“Stay Smart” summer reading program is a neighborhood based initiative to aid youth in their reading skills during their summer school break. First initiated in 2002 by Joan Fiorile of Curtis Avenue, these reading sessions are designed to address three critical issues for youth: improving the level of their reading skills; exploring the role that reading skills will play in their future careers; and demonstrating how their lives will be enriched through reading.

Held on neighborhood residents' front porches Wednesday and Thursday evenings during July and August, “Stay Smart” encourages reading, vocabulary development and an appreciation of cultural diversity through the use of a variety of reading materials, globes and dictionaries. Because “Stay Smart” is held outside, it also becomes a focal point of street and neighborhood activity, encouraging family and neighbors to join.

“Stay Smart” is funded through Woodbury Municipal Alliance. or call Joan Fiorile at 371-0959 for more information.