Judy Kramer volunteers to read to McKinley Elementary School students most days at 8 a.m.
“It gets me out of bed every morning,” she said laughing.
Kramer’s role as a volunteer includes testing children on books they took home the previous night.
If they have not read the book, Kramer reads it to them.
Kramer, whose grandson, Henry, attends McKinley Elementary, said she feels strongly that parents should set aside time every day to read to their children.
“I feel it is a part of their responsibility,” she said.
Ironically, the grandmother of three is not an avid reader, save for recipes. Because reading was never her forte, she never developed an interest in it, Kramer said. She does not recall her parents ever reading to her as a child which is why she now feels passionate about reading to children. It’s a hand-off of sorts. Kramer is investing in children so that they might develop better reading skills than she did.
“I was always a slow reader,” she lamented.
Originally from Erie, Kramer moved here after she and Iola-native husband, David, married in 1973. She also volunteers at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday nights, where David is the manager.
Kramer retired from Haldex in 2010. As plant manager, Kramer had the opportunity to travel to Mexico, Brazil, China, Sweden, England and Germany.
In her spare time she likes to crochet, work in the garden and cook.
Volunteering provides Kramer with socialization. The greatest form of socialization may come from spending time with her grandchildren though. She is their main daycare provider during summer vacation.
“I don’t know how people could survive without grandchildren,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Grandmother sees need for reading
