QUESTION:  Strangers until recently, what have these two men acquired that many people have had since childhood?  
 

 

ANSWER:  The ability to READ.  Richard (pictured right) and Frank (shown left) are shown using the Computer Reading Lab.  They are working on a program made for adult beginning readers called The Academy of Reading.  Richard, a "seasoned" user of the program was only too happy to assist Frank with his first trial run.  
 
Reading Surpasses BEST Memory
 
When Richard first came to the Literacy Council, summer of 2008, we were frankly skeptical about how long he would continue.  Even though full time employed, Richard was so beaten down by his secret -- his eyes remained cast downward, his voice was a barely audible whisper, and he was visibly ashamed and self-conscious.  But, Richard was determined to begin.  Before he was even matched with a tutor, Richard began using the Literacy Council's Computer Reading Lab to pursue his goals:  learn to read and write.  Soon after, Richard joined the growing ranks of the unemployed. Suddenly, with more time on his hands, Richard started coming to the Literacy Council 3 times a week, supplementing his one-on-one tutoring with more time in the computer lab.
 
In addition to improving his reading skills by leaps and bounds, Richard has also begun another significant personal transformation. When he courageously spoke about his experience at a recent Literacy Council open house Book Bee, Richard looked visitors in the eye and spoke in a strong, clear voice.  He combined his life story with touching facts and humor.
 
Richard has also become a mentor! When another new student, Frank, age 70, came in needing extra help, Richard, now a seasoned computer user, volunteered to teach him how to use the computer lab. Afterwards, Frank called Richard, "A good teacher.  He helped me a lot."
 
Recently, Richard was chatting with a tutor/Board Member about the joy of being able to read, and he said with a broad smile, "Learning to read?  Why, it's even better than when my son was born!"

 

 

THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT programs that fight against illiteracy, and Mark Albertz has found one of them.  For a number of years Mark's been offering his services as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) at under cost to conduct the annual review of the Literacy Council's yearly finances.  His kind gesture helps qualify the organization for United Way support. Thank-you, Mark, for helping us stretch those hard-to-come-by dollars.

In addition to his work as a CPA and financial consultant, Mark now is the sole representative in Ohio of NuevoWealth, a company that offers life settlements for those who are looking for funds to supplement income and who no longer need life insurance coverage.   A life settlement can provide a higher payout than cancelling a life insurance policy for its cash surrender value.  Mark Albertz can be reached at his office in the tri-county area at 513-891-8400 or at mark@albertzcpa.com.

The Literacy Council has other ways you, too, can help: be a tutor; volunteer to help in the office; spread the word about Council's free services for adults in your workplace, church or the community at large; attend Council's special events, such as the annual Spelling Bee; encourage family and friends to support this work with monetary gifts throughout the year; etc.

 

A salute goes out to all who participated in our first ever auction held at St. Timothy Episcopal Church on Beechmont Avenue.  From an enormous boat to tiny collectibles, there was just about a little of everything for bidding.  Thank you Bennett N. Vaughn, RJ Vilardo and guest auctioneer, Garth Semple for your time and talent.  A huge thank you to the many, many individuals who donated items to be auctioned off and those "busy bee" workers who volunteered many hours of loading, transporting, unloading and displaying our auction items.  Not only were you hard workers, you turned out to be great bidders and buyers.  It was heart-warming to see so many items donated.  Thank you all!!

 

 

Thirteen teams participated in this year's Spelling Bee, held at the Milford Community Firefighters Hall.  After 40 rounds of spelling very challenging words, the 17th Annual Literacy Council Spelling Bee was declared a three-way tie, the first ever in the Spelling Bee's history.  The victorious team members are from:  Clermont Senior Services, Clermont County Education Service Center and Locust Corner Community Church. 

 

 

The Most Spirit Award was given to the Clermont Senior Services who also sported a vivacious cheering section.  Best Costume Award was given to Western Brown Local School District's team, The Hamersville Lab Rats who were dressed as mad scientists.  Other teams who participated were: Clermont County Public Library, Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties, U.S. Grant Career Center, UC Clermont College, Workforce One of Clermont County, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church "Saints," St. Timothy Episcopal Church "Cherubim," Child Focus and Great Oaks Career Campuses.  2009 judges were Sharon Averwater, Ted Groman and Tim McCartney; Pronouncer was Jerome H. Eichert. Bee-g thanks to Co-Chairs Kathleen A. Gillespie and Jimmi McIntosh (LCCBC Board Members) for making the Spelling Bee such a colossal event.  They are true "Busy Bees."

 

The Literacy Council Spelling Bee is built by many generous funders, individuals, countless volunteers and those who participated in the auction and raffle.  Thank you to sponsors Duke Energy, UC Clermont College and Jerome H. Eichert (LCCBC Treasurer.)  A huge round of applause to the Milford Firefighters for the use of their Community Hall and special thanks to Milford Kroger, LaRosa's, Little Caesar's, Donato's, Batelle's Bakery & Catering, Locust Corner Community Church, and International Paper for seeing to our nourishment needs!

 

It was incredible day.  The proceeds of the Spelling Bee assist the agency in furthering the hopes and dreams of adults who take that first step in changing their lives forever... learning how to read.

 

 

Many thanks to Suzanne Bona for accomplishing a dream.  Suzanne along with a talented group of performers donated endless time to performing the "2nd Annual concert to Benefit Literacy."  The concert was held at St. John Fisher Church in Newtown on July 12, 2009.  Thanks to Suzanne and her gifted ensemble, the event raised nearly $1,500 for a cause that would be considered an epidemic if it were a health issue.  Along with Suzanne we applaud:  Suzanne, flutist and classical music broadcaster (as well as long time Literacy Council tutor and board member,) we applaud 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.  Nearly 150 individuals gave a standing ovation for a stellar concert.  Afterwards, a reception of punch and home made cookies was hosted by Maryann Ziemerand volunteers.

 

"Just when you think you have nothing more to give, nothing new left to teach, try this - learning is life long.  Take your student away from the desk and books and introduce them to bill boards, road signs, prescription labels, grocery lists... words fill our world, possibilities are everywhere."