House Republican Press Release

January 31, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Noujaim to Participate in CT Loves to Read Day Saturday, February 3rd, at Target Store in Waterbury

Will Read Governor’s Proclamation; Read Book to Children 

State Representative Selim G. Noujaim will read Governor M. Jodi Rell’s Proclamation designating Saturday, February 3^rd as Connecticut Loves to Read Day and will read a book to children to help kick off  one of the day’s events at the Waterbury Target store at 300 Chase Avenue.

The local event, which will be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., is being sponsored by the Nutmeg Reading Council, an affiliate of the Connecticut Reading Association, which is sponsoring a series of statewide events promoting literacy.

 The event will include several celebrity readers sharing stories with children. Children participating in the event will receive a free book donated by local educators.

“Learning how to read is the most important skill a child can acquire,” said Representative Noujaim, R-Waterbury.  “When I read to my children when they were young, I learned as much as they did – if not more. I look forward to participating in this event and to helping inspire Waterbury’s children to develop a thirst for knowledge. Children who learn to read – and read well - at an early age develop a love for literature that they carry with them throughout their adult lives. It helps them become well-rounded, successful and informed citizens who contribute to their communities, their state and their country.”

“The Nutmeg Reading Council is thrilled to be partnering with Target this year as we host our annual Connecticut Loves to Read event. Promoting literacy for our children with the involvement of our community leaders is a winning combination for all,” said Cathy Mastrianna, a reading teacher at Brooklyn School and co-president of the Nutmeg Reading Council, who helped organize the event.