Wood Dale woman spreads love of reading

A group of second-graders at W.A. Johnson School in Bensenville consider Wednesday one of the best days of the week.

No, not because it's the halfway point until the weekend.

They know each Wednesday brings a visit from Grace Newman, an 84-year-old Wood Dale woman whose passion for reading is contagious.

"You can see the big grins on their faces every time she comes in," said Sue Vitale, director of the school's Citizens Active in Reading Education, or CARE, program.

For seven years, Newman has helped students improve their literacy skills by volunteering with CARE one hour each week. She works under the direction of second-grade teacher Erin Knueurr, helping children improve comprehension and spark excitement for literature.

"They are so excited when they see her come in because they feel special," Vitale said. "She really cares about them and their school work and their reading ability."

A self-professed book worm, Newman said she simply loves reading and constantly spends time at the Wood Dale Public Library, where they know her by name. She gravitates toward love stories and autobiographies of famous composers like Mozart, since she's a fan of classical music.

"But I will really read just about anything," Newman said.

When she's not at Johnson School, Newman also visits Wood Dale Park District daily to walk and take Jazzercise class. And twice per month, she volunteers to usher services at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wood Dale. She and most of her family have been members of the church for decades.

Ellen Hart, spokeswoman for Wood Dale Park District, said the staff is always inspired by Newman's energy and her drive to continue helping others.

"We think she is a terrific lady with so much energy and gives so much back to us as a community," Hart said.