Reading Revolution a Summer Success

Our Reading Revolution summer reading program in five recreation centers throughout the district drew to a close during the second week of August. We gave out more than 300 books to more than 200 students at Belfield Recreation Center, Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center, Finley Recreation Center, Pleasant Playground and Simons Community Recreation Center.

My office worked in conjunction with the citywide READ! by 4th program, which was coordinated by the Free Library of Philadelphia and many of stakeholders including AARP and Mt. Airy USA.  The program’s goal is to increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the 4th grade at reading level by 2020.

Here is a short video of several campers  discussing their favorite books of the summer. A facebook photo album is here too.

Early childhood literacy is the backbone to lifelong opportunity and freedom. Reading opens doors to self-sufficiency. The United Nations reports that higher levels of literacy increase self-esteem, empowerment and political participation.

Ride SEPTA For Free Pass Day

We held a Ride SEPTA for Free Pass Day on Friday, August 19, where we distributed over 250 passes that allow older adults to ride SEPTA for free. 

The event was so popular that we had to extend the service into a second week to serve all of the neighbors we could not serve initially. In total, my office assisted over 400 older adults to ride SEPTA for free.

Senator Art Haywood, standing, and staffer Gayle Rider, seated, help sign in constituents during Ride SEPTA For Free Day.

First Back-to-School Event

My office is hosting our first Back-to-School event, scheduled for Saturday, September 10 at Lonnie Young Recreation Center, 1100 E. Chelten Avenue.   The event begins at 1 p.m. and runs through 5. We will feature presentations by the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Police Department, a moon bounce, face painting, free food, free books and much more.

Please come out to this fun event as our children go back to school.

Download Flyer »

In the News:

Listening to testimony from then-Attorney General nominee Bruce Beemer.

Bruce Beemer Confirmed as Attorney General

The Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate approved the nomination of Bruce Beemer as Attorney General to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Kathleen Kane. Mr. Beemer will serve until an Attorney General is elected in November and sworn- in during January. He served as First Deputy to Attorney General Kane previously and stated he had no record of involvement in the offensive emails in Harrisburg.

And remember, my office is here to serve you. Contact us for notary services, voter registration and more. Visit my website for more services we provide.

Dare to Care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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