Poetry Contest Winners!

     Congratulations to all our Poetry Contest winners for this year! The awards ceremony, our first in-person one in the last two years, was well-attended and our honorees (along with their families) were all there to accept their awards from Youth Services Librarian at the Pennsauken Library, Heather Kristian. Afterwards, everyone posed for pictures. We had 266 entries this year, mostly from grades K through 1^st, and most of the topics were more serious than amusing. Here are the 18 winners and their poems: from the Fine Elementary School, first grade, Brianna Veletanga – “Yellow Zone”; Sophia Tavarez – “Happy; Madison Delmarr – “Worried Feelings”; Eric Venables – “McDonalds”, and Dessiret Siri – “Red”. From The Carson Elementary School, first grade: Fadil Uzair Umar Ali – “Goldfish”; and Carson School ELL, Ricardo Perez – “Polar Bear.”  From Burling Elementary, third grade, there’s Carter Cooper – “Green,” Delair School, third grade, Crystal Ruediger – “Dog Life,” and home schooled Quintero Bibelheimer – “Real.”

   But wait. There’s more. From the Intermediate School, fifth grade, Jasmine Spence – “I Can Draw”; Chaziti Montano – “Fairies” and Isis Muhammad – “Tuition on a Mission.” Three from the Phifer Middle School, sixth through eighth grades, include Marienne Mayo – “Hiding in the Dark,” Christine Ortiz – “Falling,” and Hoa Son – “Inner Self”. Finally, our Pennsauken High school winner was Rebecca Boateng – “The Biggest Storm in Human History”, and our adult winner, Dionna Hayes – “Refugee Roads.” Look for a display of the poets and their poems in the library soon. Thanks, too, to all the teachers who helped our winners: Julie Hodges, Jennifer Bowne, Darrah Roberts, Joeanna Landis, Karen Warner, Amber Bibelheimer, Lauren Morgan, Elizabeth Procida, Sonetta Ingram-Murrell, Debra Kobus, Rosemary Faford, and Edward Trautz 

     On another note, this month’s Munch and a Movie will be on Monday, June 27^th and, as always, features a great movie and snacks that we’ll provide. See you in the Community Room at 1:00 p.m.

     June’s Yoga for Balance and Posture wellness sessions will be all on-site on June 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th for a limited number of participants, as well as also virtual for those of you who prefer that. Be sure to have registered at the Circulation Desk beforehand since space is limited. Bring along your large scarf or belt to get the most out of these exercises, which can be done either standing or sitting. The link to join virtually is http://tinyurl.com/FOLbalance.

     We’re still on target for the fall Book and Media Sale and Bake Sale on October 21-24 in the Community Room. Collection will begin in September and we’ll keep you posted when that starts. Meanwhile, we still need volunteers to help sort books, bake, or just become a member of the Friends. Let us know how we can use your talent and ideas by calling us at 856-665-5959, ext. 7.