A decade of partnering with Camp Caldwell!

As I look at the summer reading program pictures, and say a sad farewell to our INVALUABLE Summer Library Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Reeve - who disguises herself as a SPANISH TEACHER at JCHS from September to June - I still cannot believe this is our 10th reading to and programming with Camp Caldwell! I started here at CPL only a month or two before the Caldwell Community Center opened, and Camp Caldwell was unveiled. In 2001 we read to the campers here at the library, and, even then, Carol Shenuski (JCHS Math Teacher) and Dr. Gerardi (C/WC Superintendent) volunteered to be guest readers. From 2002 to 2006 we, library staffers, along with guest readers* (of all ages, and from all parts of our lives and communities), read to campers at the Community Center, either in the "tree house" or inside the Center. Then, from 2007 to the present, the campers returned to the library. Picking out books to read, finding (sometimes BEGGING) guest readers, became a major part of Susan Reeve's summer job description, and has she ever shone! So, Susan, deepest gratitude from literally hundreds of children whose lives you have touched over the past four years. And, thank you too, a million times over, to all the educators and administrators, from ALL the schools (including, but not limited to, Riverdale Public Schools, Caldwell College, Seton Hall Prep, all schools in the C/WC Public School System, and, as shown in this picture.....a teacher who taught at Jefferson School in the '60s - my Aunt Janet!) who volunteered to be readers. There are so many to thank, and we tried to say it in person when you were here, but please know how very much we appreciate your generous sharing of yourselves. - Karen (Kleppe Lembo)

* I feel as if I have the Romper Room mirror -- those of you of a certain age will understand this idea -- when I say thank you to the likes of: Barry Bachenheimer, Nancy Caplan, current and retired CPD officers and chiefs, Dr. Blattner, Scott Keena, Jim Brown, Dr. Barnes, Claudia Dargento, Sue Ploch, Scott Chamberlain, Cindy Kellenberger and countless teens who then were rewarded with volunteer hours!