“Sassy” Makes the Grades
By Sue Leamy Kies and Gene Weber
Thanks to generous donations from area philanthropists and the promotional skills of Gene Weber, the children’s book “Sassy’s Vacation” has been making its way into the hands of many area grade school students. The book, written by local author Sue Leamy Kies and illustrated by Madison graphic artist Ric Genthe, tells the story of a little girl who catches a turtle while fishing with her dad on Rountree Branch. The book highlights Sassy’s recovery, educates readers about the lives of turtles, and introduces new vocabulary along the way. Sue donated all profits from the sale of the book to PCA.
So far, students who have received copies of the book along with a presentation by the author include students at Platteville’s Westview Elementary, Holy Ghost Immaculate Conception School in Dickeyville, St. Rose in Cuba City, and St. Clement School in Lancaster. Cuba City Elementary School will soon be added to that list in the next few months, at which time PCA (via wonderful donors) will have delivered approximately 1,000 books to elementary students in southwest Wisconsin.
In her presentations, Sue reads the book to the children and talks about writing stories. She said, “It’s so uplifting to see the intrigued looks on the children’s faces when I read the book.”
Gene said, “And they ask such great questions. In Lancaster, a curious second grader asked what Rountree Branch was and Sue explained that it was the name of the stream that flowed by the trail.” When discussing the book, many students said they have already visited Katie’s Garden and the trail. The others said they would like to do so in the future. The teachers said that maybe their students might even take a field trip there.
Books for Westview have been funded by Larry and Mary McGinley, two anonymous donors, Bob and Joan Just, Dawson and Marie Trine, John and Ellen Urness, Tom and Pat Jonas, Platteville Optimists, and the Platteville Community Fund in past years. This year they were donated by Larry and Mary McGinley, John and Ellen Urness, Tom and Pat Jonas along with Bill and Jean Sanders.
In the previous year, the books for St. Rose students were funded by Myron and Sheila Tranel, Lee and Patti Eggers, Joe and Caitlin Rosemeyer, Jack and Julie Wiegman and one anonymous donor. Joe and Caitlin donated this year’s books. Holy Ghost Immaculate Conception School’s books were sponsored by Dave Reuter’s Dickeyville community bingo group. The Lancaster Jaycees have funded books for St. Clement second and third graders.
Scott and Connie Wright (Lifeline Audio), Nancy Davies, Cuba City Lions, and Lori Droessler Real Estate sponsored the Cuba City Elementary School books.
If you ever want to sit in on one of the presentations at an elementary school, just let us know. We’d be glad to have you. Or, if you want to enjoy the wonderful feeling of giving back to the children through our Sassy’s Vacation book program, please email us at plattevillearboretum@gmail.com.
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