Family Literacy Program staff and students recognized National Family Literacy Day (Nov. 1) with dressing up as their favorite character. Pictured are seated from left, Aura Valentine dressed as Big Mama from "Flossie and the Fox", Veronica Vara, dressed as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz," Rocio Lozoya as the title character from "Dr. Doolittle;" Brenda Velazquez as Mickey Mouse from the book "Mickey; and (back row) Watana Marion as the title character from "Mary Poppins," Ruth Naddeo as Viola Swamp from "Miss Nelson is Missing," Melinda Isner as the title character from "Tom Sawyer," and Erica Caudle as the title character from "Huckleberry Finn." Photo by Laura Thornburg

Literacy program plans event at its new location

The Family Literacy Program is currently located in the Alleghany Center of Wilkes Community College, offering basic skills including reading and math, adult high school, GED and English as a Second Language. All classes are free, as are childcare and transportation for those who need it.

The program was previously held on Sparta Presbyterian Church property, but had to move after the church expressed need of using the property. It is now in the back part of the Business Development Center—turn left at the reception desk and follow it to the end of the hall, turn right and follow it to the end of that hall.

Family of Literacy of Alleghany is primarily sponsored by Wilkes Community College, but has received grants from various sources to help the program continue. Melinda Isner serves as the literacy instructor/coordinator, while Watana Marion serves as the literacy assistant. Also serving the organization are Erica Caudle, the child educator, and Ruth Naddeo, reading volunteer.