WEIRTON - JoAnn Davis, the author of "Finding Pepper," will be reading her book to the children at the Energy Express program in Weirton on Monday.
"Finding Pepper" is Davis' first published children's book. It is about a young girl and her best friend who find a puppy they name Pepper and make their own.
"We appreciate Ms. Davis taking the time to be a celebrity reader at our Weirton Energy Express site," said WVU Extension Agent Carole Scheerbaum. "I am sure that she will be an inspiration to the children. Our program's success depends upon the efforts of many volunteers."
Davis is from the Ohio Valley area and is a former star of Wheeling's Jamboree USA. She sang at the first Jamboree in the Hills in 1977 and has recorded two albums.
Energy Express, an award-winning statewide summer reading program, serves more than 80 children in Hancock County, providing two meals a day and reading-based educational activities to help children maintain their reading skills and good nutrition during the summer months.
AmeriCorps members support the program at Weir Middle School.
Major funding for Energy Express comes from the West Virginia University Extension Service, the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service, the Summer Food Service Program through the West Virginia Department of Education, and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts. Local partners include the Weirton United Way and CHANGE, Inc, which provides daily meals.
For more information or to volunteer, call Sherri, Hannah or Francesca at (304) 748-6080 ext. 124. To donate supplies or money for the program, call Carole Scheerbaum at (304) 564-3805.
