Schools will initiate new reading program

Mayor Ralph A. Infante says Niles is in good shape financially.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- The Niles school district will initiate a program the first of the year to get books in the hands of preschoolers so parents can read to their children.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program was explained Friday during the Regional Chamber's annual "Good Morning, Niles!" presentation at Ciminero's Banquet Centre.
Linda Ruggles, principal at Washington Elementary, said the initiative is designed to increase early childhood literacy.
"The key to success in school is developing reading skills," Ruggles said, noting that some children have never had a book in their hands before they begin to attend school.
Often, she explained, parents want to help their children but don't know how or don't have the time.
Started by singer and actress Dolly Parton in 1995, Imagination Library is in 585 communities in 42 states.
Ruggles said that she will collect from hospitals the names of parents with newborns. The parents will be asked to register for the program.
The parents will receive a free children's book every month from the time the child is born until age 5 when they begin attending kindergarten.
The idea is get the parents to read to their children to develop early reading skills.
The cost of the books -- 27 per year for 12 books -- will be paid by sponsors, or "champions," that are being solicited by the chamber.
State of the City address
During the breakfast sponsored by the Home Savings & amp; Loan Co., Mayor Ralph A. Infante said in his State of the City address that the city is in good financial shape.
"We're really doing well financially," Infant said of the city's 69 million budget.
Income tax revenue is up 200,000 over 2005, despite the loss of 80,000 annually in revenue because Lordstown increased its income tax rate this year by 0.5 percent. People pay first where they work, and then where they live.
Infant attributed the boost in income tax to 18 million in new development, such as the remodeling of the Eastwood Mall.
The mayor also called attention to 23 of 28 projects completed in the past three years to reduce flooding in the city.
The mayor ordered 2 added to each utility bill, which generates 225,000 a year. Often used as the local share for government grants, it's spent on storm sewer upgrades and street and sidewalk improvements.
"We mix and match money," Infante said of the program.
He called attention to the resurfacing this year of 22 streets -- because he doesn't want to see any potholes.
A major city project will be the construction of a 3.7 million wellness center in Waddell Park. The center will offer an array of athletic activities for all residents.
Infante noted that the city has applied for 1.4 million in state and federal grants. Bids to construct the center will go out in January.
yovich@vindy.com