UWBA Day of Action Set for June 21

The longest day of the year will be an impactful one as well, with the United Way of the Bradford Area’s 4th Annual Live United Day of Action scheduled for Saturday, June 21st.

The event, sponsored by American Refining Group and the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, will focus on providing an interactive learning experience for young children by installing a Born Learning trail at Callahan Park. The trail will consist of 10 (12” by 24”) aluminum signs, placed throughout the park, and printed with engaging, early learning activities. Shapes, letters, and a 12’ hopscotch court will adorn the park’s sidewalks, which correspond with the signs’ activities. Although geared toward children up to age five, the trail also serves as a tool to help parents and caregivers find simple, yet clever ways, to incorporate education into a child’s daily life, beginning at the earliest possible stages.

“I am excited for our organization to be able to offer this to our local community,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “I truly believe this will be a wonderful addition to our area’s main public park, and it’s another excellent way to boost early learning and literacy activities.

“And, I’m very thankful to not only our event sponsors, but to Parks Director Chip Comilla, Mayor Tom Riel and members of Bradford City Council for their support,” said Davis.

The 10 stations will focus on areas such as talking with your child about their surroundings; telling stories; being active as a family; and turning simple ideas into learning games, among others. “We are going to be using the majority of the park, starting at the main entrance by the high school parking lot, and continuing on passed the ice rink and tennis courts, to the bridge which is located in between two of the three baseball fields,” said Davis.

The United Way is looking for interested volunteers to help for roughly four hours the day of the event, as well as before.

“We do need people to help us with painting the posts before June 21st, and then the day of we will be looking for help with affixing the signs to each post, digging the holes and cementing the posts there, painting the graphics on the sidewalks, and guiding park visitors around the areas where work will be taking place,” said Davis.

Those interested in participating should contact the office at 368-6181, or register on-line at www.uwbanews.org/day-of-action. Davis suggests that those interested do sign up by Friday, May 30th. This year’s event will coincide with United World Wide's national Day of Action activities. Volunteers from the Bradford area will be joining thousands of other volunteers across the country aiming to “live united”. Established by United Way Worldwide, Born Learning is part of a public engagement campaign to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun, learning opportunities for area youth.

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