first person
4TH ANNUAL
The magic of books: Annual Book Fair stirs memories by Dee Dee Becker
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B
GO
LF TOURNAMENT
TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH Noon Shotgun Start
HERON RIDGE GOLF CLUB 2973 Heron Ridge Drive | Virginia Beach Proceeds to benefit children’s programming at the Simon Family JCC For more information, sponsorship opportunities,
and to register, contact Evan Levitt at 757-321-2337 or elevitt@simonfamilyjcc.org or visit
SimonFamilyJCC.org/PresidentsCup
22 | Jewish News | April 21, 2014 | jewishnewsva.org
ooks have always had a magical power for me. In the public library I was always ecstatically overwhelmed as a kid by the vast aisles of books—so high and so long. Some were so colorful, shiny and new, and I couldn’t get my hands on them quickly enough. I knew the stories would come alive as soon as I broke open the pages. You know that hard crackle when opening a new book? As a child, I also noticed that other books in the library were exceedingly old, heavily worn around the edges and had that overpowering scent. You know the one I mean, the smell of history (and yes, dust), signifying this paper-filled treasure trove had an even greater tale to tell that extended way beyond the one told on its actual pages— an account of how it had been cherished by hundreds of other kids who had previously read it over the years, perhaps decades, before me. I would most certainly choose to take home that book along with several shiny new ones. Thus began my love affair with the written word and an understanding of its power to take you anywhere you want to go without ever having to rise from your favorite chair. So why do I share this story? It is this exact sense of enchantment and sheer joy that inspires the tradition of the Annual Book Fair at Hebrew Academy and the Strelitz Early Childhood Center preschool. Held in March and shepherded by Lorna Legum, HAT librarian, the annual Book Fair is attended by all students and parents—others who feel the same way I do about books—marvelous paper toys that chase you from childhood into maturity, keeping you thoroughly immersed in any world you so choose to run to (or escape from, for that matter). As in years past, the multipurpose room at HAT and the Strelitz preschool was transformed into passageways of colorful books and fun, and Family Fun Night
Janet Jenkins, HAT general studies director; Rabbi Wecker, head of school; and Lorna Legum, HAT librarian/Book Fair Coordinator, “dress up” for Family Fun Night as part of the finale of the Book Fair.
added even more excitement to the event with face painting, food and extraordinary flare akin to Walt Disney’s Fantasia. The faux-hawks added an entertaining twist to things, and so did Clifford the Big Red Dog. “Truth be told,” says Legum, “Rabbi Wecker, our head of school, (sporting a purple faux-hawk) agrees to almost any crazy idea of mine that promotes the event!” The Book Fair always generates a warm reception. Legum spends hours preparing for it, but she won’t take all the credit. “There are so many people who helped pull it off. Deb White, fifth grade teacher, and her entire class; Veronica Samonte, preschool teacher, and her daughter; Linda Fulcher, retired HAT general studies teacher; David Cardon, board of trustees, who face painted beaming faces at the Family Fun Night; Nancy Zeitman, who worked tirelessly throughout the five days; as well as Janet Jenkins, director of general studies and Rabbi Wecker, whose incredible efforts made everything go off without a hitch.” A portion of the proceeds help HAT and the Strelitz preschool generate needed funds to regularly update its ever expanding collection of books in the Laura and Jerry Miller family library. Total sales reached nearly $6,700 over five days. To make a book donation in honor or memory of a loved one, contact Deb Moye, development office, at dmoye@hebrewacademy.net or call 757-424-4327. Hebrew Academy of Tidewater is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.