The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County (LCOC), is hosting a free literacy event, “Dream Big: Read,” noon to 3 p.m. at Fairgrieve Elementary School, 716 Academy St., Fulton, it was announced by Jon Spaulding, president of the LCOC Leadership Council. It’s part of Oswego County Literacy Weekend, which begins with the Diane Falise Memorial Scrabble Fest on Friday, Sept. 21, sponsored by and benefiting Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County.
“The Dream Big: Read event promises to be a wonderful celebration of literacy and the joy of reading for all ages—from pre-school through adults,” Spaulding said. “There will be a multitude of activities for families. Among these are door prizes, face painting, craft projects by CNY ARTS, light refreshments, and the Cat in the Hat character. Plus, kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book character.
“The CNY Arts Center generously created two sets of 3-feet tall wooden letters built by Oswego County BOCES students that spell ‘R-E-A-D’. Each letter is brightly painted with messages and symbols about the joys of reading. The letters were designed and painted by artist Ken Blount. CNY Arts Center artists Bonnie McClellan, Leslie Paice and Diamond Chapman collaborated with Blount on painting. These are truly a highlight of the celebration and echo our ‘Dream Big’ theme.”
Also on display at the event will be an extensive exhibit of 60 unique works of art and literature provided by ARISE, an independent living center run by and for people with disabilities in Onondaga, Oswego and Madison counties, said Sabine Ingerson, director of ARISE’s Oswego County Offices. Each piece was created by a person with a disability ranging from multiple sclerosis, to physical disability, to mental health challenges.
“There’s a direct tie-in with literacy by the many poems that are within this exhibit,” Ingerson said. “Other media include acrylic and oil painting on canvas and paper, sculpture, wood working, paper casts, fiber art, and mixed media.
“In addition, we will have copies of ARISE’s Unique magazine that has the complete collection in color photos with backgrounds on each of the artists. This is a truly moving exhibit and a testament to the artists’ success in rising above their respective disabilities.”
One of the most popular interactive attractions at the event will be “Recording Our Future,” said Jennifer Cook, chair of LCOC’s Event Committee. “The project is a partnership between Oswego Middle School (OMS) and SUNY Oswego that allows OMS students to experience music through the use of audio recording and technology. Students and faculty from SUNY Oswego work with the middle school music classes as they create their recordings, learn about various aspects of the music business and discover some career options for their future.
“At our event, people can sing-along to recorded tracks, make their own music, and learn about the technology involved in the recording industry.
“Among the providers for the event are: Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County (LVOC); Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Headstart; Oswego County Workforce NY; Oswego County Library Council; ARISE; Cayuga Community College; SUNY OSWEGO; Oswego County BOCES; Fulton School District GED; NY State Assemblyman Will Barclay; Rural Health Network; local police and fire departments; and more.”
In addition, children from around the county have been participating in local summer reading programs through the Oswego County Library Council and the top ten from each program will be entered in a contest to win prizes at this event, Spaulding said. “The top prize is an e-reader donated by Chirello Advertising, Fulton.
“The goal of The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County is to empower our community to build literacy in a collaborative, inclusive and comprehensive manner,” Spaulding said. “The Coalition is dedicated to supporting and expanding literacy services so that people can work, the economy can grow, families can thrive, and our community can prosper.”
The LCOC is a growing coalition of more than 36 local organizations. These organizations work together to address the literacy needs of people of all ages.
Members of the LCOC Leadership Council include: Alliance Bank; Assemblyman William Barclay 124th District; Cayuga Community College; Chirello Advertising, City of Fulton; City of Oswego; Constellation Energy; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County; Eastern Shore Associates; Entergy Nuclear Northeast; Fulton City School District; Fulton Family YMCA; Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce; Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County; Operation Oswego County; Central Southern Tier Regional Adult Education Network.
Other Leadership Council supporters include: NYS Education Department; NYS Sen. Patty Ritchie 48th District; Oswego City School
District; Oswego County Administrator; Oswego County BOCES; Oswego
County Federal Credit Union; Oswego County Legislature; Oswego County Opportunities; Oswego County Workforce Development Board; Oswego Family County Family Court Judge Kimberly Seager; Oswego Health; Oswego Public Library; Oswego YMCA; Pathfinder Bank; Pulaski School District; State University of New York at Oswego; The Palladium-Times; United Way of Greater Oswego County; CNY Arts Center, and the Wes Hyde Foundation.
An estimated 40 to 44 million adults in the United States demonstrate skills in the lowest level of prose, document, and quantitative proficiencies.
Many are unable to total an entry on a deposit slip, locate the time and place on a meeting form, or identify a piece of specific information in a brief news article (ProLiteracy Worldwide).
In Oswego County, close to 17,000 adults cannot read above a fifth grade reading level. With the help of volunteers, donors and advocates, the Literacy Coalition of Oswego County helps adults develop their basic literary skills.
In addition, several local school districts support the coalition to address illiteracy within their student populations, Church said.
For more information about The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County, visit www.oswegocounty.com and click on the literacy coalition link.
