POTSDAM -- Betsy Hodge of Cornell Cooperative Extension visited Lawrence Avenue Elementary School to read a book to Mrs. Cindi Wilmart's first grade students, and brought some examples of what the book was about: Chicks and Chickens.

The book contained information about where food comes from and the people involved in getting the food to their tables. The book "Chicks and Chickens" by Gail Gibbons contained good information about egg layers, meat birds, and the different breeds of chickens.

A teacher guide was supplied with the book, and the book and guide are to be donated to the school library after the class is finished with it. The book was supplied by the St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau.

Ms. Hodge also brought a hen that the students were asked to name. Her new name is Zebra Rose.

The students had the chance to watch Zebra Rose eat, walk around, and "talk" to them. The students had a chance to touch the hen's soft feathers and feet, too.