EPIC-Every Person Influences Children debuts 'Storytime at Canalside'

EPIC-Every Person Influences Children is relaunching its annual summer literacy program, “Storytime at Canalside.” The program will run at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday on the Pierce Lawn.

"We are so excited to resume this program in person," EPIC Executive Director Tara N. Burgess said. " ‘Storytime at Canalside’ is a wonderful example of community partnership and offers such a wide variety of activities for families."

The program is sponsored by M & T Bank and the Children's Foundation of Erie County. “Storytime” strives to cover all literacy learning styles, so each week, participating families will hear a story from a guest reader, perform a science experiment with the Buffalo Museum of Science, do a craft with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, engage in imaginative play with Explore & More, and do a movement activity with the YMCA. Guest readers this year include Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, former Buffalo Sabre Pat Kaleta and Carlo the Pibble.

"Literacy is so much more than reading a book," said Jamie Rackl, EPIC's director of family engagement & professional development. "By partnering with so many organizations, we are able to show families all the ways they can engage in literacy together."

Participating families will also receive EPIC blankets and literacy packs to take home. Registration is required, although the program is free for all families. For additional information, email EPIC's Director of Development and Marketing Liz Vetrano.

EPIC-Every Person Influences Children is a nonprofit agency with the mission of helping families, schools and communities raise children to become responsible and successful adults. EPIC workshops and trainings carry out founder Robert Wilson’s vision by involving the entire community in helping children make responsible decisions, understand and respect authority, develop positive self-esteem, plan for the future, and succeed in life.