The “Super Readers” parade kicked off the 18th annual Cops ‘n’ Kids Celebration of Reading . . . and the Arts and Sciences April 25. Student representatives from the 16 Bethlehem Area School District elementary schools were invited. Accompanying the hundreds of children who participated in the parade in their colorful Cops ‘n’ Kids T-shirts were the City of Bethlehem Mounted Police Unit, the Broughal MS Marching Band, the Liberty HS First Company, and Moravian University’s Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority members.

More than 1,000 lucky attendees were treated to lunch provided by Wegmans of Bethlehem and a variety of Smoothies provided by the “Dream Team” from Sodexo Northampton Community College and the City of Bethlehem Health Bureau.

Although Mother Nature cooperated for the opening parade, the rain started falling soon afterward. That did not, however, dampen the spirit of the organizations that provided activities for the attending children and their families - nor did it impact the level of enthusiasm exhibited by the children who got to enjoy a day of performances by the Liberty and Broughal bands, the Nitschmann MS Dramatics (Disney’s Frozen Jr.), the Donegan ES Chorus (Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.), the Northeast MS Theatre (Disney’s High School Musical 2 Jr.), the Northeast World Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, the Lehigh Valley Academy Chorus, and the Parker School of Irish Dance dancers. In addition to the performances, there was a Science Venue at which children were introduced to St. Luke’s New Training in Motion “TIM” Simulation and Anatomage Technology vehicle. This exciting and innovative adventure was followed by interactive activities provided by volunteers from DeSales University’s Physician Assistants Program, the Liberty STEM Club, the Moravian University “Amazing Brain” Club, and the Northampton Community College Respiratory Therapy Care Program. There was also a Lego station for children to demonstrate their creative talents.

Attending children also were tempted by a variety of creative activities provided by volunteers from Becahi Peer Listeners, the Bethlehem Parking Authority, DeSales University Education Department, Liberty High School Cops ‘n’ Kids Club and National Honor Society, Moravian University’s Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, Northampton Community College’s Horizons for Youth Program and Hospitality Management Club,

and River Crossing YMCA.

The City of Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments and Health Bureau interacted with the young people throughout the event at the “Safety Venue” –and the City’s Mounted Police were, as usual, a big hit.

The theme for this year’s extravaganza was “LET’S ALL GO ON A READING ADVENTURE” – and, of course, there were free books for everyone at the Cops ‘n’ Kids Book Distribution Venue, along with a free gift provided by Joyful Giving. After selecting their free book, children were encouraged to go on a musical adventure with Ben & Sharla of SOUNDLABZ Academy – and what an exciting adventure that proved to be.

With a mission of “connecting kids and community through literacy,” Cops ‘n’ Kids hopes to make a difference in the lives of our community’s children with every book it distributes and with every interaction

our community’s children have with caring individuals. In spite of the rain, volunteers of all ages from our thoughtful community came together to give the hundreds of children who attended this annual event a day to remember – and all free! How fortunate we are to be in such a generous, positive, and nurturing community.

Cops ‘n’ Kids is an award-winning initiative that pairs area youth with new and gently used books generated through book drives and donations from local businesses, schools, individuals, and organizations throughout the community who have responded overwhelmingly to the program’s mission of “connecting kids and community through literacy.” This remarkable literacy initiative has distributed more than 1.25 million free books thus far, and an army of volunteers of all ages and from all segments of our community partner with Cops ‘n’ Kids each year to make this Celebration a reality. Their mission: to come together for the good of our community’s children. In just one April afternoon for each of the previous 17 years, the Celebration has showcased the spirit that defines Cops ‘n’ Kids throughout the year.

How exciting it is when we get together to celebrate who we are as a community – and to make a difference in the lives of our community’s children!

Contributed

by Beverly Bradley