Imagination Station Gets Educational Boost

School's out, but a daily dose of education is always in. Pair that with a round of playful exercise, and you've got a perfect summer combination.

Thanks to the , a global service organization dedicated to serving the children of the world, Brighton's resident children and visitors can play and learn while visiting the Imagination Station on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer.

My son and I happened to be at the park on a recent Tuesday morning, when Mary Kerry, a Kiwanis Club member and volunteer, approached and invited us to storytime.

We joined a small group of children and their parents on carpet squares in the shade. After reading two books based on the week's theme — families — the Kiwanis Club volunteers handed out a craft to take home as well as coupons for area businesses who sponsor the series.

“We get anywhere from a few to twenty kids a week,” Suzanne Richardson, who runs the program, said.

Most of the children who participated were school-aged, but my 15-month-old enjoyed the fresh faces and animated storytelling. Short and sweet, the books maintained his attention just long enough.

Older children will likely benefit more. In addition to refreshing their brains, the semi-formal structure of the event will remind children that education is an ongoing experience.

In addition to sponsors, Terrific Tuesdays are supported by , which helps to choose and loans books for the program.

The weekly event, which runs through Aug. 23, is scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:30 am, weather permitting. The group meets near the picnic tables and bike racks under the trees at the entrance of the main play area.

There six themed storytimes left in the series. See the following calendar for details:

• July 19: Ecology including bugs, worms, and yucky things. Eeww!
• July 26: Hats! Wear your craziest hat or hats for that matter.
• Aug. 2: Teddy Bears. We'll have a Teddy Bear Picnic—bring a snack!
• Aug. 9: Doctors, Nurses and the medical world! List to your heart.
• Aug. 16: Planes, Trains, and Autos. Bring your favorite one to share.
• Aug. 23: Stars/Sky/Rockets/The Moon – heavenly “starry” stuff!