Up & Coming Weekly

8 UCW SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2009 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM One of the most important skills in life is learning how to read. There is nothing more beautiful than listening to a kindergartener read a book for the very fi rst time. Literacy is a number one priority in the Cumberland County School System and that is why the Cumberland County Schools and the Cumberland County Education Foundation are hosting the "Sensational Sixth Year" Reading Rocks Walk-a- Thon on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. in Festival Park. "Last year more than15,000 walkers participated and more than $140,000 was raised," said Belinda Cashwell, director of media services and chairperson of the Reading Rocks Walk-A-Thon of Cumberland County Schools. "This year's goal is 15,000 walkers." Cashwell added that a number of local businesses have already made generous donations to the walk-a-thon, with Cargill being the largest sponsor. Proceeds will be used to purchase books for the schools' media centers that will benefi t Cumberland County Schools' students. Support this event by participating in the walk, making a donation, purchasing a T-shirt or helping to collect donations. Businesses and individuals in the community can show their support by sponsorships that range from $25 to $5,000. All donations are tax deductible and can be designated to a specifi c Cumberland County School or to the countywide Reading Rocks fund. The countywide fund will be distributed equally among all of the Cumberland County Schools. "The biggest change this year is we have a new person leading the walk," said Cashwell. "Dr. Frank Till, our new superintendent, will lead the walk and we are so excited." Till, Mayor Tony Chavonne, special guests and the band of the high school that raises the most money will lead the 1.5- mile walk. The schools designated as most improved and raising the most in donations will receive recognition. The route winds past historic downtown sites and performing bands will be stationed along the walk route. Costumed characters will be on site, fi rst aid stations will be set up, gospel choirs, bands, step teams, drill teams and community groups will be a part of the event. Cumberland County Education Foundation will have refreshments in Festival Park and Manna Church is going to give every single walker a bottle of water. "We've handed out more than 2,000 posters and 60,000 letters went home to parents," said Cashwell. "This event is growing, businesses know about us, and the excitement is amazing." Food and beverage vendors will be available. Registration begins at 8 am. Pets are prohibited. For more information call 678-2613 or 221-8800. Reading Rocks the Cumberland County Schools by SHANESSA FENNER 10 Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers s FAYETTEVILLE N.C. COMMUNITY CONCERTS 74 Years 2009-2010 Season Tickets From $90 2009-2010 Season Tickets From $90 2009-2010 Season Tickets From $90 Community Concerts invites you to have the LIFE s TIME of your of your Join us on Facebook! Ticket info: 910.323.1991 tickets@community-concerts.com C The Doobie Brother s • The Doobie Brothers - Oct. 24, 2009 • Paul Anka - Jan. 26, 2010 • Hairspray - Feb. 28, 2010 • Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers - March 26, 2010 • Chairmen of the Board & The Band of Oz - April 16, 2010 Shanessa Fenner, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Truman, the Kidsville News! Dragon, at last year's Reading Rocks event.

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