Well, it's been about six weeks since my final days at Project Read. I thank each one of you for making my work so worthwhile, and my farewell a wonderful afternoon.
     The Project Read staff began my last afternoon by taking me to a wonderful Thai restaurant (a food that I absolutely LOVE), and then ended it with the reception in the office. So many people came through to reminisce, laugh and wish me well - I was very touched by everyone's generosity.
     The city of Benicia and the Library Literacy program is different from Project Read in San Francisco; it's a small branch in a small but close-knit community. The Library Literacy and ESL Program provide English as a Second language classes, one-to-one tutoring, and a learner computer lab. As in San Francisco, eligible parents participate in the Families For Literacy program. The families recently attended the play Cinderella in Walnut Creek. This was a treat for many parents and children - some had never attended live theater before.
     Activities are the rule of the day with the Benicia library staff! My coworkers are teaching me that Friday mornings are made for Popcorn breaks (it's served faithfully on Fridays), and they deliver pick-me-ups (the wonderful chocolate variety) in the afternoon. (So much for dieting...) The Benicia Mardi Gras is fast approaching! (Yes, I have my mask and beads!)
     For every learner I had the opportunity to work with, I encourage you to continue setting and reaching your goals. You'll never get where you want to go if you don't know where you're going! And there isn't anything you can't do if you work at it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Be clear on what you want to accomplish, and then simply do it!
     For the tutors: thank you for the opportunity to know and serve you. The work you do, and time you give to help others is awesome.
     To Randy, Warren, Tara, Brian, Leon and Heather — I thank and appreciate each of you. I learned so much in the time I spent there, and your daily presence is truly missed. To all my friends at SFPL (Patricia, Rhoda, Bob, Rand, Rhonda, Betsy, Stewart, Marti, Darren, 'Billy Bob', Chris, Ackerman, etc., etc., etc. — thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, and giving me reasons to laugh and smile.