Oakland Literacy Council announced that David Marannis, a New York Times best-selling author and Detroit native, will deliver the keynote address at the Council’s 30^th Annual Ex Libris fundraising dinner on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at the Village Club in Bloomfield Hills.

Marannis’ newest book, A Good American Family: The Red Scare and My Father, is set in Detroit in the early 1950’s. It weaves together his family’s ordeal of fear and triumph during the dark era of McCarthyism in the United States. Marannis’ father was brought before the House on Un-American Activities Committee, causing him to lose his job and forcing him to move his family from Detroit.

The acclaimed author has written 12 books in total, including Once in a Great City: A Detroit Story. Marannis is an associate editor at The Washington Post, where he has been affiliated for over 40 years. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes, as well many other major writing awards, including the George Polk Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize, the Anthony Lukas Book Prize, and the Frankfurt eBook Award. Books will be available for sale at the event.

The year’s Ex Libris event will celebrate the 35^th Anniversary of the Oakland Literacy Council.  A student and tutor will be speaking about their adult literacy experiences. The organization will also honor the contributions of its founder, Robert Gaylor. “Robert has been an example of true leadership. His dedication, enthusiasm, and ‘can do’ spirit has continued for 35 years, and we look forward to many more,” said Judy Lindstrom, Board President.

The event will begin with cocktails 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Club, located at 190 East Long Lake, Bloomfield Hills. For tickets, visit http://www.oaklandliteracy.com/exlibris2019/ or call 248.253.1617.

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Job Description- Office Administrator

The Oakland Literacy Council announces the recent appointments of two new members to its board of directors. Joining the board are Paula Brown and Rev. Angela Ryo.

“Our new board members bring both a passion for literacy and valuable expertise to our organization,” says Lisa Machesky, Executive Director. “We are fortunate to have Paula, with over 20 years of fundraising experience, and Angela, a member of the faith community and an educator, to guide us as we grow to meet the enormous need for adult literacy services in Oakland County.”

Paula Brown is the Chief Development and Engagement Officer for The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. She served as the Executive Director at Reading Works in Detroit from 2013 to 2017.  Paula also provides consulting on fundraising and board development to nonprofit organizations. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Music Education.

Rev. Angela Ryo has served as Associate Pastor at Kirk in the Hills church in Bloomfield Hills since 2017. She was previously Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor. Prior to joining the clergy, she was an English and English Language Learner (ELL) teacher for nine years. She holds a Master of Divinity from Theological Seminary, as well as an Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

The Harris Literacy Center at Wayne State University and Reading Works have joined together to present PULSE on Friday, November 15th from 8 am – 3 pm.  Network with other adult education and literacy practitioners to learn research-based best practices in the field of adult literacy with an emphasis on reading, writing, math application, data interpretation, technology, integrated education, and work readiness.

The keynote speaker will be JEFF DONOFRIO, the new Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the State of Michigan.  Breakout sessions include:

• Digital literacy
• Making Adult Education Relevant for Working People
• The Essential Credential: a Faster Route to HSD/HSE
• Engaging adult learners through storytelling
• The power of the arts in the adult education classroom
• ESL and diversity in the workplace
• Trauma-informed teaching
• Math strategies for everyone

PULSE 2019 Flyer

Register here for PULSE 2019!!

The sun shone brightly Saturday on Oakland Literacy Council’s 35^th Anniversary celebration.  At the Picnic in the Park held at Waterford Oaks Park, about 100 students, tutors, community members, and families gathered for food, games, conversation, and entertainment.

Just like the magic of learning that students and tutors create together, Baffling Bill amazed the audience with his magic tricks.  The upbeat music of the banjo duo, Brian Newsom and Morgan Humecky, brought even more joy to the event.  Tutor Susan Lipson exclaimed, “Today was absolutely glorious! … The entertainment was just plain fun, and we really had fun getting to know more students and tutors.”

Stories of challenges and accomplishments were shared throughout the afternoon.  Student Lilian Faranso recalled how her tutor went through extra training just to learn how to better help her.  With her new language skills, Lilian can now use the GPS and drive on her own to Chicago. “We are all learning a lot. Our life changed. I hope it will continue forever!”

Oakland Literacy Council Board President Judy Lindstrom reflected on the day and its meaning. “I was so proud and touched to see so many students and tutors at the event.  This organization has touched so many hearts and changed so many lives over 35 years.  Today we celebrated our past, present, and future and our dedication to spreading literacy in our community.”