'Once Upon a Time' Shared at Graydon

It's been a summer of rebirth at Graydon Pool in more ways than one. As the village pool has experienced increased badge sales, the Preserve Graydon Coalition continued its quest for improved community life.

The latest addition—the return of story time.

"Story Time was an enduring feature of every Ridgewood child's experience that faded away over time. The Preserve Graydon Coalition has brought it back," coalition cochair Marcia Ringel said.

At Thursday's inaugural reading session for pool patrons ages 4 to 8, longtime community members Patrick Mancuso and Anna Spalckhaver shared their time and storytelling aptitude with village youth.

Mancuso, a former mayor and councilman, leapt at the chance presented to him by the coalition.

"It's important to look to the kids and make sure that they are a part of the community," the 20-year councilman said. "It's healthy for children to grow with confidence. You saw that one guy getting into it? He was having a great time."

Appropriately, Mancuso regaled his young audience with To the Beach on the sand-covered shore overlooking the natural-bottomed pool.

Preserve Graydon Coalition cochair Suzanne Kelly, herself a teacher, helped recruit about a dozen storytellers and assistants to read and plan activities during weekly sessions throughout the summer.

"I wanted to bring it back to encourage people to stay longer," she said. The readings are scheduled at 2 p.m., after Ridgewood day campers are done. "It breaks up the day, and encourages a sense of community with adults and kids."

Under the pavilion shade, Kelly has planned nine story times. Some activities will require cutting and pasting, others will incorporate a sing-a-long. Sally Brandes' activity is a spinoff on the game Duck, Duck, Goose involving insects—Buzz, Buzz, Bite.

Kelly recruited her volunteers—mostly retired educators—through the Preserve Graydon Coalition's core supporters e-mail list and other community channels, including a Patch announcement. She feels comfortable with her volunteers, but encourages others interested to contact the pool.

The story time and Graydon's badge sale increase followed a contentious year for the facility.

"This has been something that's fun to plan. It's been tense-filled year among the political things. This is just pleasant and happy," she said.

The potential update of the natural-bottomed pool was a divisive issue in the spring council election. The two candidates endorsed by coalition—Tom Riche and Bernadette Walsh—eventually were elected to office. Following the election, then-councilman Mancuso announced the village would decline issuing a request for proposals, tabling update considerations, due to lack of funds.

But story time is purely for the kids.

"Graydon's a place that is fun to go to. Children can get to know other and learn about reading in a fun setting," Kelly said. 

Story Time at Graydon Pool runs every Thursday at 2 p.m. Any badge holder ages 4 to 8 is welcome.