Back in the Second Grade.

11-21-16 SHORT HILLS: Today we did what has become our annual Thanksgiving visit to Lincoln Elementary School in the Vailsburg section of Newark, actually near my first office. We visit Ms. Catalano’s second grade class with Gus the therapy dog. The kids read to Gus, practicing their skills, and Gus practices understanding what they read. Bill and Lynn accompanied us to help with the reading lessons. Pam and Charlie, another therapy team from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, were there also. We do an Xmas visit also.

Judy, Pam and other volunteers do regular monthly visits for reading, but they don't get fed except at holidays. The Xmas visit is when we bring in the donated stuffed animals, mostly from Vermont, as presents for all the kids in the lower grades.

Ms. Catalano served fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, corn bread, and sweet potato pie for dessert. We all enjoyed, including Gus. After two hours or so, we left the kids to other lessons.


The school desks are all lined up to make a banquet table. Ms. Catalano is dishing in the back.

Reading lesson for Gus.

Inviting, lively classroom.

Pam and Charlie.

Hand made place-mats.

Producing a selfie.