On Thursday, June 2, 112 guests celebrated the 18th anniversary of Children’s Reading Partners with an adult spelling bee and dessert reception held at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. A program of the Jewish Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, the goal of Children’s Reading Partners is to build and improve the reading skills of educationally at-risk children in pre-kindergarten to grade five who attend schools in Bloomfield, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain and West Hartford. The program recruits, trains, and places volunteers, who read with students weekly. The was kicked off by Dr. Rhona Free, president of University of Saint Joseph, followed by the presentation of a box of books and a financial donation from students in the university’s School of Pharmacy.

“Children’s Reading Partners is a hidden jewel of the Federation that has for the past 18 years dedicated itself to enhancing the learning experience of young children, thereby enabling them to be that much more successful in achieving their dreams,” said Howard Sovronsky, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation. “This is an incredible program that brings together talented and committed volunteers who dedicate their time to work one-on-one with young children, helping them to master skills so necessary for their future success.”

The spelling bee was won by the Reading Partners team, with the West Hartford Rotary Team coming in second, and the Federation Board finishing third.

CAP: Celebrating Children’s Reading Partners 18th anniversary were: (l to r) Event emcee Gary Katz; event committee members Bennett Forrest and Rona Gollob; West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor; event committee members Pamela Mondschein and Naomi Cohen, who is also the program’s founding chair. Photo Credit: Shelby McInvale