Let's face it, kindergarten has changed tremendously since you were in pigtails. Luckily, there's a program geared to help parents and guardians ensure kids birth to 5 years old meet developmental and educational milestones. READY! for Kindergarten, a program of the Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, is currently enrolling parents for winter classes. The Kennewick School District provides this program FREE to Kennewick residents with children under 5.

Each quarterly class lasts about 90 minutes. During the workshop, parents receive valuable information and a toolkit (activities, toys and books) designed to help their child progress in 25 target areas. In addition to FREE classes, licensed childcare is offered to parents at no additional charge. This quarter, eight English workshops will be offered between January 22^nd and February 5^th. Two Spanish workshops will also be offered on either January 29^th or January 31^st. To sign up for a READY! class or for more information, visit www.readyforkindgarten.org or call (509) 222-5035.

We know the importance of reading to our kids but if you're looking for an opportunity to devour a good book and have some adult conversation, check out the newly formed Barnes & Noble Book Club kicking off this month. Formed through a partnership between the City of Kennewick and Barnes & Noble, club members (open to anyone 21 and up) will discuss and share thoughts on selected readings. A new book will be chosen each month with the first meeting on January 19^th devoted to "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.

During this inaugural meeting, members will vote on future meeting times and book selections. Meetings will be held the 3^rd Wednesday of each month. The first meeting will be held from 3 to 4 pm at the Kennewick Community Center at 500 S. Auburn Street. Member dues are $1 a month and if you can't make the first meeting you can call 585-4303 for future meeting times. If you can make the January meeting, grab your copy of the book and show up ready for a great discussion!