Alumna reads her new book to CLC kids

Penn College alumna Judi L. Jessick returned to her alma mater recently to read her book, "Agatha Livermore and the Magic Cookie Spoon," to youngsters at the Dunham Children's Learning Center. A resident of Shamokin Dam, Jessick is a 2002 graduate of the occupational therapy assistant major.

Once she retired, Jessick put pen to paper to share the story of "Agatha Livermore," a character she created as a mother, telling bedtime stories to her children. “Agatha Livermore and the Magic Cookie Spoon,” released through Pegasus Publishers, is about a young girl who lacks self-confidence, especially compared to her many brothers and sisters who each possess a special talent. When she finds her own “magic,” Agatha begins to believe in her own self-worth.

Jessick’s story is a rhyming children’s book. When reading to children in the CLC's "Birds" and "Butterflies" classes, the author interacted with the children by asking them what letter their names began with, and they would repeat the letters together. Jessick was impressed by how all the children knew their names and shouted out their letter. After the reading, the kids presented the special visitor with a large thank-you card featuring their handprints.

Jessick signed a copy of her book to remain at the CLC. Her visit was made possible with the help of Linda A. Reichert, CLC director, and Tiffany L. Tyhanic, the center's assistant director. The author and her husband, Ken, received a tour of the center, followed by lunch in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant and a tour of campus.

The couple's son, Kyle, is also a Penn College alum. He earned degrees in residential construction technology & management in 2012 and building construction technology in 2011. He owns Jessick Construction.