Birthday celebrations are usually held with no more than a dozen people to commemorate the special day.
In the case of Books Brushes and Bands for Education (BBB4E), its 24 years of continued success recently drew nearly 100 people to an event at the Merge Building in downtown Hammond.
“Our vision has always been to expose children to different forms of ‘art,'” said Michelle Golden, Founder and Executive Director of BBB4E. “It’s great to see them grow within our organization.”
Maritza Marono of Hammond watched her son Oliver, 4, create interesting artwork at the 24th anniversary celebration of the Book Brushes and Band for Education. (Sue Ellen Ross/After Tribune)
The Midwest Youth Choir, Band, and Orchestra have been around for many years. Thousands of public, private, parochial, and homeschool students, ages 5 to 18,
I participated.
Hammond resident Maritza Marono and her 4-year-old son Oliver attended the birthday party, which included a giant cake.
“My son goes to a Montessori school across the street from here, and I’ve heard a lot of good things about BBB4E,” Marono said. “When my son gets older, I’m definitely going to look into it.”
Sue Ellen Ross/Post Tribune
BBB4E volunteer Eunice Jarrett recently worked with the Book Brigade team to deliver free books to children in her neighborhood. The Brigade meets three times a year, covering different areas of Hammond. (Sue Ellen Ross/After Tribune)
Hammond’s Edna Jackson also visited the event.
“My granddaughters were in the BBB4E band a few years ago, and that experience changed their personalities,” she said. “They learned how to work with others in teamwork and gained confidence in themselves.”
Diane Smosna of Schillerville also recognizes the benefits of BBB4E membership.
“A few years ago, my grandchildren participated in a summer choir program and it was a great experience,” she said. “It bridged the gap between school and home.”
Since its inception in 2000, BBB4E has provided opportunities to thousands of area children through its programs.
The recent celebration also kicked off the Midwest Youth Choir’s fall season. Registration is open to any student between the ages of 5 and 18, regardless of zip code.
Band, orchestra and adult choir programs will also be offered in the near future.
An ongoing goal is to develop an appreciation for “art” in its many forms.
Another initiative of the organization is the Book Brigade. Held three times a year, the program delivers children’s books to different areas of the city.
Hammond area. Thousands of donated books are distributed to families free of charge by volunteers.
Volunteers who visit homes say families are surprised to find out it’s free.
“People don’t believe we’re giving these books to kids for free,” volunteer Eunice Jarrett said at a recent brigade in the former Lou Wallace School district. “They are very grateful.”
Golden’s mission was, and continues to be, to bring a variety of “arts” to students at home and outside of school.
Its focus is to enable youth and their families to become lifelong learners through engaging experiences in the literary, visual, and musical arts.
For more information on educational books, brushes and bands, call (219) 932-3232 or visit BBB4E.ORG.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
