What a difference a year makes!

As I complete my first year as director, my enthusiasm grows because so many new events have been happening, especially for this month of June. And I have so much hope the Literacy Program has more and more to offer the community as we move forward.

One of my earliest concerns was about communication with the community. It is an ongoing concern, but we have made some headway. The Nottoway County Literacy Program now has a very active Face Book page, where I share valuable information in the areas of reading, English as a 2nd language, Health, Financial and Digital literacy along with announcements of upcoming classes and programs. Here is the link so check it out often for the latest information.

Another communication essential was to have a website that the community could access anytime to view what the program is about, how to participate, what services and classes are offered and to sign up for classes and to RSVP for events. Our site has a calendar, shows our Face Book feed and provides details about the program, including how to donate. And you can reach the website here.

So some events and programs we offered included programs about health, such as about colorectal cancer and how to prevent it by the Massey Cancer Center with VCU. And also programs about financial health. Earlier this month month we were lucky to host Blake Shaw with Benchmark Community Bank who gave a workshop on Fraud prevention. He shared with the attendees about the complexity and business of scams and fraud and how they target all of us, especially seniors. And he provided strategies to protect ourselves. Frankly, it was scary stuff and any of us could be a victim. For those who could not attend, he left folders with very useful information here at the Crewe Library.

An ongoing program through August 5th, we are very honored to host Brandie Carter and her Bilingual Conversation program every Tuesday Evening at 7PM at the Crewe Library. This is an amazing opportunity to practice the Spanish you have been learning or try out your English you have been practicing in your ESL class. This is not a class, but an informal fun way to practice. You can find out more information HERE

Speaking of ESL, there has been several requests to offer a 2nd ESL (English as a 2nd language) class in the evenings (in addition to our Monday morning classes.) So we heard you are and very excited to begin a new class to be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Blackstone beginning July 11th at 6:30PM. Frank Carrillo is the teacher and will be assisted by Norma Ruiz.

Here the link for more information about this class.

And of course finally something to help with mental and nutritional health, the Literacy Program has been participating in the Crewe Community Garden which is located right outside my office window, so how could I not? And along the way, I have shared gardening tips, and progress of the garden on the Face Book page. It is a tea garden, so as we harvest, I share the mental and health benefits of the different tea plants.

This is quite a lot for the 1st year and I can't wait to see what the next year will bring. Please keep in touch and share your thoughts and ideas. Great new programs can come from one of your ideas.

-Kathy Oliver

NCLP Director