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Children's Library on track for Storytime Train

Town Talk
Cameron Kittle
Published: July 4, 2009

Manchester Public Library is taking some new steps forward this week to help children get on board with summer reading.

The children's library is preparing for another trip to Rockport on the annual Storytime Train, which leaves from the Manchester Train Station on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The multi-library event features nine towns North of Boston, and it will have three professional storytellers on hand to read a variety of books to the audience, including Tony Toledo, Judith Black and Karen Chace. Each has committed to entertain the kids with their extraordinary stories on the train ride.

Josh Kennedy will also be greeting the children by playing songs on his mandolin as everyone walks to Millbrook Meadow, and author Julie Hahnke will play a piper's role in leading people back onto the return train at 2 p.m.

Signups are available now at the Manchester library, and Sara Collins, the children's librarian, said the train might be a little late to each stop as more and more children come on board. Be sure to bring your train fare and a picnic lunch, and contact Collins at 978-526-2016 if you have any further questions.

In the event of inclement weather, Manchester Public Library will be alerted at or before its 10 a.m. opening on July 8.

Town GOP honors students

The Manchester Republican Town Committee awarded its annual scholarships to three graduating Manchester Essex Regional High School seniors last month at their graduation ceremony on June 5.

First place and a $500 check went to Celena Baker, who will be attending North Shore Community College in the fall. Runners-up Emily Hammond, who is attending Stonehill College in Easton, and Chandler Aldrich, attending Univwersity of Massachusetts Amherst, both received $100 savings bonds.

In making these awards, the Manchester Republican Town Committee looks for students who demonstrate strong civic engagement by showing an interest in politics and government, are involved in serving their community and have demonstrated a need for financial aid.

"We are thrilled to be giving out these scholarships to such exemplary students. The Manchester Republican Town Committee congratulates these three students on their many accomplishments and wishes them much success in the future," said Christina Bain, the committee's chairman.

Students interested in the 2009-2010 scholarships may submit written applications through the Manchester Essex Regional High School guidance department.

Workout 'Boot Camp'

B&S Fitness, in conjunction with Manchester's Department of Recreation, will hold a five-week Boot Camp designed for every skill level and to improve anyone's level of fitness.

The session highlights cardio, strength, flexibility and nutrition, which will give you the kick-start you need to get that body in shape for the beach if the sun ever comes out again.

The first session runs this Monday to Aug. 13 on Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 7 a.m., and the second session is from August 24 to Sept. 24. Each session costs $145.

If you don't have time to work out four days a week, B&S Fitness has other, more specific programs available. It also has a cardio and core program and a full body strength and conditioning program and each runs only twice a week from 6 to 7 a.m. The cardio and core program runs on Mondays and Wednesdays over the same dates as the Boot Camp, and each session costs $85.

The full body strength and conditioning program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the same dates as the Boot Camp, and each session costs $85.All programs are held in Masconomo Park, and you can sign up online at www.manchester.ma.us/recreation or by calling the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department at 978-526-2019.

Cameron Kittle covers Manchester and Essex. If you have a story idea or tip, or an itme for this column, he can be reached by calling 978-283-7000, x3447, or at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com

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