Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is approaching. It is a time to think of what we are thankful for and how we want to express the joy of the season.

At the Newberry County Literacy Council we are thankful for the opportunity to work with those who strive to improve their lives through our programs in reading, math, computers, parenting, and income tax preparation.

We are thankful for our director, Barbara Chapman, and her passion and devotion to the cause of literacy. We are thankful for our board of community members, under the direction of Louvenia Williams. We are thankful for the volunteers who contribute so much of themselves to our efforts.

We are thankful to The Observer for providing space for this column. We are thankful for our new home at 1208 Main St. Please drop by to see us. Barbara has put up seasonal decorations and we are looking forward to our annual participation in the Christmas parade.

As the year comes to a close, the People’s College is finishing its Fall Term. As I have mentioned throughout the fall, we have been reading great documents from American history and a short biography of Abraham Lincoln.

Our discussions have been energetic, educational, and inspiring. Reading the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution reminded us of the promise of democracy, of “we the people.” Reading the biography of Abraham Lincoln reminded us of the qualities needed to be a truly effective president.

Perhaps no other president has faced the challenges that awaited Lincoln as he took office in 1861. Perhaps no other person could have restored the union, bringing the south back into the fold while also ending slavery.

Inspired by the Declaration and committed to the Constitution, Lincoln saved the United States as a nation. Our Winter term will begin Monday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Council office.

The content for the class is still being determined but probably will consist of a book about how the Supreme Court works and another about features of the U.S. economy. People with or without college experience are welcome.

The books are free and there are no tests and no grades. We meet for the enjoyment of discussing some of the great ideas, great writers, and great moments of history.

Our Weekly Reader book club has just finished Pat Conroy’s “The Water is Wide.” We concluded by watching the film Conrack, based on that book. We are now beginning “My Life Journey” by Newberry native Malika Salaam-Ambolley. We meet Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Please consider joining us.

Our Brown Bag Dialogues group just finished its sixth meeting. We are discussing issues in Newberry and ways to address them. We will continue to meet in the new year. The FAST Program will also begin another term in January.

We are also thankful that our efforts at the Newberry County Literacy Council have enabled us to collaborate with so many others in the community who address issues affecting those in need and the common good. It is a pleasure to associate with those who reach out to others, who work for a better community for all, and who think that it is part of civic responsibility to build opportunities for all to succeed.

We are fortunate to be a community with a strong, locally-driven downtown business area with a mix of stores, restaurants, services, and entertainment venues. Around our county we have an assortment of small to medium-sized manufacturing concerns.

Studies have shown that this kind of diversified economy will promote and sustain a community that will manifest a healthy civic life. In towns dominated by one giant industry or by one sector of the economy, civic life withers.

We are fortunate, too, to have a business environment so supportive of downtown and local shops. The support from the Chamber of Commerce, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and the Small Business Development Center has been crucial.

All of this makes for civic pride which means we care when some are hurting, when some needs are not being met. And because of this civic pride and concern for the welfare of all, we have the many programs, agencies, and efforts to help get people on their feet, with their children succeeding in school and with income to meet needs.

Most people do not want handouts, they want a hand to steady them until they can stand alone. That is our experience at the Literacy Council.

So happy holidays to all. Thanks for the support. And, until next year, happy reading.

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The Literacy Corner

Joseph McDonald

Joseph McDonald is a retired sociology professor from Newberry College and has worked with the Newberry County Literacy Council for more than 20 years as a tutor and board member. The Literacy Council is located at 1121 Caldwell St. Visit newberryread.com, call 803-276-8086 or send an email to newberrycountyli@bellsouth.net for more information.