On behalf of the Calvert County Literacy Council I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all who made our 2005 BEE for Literacy an overwhelming success. Congratulations to the “BAA-ad Girls of the Weaver’s Guild” spelling team sponsored by Bayside Chevrolet for winning this year with the word, “chinoiserie.” Second place went to “The Letterheads” sponsored by Second Look Books, and third went to “The Queen Bees” sponsored by Advance Health Info Management. Thank you for your bravery and your devotion to our mission.

We are a small non-profit dealing with the larger issue of adult literacy in a world where technology is advancing every day, where the cost of living is on the rise, and where there is no room in the job market for the individual who cannot read at a proficient level. Our clients have gone through their lives hiding their inability and when they do approach us they have real life concerns to back up their goal of becoming literate for themselves and their families. It takes a long time for their baby step achievements, but our volunteer tutors stick with them and over time become devoted mentors.

We thank our Gold Sponsor, The Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank, for taking seriously the role literacy plays in the desire of Calvert County residents to be financially secure. Also, Marrick Properties, as a corporate sponsor has shown their leadership in supporting us. (Please see the ad with all of our thank yous!)

We thank Delegate Sue Kullen, for being our Honorary Chairman and a team speller. It takes many people from all areas of a community to raise the awareness of such an important, but hushed social problem. Without the ability to read, parents are unable to help their children maximize the opportunities available to them through schools, churches and community organizations. Literacy can be thought of as the thread of strength woven into the fabric of community. “The BAA-ad Girls of the Weavers Guild” would agree with this.

We are proud of our students, men and women, who believe in the hope that literacy can improve their lives, who humbly ask for our help, and who then inch their way toward success. They go on to become drivers, voters, and active participants within their families and within our Calvert County.

With the success of the 2005 BEE for Literacy, we know we can continue to provide the free one-on-one tutoring services to adults in the areas of basic literacy, basic math skills, GED preparation, and English as a second language. If we have a willing student, then we take care of the rest. Thank you Calvert County for your support!

Maria I. Birnkammer
Executive Director, Calvert County Literacy Council
410-535-3233