Suzanne Bona, host of Sunday Baroque, talks with Elaine Diehl about the upcoming concert, Power of Reading – Power of Music.

See http://www.bit.ly/2mxI8zD

The WVXU Morning Edition on February 27, 2017 was a discussion about adult literacy and local efforts to help adults increase their reading, comprehension and math abilities. Guests included our Executive Director, Susan Vilardo, Robbie Thomas of the Cincinnati Public Schools Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) programs, and Michael Loch, communications director with Give Back Cincinnati.

Go to this address, and press the play button to listen to the recording.

http://www.bit.ly/2lB6kjD

The Literacy Council needs your help

Please consider being a part of the Literacy Council and the Piggest Raffle Ever! 

Simply adopt a Pig, $5.00 each, for a chance
to win on Flying Pig Marathon Weekend and
The Literacy Council receives 100% of your donation!

Assist Us in Reaching Our Goal of $2,000

Every Pig Purchase helps us buy specialized tutoring materials. Adult learners benefit from our one-on-one tutoring programs and gain life-changing skills that impact their self-esteem, build stronger families and transform their entire way of living.

New for 2016, get more PIGS for your money!
Order 6 or 12 PIGS and get a discount
PLUS end up with more chances to win!

It’s easy, and you don’t have to be present to win!

Log on to:  www.piggestraffle.com

1. CHOOSE A CHARITY – “Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown”
2. CHOOSE QUANTITY – $5.00 a pig or choose more
3. ADOPT – purchase and check out

Prizes!!!!

• 1st Place: $10,000 Cash ($5,000 to winning ticket holder and $5,000 to the charity who sold the ticket)
• 2nd Place: 2 year lease on a Toyota Prius
• 3rd Place: Cincinnati Get-Away Experience (Valued at over $1,500)

See the flyer for more details.

From Susan M. Vilardo, Executive Director, Literacy Council – “Jo Ann was a huge advocate for The Literacy Council. There are many adults who will be able to read these words because of Jo Ann’s tireless efforts tutoring individuals with their reading and writing skills. Jo Ann believed that everyone deserved the right to reach his or her full potential. Jo Ann had an infectious enthusiasm for learning and a deep passion for giving back. She also had a huge weakness for collecting dolls and was NOT to be outbid at the council’s auctions and spelling bee fund raisers if a Raggedy Ann was in sight. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Lew who has lost his dearest friend and “teaching partner” of many, many years. May you rest in Peace Jo Ann. Get ready heaven, reading improvement classes start promptly!”

Jo Ann Washburn died peacefully on December 24, 2015. Jo Ann was born in Saginaw Michigan January 25, 1926, the daughter of Bill and Mary Cox.  A longtime resident of Terrace Park, Jo Ann is survived by her husband of over 59 years, Lewis Washburn; her children Brand (Joanna) Washburn of Goshen, OH., Todd (Mary Rita) Washburn of Cincinnati, OH., and Amy (Steve) Moenning of Fort Myers, FL.  She leaves behind eight grandchildren; David (Sharon), Daniel (April), Joseph (Sara), Sammy and Will Washburn, Anne, Emily and Melanie Moenning, and four great-grandchildren.  Jo Ann was preceded in death by her brother Jim (Shirley) Cox of Indianapolis, and by her beloved grandson Michael Washburn.   Jo Ann was a graduate of Miami University, and earned her Master’s in Montessori Education from Xavier University.  Her career began as a commercial artist, but her love for children steered her toward education.  Many were touched by her work as an educator, as Jo Ann established several Head Start Programs for preschoolers in the 1970s, and later was instrumental in creating the early childhood development program during her long career at Live Oaks Vocational School.  Her work as an educator continued after she retired from teaching, as Jo Ann and Lew continued into their 80s teaching English as a Second Language at Scarlet Oaks.  Hers is a legacy of volunteerism:  Jo Ann was a founding member of Inter Parish Ministry, a swim instructor at the Stepping Stones Center, a Den Mother for Troup 286 in Terrace Park, a member of the Terrace Park Volunteer Life Squad, and a volunteer into her last decade with the Literacy Council.  A member at Armstrong Chapel, Jo Ann was active in the choir, the Women’s Network, and Interfaith Hospitality Network.  After retirement Jo Ann could be found with an Appalachian lap dulcimer, bringing joy to many through music as a member of the Cincinnati Dulcimer Society.  Memorial Service at Courtyard at Seasons Community Room on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 12:30 PM. The family asks that memorials be directed to Inter Parish Ministry, 3509 DeBolt Road, Cincinnati, OH  45244. Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com.