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Left to right are: Francisco Zamora, Tutor Marilyn Wolever; Luis Hernandez, Tutor Dick Halpin; Cecilia Cabrera, Tutor Juan Corna Jr. Photo by Susan Branham |
Blanchard Community Library celebrates accomplishments of Literacy Program
December 26, 2007
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula News
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula TimesBlanchard Community Library celebrated the accomplishments of its Literacy Program last week in a ceremony awarding the dedication of learners and their volunteer tutors. District Librarian Dan Robles welcomed dignitaries, proud family and staff members to the FLAIR Awards Ceremony where dreams of achievement were realized.“It gives me great pleasure to introduce Santa Paula City Councilmember John Procter, and Library Board Member Ed Geis,” Robles said. “The Literacy Program is now 22 years old. To our volunteer tutors, we thank you all for caring and sharing.”Literacy Services Coordinator Kathryn Bornhauser introduced the adult learners and their tutors who were being honored. Tutor and Learner Certificates of Recognition were provided by the offices of State Senator George Runner and Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long. “There are four students we would like to recognize for their achievements,” Bornhauser said. Citizenship congratulations from the office of Rep. Elton Gallegly went to learner Elia Bedolla. “Elia’s tutor, Madeline Ricards, really believes in education,” Kathryn added.Cecilia Cabrera and Luis Hernandez were recognized for their accomplishments in the Challenger series of books. Cecilia completed Challenger 5 with the assistance of her tutor, Juan Corona, Jr. “Cecilia is a go-getter who is going to meet and exceed her goals,” Bornhauser said. “Her tutor, Juan Corona Jr. has a heart for teaching, and enjoys it,” she added. Corona tutors several learners, in addition to teaching an English Second Language class at the library.
Luis Hernandez completed Challenger 8, and he captured the moment when he addressed the audience, thanking his tutor. “I thank my tutor, Mr. Richard Halpin, for his support,” Hernandez said. “ I thank the program for their help.”Francisco Zamora was honored along with his tutor, Marilyn Wolever. Francisco has completed reading a series of novels, in addition to his previous work in the Challenger series. Kathryn Bornhauser thanked Francisco and Marilyn for their work and dedication to learning.The audience enjoyed a musical prelude by harpist Xavier Montes. They were also treated to the performance of “Jingle Bells” by the Families for Literacy children under the direction of Alma Lino, FFL assistant.Blanchard Community Library’s Family Literacy: Aid in Reading Program provides one on one English instruction for adult learners. The Families for Literacy component of the program serves families with young children. A computer lab, group tutoring and ESL classes are part of the program, as well as the Angels, the in-school tutoring program.To learn more about the program, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call the FLAIR/FFL Program at 525-2384.