Raising the Level of Literacy!

In recent years...thanks to the cooperative effort of the Patrick County Adult Education Department and the Patrick County Education Foundation...great strides have been made in raising the level of adult education in our community. Much work remains to be done though. There are more Patrick County residents than you might think who still cannot read. Thankfully, though help is available! Last year, a group of many comunity organizations, including the Patrick County Retired Teachers Association and Stuart Rotary Club, joined forces to create the Patrick County Literacy Council which is offering free assistance to older Patrick Countians who have a genuine desire to learn to read. Right now, many volunteers are standing by to offer instruction in reading, but there is a need for people to serve. If you know of someone who cannot read, please direct them to this program. Think of the wonderful world of opportunity that reading can open up to those who, for various reasons, never learned to read as children. Many people would love to be able to read the Bible, read the newspaper, read to their children and grandchildren, and read product labels, important documents, traffic signs, directions, etc. Reading can positively change and enhanse your life in a dramatic way. If you have friends, loved ones, and acquaintances who might benefit from Patrick County's literacy initiative, please call the Patrick County Adult Education Department at 694-6542 or visit the office at 108 E. Blue Ridge St., Stuart. Mrs. Ursulla Allen is the director of this program and she will be happy to discuss it with you and steer new participants onto...the road to reading!

Speaking of reading, this Friday, Mar. 2nd, will mark the 103rd anniversary fo the birth of Theodore Seuss Geisel, the famous American writer and cartoonist best known for his classic children's books under the pen name Dr. Seuss. His works include "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Dr. Seuss' books have become beloved staples for many children and their parents. Each year to celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' birthday, Patrick County's elementary schools participate in the Read Across America program, inviting local government, community, and business leaders, and interested citizens to come into the schools to read to the children. Speaking from personal experience, this is a very rewarding experience for both the adult readers and the students themselves. I commend those caring citizens in our community who invest their time in our future, the young people of Patrick County, in this reading program and many other endeavors! Parents, please encourage your children to read! Set a good example for them by reading regularly yourself, and set aside time periodically to read to your youngsters. It will make a world of difference for you both.

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss! Enjoy your "green eggs and ham"!

Richard-I-Am