Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Congressman Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) and local author Caroline Jones celebrated the launch of their children’s book, We Saved the Bees and the Butterflies at the Barnes and Noble in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

The book focuses on two SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) students being curious about the declining bee and butterfly populations. They embark on a project to save the bees and the butterflies, while learning about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).

The book was published through a grant made by the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the SHINE after school programs in Carbon and Luzerne counties.

“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Congressman Barletta and Caroline Jones in writing a book that promotes STEAM based educational principles and benefits the SHINE after school program which has succeeded in bringing quality afterschool programming to northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Yudichak.

SHINE is a nationally recognized after school program operating in school districts in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties. Sen. Yudichak and Congressman Barletta brought the SHINE program to Luzerne County in 2015.

“For years, Senator Yudichak and I have watched SHINE change the lives of children across Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Barletta. “It was a pleasure to work with both him and Caroline Jones on this book to teach students about the STEAM curriculum and promote the program that has helped so many children achieve their dreams. SHINE is a perfect example of what successful afterschool programming can do for children in the Commonwealth, and I am proud to have worked across the aisle with my colleagues in Congress and state lawmakers like Senator Yudichak to support it.”

Caroline Jones is a graduate of King’s College and the founder of the Read to Succeed Project, a program that promotes literacy and education.

“I had a great time collaborating with Senator Yudichak and Congressman Barletta on this book. Having a Democrat political leader and a Republican political leader work together for a meaningful cause is both refreshing and inspiring. Education isn’t a partisan issue; it’s an issue that should be important to everyone,” said Jones.

Joining Sen. Yudichak, Congressman Barletta and Caroline Jones at the book launch were SHINE students and their families from the Heights-Murray Elementary SHINE Center. SHINE of Luzerne County operated eight SHINE centers, serving 570 students during the 2017-18 school year.

“Senator Yudichak and Congressman Barletta have been leaders in recognizing the importance of afterschool programs and we’re so grateful for their support of the SHINE program. This book is a fun way for children to learn STEAM skills, while also highlighting the SHINE program,” said Carol Nicholas, Director, SHINE of Luzerne County.

Limited copies of the book are available for $9.99.   Click Here to contact Sen. Yudichak’s office if you are interested in purchasing a copy.  All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the SHINE after school programs in Carbon and Luzerne counties.

Sen. Yudichak serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

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