BRIDPORT — Each year the Bridport Grange raises money to purchase dictionaries for every third grader in the Addison Central Supervisory Union. The Grange will hold a chicken pie dinner fundraiser to benefit the Words for Thirds Project on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 5-7 p.m., at the Grange hall, 3015 Route 22A.
Since 2003, the Bridport Grange has taken part in the national project and has presented over 1,000 dictionaries to eager students with a personal presentation by a member of the Grange. The presentation is a fun way to introduce what a dictionary is and how to use it and includes showing the students the contents of the dictionary. This includes maps of each state and continent, math and historical facts, short biographies on each president, the planets, and the longest word in the English language.
Studies have shown that students can improve their reading skills by reading to animals, which is why the Grange’s very own “Dictionary Dog” joins Grange members on many of their school visits. He helps get the kids excited about trying out their new resource and feel more comfortable and relaxed in the classroom. According to Grange members, he loves to show the students his favorite words: “go” and “ride.”
The dinner features chicken pie with mashed potatoes, squash and coleslaw and apple crisp for dessert. Dinner is $9 for adults and $4.50 for 5-10-year-olds. Children younger than 5 are free with a paying adult.