By Colleen M. Andrews
The Literacy Council of St. Mary's County celebrated 25 years of service to the community on September 22nd at the Lexington Park Library. The Literacy Council Board of Directors hosted the celebration. Distinguished guests in attendance were Senator Roy Dyson; Kathleen Reif, the Director of St. Mary's County Libraries; and Loretta "Tiny" Taylor, sister of Sister Sara Ann Abell, who founded the Literacy Council. There were also representatives from local contributors and supporters including the Rotary Club, Booz Allen Hamilton, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, St. Mary's Library, and many other members of the community.
The following proclamations were presented by Senator Dyson and received by Kathy Weigel, Literacy Council President:
- Governor's Citation, signed by the Governor, the Lt. Governor and the Secretary of State of MD
- Senate of Maryland Citation by Senator Roy Dyson, Senator of St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert Counties
- St. Mary's County House of Delegates Citation, signed by John F. Wood, Jr., John L. Bohanan, Jr., and Anthony J. O'Donnell
- Official Citation by Delegate John L. Bohanan, District 29B
- St. Mary's County Board of Commissioners Proclamation
Door prizes were provided by the following local businesses: Bell Motors, Blair's Jewelry and Gifts, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Chaptico Market, David's Flowers, Egan McAllister, Inc., Hugh C. Gardiner, Inc., The Greenery, Hong Kong Buffet, Lenny's Restaurant, Leonardtown Sunoco, Linda's Café, Margie's Unique Hair Salon, McKay's Grocery, Nook and Monks, Read-A-Latte, The Roost, Target, and Wal-Mart.
The Council is a nonprofit organization formed by Sister Sara Ann Abell and other charter members in 1979. The Council is affiliated with ProLiteracy America and uses the Laubach method of teaching reading. Each one, teach one is the Laubach logo, and has been used by the Council as well. Since 1979, our dedicated volunteer tutors have helped hundreds of individuals become more productive citizens of St. Mary's County. The Literacy Council of St. Mary's obtains funds from United Way, county government, local service organizations and private donations.
Current officers include: President, Kathy Weigel; Vice President, Edelen Gough; Secretary, Mary Baker; and Treasurer, Mary Evelyn Goldsborough. The Office Manager is Moira Johnston. The Board of Directors consists of the officers and the following individuals: Bob Houston, Pat Kohli, Regina McCall, George Hurlburt, Marge Christian, and Colleen Andrews.
The Council holds tutor-training workshops several times a year. These workshops are free. No previous teaching or tutoring experience is necessary. A few hours a week of your time can make a difference in someone's life. It can be very satisfying to know that through your efforts, someone can advance at their job, obtain their GED or driver's license, become a citizen, read to their children or grandchildren, and generally function at a higher level in our society. The next tutor-training workshop is scheduled for October 18, 20, 26 and 27 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Lexington Park Library. Call 301-863-4847 or email stmalit@somd.libmd.us to register or for more information. Give a little, get a lot!
The Council office is located in the Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Boulevard. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm, and Wednesday 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm. The office phone number is 301-863-4847 and the fax number is 301-863-4849. The email address is stmalit@somd.lib.md.us. The web address is www.somd.lib.md.us/STMA/Literacy.