Greenwich United Way’s Reading Champions Volunteers and Greenwich Public School Literacy Specialists were honored at Athena Books on Wednesday, May 20th, for an exclusive author meet-and-greet with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood, who celebrated the release of his new book, The Stimulated Mind.
The event reflected the shared commitment of Greenwich United Way Reading Champions Program and Athena Books to the importance of literacy engagement and community education.
Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and author of The Stimulated Mind. Contributed photo
Contributed photo
Contributed photo
Dr. Tommy Wood, a physician, Formula 1 sports performance coach, and neuroscientist specializing in lifelong brain health, dispelled the myth that the brain is doomed to decline with age. Instead, by providing the right stimulus and building more “headroom”— the amount of mental function we have available to us — we can help our brain to adapt and develop.
“Dr. Woods’ research also shows that volunteerism sparks beneficial mental stimulation and social connection across age groups,” said Cecile Meunier, GUW’s Champions Program Manager. “Being a part of Reading Champions in Greenwich provides just that: meaningful engagement coupled with lasting community impact in early literacy. While volunteers are motivated to progress reading skills, they also benefit from their weekly sessions, passing their knowledge to the next generation.”
Reading Champions began in 2008 with a pilot program at North Mianus School with eight reading tutors trained by literacy specialists to work with 24 students in first and second grade. This fall will mark its 18th year of literacy support, helping improve reading fluency among Greenwich elementary students. Reading Champions currently has 120 volunteers providing one-on-one tutoring to 400 students across all public elementary schools and five after-school programs, including new sites at the YMCA and Family First at New Lebanon School, which serves ESL families through evening sessions.
“The success and effectiveness of Reading Champions is exemplified by our incredible team of literacy volunteers,” said David Rabin, CEO of GUW. “The program is rewarding for both students and volunteers alike, and we hope to grow our team of volunteers with a continual increase of our positive impact on the young learners in our town – whether we reach them during the school day or outside the classroom at one of the five after-school programs we will serve in the upcoming school year.”
Those interested in attending the Reading Champions open house on September 29 should contact Champions Program Manager Cecile Meunier at cmeunier@greenwichunitedway.