A rose to Golden Triangle libraries as they kick off a variety of summer programs for children.
Both Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System and Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library System will offer summer learning programs that encourage participants to keep reading throughout June and July.
SOCPLS Director Phillip Carter said last year SOCPLS had 181 summer programs with more than 5,300 participants. The majority of those were children’s programs that brought nearly 4,500 kids to libraries alone. It’s the same for CLPLS, which kicked off summer programming on Saturday with a magic show at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Tori Hopper, childrens and teen librarian at CLPL, estimated around 2,800 people participate in the summer programs each year. Sadly, there are many kids who don’t crack open a book during summer breaks, which is one reason that retention diminishes between the spring and summer/fall school terms. Libraries are key to interrupting this trend, using fun and innovative summer programs to bring kids in close proximity to the world of learning found on library shelves. We thank our library staffs for their efforts to support the educational growth of our schoolchildren.
A rose to Caledonia’s David Heyman for representing Mississippi in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland. Heyman, who earned his ticket to the national spelling bee by finishing as co-champion (with Azariah Green of Hernando), bowed out in the first round of the national competition. Green made it to the third round before being eliminated. For Heyman, who just finished seventh grade at Caledonia Middle School, it was his first appearance at the national spelling bee. More than 600 of the 245 spellers had previously competed at the national level. We would not be at all surprised to see Heyman return to the bee next year and likely have a better outcome. We congratulate David and Azarah for representing our state in this prestigious competition. We also thank state spelling bee executive director Lois Kappler and Mississippi University for Women for again coordinating and hosting the local and state spelling bees.
A rose to Main Street Columbus, which kicks off its popular Sounds of Summer concert series on Thursday with a performance by local favorite The Bouncing Betties. This year, the series shifts from the Riverwalk to the nearby Roger Short Soccer Complex. Also on the schedule are concerts by The Silver Eagle Band (June 27) and the Shane Tubbs Band (July 11). Each concert runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The concert series, a collaboration between Main Street Columbus and Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, began in 2009. Over the years, it has proven to be a very popular event for residents who enjoy the free concerts, food/beverage vendors and being among their fellow citizens in a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great mid–week treat, one we encourage all residents to come and enjoy.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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