SARATOGA SPRINGS -
This month, Literacy NENY (formerly Literacy
Volunteers) is celebrating Literacy Awareness
Month in Saratoga, Warren and Washington
counties.
This year's campaign begins Sept. 8,
International Literacy Day, and runs through
Sept. 30. The official launch of Literacy
Awareness Month will be Sept. 7 at Wilton Mall.
Beginning at noon, Center Court will feature a
Literacy photo and essay exhibit, information
and assistance from trained volunteers and the
opportunity for wordsmiths of all ages to test
their skills at Scrabble.
The Mall Management Team is supporting Literacy
with a promotion based on the Mad Libs word
game. This promotion includes a raffle for a
Wilton Mall gift basket.
* On Sunday, Sept. 14, Literacy staff and
volunteers will have an information table and
display at Aviation Mall in Queensbury.
September is synonymous with "back to school"
and also marks the start of Literacy NENY's fall
tutor training courses. Individuals interested
in learning more about becoming either students
or tutors are encouraged to stop by.
Over the course of the month, a number of retail
establishments have agreed to promote literacy
by donating a percentage of sales on a given day
or days to the organization. This promotion,
called "2 percent To Make A Difference," is the
first time Literacy NENY has promoted this type
of fundraising concept. Participating businesses
will post a bold black-and-white READ logo in
storefronts. Two local, independently owned
businesses, Framework on Phila Street in
Saratoga Springs and Red Fox Books in Glens
Falls, were the first to join the campaign.
* On Sunday, Sept. 28, Chico's of Saratoga
Springs will celebrate Literacy Awareness Month
by donating up to 10 percent of each sale to
Literacy NENY, at the request of the customer.
Saratoga Springs Yoga is dedicating a class
during the month of September to literacy
awareness issues by donating class fees to
Literacy NENY. Instructor Suzanne Lynch is
calling this promotion "Enlightenment for
Literacy."
* The second phase of Literacy NENY's photo and
essay exhibit, "Faces and Stories of Literacy -
A Celebration of Literacy Journeys," will be on
display at Rockhill Café in Glens Falls
beginning Sept. 10.
Professionally shot by Saratogian photographer
Ed Burke, who donated his time and talent, and
artfully arranged by local business owner and
artist Raechel Morris of Framework, these photos
send compelling messages. Faces and Stories of
Literacy is a traveling exhibit that will be on
display around the region during the year.
* The highlight of the month-long celebration
will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at
the annual Tutor and Learner Celebration at the
Saratoga Springs Library.
People involved in the Literacy Program are
invited to share their stories in a presentation
based on the NPR series "This I Believe."
In addition, Harry Dutcher, long-time supporter
of Literacy and recently retired director of the
Saratoga Springs Public Library, will be
recognized.