Lions support literacy
Lion Linda Krasienko, right, presents a certificate of appreciation to Allison Martzolf after her presentation.
The Westshore Lions Club welcomed Mrs. Allison Martzolf to their Nov. 16 meeting to discuss the importance of reading for youth. A fifth-grade teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School in Lakewood, Mrs. Martzolf discussed her efforts in assembling a classroom library with age-appropriate books for her students so as to engage them in reading on a regular basis.
Many students who are less fortunate may not have access to good reading material outside of school. In quoting Neuman's research, Allison noted that "when students are able to read more frequently they are more likely to become more competent, fully engaged readers." She also said that the research shows "that classrooms with libraries are correlated with gains in statewide reading, writing and science assessments."
Supporting youth in a variety of ways is a key Lions objective and to support Mrs. Martzolf's efforts a contribution of $200 plus a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to her. Allison Martzolf has been a very dedicated teacher in the Lakewood Schools for 20 years and her work on this project is a reflection of that dedication.
Kevin Barrett
I am a member of the Westshore Lions Club part of Lions clubs International community service. My service area includes helping the blind, we collect the used eye glasses and recently the Lions Club finished the Safety bucket project for the N. Olmsted and Westlake Schools. We are gradually expanding our eye glasses collection locations in Westlake, North Olmsted, Rocky River and more.