FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kathy Webster

Thursday, May 5, 2005 366-3333

Head Start “Community Breakfast

& Transportation Day” A Huge Success

DUNKIRK –The Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) Head Start/Early Head Start program, with support from the city of Dunkirk and various local businesses, recently held a successful “Community Breakfast & Transportation Day” as part of one of the many “Month of the Young Child” activities. The “Month of the Young Child,” celebrated in April, is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning.

COI Head Start/Early Head Start Director Kathy Webster said, “The children in the Chautauqua Opportunities’ Head Start program were able to get hands-on experience with various modes of transportation. I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Dunkirk and Jamestown communities for supporting this event and recognizing the importance of the Head Start program.”

The City of Dunkirk supplied a fire truck, ambulance and dump truck. Dunkirk Firefighters Pat Ossman and Joe Kucharski were on hand to talk to the children about the importance of their jobs and the types of equipment they needed. Also, Ellman’s Garage provided a tow truck, with car in tow and Mancuso’s Lawn Service brought a tractor.

In conjunction with Transportation Day, a Community Breakfast and Lunch was held at each Head Start site. Representatives from the community, including Dunkirk Police Chief Dave Ortolano, Dunkirk City Councilman Richard Makuch, Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey and Mrs. Frey; and Father David of Holy Trinity Church visited with the children in the classrooms.

The Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Head Start program is a comprehensive child development service for children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and their families. Locally, the program serves over 525 children and families annually.

For more information about the Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start program, call 366-8176 in the Dunkirk area or 483-5779 in the Jamestown area.

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