues to nurture its growing sports culture, from little league fields to Olympic tracks, the value of sports as a community and character-builder remains clear.

Whether or not these young athletes pursue sports forever, the lessons learned through games, guided by mentors like Marjoram, Wright and McGrath, will surely play a pivotal role in the future of young athletes.

For the Bombers, a season of fulfillment continues on. The team will enter playoff season starting on Friday, May 10 in hopes of making a deep run.

Chastain and Associates Bomber player John Kinney steps out to pitch at Holland Youth Sports Complex in Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, May 2. PHOTO/FOREST X. DYNES

Chastain and Associates Bomber players Evan Templin, left, and John Kinney,

in Athens, Georgia,

“Untitled” by Harvey Crenshaw, a fifth grader at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary. COURTESY/HARVEY CRENSHAW

EDWARDS

“Aura Within” by Kyden Johnson, an eighth grader at Hilsman Middle. COURTESY/KYDEN JOHNSON

“Think Outside the Box” by Tait Gibbons, a fifth grader at Burks

Color in the picture above Then cut the image out by following the dotted line You can use this picture as a backdrop for your finger puppets you can make down below

MAKE YOUR OWN FINGER PUPPETS

Cut on the dotted lines to get the puppet you want You will then need tape or glue to attach the ends of the lines around your finger Let it dry and then you can play with your farm