On Friday, August 5, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. visited the Ridgewood YMCA on 64^th Street in Ridgewood to participate in their Summer Camp Read Aloud program. During the visit Addabbo read the children — who ranged in ages from 3 to 5 years old — two of his favorite books: A Bad Case of Stripes, written and illustrated by David Shannon, and It's Okay to Be Different, Todd Parr. 

“It is always so much fun to do these Read Aloud events because I get to share some of my favorite books with the children,” Addabbo said. “The books have great messages to teach the kids that it is always better to be yourself and that everyone is a little bit different, and that’s okay. And the kids even surprised me with a welcome banner that will be proudly displayed in my office. The Ridgewood YMCA has amazing programs and it is a pleasure to be able to visit whenever they invite me by. I appreciate all that they do for the members of the community all year long.”