Local musicians join together to raise money & awareness to address the epidemic affecting 1 in 4 Clermont/Brown adults

The sanctuary of St. John Fisher Church in Newtown will be filled with beautiful music on Sunday, July 12 as Suzanne Bona and friends perform a classical concert supporting The Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties. Bona, a trained flutist and classical music broadcaster, has assembled a talented group of performers, all donating their time, to help raise money for a cause that would be considered an epidemic if it were a health issue.

Joining Bona for the 3:00 p.m. concert will be Larrie Howard - violin (retired CSO violinist); Rebecca Kruger Fryxell (CSO violinist); Cavally Flute Ensemble (Joan Cavally, Margaret Fecker, Hannah Chapman, Lou Kroner, Patricia Mills, Jennifer Elliott, Rebecca Wallace); Marjorie Fryxell – piano; Lisa Dexter - piano (CCM Doctoral program); Richard Elliott - percussion (College of Mt. St. Joseph Music Faculty); and Paul Wallace – clarinet.

This year’s concert – the 2nd annual benefit -- will feature a diverse selection of pieces incorporating traditional classical music, multi-cultural compositions, and works by living and women composers.

Suzanne Bona, a resident of Anderson Township, is a board member of The Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties and a long time literacy tutor. She has recruited her friends from Mt. Lookout, Indian Hill, Madeira, Fairfield, Cheviot, Price Hill, Walnut Hills and Loveland to perform with her and raise funds needed to continue the work of The Literacy Council.

All proceeds of the event will go to the Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties. There is no admission charge, but there is a suggested minimum donation of $10 per person.

According to Literacy Council Executive Director Susan Vilardo, “Approximately one out of four adults in Clermont and Brown Counties cannot read and write beyond a third grade level. Imagine being unable to read your child’s report card, fill out a job application, or comprehend the instructions and warnings on a prescription bottle?” Vilardo continues, “If this were a health issue, it would be called an ‘epidemic.’ People who lack these basic skills are particularly vulnerable and ill-prepared, especially in this economy.” Board President Jason Sims adds, “The Literacy Council helps people overcome their shame and empowers them to improve their lives. Their personal successes benefit our community as they develop the skills to support their families and participate fully in civic life.”

The Literacy Council’s mission is to enable adults to acquire basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed to participate fully in society, and to increase awareness of literacy needs in our community. The Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview please call Susan Vilardo at 513.943.3741 or email Suzanne Bona at sbona@wshu.org.