Basketball team to read 'Meet Mason' at Otto Bookstore

In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, Penn College men’s basketball players are teaming up for a different exercise – reading “Meet Mason” during Children’s Story Time at the Otto Bookstore in downtown Williamsport. Set for Noon to 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, the free event is suitable for kindergarten and preschool-age children. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

“Meet Mason” shares the story of a young boy who was born blind with Lenz Microphthalmia syndrome. Written by Mason’s mother, Penn College employee Megan Rogers, the book intends to help children understand the life of a child with a disability and how to connect with that person.

Mason and Megan will also be in attendance at the Story Time, along with men’s basketball coach Geoff B. Hensley (shown above with Mason).

Hensley “recruited” Mason to join the Penn College men's basketball team in October 2023. The two-year partnership was facilitated by Team Impact, which matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams to create long-term, life-changing experiences for everyone involved.

Due to their special connection with Mason, team members will be reading the book aloud and will share how Mason has inspired them to view blindness in a new light. Their coach will discuss how Mason joined the team, and Megan will talk briefly about blindness awareness. Children will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Kid-friendly snacks will be available, and adults can enjoy coffee while listening. Walk-ins are welcome, but registrations are encouraged on Eventbrite, so Otto’s can plan ahead for the refreshments. The bookstore is located at 107 W. Fourth St., Williamsport.

Also this month, the Penn College Wildcats basketball team has read to a second-grade class at Cochran Primary School in Williamsport and will be reading to youngsters who attend the college's Dunham Children’s Learning Center on Thursday.