Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Lew-Port elementary students look for the magical creature.
Lew-Port elementary students look for the magical creature.

Lew-Port community comes together for 'One District, One Book'

Fri, Jan 28th 2022 11:00 am

River Region businesses offering special incentives

√ ‘One District, One Book’ concludes March 4

By Julie Donnelley

Vice President, Lewiston-Porter Board of Education

Photos by Nicole Stuart, Stu Stu Studio

The Lewiston Porter “One District, One Book” (“ODOB”) literacy initiative continues to create community excitement!

Last Wednesday, Lewiston-Porter revealed the winner of its 6th annual “ODOB” vote during a live virtual event. “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles,” a novel written more than 40 years ago by the Oscar-winning English actress Julie Andrews, has found its way into the homes of over 1,000 of our students. Each student received a personal copy, labeled with his or her name.

Go on the adventure with siblings Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter, who are taken on this fantastical adventure to Whangdoodleland. Meet Professor Savant, a loveable oddball; encounter magical creatures and navigate the obstacles the characters must overcome! 

Lewiston-Porter elementary library literacy and technology specialists Mrs. Heather Zielinski and Mrs. Heidi Kazulak stated, “Our whole goal is to bring our community together through a wonderful piece of literature, strengthen family literacy and encourage bonding through rich book conversations.”

The program's power is lasting, which sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Amy Golden can attest to, as eighth-grade students have reached out to her.

“I love the book! I read it in second grade and I’ve always remembered it. I think it would be great to read it with everyone,” Kaitlyn Szarejko said.

Lew-Port students are raising funds to donate to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co.’s equipment fund this year in honor of “ODOB.” This past week has seen sixth-grade students selling “Friendship Grams” during the middle school lunch periods.

And once again, Lew-Port’s community business supporters have stepped forward with a variety of special incentives, with some even contributing to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co.’s equipment fund.

One student found a magical creature.

••••••••

Lewiston Love has hosted the first week of our scavenger hunt, and is offering families 10% off purchases during the program. Lisa Mies, co-owner, commented, “It's great to feel that pride and sense of community with the district and businesses.”

Nickel City Woodworking is donating proceeds from the sales of a small Whangdoodle-themed paint kit ($10), which can be purchased at the Lewiston Love store. Families can recycle, and Porter Empty Return Center in Ransomville will donate 15% of empty bottle/can returns to the YFC.

Come this Friday, on week two, the scavenger hunt moves to The Natural Link. Will you find the Whangdoodle, Splintercat, swamp gaboon, a little furry fluke or another remarkable creature? Find the character at The Natural Link and receive your ticket to claim a fantastic prize at your school library. And don’t forget to take advantage of their Whangdoodle store special – if you spend $20, you’ll receive a free chicken potpie! 

A look inside scavenger hunt host store participant The Natural Link. Shown are Lewiston-Porter teachers Mrs. Kazulak and Mrs. Zielinski, Superintendent Paul Casseri, and storeowners Brian and Cathy Martin, holding the “ODOB” winning book.

••••••••

A special shout-out goes to The Village Vet for sponsoring its sixth annual coloring contest; and to Stu Stu Studio for its family photo session and a gift card drawing – enter to win at the Trait-Carré storefront.

New community supporters this year are the Modern Corporation, the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, Beautiful You, Cheri Amour, Del Lago Music, Hill of Beans, Lewiston Love, Lakeside Quarterhorses, Main Street Pizza, Nickel City Woodworking, Research & Design, Trait-Carré, Porter Empty Return Center, and Sister & Brother.

Of course, we appreciate our returning supporters: Orange Cat Coffee Co., Apple Granny, Embody Health & Wellness, Endless PAWSibilities, Brickyard Pub & BBQ, Grandma D’s, Favorites Pizza & Wings, DiCamillo Bakery, Coppins Service Center, Chelsea Modern Images, Casa Antica, The Spicey Pickle, The Natural Link, Tim Hortons, Village Fitness, Subway, The Music Box, and the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce.

This would not be a community event without your support! Thank you for encouraging our students. 

Remember to follow along “One District, One Book” with our guest chapter readers. Mount St Mary's returns with a health care hero! There’s Toronto Raptors sports commentator Jack Armstrong, a special friend from Youngstown Quarter Horses, the Peach Blossom and many more. 

“ODOB” promotes spending time together with families, while creating meaningful conversation, fostering a love of reading, and developing an appreciation for our local community. Join us on this adventure, visit your local library and borrow a copy of “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.”

A complete schedule of Lew-Port community supporter business specials, weekly business scavenger hosts, trivia, family discussion questions and chapter readers can be found at www.lew-port.com.

“ODOB” concludes March 4 with a family night reading celebration. “ODOB” could not happen without the team of teachers, administration, parent volunteers, community businesses and Ransomville/Youngstown/Lewiston local librarians.

Let’s build a community of readers!

Lew-Port elementary students are shown with Lewiston Love Store owners Lisa Mies and Leandra Collesano, Nickel City Woodworking owner Marissa Tomlin, and Superintendent Paul Casseri.

Hometown News

View All News