Published: September 26, 2008 01:22 am         

ALBION: Adult Learning Services honors those who have made a difference

BY RIKKI CASON

rikki.cason@journal-register.com

In a night to give thanks to all its supporters, the Orleans County Adult Learning Services held its second annual dinner meeting at the First United Methodist Church in Albion, honoring those who have made a difference in the newly formed program.

Organization President Rose Ruck said that this dinner is very important, not only to meet the national organizational standards, but to say thanks.

“It gives acknowledgment and recognition to our volunteers and members,” Ruck said. “It also helps promote and helps with recruitment. It’s a way to say thank you to supporters.”

Members of different community organizations, churches, businesses and other residents, gathered for dinner and to listen to the presentation given by different members of Adult Learning Services. For the past two years, the organization has been offering free tutoring to anyone in Orleans County who needs help in literacy.

“Learning to read has always been a passion of mine,” said board of directors member Lorienda Smith. “Its good to see more people involved in this Orleans County program. We’re growing, it is really exciting and we’ll move ahead.”

Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, was also in attendance during the program that he has supported from the beginning. He said that he hoped to be in attendance at the organization’s 10th annual dinner, if not more.

“This is a great start to a great organization,” Maziarz said. “You start small and work your way up. This organization will be around for a long time.”

During the night, Maziarz was presented an award for his dedication to the program.

Other awards were also given out to different people, businesses and groups in the community who have helped make a difference. Awards were presented to the Holley Central Schools; Holley Rotary; Curtis Foundation; St. Mary’s 1st Marks Catholic Church of Holley; United Way of Western Orleans County; Arc of Orleans County, Don Colquhoun; Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; Lee-Whedon Library; and Terry Novak, who received the volunteer of the year award.

Since the program began, Ruck has been very pleased to discover that there were human services agencies, businesses, libraries, civic clubs, churches, legislative and more, all wanting to help develop this program.

“Literacy matters a great deal in this community; the people have shown they are very interested in literacy.” Ruck said. “Many people surprised me and said, ‘Yes, we do need more literacy services.’ ”

For more information on the Orleans County Adult Learning Services contact Ruck at ruruck@juno.com.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.