“Oh! What A Surprise!” by Suzanne Bloom will be featured in Saturday’s One Community, One Book event. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - Improve Norwich Now will host its fall One Community, One Book event which will highlight local author Suzanne Bloom and her book, “Oh! What A Surprise!” along with 16 local businesses.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, this Saturday, October 14th, as part of Chobani’s Saturdays In The Park which can be found near the Chenango County Courthouse. The first 50 participants will receive a free signed copy of the book.

According to President and Co-Founder of Improve Norwich Now Jen Westervelt, the event aims to encourage reading for children and support local businesses by highlighting children’s books and encouraging families to visit businesses as part of a scavenger hunt.

“We are excited to have a photo opportunity as well as crafts that match the characters and theme of the book,” said Westervelt. “This is the second time Improve Norwich Now has had the pleasure of welcoming Suzanne Bloom as our author - her positive energy and commitment to our community are inspirational.”

“This year we partnered with The Place, Norwich City School District, Guernsey Memorial Library, and through a connection to INN Board Member Kisten Giglio, Morrisville Liberty Partnerships.”

Westervelt said INN is grateful for the generous donation from the Emmanuel Episcopal Church that paid for the 50 copies of the book, and mentioned that any sponsors wishing to come alongside events like these would be welcome.

Westervelt added that this marks the eighth One Community, One Book offering held in Norwich, and represents a milestone with the 16 businesses involved with the event. She said this is the highest number of participating businesses which serve as scavenger hunt locations.

“As this program has grown we have received the benefit of extending the scavenger hunt portion beyond the event day,” said Westervelt. “So clues will remain at the locations the following week, until Monday, October 23rd.”

“Participants may stop in during regular business hours to locate the clue and receive a sticker on their maps.”

Westervelt said participants can arrive at any point during the event, and Bloom will read aloud about every 30 minutes. She added that the photo opportunity and craft options will be available throughout the event.

“We are excited to take part in Saturdays in the Park, and have appreciated the warm reception from Mindy Chawgo and her team,” she said. “Improve Norwich Now has been breaking down barriers and providing support for over four years, and the momentum continues to build.”

“With a team of dedicated volunteers it's amazing what can be accomplished - thank you to everyone who has helped us improve our community.”

She said there is also an event on the Improve Norwich Now Facebook page that people can follow for updates, and those who are interested in learning more about INN as a whole may visit its website at improvenorwichnow.org for additional information.