[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LITERACY COUNCIL OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 1998

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Literacy Council of Montgomery County, MD, on the occasion of its 35th 
anniversary on November 13, 1998. The Literacy Council was founded by 
Mrs. Beth Kilgore, and is a nonprofit organization supported by public 
funds and private contributions.
  Since the Council's inception in 1963, the volunteer tutors have 
taught nearly 7,400 illiterate adults to read, write, and speak 
English. Dedicated volunteers act as administrators, office workers, 
speakers, and fundraisers, as well as tutors, and devote about 37,000 
hours per year to the battle against illiteracy.
  The Literacy Council has two primary programs: Basic Literacy, for 
English-speaking adults who have failed or have not had the opportunity 
to learn to read and write; and English as a Second Language, for 
foreign-born adults who need to learn English. At any given time, the 
Council has about 800 students and about 500 tutors participating in 
these programs.
  The socioeconomic rewards of the services provided by the Literacy 
Council are invaluable. Newly literate adults become more involved and 
effective parents encouraging their children to aspire to more 
promising lives. Literacy skills enable these adults to acquire jobs 
and become productive members of society.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Literacy Council of Montgomery 
County, MD, for 35 years of dedicated service to our community. It is a 
proud moment for me to pay tribute to the winning combination of staff, 
volunteers, and students of the council who have devoted their time and 
energies to wiping out illiteracy in our Nation.

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