READING GROUP EARNS NATIONAL LETERACY HONOR

The local chapter of the International Reading Association has earned a National Honor Council award for its service to the community in the area of literacy.

The group was honored for such programs as "reading sitting service," which was offered to children at the Missouri Council of the Arts' Craft Fair held in November.

During National Reading Week, the association sent each newborn home from the hospital with a new book and pamphlets stressing the importance of reading to young children.

Members also visited area schools, dressed up as Clifford the Big Red Dog, to promote reading.

In the area of international service, the group sent its national magazine and some children's books to a school in Abony, Hungary.