FARMINGTON – Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset Counties recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a potluck supper. More than 50 people including tutors, students, affiliate volunteers and friends attended.

Nana Haines, Literacy Volunteer chairman, read a special anniversary letter from Claude Vachon, founder of the local literacy chapter.

Franklin County Literacy Volunteers was founded in 1978 by Vachon and other local volunteers and was housed in the Adult Basic Education Office at 11 Broadway for many years. Later the name of the affiliate was changed to Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset Counties, as tutor training sessions expanded to the Madison-Skowhegan areas. The LV affiliate, a United Way agency, still works cooperatively with the local Adult Basic Education program at 108 Fairbanks Road.

Joan Moes, the local Literacy Volunteer coordinator, hosted the anniversary celebration award’s ceremony. Seven newly-trained tutors were officially certified. They are Fred Blonder, Dawn Boisvert, Bonnie Frost, David Lane, Don Nemeth, Sue Thorson and Doris Westgate.

Several LV tutors were recognized for five, 10, and 15 years of service. Recognized for five years were Sara Holderreid, Margaret Schlemmer, Kathy Sylvain and Irene Varney; 10 years, Lisa Panori, Lorraine Savage, Marilyn Simon and Lois Starbird; and 15 years, Janice Adams, Andrea Keirstead, Richard Martineau, Joan Moes and Ellen Nadeau. Moes thanked board members and affiliate volunteers for their time and assistance and honored local LV students for their achievements.

After the award presentation, Harry Sylvester, former president of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, spoke about his coping with a learning disability through the years. Sylvester, with an assistant, has authored a book about his life and language disability titled, “Legacy of the Blue Heron.” A long-time advocate for people with learning disabilities, Sylvester shared his knowledge and wisdom with the anniversary celebrants.

Those who want to learn more about Literacy Volunteers of Franklin County and Somerset Counties or who want information about becoming a literacy tutor, may call Joan Moes at 778-3460 or 628-5451.