Joan Greene was installed as president of the Chatham County Literacy Council’s Board of Directors at the organization’s annual meeting Oct. 14. Board members are (front row from left) Greene, Sara Lambert and CCLC Executive Director Bonnie Bechard, and (back row) Treasurer Charles Johnson, Secretary Beverly Long Chapin, Joe Hammond, Vice President Evelyn Ullman, Armentha Davis and Gloria Wilkins. Not shown: Lloyd Tuttle.
Greene was installed earlier this month, along with new board members Gloria Wilkins of Galloway Ridge and Charles Johnson of Siler City. Johnson also was elected treasurer, joining Greene and Vice President Evelyn Ullman and Secretary Beverly Long Chapin of Galloway Ridge on the executive committee.
Greene has taught reading, competency skills and adult basic education in Harnett County, taught Reading Recovery in Orange County and coordinated a federal Reading is Fundamental program in Harnett County. Greene, who lives in north Chatham County, earned a master's of education degree at UNC Chapel Hill.
Johnson is the owner of Confidential Tax Service and Johnson Real Estate and Investments. He is a past president of Siler City's Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Wilkins, who is active in several community and civic groups, is pursuing an advanced degree in English as a Second Language.
Literacy Council Executive Director Bonnie Bechard told the board that CCLC now has more than 150 students, two part-time employees, 55 tutors who are matched with students or are in the pipeline, and about a dozen volunteers. Literacy centers were opened in July at 206 E. Raleigh St. in Siler City and in the JOCCA (Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action) building at 105 Chatham St. in Pittsboro, and the program is continuing to expand across the county, she said.
CCLC's mission is to help adults acquire the literacy skills they need to achieve their life goals. It offers free group and one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, English as a Second Language and citizenship.
