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History

1964    Sponsored by The Woman’s Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention,
Mrs. Olna Daves received certification from Laubach Literacy Action to train tutors.  Four literacy workshops were conducted in various churches qualifying thirty-six women to teach.  Fifty-eight non-readers enrolled and Gaston Literacy Council (GLC) was born.

1974    The Council received its North Carolina State Charter as a non-profit organization.

1985    The service of A*VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) was enlisted, the Council formally organized, established a Board of Directors, obtained its tax-exempt status, and became a funded affiliate of the United Way.

1993    The agency qualified for funding from the NC Department of Community Colleges.1996    English as a Second Language (ESL) was added to the curriculum.

1999    After a capital campaign launched by former First Lady, Barbara Bush, Gaston Literacy partnered with First United Methodist Church to renovate an historic downtown department store within strolling distance of the bus depot.  Exclusively through private funding and more than 5,300 volunteer man-hours, a new Literacy Center was completed which increased the potential for students served per month by 300%.  A UPS grant funded the addition of a 10-carrel computer lab.

2000    An accountability system to validate program effectiveness through the use of the federally recognized Comprehensive Adult Skills Assessment System (CASAS) was implemented, funded by a 3-year grant from the Sisters of Mercy of NC Foundation, Inc.

The award enabled the council to be among the first in the nation to assess adult literacy levels, resulting in the creation of leveled classes, with no waiting.  Pre-GED study groups offering instruction in the five modules of the GED were instituted.

Reading Soul Mates, a preventive program for second graders at risk of failing was implemented in partnership with the Gaston County School System.

In Gastonia’s successful quest for All America City distinction, Gaston Literacy was chosen to symbolize American citizens joining together in partnership to address critical issues, and to tell its story of positive community change through grassroots citizen participation and collaboration from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  

2001    The Gastonia Rotary Club and The Gaston Gazette established a scholarship fund for Gaston Literacy Council’s graduates desiring a post-secondary education. (Endowed by the Eugene R. Matthews Memorial Fund in 2002, it was renamed after the Fund.)

The Council received the N.C. Center for Nonprofits’ Sector Stewards Award in recognition of innovative programming and outstanding work to fulfill the public trust.

Gaston Literacy Council became an official JobLink partner through its inclusion in the Gaston County Workforce Development Board’s Memorandum of Understanding.

2002    Gaston Literacy Council became an accredited affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America, whose merger with Laubach Literacy Action in October 2002 created ProLiteracy America.

A Dollar General grant supported our research to validate that many adults with low literacy levels suffer auditory and visual impairments.  A partnership was established with Summitt Eye Associates to provide eye exams and low-cost materials for our Adult Education students, and doctor-approved auditory and visual warm-ups are conducted at the beginning of class.

2003    Gaston Literacy, represented by its Executive Director, was the only community-based literacy organization in the nation chosen to participate on the ProLiteracy America Trainer Credentialing Task Force, which assembled literacy leaders and certified trainers from across the United States to set the national standards and develop the curriculum used to credential those who train literacy tutors (implemented in 2006).  

2005    Formal referral relationships were established with Gaston College, Central Piedmont Community College, and Cleveland Community College which eliminates duplicative services by permitting GLC to administer requisite placement testing for GED candidates and allows them to sit for the official GED exam without further assessment.

2006    Gaston Literacy received reaccreditation from ProLiteracy America.
Historical List of Directors Minimize

 

2008/2009
Chair, Benette Sutton, Belmont Abbey College
Vice Chair, Judy Planer, Educator
Secretary, Julia M. Shovelin, J.D., Gaston County Schools
Treasurer, David Fleenor, Gaston Day School
Immediate Past Chair, Julia M. Shovelin, Attorney, Gaston County Schools

Elyse Cochran, Gaston Chamber of Commerce
Ann Edwards, Retired Educator
Nancy Harrill, Homemaker
LeeAnn Harris, Community Foundation of Gaston County, Inc.
Susie Henry, Tutor
Annabelle Kelly, Homemaker
John K. Long, Retired Businessman
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Linda McConnell, Gaston County Schools
Rebecca McLain, Gaston College
Mireya Matiz-Gihwala, Gaston Day School
Edward D. Sadler, Jr., Ed.D., Retired Superintendent of Schools
Carroll B. Saunders, Retired Principal
Ring Stafford, Torrence Stationery & Gifts
John S. Tutterow, Ed.D., Gaston County Schools


2007/2008
Chair, Julia M. Shovelin, Gaston County Schools
Vice Chair, Benette Sutton, Belmont Abbey College
Treasurer, David Fleenor, Gaston Day School
Immediate Past Chair, Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Amy Boyd, Homemaker
Catherine Carstarphen, Pharr Yarns
Ann Edwards, Retired Educator
Nancy Harrill, Homemaker
LeeAnn Harris, Homemaker
Susie Henry, Tutor
Elyse Hillegass, Gaston Chamber of Commerce
Annabelle Kelly, Homemaker
John K. Long, Retired Businessman
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Rebecca McLain, Gaston College
Mireya Matiz-Gihwala, Gaston Day School
Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Edward D. Sadler, Jr., Ed.D., Retired Superintendent of Schools
Carroll B. Saunders, Retired Principal
Jennifer T. Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia

2006/2007
Chair, Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Vice Chair, Julia M. Shovelin, Gaston County Schools
Secretary, Benette Sutton, Gaston County Schools
Treasurer, Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Immediate Past Chair, Larry Wood, City of Gastonia
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Kerry Bean, Charlotte Observer
Amy Boyd, Homemaker
Catherine Carstarphen, Pharr Yarns
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Annette Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Nancy Harrill, Homemaker
Susie Henry, Tutor
Elyse Hillegass, Gaston Chamber of Commerce
John K. Long, Retired
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Rebecca McLain, Gaston College
Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Edward D. Sadler, Jr., Ed.D., Retired
Carroll B. Saunders, Retired
Jennifer T. Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia

2005/2006
Chair, Larry Wood, City of Gastonia
Vice Chair, Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Secretary, Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
Treasurer, Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Immediate Past Chair, Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Amy Boyd, Homemaker
Catherine Carstarphen, Pharr Yarns
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Coleman C. Efird, Homemaker
Annette B. Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Nancy Harrill, Homemaker
Susie Henry, Tutor
John K. Long, Retired
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Rebecca McLain, Gaston College
Carroll B. Saunders, Retired
Jennifer T. Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Benette Sutton, Gaston County Schools
Lissette Westover, St. Michael’s Church & School

2004/2005
Chair, Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Vice Chair, Larry Wood, City of Gastonia
Secretary, Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Treasurer, Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Immediate Past Chair, Annette B. Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Anne Alexander, Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Martha A. Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Coleman C. Efird, Homemaker
Caroline Garrison, Retired
John K. Long, Retired
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
Rebecca McLain, Gaston College
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Jennifer T. Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Benette Sutton, Gaston County Schools
Lissette Westover, St. Michael’s Church & School

2003/2004
Chair, Annette B. Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Vice Chair, Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Secretary, Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Treasurer, Caroline Garrison, Retired
Immediate Past Chair, William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Anne Alexander, Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Martha A. Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
Coleman C. Efird, Homemaker
Joyce McCallister, Tutor
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
Anne Neal, Gaston County Schools
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Jennifer T. Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Lissette Westover, St. Michael’s Church & School
Larry Wood, City of Gastonia

2002/2003
Chair, William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Vice Chair, Annette B. Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Secretary, Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Treasurer, Caroline Garrison, Retired
Immediate Past Chair, Martha A. Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Anne Alexander, Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
Coleman C. Efird, Homemaker
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
B. Frank Matthews, II, Matthews Belk
Anne Neal, Gaston County Schools
Marianne Parks, Tutor
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Dave Richeson, Stabilus
Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Lissette Westover, St. Michael’s Church & School
Larry Wood, City of Gastonia

2001/2002
Chair, Martha A. Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Vice Chair, William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Secretary, Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Treasurer, Caroline Garrison, Retired
Immediate Past Chair, Don Warren, Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Merryman Cleveland, Homemaker
Annette B. Gehle, Time Warner Cable
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
B. Frank Matthews, II, Matthews Belk
Anne Neal, Gaston County Schools
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Larry Petty, Petty Machine Company
Richard Rankin, Ph.D., Gaston Day School
Jennie Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Charlton Torrence, III, Attorney
Lissette Westover, St. Michael’s Church & School
Larry Wood, City of Gastonia

2000/2001
Vice Chair, Martha A. Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Secretary, Monica Smith, J. P. Davis & Associates
Treasurer, Jon Marr, Parkdale Mills, Inc.
Immediate Past Chair, Elanie D. Jenkins, Gaston County Schools
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
Shirley Berry
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Sister Pauline Clifford, House of Mercy, Inc.
William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
René Crombez, Sam’s Club
Jick Garland, Attorney
Caroline Garrison, Retired
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
B. Frank Matthews, II, Matthews Belk
Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Anne Neal, Gaston County Schools
Carolyn Murray, Charlotte Observer
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Jennie Stultz, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Larry Wood, City of Gastonia

1999/2000
Chair, Elanie D. Jenkins, Ed.D., Gaston County Schools
Vice Chair, Don Warren, Retired
Secretary, Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Treasurer, Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Immediate Past Chair, Jennie Stultz
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
Shirley Berry
Martha Burris, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Sister Pauline Clifford, Sisters of Mercy
William H. Cozart, Jr., Pharr Yarns
Jick Garland, Attorney
Caroline Garrison, Retired
Will MacDonald, The Gaston Gazette
Jon Marr, Parkdale Mills, Inc.
B. Frank Matthews, II, Matthews Belk
Cindy Moose, Gaston County Library
Carolyn Murray, Charlotte Observer
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
Monica Smith, J. P. Davis & Associates
Larry Wood, City of Gastonia

1998/1999
Chair, Jennie Stultz
Vice Chair, Elanie D. Jenkins, Gaston County Schools
Secretary, Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Treasurer, Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Scott Bostic
Martha Burris
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Max G. Erwin, Retired
Jick Garland, Attorney
Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Jack Page, Retired
Glenn Parrish, Wix Corporation
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
William L. Poplin, N. C. Center for Applied Textile Technology
Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Don Warren, Retired
Judy Yates, Gaston College

1997/1998
Chair, Jennie Stultz
Vice Chair, Elanie D. Jenkins, Gaston County Schools
Secretary, Elson Baldwin, City of Belmont
Treasurer, Walter P. Talley, Retired
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Scott Bostic
Allen S. Chambers, Gaston College
Max G. Erwin, Retired
Jick Garland, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Jack Page, Retired
Glenn Parrish, Wix Corporation
Plato Pearson, Jr., A.B. Carter, Inc.
William L. Poplin, N. C. Center for Applied Textile Technology
Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Don Warren, Retired
Judy Yates, Gaston College

1996
Board Chair, Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Vice Chair, Jennie Stultz
Secretary, Elson Baldwin, City of Bessemer City
Treasurer, Jon Marr, Parkdale Mills, Inc.
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Max G. Erwin, Retired
Jick Garland, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Elanie D. Jenkins, Gaston County Schools
Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Jack Page, Retired
Glenn Parrish, Wix Corporation
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Walter P. Talley, Retired
George Zinnerman

1995
Board Chair, Glenn Parrish, Wix Corporation
Sarah A. Abernethy, Homemaker
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Bessemer City
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Max G. Erwin, Retired
Jick Garland, Mayor, City of Gastonia
Perry Holleman, First Baptist Church, Cherryville
Elanie D. Jenkins, Gaston County Schools
R. E. Lybrand, Jr., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Jon Marr, Parkdale Mills, Inc.
Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Jack Page, Retired
William L. Poplin, N. C. Center for Applied Textile Technology
Jerry Sanders, Wix Corporation
Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Walter P. Talley, Retired
Judy Yates, Gaston College

1994
Board Chair, Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Elson Baldwin, City of Bessemer City
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Max G. Erwin, Holy Angels, Inc.
Jeanne Gregory, Gaston County Schools
Tom Kakassy, Attorney
Jon Marr, Parkdale Mills, Inc.
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Ann Myers, Wachovia Bank
Jack Page, Retired
Glenn Parrish, Wix Corporation
William L. Poplin, N. C. Center for Applied Textile Technology
Jerry Sanders, Wix Corporation
Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Robert Sytz, Beverly Knits
Walter P. Talley, Retired
Judy Yates, Gaston College
Camilla Young, Retired Educator

1993
Board Chair Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Saron Adams
Judy Bingham
Max G. Erwin, Holy Angels, Inc.
Mitchell Moore, City of Belmont
Sandra Moore, Gaston Dye & Machine
Jack Page, Retired
Sheri Sellmeyer, Business Writer
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Walter P. Talley, Retired
Barbara Voorhees, Homemaker
Judy Yates, Gaston College
Joan Carroza, Gaston Memorial Hospital
Jeanne Gregory, Gaston County Schools
Tom Kakassy, Attorney
Ann Myers, Wachovia Bank
Jerry Sanders, Wix Corporation
Rachel Stowe, China Grove Textiles
Robert Sytz, Beverly Knits
Camilla Young, Retired Educator

1992
Board Chair Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
George Anderson, Sr., Retired
Artin Arslanian, Ph.D., Belmont Abbey College
Joan Carroza, Gaston Memorial Hospital
Max G. Erwin, Holy Angels, Inc.
Jeanne Gregory, Gaston County Schools
Rowe Henderson, Firestone Textiles
Tom Kakassy, Attorney
Ann Myers, Wachovia Bank
Judy Reed, Southern College Tech.
Phil Ritter, Gaston County Library
Jerry Sanders, Wix Corporation
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Rachel Stowe, China Grove Textiles
Robert Sytz, Beverly Knits
Barbara Voorhees, Homemaker
Judy Yates, Gaston College
Camilla Young, Retired Educator

1991
Board Chair Phil Ritter, Gaston County Library
George Anderson, Jr., Retired
Artin Arslanian, Ph.D., Belmont Abbey College
Jim Baldwin, Gaston Federal Bank
Joan Carroza, Gaston Memorial Hospital
Max G. Erwin, Holy Angels, Inc.
John Gimpel, Wix Corporation
Jeanne Gregory, Gaston County Schools
Ann Myers, Wachovia Bank
Jerry Sanders, Wix Corporation
Barry Smith, The Gaston Gazette
Rachel Stowe, China Grove Textiles
Robert Sytz, Beverly Knits
Judy Yates, Gaston College
Rowe Henderson, Firestone Textiles
Tom Kakassy, Attorney
Judy Reed, Southern College Tech.
Jack Weisenhorn, Two Way Radio/Carolinas

1990
Phil Ritter, President
Jim Baldwin
Randall Boggs
Olna Daves
John Gimpel
Sarah Howe
Tom Kakassy
Carol Kilgo
Jim Lemmons
Jerry Sanders
Barry Smith
Bob Sytz
Dave Baity
Rowe Henderson
Judy Reed
Jack Weisenhorn
Judy Yates

1989
Phil Ritter, President
Randall Boggs
Catherine Carstarphen
Olna Daves
John Gimpel
Sarah Howe
Carol Kilgo
Johnette Mitchell
Ellese Spencer
Judy Yates
Tom Kakassy
Jim Lemons
Richard Penegar
Jack Weisenhorn
Donny Hicks

1988
Phil Ritter, President
Olna Daves
Donnie Hicks
Sarah Howe
Richard Penegar
Jack Weisenhorn
Judy Yates
Randall Boggs
Catherine Carstarphen
Tom Kakassy
Carol Kilgo
Kathy Lawrence
Johnette Mitchell
Vernon Perry
Ellese Spencer

1987
Phil Ritter, President
Olna Daves
Marie Fox
Vernon Perry
Carol Kilgo
Donnie Hicks
Catherine Carstarphen
Johnette Mitchell
Joyce Dale
Kathy Lawrence
Mary Kakassy
Ellese Spencer
Peggy Smith
Jack Wisenhorn

1986
Catherine Graham, President
Ellese Spencer
Rich Dixon
Hilda Thompson
Joyce Dale
Michael Graves
Patty Bancroft
Olna Daves
Yates Campbell

 
 

Gaston Literacy Council, Inc.
704.868.4815

116 South Marietta Street
Gastonia, NC  28052
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