Improve Norwich Now encourages reading during haircuts
(Zachary Meseck photo)
NORWICH – Improve Norwich Now (I.N.N.) is partnering with local salons and barber shops to encourage reading in their community, allowing kids to win prizes such as jump ropes, bubbles, and candy if they read a book while getting their hair cut.
According to Improve Norwich Now Co-Founder Jen Westervelt, the idea stemmed from a barber shop in Pennsylvania that rewarded children for reading during the haircut by earning money.
"In our model, children will read from a book to their hairdresser, and when the haircut is complete, they can select a prize," said Westervelt. "As a former English teacher, now pastor, and mom of two young boys, I personally know the ways reading can open doors for people: especially when they develop an ability and desire to read in their young years."
"From reading to learn, to reading for pleasure, to reading in order to complete job applications and business or personal paperwork, reading is an essential life skill."
She said since I.N.N. is focused on removing barriers and providing supports, promoting literacy aligns perfectly with their efforts to improve Norwich now.
"Literacy struggles present a barrier for many in our community, so any time we have the opportunity to support reading, we should go 'All I.N.N.' Teasers Hair Salon in Norwich and Shear Looks Hair Salon in Sherburne are current participants," said Westervelt. "We are certainly open to welcoming more hair salons or barber shops, and we are also in need of book and prize donations."
Teasers owner Missy Beers said she got involved with Improve Norwich's Now initiative because she wants to make a difference in her community.
"This is a great way for kids to read more books," said Beers. "The kids can come in, read a book, even while they're waiting, and they'll get a prize like a jump rope, bubbles, or candy."
Beers said she would prefer to give prizes to kids 12 and under, but hopes this program will help encourage more children to read.
Westervelt asks interested people to reach out to Improve Norwich Now for more information or to help the cause.
According to Improve Norwich Now Co-Founder Jen Westervelt, the idea stemmed from a barber shop in Pennsylvania that rewarded children for reading during the haircut by earning money.
"In our model, children will read from a book to their hairdresser, and when the haircut is complete, they can select a prize," said Westervelt. "As a former English teacher, now pastor, and mom of two young boys, I personally know the ways reading can open doors for people: especially when they develop an ability and desire to read in their young years."
"From reading to learn, to reading for pleasure, to reading in order to complete job applications and business or personal paperwork, reading is an essential life skill."
She said since I.N.N. is focused on removing barriers and providing supports, promoting literacy aligns perfectly with their efforts to improve Norwich now.
"Literacy struggles present a barrier for many in our community, so any time we have the opportunity to support reading, we should go 'All I.N.N.' Teasers Hair Salon in Norwich and Shear Looks Hair Salon in Sherburne are current participants," said Westervelt. "We are certainly open to welcoming more hair salons or barber shops, and we are also in need of book and prize donations."
Teasers owner Missy Beers said she got involved with Improve Norwich's Now initiative because she wants to make a difference in her community.
"This is a great way for kids to read more books," said Beers. "The kids can come in, read a book, even while they're waiting, and they'll get a prize like a jump rope, bubbles, or candy."
Beers said she would prefer to give prizes to kids 12 and under, but hopes this program will help encourage more children to read.
Westervelt asks interested people to reach out to Improve Norwich Now for more information or to help the cause.
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