January 18, 2008 Book Signing: Living Well after-school program in Manchester, CT The Living Well after-school program is a pilot program for Manchester youth attending Robertson Elementary School in grades 1-5. I was invited to do talk to the children. They were an attentive audience, asked good questions, and were enthusiastic participants. The talk was sandwiched between an active afternoon of Scatter Ball a game they played in the gymnasium. I was especially excited to visit this group. I had an advance copy of my new Kids Running book in hand and read a bit of the book to them. There are two pages in the book which feature the Manchester Road Race! From the Living Well Application: Living Well after-school is very different from traditional after-school programs. The goal of the Living Well after-school program is to provide a curriculum of leisure and nutrition to enhance the physical, emotional, social and psychological well being of school-aged children. The program includes exercise, fitness and nutrition wellness specialists exposing participants to such programs as yoga, tai chi, dance, swimming, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, sports, healthy cooking, eating, and much more! Participants attend wellness trips to local parks, trails, and leisure centers for exercise and activity for the benefits of health and exposure to local places to be active. On January 18, I was invited to speak to this group and introduce them to their Happy Feet, Healthy Food journals that they will be using every day at their club. I had the pleasure of telling them about my writing, my books, and my art. Each child will also have a Kids Running: Have Fun, Get Faster & Go Farther book when they are available in February, 2008. Adding the books takes the club to another level with a literacy component of reading, writing, and poetry. For an author, there is nothing like a book signing where the author can see children with her books in their hands. It's a joy that makes the many hours spent writing and illustrating a book worthwhile. Heartfelt thanks go out to the Living Well after-school program in Manchester, CT. For questions or more information, Contact Karen Dinnie, Recreation Supervisor at 647-3087 or email her at KDinnie@ci.manchester.ct.us or contact Shannon Blenis, Recreation Coordinator at 930-8498 or email her at Sblenis@ci.manchester.ct.us. carolgoodrow@verizon.net Happy Feet, Healthy Food, Your Child's First Journal of Exercise & Healthy Eating The Treasure of Health and Happiness Kids Running: Have Fun, Get Faster & Go Farther PRIVACY POLICY