Storytelling event March 7 to raise funds for ‘Reading Grove’ on Corcoran High School campus

Storytelling event March 7 to raise funds for ‘Reading Grove’ on Corcoran High School campusFebruary 29, 2008Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

The Ted Grace First Annual Story Fest will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, on the Corcoran High School campus. Story Fest, a family storytelling event for people of all ages, will feature several well-known local storytellers, artwork by local middle school students, and a dessert menu. In addition to providing entertainment for the local community, Story Fest will raise funds to cover the cost of building the Ted Grace Reading Grove, a seating area and outdoor amphitheater to be located on the Corcoran campus. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at Corcoran High School or Room 250 of Huntington Hall at Syracuse University.

The Ted Grace Reading Grove, sponsored by the Corcoran High School PTSO in conjunction with the Corcoran Alumni Association and Syracuse University, will be located on the south bank of the pond outside the auditorium reception hall. The location is highly visible from the main entrance and from inside the school to create interest in the activities occurring at the amphitheater. Amphitheater seating for about 120 people will be located on the north side of the terrace. A lawn sloping down to an elevated gazebo will serve as a stage for outdoor teaching presentations and special events. The gazebo, adjoining tree grove and streamside benches also will serve as a reading retreat, stimulating academic interest and achievement. The cost of the project is estimated at $200,000.

The grove is being built in honor of Ted Grace, a Corcoran graduate, SU School of Education professor, literacy advocate and accomplished storyteller, in recognition of his enormous contributions to promoting literacy in the Syracuse community.

The project started with a community cleanup day last April, during which 250 community members donated their time and energy to clear overgrowth from the embankments of the Reading Grove location. The goal of the Story Fest event is to raise the funds needed to cover construction costs for the amphitheater and gazebo.

For more information about Story Fest and the Ted Grace Reading Grove, contact Kathleen Hinchman at (315) 443-5186. For ticket information, call (315) 383-4018.