Write a commentFifty three years ago Ruth Colvin began a mission to increase literacy. In 1962 after learning that census figures reported that her hometown of Syracuse had over 11,000 people at the lowest level of literacy she knew she had to take action.
Colvin collaborated with area reading specialists to establish materials and guidelines for tutor training and founded Literacy Volunteers of America, now called ProLiteracy Worldwide. Her manuals; Tutor and I Speak English are the definitive training tools for teaching basic literacy as well as teaching English as a second language.
Colvin shared her love of literacy world-wide as she and her husband traveled the globe providing literacy training in developing countries. She has over 40 years of literacy experience and received numerous awards and honors including the President’s Volunteer Action Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and induction into the National Women’s Hall Of Fame.
Additionally she has authored many books dedicated to literacy as well as Off the Beaten Path, a work that chronicles her many travels.
Now 98 Colvin is still passionate about reading, understanding, and speaking English and supports those dedicated to improving literacy. She is appreciative of the work that OCO Literacy Volunteers does to increase literacy in Oswego County and has chosen to show her enthusiasm for OCO Literacy Volunteers’ 9th Annual Diane Falise Memorial Scrabble® Fest by donating several signed editions of her book A Way With Words and a copy of Off the Beaten Path.
“We are humbled that a woman of Mrs. Colvin’s stature has chosen to support our efforts by being a part of this year’s Scrabble® Fest,” said Meg Henderson, coordinator of OCO Literacy Volunteers. “Our Scrabble® Fest fundraiser provides us with much needed funds that allow us to continue our mission of increasing literacy in Oswego County. The books will be featured with the prizes and raffle items during Scrabble® Fest.”
To be held October 2 at Elks Lodge #271, 132 West 5th Street in Oswego Scrabble® Fest takes place from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games will begin at 6:30 p.m. Teams of four will compete against each other with the top three teams awarded prizes. In addition there will be drawings, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and other fun activities. Entry fee for a team of 4 is $100 and includes light refreshments. The cost for individuals wishing to attend but not compete in the event is $15 and also includes light refreshments. All proceeds from Scrabble® Fest will benefit OCO Literacy Volunteers.
