Richmond, Va –
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child,” Dr. Seuss.
Thirteen staffers from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and DLA Installation Operations Richmond took advice from Seuss and read to 124 children enrolled at the Bettye Ackerman-Cobb Child Development Center at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia on Dr. Seuss Day, March 1.
Casey Chapman, CDC director, who extended the invitation to DLA employees, said, “We are always looking for ways to involve parents and the community. The children love when adults come in to visit. Dr. Seuss Day is always a fun way to bring in people from our DSCR community and is our kick off to Read Across America Month in March.”
Chapman and staff went all out and dressed in bright colors, tutus, and of course, the iconic red and white stripped hat from “The Cat in the Hat.”
Written by Seuss in 1957, “The Cat in the Hat,” is a response to a report published in Life magazine voicing the concern that reading primers from that time featured children that were abnormally courteous and well, boring. The infamous giant cat uses humor to lure kids into reading and mastering its 220 words. It was one of Seuss’ 60 books that were made available to DLA volunteer readers for Dr. Seuss Day.
The CDC staff even enjoyed a breakfast of green eggs and ham, in honor of the famous book by the same name.
Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, was an American children’s author and animator. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1904 and passed away in 1991. Despite popular myths and urban legends, he has no ties to Virginia. Legend has it that the “who’s down in Whoville” referenced in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” is about University of Virginia students who also refer to themselves as whos. There doesn’t appear to be any truth to this story, even though the legend lives large throughout UVA’s home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
March is Read Across America Month and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, which is actually March 2, is the traditional kick-off. The National Education Association designates the month as a time to promote the importance of reading and sets up events throughout the country to encourage parents and students to pick up a book and read it.
The Bettye Ackerman-Cobb Child Development Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It is a government owned and operated facility managed through Morale, Welfare & Recreation office, DLA Installation Operations Richmond and is available to DoD employees and active duty military.