James Earl Jones to Read 'The Lion King' to Children at Morris County's Rockaway Townsquare Mall

NEWARK, N.J. - Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and Verizon Ambassador James Earl Jones, well-known for his trademark deep baritone voice, will read to children Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rockaway Townsquare Mall as part of Verizon FiOS Day.

Jones will present a special reading of Disney's "The Lion King" for children, many of whom may recognize his voice as that of King Mustafa from the movie version of "The Lion King," the most successful animated film of all time.

After the reading session, parents and children can join Jones at the Verizon kiosk for a demonstration of FiOS TV. The first 100 children will have the chance to have their photograph taken with Jones, and they will also receive a copy of the book "The Lion King," plus other entertaining giveaways, all courtesy of Verizon.

During FiOS day at the mall, Verizon representatives will demonstrate the astounding picture and sound quality available with FiOS TV, in addition to FiOS' amazing Internet speeds.  In addition to the book reading and photographs, children can also enjoy face-painting courtesy of the Verizon team.

"James Earl Jones is one of America's most beloved actors and a smash hit wherever he goes," said Pamela Harris-Straughn, manager of New Jersey regional marketing for Verizon.   "We're thrilled to have him in New Jersey on FiOS Day to read to children and help Verizon highlight the importance of literature and reading in the lives or young people". Rockaway Townsquare Mall is located at 301 Mt. Hope Ave., Rockaway, N.J. 07866. 

Verizon's FiOS TV and Other FiOS Services

Verizon's FiOS TV Premier package delivers 200 all-digital channels for $42.99 per month.  In North Jersey, FiOS TV customers have access to more than 25 high-definition (HD) channels and approximately 8,600 on-demand titles, 60 percent of which are free. 

Verizon also offers innovative features not available from other providers, such as Home Media DVR (digital video recorder) and FiOS TV Widgets.  Home Media DVR, at $19.99 per month, has a multi-room DVR feature enabling up to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment.  Customers also can access photos and music on their PCs and play them on their TV.  FiOS TV Widgets is a free interactive feature that provides viewers with local weather and traffic information while they're watching their favorite shows.

In addition to FiOS TV, consumers can get super-fast Internet access over Verizon's all-fiber network.  FiOS Internet service delivers download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps.*

FiOS TV is available in nearly 200 communities in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties. Consumers can check online at www.verizon.com/fios to see if FiOS TV is already available in their area or to request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV is available.  Consumers also can call their local Verizon sales office or 1-877-4-FIOS-TV (1-877-434-6788) or visit the FiOS kiosk at Rockaway mall to experience FiOS.

* NOTE: Actual (throughput) speeds will vary.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 60.7 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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