Fall 2016
THE BOOK REPORT N e w s
a n d
N o t e s
a b o u t
B o o k s
f r o m
B i r t h
Community Spotlight
Supporters hit the ground running to raise funds for Shelby County children
Thank you 2016 sponsors! TITLE SPONSOR Paragon Bank
You know that feeling - the building excitement as you tighten your laces one more time. Bracing yourself for the start of the race, you hear the offical race signal and off you go down South Perkins Road! This year’s sixth annual Book It 5k captured this excitment and saw over 300 runners (and walkers!) come together to support our county’s young citizens. Accompanied by the Emmanuel Center, Books from Birth is one of two beneficiaries of this great event. Hitting the pavement, participants weaved their way down the road and enthusiastically crossed the finish line at the church. Afterwards, individual and group medals were given and then it was party time on the soccer field. Congratulations to Emily Forehand and David Do for securing the top female and male finisher positions!
LEAD SPONSOR Semmes Murphey EXECUTIVE SPONSOR Mid-South Milling PREMIER SPONSOR The Adams Family PATRON SPONSORS Butler Snow Commercial Bank and Trust Hollywood Feed Murphy, DeZonia & Webb New South Capital CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital Friends gather before the race in their 2016 Book it 5K t-shirts!
Made possible through the generousity of Church of the Holy Communion’s staff and congregants, the 2016 Book It 5k may have been the best yet! Holy C.’s Recreation Director, Julie Fike and the race committee, spend the better part of the year inviting people to create teams, gathering sponsors, and organizing the logistics with the expertise of the Memphis Runners Track Club. Runners get ready to Book It!
Additionally, Church of the Holy Communion’s congregents and community volunteers keep the day running smoothly from start to finish. Since its inception, the Book It 5k has donated over $65,000 to Books from Birth. These funds help Books from Birth promote kindergarten readiness by providing age appropriate books for children from birth to age five throughout Shelby County.
With their team clad in its signature red, Paragon Bank, leads the pack as Book It 5k’s title sponsor.
Books from Birth is grateful for a grant received in September from Baptist Memorial Health Care. Grant proceeds will be used directly toward the cost of providing the books of the Imagination Library to children throughout Shelby County. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Baptist nurses and other staff in encouraging parents to enroll their newborns and older children in Books from Birth. While a child may be enrolled any time prior to age 5, a child benefits the most from the Imagination Library when enrolled from the very start! The earlier a child enrolls, the more exciting trips the family makes to the mailbox and the larger the library becomes.
SUPPORTING SPONSORS Attendant Care Services, Inc. Irene and Ron Ayotte Bill and Catherine Bateman Diversified Trust Campbell Construction Clay & Land Doug & Andrea Edwards Bill Falvey & Emily Woodside Humana Ideal Chemical The Maury/McCain Family MOGA Neighborhood Plumbing Oaklawn Homes Orthomemphis Smith Pools Stratas Foods Elaine Turner Bill & Carmine Vaughan FRIENDS Sarah and Tom Cowens Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP David Dowling, M.D. Neely and Linda Mallory Linda Kay and Randy McCloy Memphis Runners Track Club Robert and Kendra Propst Lattie Michael and Mary Taylor Scott Fabrics Wolfchase Honda Wounded Warriors IN KIND Cash Saver Market DNA Entertainment Fleet Feet Germantown Commissary Marco’s Pizza NexAir Paulsen Printing Sysco
Community Outreach
Celebrating Tennessee Imagination Libraries & Providing Literacy Resources to Parents of Preschoolers September 18 - 24 was an exciting week across the state as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliates celebrated Tennessee Imagination Library Week 2016 with special events and a social media challenge!
This picture of mother (Maggie) and child (Loni) shows how early literacy can strengthen family bonds even in infancy. The two #GotCaughtReading when Loni was only 11 days old during TN Imagination Library Week.
Launched by Governor and First Lady Haslam and the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, the social media challenge was designed to raise awareness of early childhood literacy and the joy of sharing books with children by posting and tagging pictures with #GotCaughtReading. Books from Birth loved seeing Shelby County citizens promote early literacy and kindergarten readiness by diving head first in a children’s book and posting their pictures.
Books from Birth also connected with Corning Achievement Elementary School in Frayser to celebrate TN Imagination Library Week. Corning Achievement and its teachers work diligently to ensure students are strong readers early in their academic careers. One pre-kindergarten teacher even collects Books from Birth enrollment cards from parents interested in reading with their child at home, and funnels them to the Books from Birth office.
Students raised their hands as they answered questions related to Rankin’s book.*
After a brief lesson with Books from Birth staff about how to use their imagination, the pre-kindergarten students were surprised with a special guest reader! Katina Rankin, Co-anchor of Local 24 News, “got caught reading” her children’s book, Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet Country Folk to the class.The students eagerly watched as Ms. Rankin turned each page to the next installment of the adventure. *Photo credit: Katina Rankin
During this eventful week, Books from Birth and St. Mary’s Episcopal School hosted a family literacy night called “A Book & A Bite.” While having dinner, parents heard about the educational and developmental benefits of reading to young children, including how to develop quality reading time and the impact reading has on the development of young children’s minds. Speakers included Ms. Laura Hutton, Director of the Hughes Learning Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal School and Dr. Jason Yaun, Pediatrician and Medical Director, UT Le Bonheur Pediatric Specialists, and member of Books from Birth’s Board of Directors. While the adults heard from these two speakers, students from St. Mary’s Episcopal School led preschool children in fun, educational activities based on selections from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Maya had a fun learning more about books with new friends.
There will be a second “A Book & A Bite” dinner held at Holy Communion on October 18 and additional dinners in Spring 2017. This series of literacy dinners is made possible through a $5,000 grant made to Books from Birth by the St. Mary’s Community Fund, a student run organization at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, which teaches students the impact and process of philanthropy. The group partners with area nonprofits to fund projects benefiting Shelby County children. Pictured above: St. Mary’s Episcopal School students and volunteers take time to read with 3 year olds at “A Book & A Bite”
Little Engine Circle
Contributions that have helped Books from Birth climb to new heights Established in 2014, the Little Engine Circle honors donors, both individuals and groups, who have contributed $50,000 or more to Books from Birth. This distinguished group was inspired by the title character of The Little Engine that Could, the first book that Imagination Library participants receive in the mail. Like that famous little engine who braved a new route and worked to carry toys and food to the children on the other side of the mountain, this group of donors has helped Books from Birth blaze a trail for kindergarten readiness and carry quality literature to children in Shelby County.
BFB Executive Director, Jamila Wicks, (Left) Board Chair, Carol Seamons, and Board Member, Jenny Vergos (Center), recognize The Urban Child Institute as members of the Little Engine Circle with a visit to the Institute’s office.
For the Joy of Reading: Charlie’s last book
Anonymous Foundations (2) Anonymous Individual BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation Church of the Holy Communion City of Memphis First Tennessee Foundation Gerber Taylor Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation Hyde Family Foundations International Paper Foundation John D. Buckman Charitable Trust Junior League of Memphis The Klyce Family Nell Rainer Levy McGehee Family Foundation Plough Foundation Jocelyn and William Rudner The Schadt Foundation Shelby County Government Bonnie Vare Smith UnitedHealthcare United Way of the Mid-South
It all started with a book in a warm July mailbox. It was the day before Charlie’s fifth birthday. A birthday that would mean he officially “graduated” from Books from Birth. Charlie’s mom, Amanda Joy, handed him the monthly book from a program that he had grown to love. With his mom’s help, he quickly unwraps the latest title only to find an additional letter from his friend, “Dolly” telling him that this book would be his last. Books from Birth met with Charlie and Amanda to learn more about Charlie’s sad day and the family’s experience, receiving Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books from Books from Birth. Admittedly, both mom and son were a little distraught that day his last book arrived. Tears were shed, but both remain grateful for the books that arrived after Charlie Charlie sheds tears after receiving his final book was born. Amanda learned of Books from Birth through a volunteer project with the Junior League of Memphis. Knowing that her children would benefit from early literacy, she quickly signed up Charlie, and when his sister, Sophie Jane, arrived, she too started receiving books. Charlie often reads with his Dad, Justin, who will take time before Charlie’s bed time to share a book and bond with his firstborn over runaway tomatoes and mysterious creatures like mineosaurs. “As a parent you recognize good books and if the book keeps your attention then they will often keep your child’s attention, Amanda remarked, adding, “what really surprised me about the books was their Sophie Jane and big brother, Charlie, quality and the quantity. You know, you would think that the books might be printed out proudly display some of their favorite really cheaply, but instead it is the same quality that you would pick up at a bookstore.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books
Charlie is proud of his collection of books. Now in his first semester of kindergarten, Charlie will try and read without assistance from Mom or Dad, and will occasionally share one of his beloved stories with two year old, Sophie Jane. Pointing out a few of the worn books read multiple times, Amanda stated, “I think the sign of a good book is when you love it until the seams fall out.” If this statement is true, then Charlie has discovered a joy for reading in his first five, which will provide a solid foundation for many more birthdays to come.
Little Red Caboose
Families of graduates provide for the future of Books from Birth Families can provide other children new, high-quality, age-appropriate books from the same program their child grew to love by donating on behalf of their graduates. Members of the Little Red Caboose Club receive an adorable car magnet, announcing both their participation in Books from Birth and that they have given back at the end of their journey.
Using Books as Tools for Future Academic Success
Sydney Ashby – Graduate, Samuel Debra Benjamin – Graduate, Jan Chad Cullison – Graduate, Ella Velda Currie – Graduate, Alexandria Kathy Diaz – Graduate, Evie April Egan – Graduate, Hunter Cami Fields – Graduate, Preston Theresa Galvis – Graduate, Natalia Ana Gomez – Graduate, Lionel Neelesh Kumar Goyal – Graduate, Mihika Terri Grear – Graduate, Huxley Sarah Gong – Graduate, Simon Harriet Heckle – Graduate, Ellie Emily Holmes – Graduate, Jacob Steve Kim – Graduate, Sophie Feng Lin – Graduate, Alaina Betty MacDougall – Graduate, Cameron Adam Miklos – Graduate, Natalie John Minnick – Graduate, Lucas Carrie Oakes – Graduate, Charles Marina Ordaz – Graduate, Jorge Alison Parker – Graduate, Jonah David Peck – Graduate, Andrew
Books from Birth promotes kindergarten readiness and strengthens family bonds through early literacy initiatives. The Fishers are a fine example of how important it is to read with your child early in their lives. Residents of the Frayser communinty, Jennifer Fisher thanked Books from Birth for sending monthly books in a letter. The letter went on to say: “I would like to thank you for taking part of educating my son. We always look forward to seeing new books in the mail. One of his favorite books is Solo Uno Mas - Just One More. I have gotten very good at reading the Spanish as well. ... Thank you for planting that seed. Me and my son are both learning a new language.” Enrolled since birth, two year old, Adam is enthusiastic about books, often choosing them over other toys. He and his parents, Jennifer and Chris, have read together Adam and Jennifer Fisher enjoy every day since Adam was born. They know reading reading books that are in both with Adam will help him build a strong vocabulary. English and Spanish Both parents wrestled with negative connotations related to education during their formative years. “Now that I know [the love of learning], I want Adam to have that love” Jennifer said. Similarly, Chris discovered he was dyslexic, but it went undiagnosed until elementary school. This lack of comprehension caused him to have difficulty reading, ostracizing him from his peers. When he did learn how to read, Chris excelled in school. Now the two are fierce advocates for literacy and enjoy finding opportunities to read with Adam, especially from dual language books like those that have been introduced this year to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Claire Prince – Graduate, Lucas
The Fishers try and show others why reading is important. Jennifer mentions that some people asked why she was reading to Adam even as an infant. However, recently things have changed. Jennifer shared, “Now that Adam is doing things that he’s doing they say ‘Oh! He’s a genius!’ and I explain – no, this is something that everybody can be working towards. Please read to your child!” The Fishers certainly prove that it takes a community effort to raise a new generation of strong readers.
James Quirk – Graduate, Dillon Lauren Russell – Graduate, Anna Claire Jeff Scott – Graduate, Christian Catherine Sharpe – Graduate, Joseph Laura Snider – Graduate, Eleanor Jodi Stauffer – Graduate, Tristan Cassie Tate – Graduate, Elizabeth Vernita Thornton – Graduate, Steven Ajit Varma – Graduate, Aariz Tiffany Young – Graduate, Savannah Robert Wilkie – Graduate, Harrison Miriam Wrye – Graduate, Susannah Margaret Villalpando – Graduate, Alessandra
Adam reads Dolly Parton’s book, I am a Rainbow
Thank you to our incredible supporters! All gifts listed were given between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016
Mrs. and Mrs. Elliot Abel Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abell Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. G. Coors Arthur AutoZone, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Baker Mr. and Mrs. Saul C. Belz Mr. and Mrs. William Bickers Ms. Pat Bogan Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bond Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bowen Rev. and Mrs. James Boyd Ms. Erin Boyle-Mason Mr. and Mrs. Joel Braddock Ms. Kristin Budzak Ms. Grace Burgess Mr. and Mrs. Frank Canady Mr. and Mrs. Paul Capocaccia Mr. and Mrs. Craig Cardwell Celtic Crossing Irish Pub Dr. and Mrs. Walt Chambliss Max Chen City Of Bartlett City Of Germantown Collierville Contemporary Club
Ms. Emily Holmes and Mr. Paul Haught Mr. King Hussey, Jr. Independent Bank Mr. and Mrs. Christpher Janecek Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jobe Mr. Michael Johnson Mr. Jesse Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Jordan Ms. Cate Joyce Mr. and Mrs. Philip Kaminsky Kiwanis Club of Germantown Mrs. Morris Klass Ms. Ellen Klyce Ms. Susan Knight Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kris
Mr. and Mrs. Mark O’Malley Ms. Carrie Oakes The Honorable Mike Palazzolo Ms. Carrie Peters Mr. Andrew Phillips Plough Foundation Mrs. Sara McKenzie-Quirk and Mr. James Quirk R. Brad Martin Family Foundation Ms. Gretchen Reaves Mr. and Mrs. John Remmers Ms. Melisa Richgels Mr. Roy Robbins Mrs. Diane Rudner Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sakauye Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Saslawsky Mr. and Mrs. Joe Scheuner Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schutt Mr. Jeffrey Scott Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Seamons Sedgwick Semmes Murphey Clinic Ms. Colleen Shallow Mr. and Mrs. Albert Shaw Ms. Stephanie Simpson Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Dr. and Mrs. Michael Smith Supporters “rock their ride” with Cyclebar Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cowens Spine Specialty Center to support Books from Birth this summer. Mr. and Mrs. Chad Cullison Mr. and Mrs.Richard Spore Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis Kroger St. Mary’s Episcopal School Mr. and Mrs. Greg Denzer Mr. and Mrs. James D. Lackie Ms. Vinnie Standard Ms. Andra DeVincenzo Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lamberson The Honorable and Mrs. Jim Strickland Ms. Cindy Dobbs Mr. Pierce Ledbetter Mr. and Mrs. David Strickland Mr. and Mrs. John Dobbs Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee Ms. Tina Sullivan Judy Drescher and Dave Lindstrom Ms. Deranda Lester Ms. Susan Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Steven Droke Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance Mr. and Mrs. Howard Tayloe Mrs. Anne Dunavant Ms. Cynthia Lomack The Deupree Family Foundation Ms. April Egan Mr. Milton Lovell The Urban Child Institute The Wharton Firm Ms. Jennifer Estes Stephanie Lucke Dr. David Tipton Mr. James Farrell Mr. and Mrs. Andrew MacQueen Town of Collierville Farris, Mathews, Branan, Bobango, Macy’s Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Phil Trenary Hellen & Dunlap PLC Mr. and Mrs. Nick Vergos Ms. Mary VanGieson FedEx Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Mallory Ms. LeAnna Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mansbach Ms. Sally Walker Davies Mrs. Bradley Fogelman The Honorable and Mrs. Keith McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Frank Watson Mr. Harry Freeman Ms. Holly McDonald Dr. and Mrs. Michael Weinberg Ms. Becky Gafford Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McNeill Ms. Kathleen Werner Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gay Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McNeill, Sr. Anne Wesberry Lydia and Jack Gibson Medtronic Foundation Ms. Ellen Westbrook Ms. Colleen Gideon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Midgley Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Wharton Mr. Trow Gillespie Ms. Kathleen Mooney Mr. and Mrs Mark Whitehead Mr. and Mrs. James Gilliland Ms. Marion Morgan Ms. Candace Wilder Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gilliland Ms. Mary Morris Mr. Robert Wilkie Ms. Crystal Givens Mr. and Mrs. Edward Morrow Ms. Megan Wilkins Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation Ms. Brooke Morrow Ms. Jan Wiygul Ms. Sara Hall Mr. and Mrs. J. Greg Morten Dr. and Mrs. Jason Yaun Ms. Tiffany Young Ms. Pat Hannah Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Newman Ms. Karlee Hickman Ms. Darlene Newman Hobson Realtors Ms. Teri Nyhaug Ms. Judy Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Dan O’Brien
Mark your calendars
Amazing Grace!
Fall 2016
December 1 – Evening holiday event at Millstone Market. The Reindeer Rockout dances, benefiting BfB return for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. See below for grade s Registration opens online at 10 am on Tuesday, November 1st. Sunday, November 27 – 6th grade dance at The University Club Sunday, December 4 – 7th grade dance at The Racquet Club – 8th grade dance at The University Club
Spring 2017 February 2017 – Germantown Every Kid Campaign Kickoff and Silent Auction at the Germantown Library February 25 – Tea with Miss Tennessee at 2 pm in Bartlett April 6 – Spring Luncheon at Shelby Farms FedEx Event Center
Honoraria
Congratulations to Bartlett native and Books from Birth volunteer, Grace Burgess! Not long after delivering this generous donation on behalf of her literacy fundraising efforts from the past year, Grace was crowned Miss Tennessee during the annual scholarship pageant in Jackson, TN. As the newly crowned Miss Tennessee, Grace serves the state in many capacities, including as an official spokesperson for Governor Haslam’s Books From Birth Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Imagination Library. An outstanding advocate for childhood literacy, Grace placed in the Top Ten at the Miss America Competition. Want to meet Grace and hear
more about her passion for literacy? Join us in Bartlett on Saturday, February 25 for “Tea with Miss Tennessee.”
*Bold Names Indicate Honorees
Molly Abell Stephanie Simpson Peter Abell King Hussey Jr. Stephanie Simpson Jim Alexander and David Johnson Marion Morgan Ian Badgett Emily Woodside Drew and Brae Bond Barbara Bond Rena Brunner Greg Denzer Mark Burke Emily Woodside John Carson Lora Jobe Allison and Christopher Cook Mildred Schwartz Andre Craffod Lee Ann Kelly Angela Crose Lee Ann Kelly
Nate Landau Deanna Kaminsky Kim and Ali MacQueen Books from Birth Staff Mabel McNeill Susan Sutton Courtland and Alison Morris Mary Morris Lisa Morten Edward Morrow National Civil Rights Museum’s Ruby Bridges Reading Festival Ed Shearer Madilyn Elizabeth Nelson Catherine Joyce Grey and Eve Parker Milton Lovell Shelby Patterson Hampton Long Ralph Patterson Michael Pauley Dr. John Pickens Rachel Barnett
Quinn Reynolds Ruth Patton William Morris Riley Jan Wiygul Lean Rose Kristin Korneliussen Mary Scheuner Nancy Bogatin Joanne and AJ Seamons Carol Seamons Marlene Shaw Ashley Mayfield Remmer Marjie Taylor Lee Ann Kelly Juliette Thibault Jeff Scott Sue Tritt Becky Gafford Miss Miriam Waddell Milton Lovell Brittany Saviori Jamila Wicks Stephanie Simpson
Hallie Anderson Teri Nyhaug Williams “Beau” Barnes Leslie Barnes Angela Bishop Velda Currie Richard Caldwell Margaret Cardwell Keith Davis and Ron Van Lee Ann Kelly
Lillian Dobson Dunavant Anne O. Keeney David Gardner Trow Gillespie Saundra Kelley Alison Lyell Liza Martindale Stephanie Simpson Eugenia Wood Gattis Lee Ann Kelly
Brewer Lee Hefner Linda Newman Sklar Maria Tilly Meyers Margaret Cardwell Bill Park Hunter Seabrook Dorothy Swanson Regina Ross Dr. Mark Tankersley Stephanie Simpson
Memorial Gifts
Books from Birth P. O. Box 17008 Memphis, TN 38138-0008
Books from Birth Board of Directors Carol Seamons – Board Chair Mark O’Malley – Vice-Chair
TENNESSEE’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF), in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and our statewide county affiliate programs, builds a foundation for reading and learning through books for Tennessee’s children. All children from birth to age five are eligible to receive books at no cost to families. Providing books in the home is a unique opportunity for family engagement, vocabulary and reading skills development. We are preparing children for lifelong learning through reading.
Sarah Cowens – Secretary Lisa Chow Mallory – Treasurer Dr. Becky Anderson Sally Walker Davies Judy Drescher Cate Joyce John Lewis
50%
95 LOCAL AFFILIATE PROGRAMS
50%
Kim MacQueen Casey McNeill Katie Midgley
• Raise 50% of funds for books & mailing • Enroll children, promote program
• Raises 50% of funds for books & mailing • Supports affiliate programs
Darlene Newman Mary Scheuner Peter Schutt
How it works:
Manages selection, pricing and distribution of books
Each local affiliate program enrolls children, promotes the program in its community and raises funds for half of the cost of books and mailing. Through an annual state grant, the GBBF funds the other half of the cost of books and mailing and supports local affiliate programs through fundraising, volunteer training and public relations.
Marlene Shaw Stephanie Simpson Gina Smith Jenny Mallery Vergos Alexander Wharton Dr. Jason Yaun
The Dollywood Foundation manages selection, pricing and distribution of the books.
Books from Birth Staff
This is a dynamic public-private partnership unlike any other in the U.S. today.
Jamila Wicks Executive Director Cindy Bennett Development Officer Pat Hannah Office Manager Mary Braddock Communications Manager
Books arrive in the mailboxes of Tennessee’s children
GovernorsFoundation.org