Volunteer Spotlight: 60th Anniversary Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
On October 28, 2023October 28, 2023
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Volunteer Spotlight: 60th Anniversary Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

InNews

Long-time and more recent volunteers, board members, and staff gathered for a beautiful afternoon of Literacy Council fellowship at Middletown Park on Sunday, October 1st.  Organized by the Council’s volunteer Events Committee, the informal outdoor picnic is one of a series of events around the organization’s 60th anniversary this year.

Volunteers are always the heart of the Literacy Council’s work.  Most volunteers actively contribute to the Literacy Council’s Tutoring, Community Class, and Parent Literacy Programs out in the community — working with their students in public places throughout the county — library study rooms, community rooms, schools, restaurants, parks — therefore it is not often that there is an opportunity to meet together as a team. A gorgeous sunny day in the country complete with picnic fare was the backdrop for an afternoon of connecting and sharing experiences.

Prompted by former Board President and tutor Dr. Jim Grissom to bring volunteers together more frequently, this event built on efforts during the COVID pandemic to be creative and bring volunteers together whenever possible to connect, network, and get inspiration from the impact of everyone’s collective work serving adult learners in our community.

A special cake cutting ceremony led by former Board President Beth Lowe, honored long-time volunteer (39 years!) volunteer Elizabeth (Liz) Brady and new volunteer (four months!) Philip Pless who served pieces of cake to each other, symbolizing the sharing of many years of experience with a new generation of volunteers.

In 2021 the Literacy Council organized a drive-by Volunteer Appreciation hosted by the board of directors, complete with a funnel truck and recognition of everyone’s many hours of volunteer service.

In honor of the Literacy Council’s sixty years of providing literacy programs in Frederick County, a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of  Commerce was held on International Literacy Day, September 8; followed by a Literacy Scavenger Hunt at In the Streets on September 9; the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic; and the upcoming 9th Annual Celebration of Achievements on November 2nd.