For many little ones, their bedtime ritual includes a nightly tale or two. The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC) has invited community members, board members, and Center friends to regale children with their favorite fables during The Center’s Friday night Zoom Bedtime Stories series.
What started as a creative way to engage youth during the pandemic has turned into a beloved Center program. “We began Zoom bedtime stories last year. Our children look forward to them on Friday nights, so we are keeping them going,” said Bonnie Michelle Cannon, Executive Director BHCCRC. “Exposing children to reading and the arts at an early age is so important. Books inspire and open their eyes to limitless possibilities.”
Last month, The Center welcomed Marit Molin and Denise Silva. June kicked off with Laura Hayward, a new Sagaponack resident, who is expecting her first child. Town of Southampton Supervisor and author Jay Schneiderman will read one of his own children’s books on Friday, June 11. BHCCRC Advisory Board Member Sivia Loria will be featured on Friday, June 18 – and for the last day of the school year, on Friday, June 25, BHCCRC After-School Director Mr. Robert will read.
“The Center is grateful for the support of our community during this unprecedented year,” Cannon expressed. “Our staff has worked over-time with compassion and caring for each, and every one of our children and families.” That includes ramping up The Center’s food pantry, which pre-COVID served 70 people a month, and is now feeding over 700 individuals weekly. “Educating, nurturing, and building self-esteem have never been more important,” she stated.
Readings begin at 7:30 p.m. To join the Zoom, click here.
“The Center has been a calming, generous, and steady hand in helping our families survive and thrive,” Cannon added. “The best is yet to come for the entire Center family. We are looking to the future.” And that future will include a new building, so BHCCRC can further their reach. For now, The Center is focused on assisting Center kids through the end of the school year and then the BHCCRC Summer Program, which features a strong education component.
For more information, visit www.bhccrc.org.