Birthday celebrations usually include a few dozen people, or less, commemorating the special day. In the case of Books Brushes and Bands for Education (BBB4E), its 24 years of continued success recently found almost 100 people gathered for the event at the Merge Building in downtown Hammond. “Our vision has always been to reach out to kids about the various forms of ‘the arts,” said BBB4E founder and executive director Michelle Golden. “It’s amazing to see them grow up in our organization.” Maritza Malono of Hammond watched her son Oliver, 4, as he created an interesting piece of artwork at the 24th anniversary celebration of Books Brushes and Bands for Education. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune) Offered throughout the years have been the Midwest Youth Choir, Band and Orchestra. Thousands of public, private, parochial, and home school students, ages 5 to 18, have participated. In attendance at the birthday party, which was complete with a huge cake, was Maritza Malono of Hammond and her four-year-old son Oliver. “My son goes to the Montessori School across the street from here, and I’ve heard so many good things about the BBB4E,” Malono said. “I’m definitely going to check into it when my son is old enough.” Sue Ellen Ross/Post-TribuneBBB4E volunteer Eunice Jarrett worked with the Book Brigade teams as they recently delivered free books to neighborhood children. The Brigade takes place three times a year, targeting various areas in Hammond. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune) Also visiting the event was Edna Jackson of Hammond. “My granddaughters were involved with the BBB4E band a few years ago, and that experience changed their personalities,” she said. “They learned how to work with others in teamwork, and gained confidences in themselves.” Diane Smosna of Schererville also is aware of the benefits of membership in BBB4E. “My grandchildren were in the summer choir program some years ago, and it was such a positive experience,” she said. “It filled the gap between school and home.” Beginning in 2000, BBB4E has offered opportunities for thousands of area children through their programs. The recent celebration also kicked off the Fall season of the Midwest Youth Choir. Registration is open to any students ages 5-18 from any zip code. The Band, Orchestra, and Adult choir programs will be offered in the near future. The continued goal is develop an appreciation for the ‘arts’ in many forms. Another endeavor of the organization is the Book Brigade. Held three times a year, this program delivers childrens’ books to various neighborhoods in the Hammond area. Thousands of donated books are circulated by volunteers to homes with no payment involved. According to the volunteers that visit the homes, families are surprised that they are free. “People don’t believe they are getting these books for their children with no charge to them,” said volunteer Eunice Jarrett, during a recent brigade in the former Lew Wallace School area. “They are very grateful.” Golden’s mission was, and still continues, to bring the various ‘arts’ to students outside the home and school. The focus is to empower youth and families to become life-long learners through exposure through engaging experiences in literary, visual and musical arts. For more information about Books, Brushes and Bands for Education call (219) 932-3232, or visit BBB4E.ORG. Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.