BBB4E honored at Hammond Volunteer Breakfast and rolls out Family Literacy Month program

On the heels of its 24th Anniversary, BBB4E was presented the Youth Advocate Award by  Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. at the 37th Annual Volunteer Breakfast on October 24. The organization’s broad portfolio of programs includes the Midwest Youth Choir and the Book Brigade. Even though the honor highlights the development and implementation of arts education for children specifically, BBB4E is happy to announce the reintroduction of the Midwest Adult Choir (with classes beginning November 4 at Hammond Central High School). 

Director Michelle Golden stated, “We hear that adults are seeking ways to reconnect to each other and in the community. The reintroduction of the Midwest Adult Choir will provide a low- key, non-competitive opportunity for adults to safely meet weekly and just sing. We hope that parents who have children enrolled in the Midwest Youth Choir will become singers at the same time in their own group. Adults may enjoy discounts for full-time college students, veterans, and seniors 55+.”

During the awards presentation, Valerie Pennanen received the Spirit of Hammond Award for her volunteer work related to the Book Brigade. Her hands-on commitment includes being a team leader labeling hundreds and hundreds of donated books, pulling red wagons, and walking door-to-door in Hammond neighborhoods, offering them free to residents. 

In addition, a BBB4E friend and community icon, Mary LeVan, received the Frank Van TIl Lifetime Achievement Award for her steadfast presence in supporting arts and culture in Hammond and NWI. As an audience member, Mary’s loyalty and dedication to supporting artists and musicians are second to none.

BBB4E is excited to continue expanding access to free books and family literacy programs. 

Specifically November 2024, BBB4E starts a new chapter with a series of community art and book activities to celebrate National Family Literacy Month. Join us for a family literacy Kick-Off Event at the Hammond Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 3:30-7:00 p. m. 

During these afterschool programs students and their families will be encouraged to select a free book from the Book Brigade collection and complete an art project based on their selection. Events are scheduled at the Hammond Public Library, 564 State St., Hammond, and the Merge Building, 5920 Hohman Avenue, Hammond 

In February 2025, BBB4E is broadening Read Across Hammond week to READ ACROSS THE REGION. The Book Brigade staff is developing routine workshops and opportunities for families to gather and enjoy reading, writing, and creating art.  Most importantly, the goal is to encourage the public in the pursuit of lifelong learning so that people fall in love with spending time together and the joy of reading in print without technology

BBB4E wishes to thank all its donors, volunteers, students, and families who have made our work possible this year.

Visit BBB4E.org/upcoming for a full calendar of events and programs.