Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, INC -

Even Start and Target Have a Tacky the Penguin Family Literacy Night

The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc, (PIC) hosted a Family Literacy Night event on January 30th. This monthly event, sponsored through a generous grant by Target and organized by the PIC Even Start Program, brings together children and parents for a night of activities revolving around a selected book. The Family Literacy Night program provides activities for children up to age 12, along with healthy snacks and a free copy of that night's book for each family.

With assistance from the Greensburg Public Library, the PIC Even Start Program chose the children's book Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester as the focus of the January Family Literacy Night. This entertaining book tells the story of the odd penguin Tacky, whose wacky actions embarrass his penguin friends. However, only Tacky's unique way of handling situations saves his proper and attractive friends from hunters.

PIC celebrated the unique spirit in every child by asking everyone to wear their tackiest, craziest shirt to the event. Guest reader Donna Davis from the Greensburg Public Library read Tacky the Penguin to the colorful crowd. Afterwards, all children tried their hands at four different crafts: folding an origami penguin, pasting together a paper penguin, dot-painting with cotton swabs, and building a tasty Oreo© penguin. During all the events, the Private Industry Council provided food and drinks. All families received a copy of Tacky the Penguin to enjoy again at home.

To view photos from the event, click here.

The Private Industry Council's Even Start Program and Target will be hosting a Family Literacy Night at the end of each month, through May 2006.