Volunteerism: The Cat in the Hat Pays a Visit to Oak Crest

Parkville, Maryland—Students from the City Neighbors School in Hamilton, visiting Oak Crest for the Buddy Reading Program, were treated to a special guest: the Cat in the Hat.

As part of Read Across America, a nationwide celebration of literacy connected to the birthday of Dr. Seuss, Oak Crest resident Jean Carl donned the famous cat costume on March 19 and 21 to the delight of the first-and second-graders.

It’s not the first time that Mrs. Carl has played the role. A teacher for 30 years in school systems in Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Mrs. Carl volunteered to be the Cat in the Hat when she retired as part of the New Jersey Education Association’s Read Across America activities.

“I have been the Cat in the Hat for ten years in southern New Jersey, visiting about 60 schools during the month of February. It was the perfect way to stay in the educational field,” described Mrs. Carl. “When I enter the room, it is certainly the one time where there is a smile on everyone’s face, from the superintendent to the children.”

Buddy Reading is a long-standing program that brings local elementary school students to Oak Crest to read with resident volunteers. Ms. Carl thought it would be a nice fit to reprise her Cat in the Hat character to the Erickson Living retirement community, where she has lived since July with her husband, Horace.

“There are so many wonderful opportunities to give back to the greater community here,” said Mrs. Carl. “Helping to promote literacy has always been important to me because reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Being the Cat in the Hat places the emphasis on fun, but real connections are made with the students.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Oak Crest, please contact Dana Huntington-Smith, Volunteer Program Coordinator, at 410-665-1000.

Photo Caption: Oak Crest resident Jean Carl donned the Cat in the Hat costume as part of the Erickson Living retirement community’s Buddy Reading Program with students from City Neighbors School on March 19 and 21. A retired school teacher, Mrs. Carl has been volunteering for Read Across America, a national celebration of literacy, for ten years.

About Oak Crest: Oak Crest, situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Parkville, Maryland, is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®. The community is home to 2,100 residents who are supported by a team of more than 1,250 employees. Additional information about Oak Crest can be found at OakCrestCommunity.com.