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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

+ TURN OFF THE TV - I have to credit my friend Sara with sparking my interest in recreational reading. An English teacher in Syracuse, she suggested some amazing books, thus creating my new appreciation for novels. With that being said, I encourage all students to find the same passion for reading during the summer through Assemblyman Jim Hayes' 2007 Summer Reading Challenge. According to Hayes, studies have shown that children who continue to read during the summer perform better in school in the fall. The program is for pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade. Pupils must read with their parents or another adult at least 15 minutes per day for at least 40 days during the summer. Those who meet the challenge will be honored by Hayes in September at a ceremony, where they will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading certificate. To participate, request a program brochure by calling 634-1895 or e-mailing hayesj@assembly.state.ny.us. The brochure includes a calendar to keep track of daily reading and a list of book suggestions for various grade levels.

+ SOUNDS GOOD TO ME - Stephen Shewan told me the East High School jazz ensemble was good, the press releases about the band indicated they were good, and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival named them one of the best. But without hearing the band you don't really know how good they are. At the June 12 Williamsville Board of Education meeting I heard how really good they are - even better, they are great. The band performed at the start of the meeting, pieces the group played in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival held in New York City in May. The team placed fifth in North America. Bravo to all the members of the jazz ensemble for a stellar year.

+ ARE YOU UP FOR IT? - Univera Healthcare is looking for parents to participate in an online contest by explaining how the Fun 2B Fit program has encouraged their child to lead a healthy lifestyle. The Fun 2B Fit program is a school-based, healthy lifestyle program for pupils in grades two through four and their parents. One family will be selected on a quarterly basis who the organization feel exemplifies the healthy habits promoted through the Fit 2B Fun program. These include making healthy food choices by trying new foods, increasing physical activity levels, shopping for healthy foods, and preparing meals together as a family.

A brief description of 250 words or less should be provided explaining what kind of impact the program has had on your child. The winning family will be interviewed, photographed and featured on the Fun 2B Fit Web site. The winner will also receive a gift certificate to Laux Sporting Goods and Wegmans to continue their healthy lifestyle. Winners will be selected on a quarterly basis. To enter online, visit http://www.fun2bfit.univerahealthcare. com or call 857-6312.

+ PITCH IN - ElderWood Health Care at Oakwood, 200 Bassett Road, Amherst, is in need of volunteers to assist with Saturday afternoon bingo, and in the gift shop during various shifts. Opportunities are available for teens through adults. To sign up, call Sydne Masino, director of volunteer services, at 689-6681.