PHILADELPHIA - Gary L. Fikes, 72, of Church Street, passed away, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Wednesday evening, October 5, 2022 at home, while under the care of
BLACK RIVER â A local childrenâs writer has been honored with the New York State Reading Associationâs Charlotte Awards.
The award, named for the main character in E.B. Whiteâs Charlotteâs Web, was established âto encourage students to read outstanding literature and ultimately become life-long readers,â according to the associationâs website. The award also recognizes the authors and illustrators. The award winning books are decided upon by students throughout the state.
Hope I. Marston, who has been nominated in the past, received the 2021 Charlotte Award for the high school ballot for her book âThe Walls Have Ears: A Black Spy in the Confederate White House,â published by White Bird Publications.