Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that her annual Summer Reading Challenge has been a great success and wants to thank all that participated.It was great to help Mohawk Valley children enhance their reading skills and prepare for the upcoming school year. Alongside her Summer Reading Challenge, Buttenschon’s 2021 Summer Reading Collaboration bolstered these efforts through an interactive program partnering with local groups to host events.

“Our community has come together to provide children engaging opportunities this summer that foster a lifelong love of reading and learning,” Buttenschon said. “Supporting our youth throughout the year is critical, and I’m thankful for the local organizations that have helped make my Summer Reading Collaboration a success this year. As the summer starts to wind down, we have some wonderful events lined up with community partners to end the season on a high note. I’ll continue working to promote literacy across the Mohawk Valley because reading is fundamental for success throughout life.”

Buttenschon has held several free events this summer to coincide with her annual Reading Challenge, including collaborations with the Utica Zoo and New York Power Authority, Utica Public Library, Oneida County History Center, Jervis Library and Utica Comets.

On Friday, Aug. 13, Broadway Utica took local youth to the theater with a presentation at Utica Public Library that allowed kids to learn more about the behind-the-scenes processes of Broadway shows and the art of playwriting. Participants met with Broadway Utica Executive Director Danielle Padula and discussed the power of playwrights and the local theater scene.

The final wrap-up will include; Monday, Aug. 16, Buttenschon will host a noon time reading event outside the Utica State Office Building with Dr. Mark Montgomery, chief diversity officer and deputy Title IX coordinator at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly). She will host another lunchtime reading event at the site on Wednesday, Aug. 18, with For the Good Chief Executive Officer Cassandra Harris-Lockwood. Community members are encouraged to bring their lunch and sit in the newly renovated outdoor space in front of the State Office Building at 207 Genesee St. Utica to hear from these two great local leaders. .