Encouraging children to read is the focus of the Mayor’s Literacy Commission of Canton. And, to that end, Thema Slater and others who have worked with her since the commission started in 1987 have been actively focusing on the adult and family literacy needs in the community.
“We provide books for families with money we raise through fundraisers,” said Slater, chairman and one of the founding members of the commission. “We also get help from literacy partners — organizations and corporations — who join us with small financial contributions, and monetary donations that allow us to pursue our goal of providing books to children and families.”
The money raised is used to buy new books for children. The books are distributed during book fairs in April, May and July.
Membership is voluntary and includes professionals from business, industry, health care, and law, volunteers and educators, in addition to others who feel strongly about making Canton a more literate community.
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WHO: Mayor’s Litracy Commission of Canton
WHAT: Sponsors workshops and seminars on literacy issues; recruits volunteers to assist in commission outreach programs; supports all adult literacy programs in Stark County; celebrates International Literacy Day, Literacy Month, and Right to Read Week; develops and distributes promotional materials such as posters, brochures, bookmarks, TV and radio spots; collaborates with public and private educational systems, public libraries and organizations that share the vision of a more literate society; supports and recognizes literacy teachers and volunteers; provides recognition awards and scholarships to outstanding GED graduates; and hosts family book fairs at area public libraries.
Current commission members are Michelle Allison, The Employment Source; Jan Baker, Marjorie Carlson-Hurst, Patty Long, and Donald and Dorothy Murray, both retired, all of Malone College; Judge Steve Belden, Canton Municipal Court; Kathy Bernstein, Stark State College of Technology; Tina Biasella, Kent State University; Mike Burkhardt, Stark County Day Reporting; Patricia Butcher, SCCA Head Start; Donna Fowler, Gloria Talarico, Jane Meyer, and Sue March, retired, Canton City Schools; Jeanne Freitag, community volunteer; Penny Hare, Canton City Schools; Marilyn Holbrook, City of Canton; Jill and Wendell Horn, Friends of the Library; Merle Kinsey, Compass United Way; Lisa Kramer, teacher; Ron Krumlauf and Lisa Szeles, Stark County District Library; Paula Lesniak, Riverview Towers, social services; Cheryse McLeod, Stark Regional Community Correction Center; Frank Motz and Rosemary Serra, attorneys; Judy Russell, social worker; Thelma Slater, literacy commission coordinator; Lynn Sturm, Nationwide Insurance; Rebecca Swaney, Borders Books Music Movies & Cafe; Barbara Tscholl, Canton Local Schools; Ken Weber, Goodwill Industries; and Joanne Wilhelm, family consultant.
PROCEEDS: All proceeds go toward buying and distributing new books for children in the community during book fairs held three times a year.
DONATIONS: Send to Thelma Slater, program coordinator, Stark County District Library, 715 Market Ave. N, Canton OH 44702.
