PHILIPSBURG:--- In recognition of Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, observed during the month of September, members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset hosted its fifth annual Reading Slumber Fun on Friday, October 21st, 2022, under the theme Finding Nemo. This event was scheduled to take place in September, but due to weather conditions, it was postponed until this day. This event took place at Cocky Turtle Beach Restaurant and Bar on Kimsha Beach. There were approximately 75 children between the ages of 4 -9 years that came out in their pajamas with their blankets and pillows for a cozy evening under the stars of live storytelling and movie time.
Basic Education and Literacy are one of Rotary's six avenues of service, which serve as the philosophical cornerstone and foundation for this club activity. Literacy development is an essential component of a child’s overall growth. It is the foundation for succeeding in school, socializing with others, problem-solving, decision-making, developing independence, and achieving financial freedom. It also provides skills and empowers us to transform our lives; it improves our health and ability to live a purpose-driven life, and it improves our standard of living and that of our family and community. The Reading Slumber Fun’s aim is to promote the value of reading and literacy.
The event kicked off with welcoming remarks by President Kimberley Duzong followed by each team leader calling out the names of the members in their group. Once everyone was split into their respective groups, the live storytelling performances of Ms. Georginette Lake, Ms. Rita Carty, Mr. Ralphe Cantave, and Rotarian Franklyn Salomons began.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers and sponsors, including those that asked to remain anonymous, who helped make this a memorable evening for the children a success. A special thank you to the Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten for their financial support, Cocky Turtle Restaurant and Bar for allowing us to utilize their space for this event, our dynamic readers, and Mr. Roy Q. Marlin and Mr. Ralph Cantave for donating their reading books.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 PM. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.
