President's Message from the 2006 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

Once more it is time to tell you the "State of Project Light", to borrow a political phrase. Well, we are alive, growing and thriving. All thins on a shoestring! What a Blessing!

We have not had the funds to hire a manager so we have improvised. Board member Sally Radice has been the manager on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and I have been there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. While we still need a manager for continuity, Sally and I have managed to hold things together by many notes and phone calls to each other. Hopefully, this year's budget will allow for a part-time manager once again. This is our dream, at least.

Front Bed 200w
Our biggest accomplishment this past year was our beautification project. This was accomplished through a grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. Our first step was to landscape the property, complete with an irrigation system. Then we put in a new privacy fence across the back of the parking lot. Next, we replaced the inadequate gutters with a new larger box gutter, and then painted the building, except for the mural. The final step was to resurface and re-stripe the parking lot
Parking Lot 200w
which gave us a few more badly needed parking places. We are very proud of the finished product, because it looks so fresh and nice. Needless to say we are very gratified to the Selby Foundation.

The Board had a couple of fundraisers to help with our expenses. One was a Garage Sale that was not only fun to do but brought in some needed money We finished up our Scratch and Help campaign and while it didn't bring in the money the producers said it would, it was a worthwhile project. The last one of the year was a raffle. The first prize was a hand-sewn Nativity Set complete with stable, animals, Three Wise Men, an angel and two doves. The second prize was dinner for two at the Olive Garden. While our fundraisers were not big, we managed to make enough to pay some bills. Every little bit helps!

 Magan and Students 300w
Our Children's Program was fully funded this year, so it was a hugh success. We had two teachers and several student aids, so that the twenty children we had enrolled received almost individual help. Tropicana again donated orange juice for the program and Publix donated snacks. It was held during the month of July. The children were tested in Reading and Math on the first day and then again at the end of the month. We were very pleased to see that every child advanced in both areas. The Art Council through Healthy Start, again came in Wednesdays and gave the children an art experience. They even took a field trip to the Riverside Theatre. The children always enjoy this unique experience and we think it rounds out our program.

End of Year Party 200w
Our student body has grown quite a bit this year. We'd like to think that it is because we are becoming better known in the community, but it is probably is the result of the hints coming from the government of making English a requirement of citizenship. What ever the reason, we are happy to see so many eager students.

It has been a good year, and I hope the one that is coming will be a favorable. We continue to honor our tutors and students for a job well done!
Ann 200w
We also thank our benefactors, because without them we could not exist. As it is, because of all of the facets pulling together we have a comfortable place for our students to learn English.

My thanks to all for a great year!

Ann Griffin