The Portsmouth Elementary School Right to Read Committee would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to the following sponsors: Portsmouth Area Art Council, Scioto Foundation, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, Southern Ohio Medical Center and the Portsmouth Elementary PTO. The support of these agencies and foundations enabled us to bring author/illustrator, Mark Ludy to our schools for Right to Read week.

Mr. Ludy's presence caused the schools to “buzz” with excitement, and his dynamic speaking style was not only effective at the elementary level, but at the middle and high school level as well. Many of the students remember Ludy's first visit in 2005 and reacted as if a friend had returned for a visit, which is a testament to his engaging personality.

In this era of state testing, in which so much of our class time and educational dollars are directed to meeting state guidelines, Mr. Ludy's visit offered a change of pace. Students and staff were encouraged.

Dave Huffman

librarian

Portsmouth Elementary School

Travelers thank man who helped change flat tire

On June 30, we were heading for Portsmouth on Ohio 73 when we experienced a flat tire on our van. Fortunately, we were able to pull over in a non-traffic lane. Immediately, a car whipped in front of us, parked, and a man wearing a shirt with a Shawnee university patch on it stepped out and helped my husband change the tire.

He was truly a good samaritan and one whom we seldom read or hear about. We want him to know we really appreciated his help.

Bill and Gloria Hendrickson

Monroe, Ohio