March 2016 Chocolate Storytime
We read wonderful books and created spring pop-up cards afterwards. Kids used ink pastels and recycled paper. Continue reading March 2016 Chocolate Storytime
Celebrating 2 Years with Zanaida Robles
Concert soprano soloist, conductor, composer, studio vocalist for film and television, and professional ensemble singer Zanaida Robles opened up the 2nd year anniversary of Chocolate Storytime leading guests in a stirring rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”accompanied by Ms. Betty J. Ford on the piano. Afterwards, she encouraged young people to follow their dreams and spoke of her relationship with Ms. Ford and the importance … Continue reading Celebrating 2 Years with Zanaida Robles
Chocolate Storytime Visits Jackson Elementary
This year, Chocolate Storytime visited Jackson STEM Dual Language Academy. Parent volunteer Natasha Bowswer worked with Chocolate Storytime coordinator, Ayesha Randall to bring volunteers from the community to read to the students in a series of sessions. Among the storytime readers were Tyron Hampton, Pasadena City Councilmember; Julianne Reynoso, Pasadena Unified School District Executive Director, Elementary Schools; Harlan Redmond, executive director of Harambee Ministries; Pat Smith, … Continue reading Chocolate Storytime Visits Jackson Elementary
Giving Thanks 2015
The featured book for November 2015 was “Sweet Potato Pie” by Kathleen D. Lindsey. Special guest, community volunteer extraordinaire, Ms. Betty J. Ford, shared a song with the kids. Afterwards, eight-year old Alicia Leilani led the students in creating miniature accordion thankful books. In addition to chocolate goodies, sweet potato pie from 27th Street Bakery were all donated by retired school teacher, Barbara Lindsey of Inglewood. Mrs. Abby … Continue reading Giving Thanks 2015
Chocolate Storytime Celebrates 1-year Anniversary with Jarvis Emerson
What a great way to celebrate Chocolate Storytime’s one year anniversary! The culmination of Black History Month 2015 was an exceptional Chocolate Storytime lineup of artists, musicians, and special guest, Mr. Jarvis Emerson, Community Services Supervisor of the City of Pasadena’s Jackie Robinson Community Center. Mr. Emerson made himself comfortable on the rug and read Whose Knees are These?, Grandpa’s Face, and a beautiful poem, … Continue reading Chocolate Storytime Celebrates 1-year Anniversary with Jarvis Emerson
Celebrating a New Year
La Pintoresca (which means, “the picturesque” in Spanish) library is one of the most beautiful structures in Northwest Pasadena. It was built in 1930 and was named for the hotel which previously occupied the site.Outside was such a beautiful setting–the trees’ falling leaves and the crispiness of the air. It provided the perfect backdrop for the rug coziness for storytime. Children from ages 1 to … Continue reading Celebrating a New Year
November Guest Reader – Staci Mitchell
Our November Chocolate Storytime guest reader was Staci Mitchell, a native Pasadenian and former member of the John Muir High School 1989 All Star Track and Field Championship team. Staci currently lives in Altadena with her husband and 3 children, volunteers extensively in the community and is the Vice Chair of the San Rafael African American Parent Council (AAPC) and a team mom of the … Continue reading November Guest Reader – Staci Mitchell
October Guest Reader – Ms. Betty J. Ford
Our special guest for October 2014 was volunteer and community advocate, Ms. Betty J. Ford, lovingly referred to as “The Rosa Parks of Pasadena.” Ms. Ford read the book, “I Love My Hair.” She also coordinated a poetry presentation with Alicia Leilani who dressed up as a Hawaiian princess. Ms. Ford was born in Omaho, Nebraska and attended elementary school in Corpos Christi, Texas. A child prodigy, she … Continue reading October Guest Reader – Ms. Betty J. Ford
September Guest Reader – Pearline Johnson
For the month of September, we had special guest reader, Ms. Pearline Johonson, a resident of Pasadena for 53 years. Ms. Johnson worked at Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a resource manager, and is now retired. Even before her retirement, Ms. Johnson has had a passion for journeying beyond the San Gabriel mountains to different parts of the world. She has traveled to Greece, Paris, Puerto … Continue reading September Guest Reader – Pearline Johnson
Back to School Chocolate Storytime
Gearing up for Fall We kicked off the new school year with our very first guest Chocolate Storytime Reader, David Lindsey. David is a an alumnus from Howard University in Washington DC. He received a Bachelor’s degree of Architecture in 1972 and is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving 4 years in the Civil Engineering sector. David currently works as a woodworker, … Continue reading Back to School Chocolate Storytime
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