Young Stratford Readers, Become a 'Harkins' Hero' This Summer

The following is a press release from the town.

Mayor John A. Harkins again this year will recognize young readers as Harkins’ Heroes through the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge, held in coordination with the Stratford Library.

To be recognized as a Harkins Hero, readers in grades K–6 must read at least eight books from the school-recommended summer reading list. All books read for the Harkins Hero program also will count toward earning prizes at the library.

“In our first year of the Harkins’ Heroes program, I asked students to read at least four books,” Harkins said. “But I know that Stratford’s summer readers are both ambitious and diligent, so this year I’ve doubled the number of books that students must read to become a Harkins Hero.”

Once a student has completed reading eight books, parents or guardians can register the reader as a Harkins Hero by contacting the mayor’s office at 203.385.4001 or ldilullo@townofstratford.com. When contacting Mayor Harkins’ office, callers will be asked to furnish the reader’s name, address, telephone number, and T-shirt size.

Harkins’ Heroes who register with the mayor’s office by the deadlines below will be honored with a special free T-shirt, a certificate of recognition, a photo with Mayor Harkins, and a goodie bag at the Summer Reading Challenge Party. The party is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013 at the Baldwin Community Center, adjacent to the Stratford Library.

Partygoers also will be treated to free ice cream sundaes, the Magic of Danny Diamond, and other great prizes. Parents and guardians, please note these deadlines: 

• For readers to receive a free Harkins Hero T-shirt, you must contact the mayor’s office by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 with the reader’s name, address, telephone number and T-shirt size. This deadline was set to give the vendor sufficient time to print and deliver the shirts. Anyone registering after Aug. 9 will not receive a Harkins Hero T-shirt.

• If you miss the deadline and still want to register a reader as a Harkins Hero so he/she can attend the Summer Reading Challenge Party and receive a Harkins Hero certificate and goodie bag, please contact the mayor’s office by 5 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013. Eligible readers who don’t register in time to receive a free Harkins Hero T-shirt are still welcome to attend the Summer Reading Challenge Party and receive their other rewards.

“I’m thrilled this year to partner the Harkins Hero incentive program with initiatives already in place in our Stratford Library,” Harkins said. “We should never take a vacation from learning and reading. I hope the Harkins Hero program encourages even more students to reap the benefits that summer reading offers.”