Literal Lunch
Meg Ashenden has set many a table, but April 11 might be the only time she uses a gallon jar of pickles as the decorative centerpiece for guests.
Ashenden is in charge of decorating one of 30 book-themed dining tables for the Butler Rotary Club's Luncheon for Literacy, to be held at Butler County Community College.
The event will include a meal, speaker, Chinese auction, used book sale and giveaways.
With literacy among Rotary International's ongoing causes, proceeds will benefit BC3's Adult Literacy Program, where Ashenden works.
And the pickles?
Those connect to the book "Because of Winn-Dixie," a children's novel by Kate DiCamillo in which a dog, Winn-Dixie, helps a motherless girl make friends in a new town. Otis, an ex-convict who works in the local pet store, takes a jar of pickles to a picnic where much of the story culminates.
"I'm kind of basing the table around the picnic in the book," said Ashenden, who also is using a red and white checked tablecloth and etched mugs styled after canning jars. A dog theme appears throughout the table, and small details like the Litmus Lozenges "A Melancholy Mixture of Sweetness and Sadness" represent details from the story.
To Ashenden, the book is especially meaningful, since it was the first one ever read cover-to-cover for many students in her adult basic education classes.
Deb McAllister, grants director for the BC3 program, said the luncheon itself is meaningful, since funding for the grant-driven adult literacy program is set to decrease by $48,000.
"Last year we served more than 400 people," McAllister noted, explaining that number far exceeds the 168 people the funding is expected to cover this year.
The 20-year program is staffed with seven full- or part-time workers and about 50 volunteer tutors. It offers GED classes in Butler and in Cranberry townships and several classes at CareerLink, aimed at helping improve various skills needed in the work force.
It recently began offering a personal development class created with help from the county judicial system and often attended by parolees.Joan Ferraro, a Rotary board member who co-chairs the luncheon with fellow Rotarian Amy Wilson, said the pair got the idea after attending a similar event hosted in June by the Chick-Lit Book Club in Pittsburgh."We had already decided that we were going to do a tea of some type for this purpose" said Ferraro, adding the Rotary Club opted to host a luncheon instead of a tea to attract a more diverse crowd."We were so impressed when we walked through the door. It was amazing to see the tables decorated."Butler Public Library director Lori Campbell, who helped coordinate the project, said table themes range from "Harry Potter" to Shakespeare to the 1800s classic "Treasure Island."Various groups, individuals and businesses have claimed tables, each providing dishes, flatware and linens along with a centerpiece and favors to match the book's theme, Campbell said.Several tables are yet unclaimed, she added.Although those attending the luncheon must purchase tickets in advance, event coordinators will assign seating.The $20 tickets must be purchased by April 1 by calling 724-822-7372 or by sending a check to The Butler Rotary Foundation in care of Amy Wilson, 114 Summit Road, Butler, PA 16001.Those interested in decorating or sponsoring a table should call Campbell at 724-287-1715.The lunch buffet will include quiche, salad, sandwiches, fruit kebabs and a cookie table, with food provided by Leslie Osche of the Butler County United Way, with help from a team of Rotarians and friends.The 61-member club meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays at the Butler YWCA.
<B>WHAT: </B>Luncheon for Literacy, hosted by the Butler Rotary Club. Proceeds benefit the Butler County Community College Adult Literacy Program.<B>WHEN: </B>1 to 4 p.m. April 11. Doors open at noon.<B>WHERE: </B>BC3 Founders Hall<B>TICKETS: </B>$20 tickets must be purchased by April 1 by calling 724-822-7372 or by sending a check to The Butler Rotary Foundation in care of Amy Wilson, 114 Summit Road, Butler, PA 16001.
