Photo: Marilyn Berry was honored by Literacy Link-Leamos for her 13 years of service to the organization. She stands with former long-time program director, Michelle Detterick.

Article and Photo by Mary Alice Murphy

Literacy Link-Leamos held a reception, today, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, to honor Marilyn Berry, who has retired as office manager of the organization.

"I came to the organization, Literacy Link-Leamos when it first started in 2001 and signed up to be a tutor," Berry said. "Then I had training and started tutoring. I volunteered for a few years."

She said Michelle Detterick was the program director at the time. "In 2005, I began working a few hours in the office and then for three or four hours at a time, four days a week. The people in the group are so wonderful, and so were the people in the library, who were so helpful."

The LL-L office has a space in the Silver City Public Library.

Why did Berry decide to retire? "One day I woke up and decided to do something else. I will still be on the board and will continue volunteering."

What will she be doing? "I'll be teaching my 16-year-old grandson how to drive. My sister lives in Hatch, and we want to do some traveling. I also will continue doing my painting."

Berry was born in High Rolls, New Mexico, and the family moved to California when she was 12. There she met and married her husband, and in 1970, they moved back to Silver City. "We wanted to get away from all the people, the smog and the traffic. Silver City felt like home to us."

Mary Beth Folia, the new program director of LL-L, said she is really honored to be part of the organization. "People are so giving and make such a difference in people's lives. I have a lot of respect for what Marilyn has done in her life and in this organization."

The presentations to Berry began with a number of the Hi Lo Silvers singers singing "Happy Trails" and "Thank You Very Much," with slightly adjusted words to fit the occasion.

Karen Bryan, who joined Literacy Link-Leamos at Berry's suggestion, became part of the organization a few years after Berry did. "Today the organization has grown into an exceptional program with giving volunteers. Marilyn, as a volunteer and office manager, has the touch to match a learner with a tutor. She is also a great gardener."

Detterick thanked Berry as "my right-hand gal." She presented Berry with a bouquet of flowers that indicated the language of flowers, with a white carnation as the symbol of pure love, a yellow flower for joy, and tulips for kindness. You are patient and have given learners a peace of mind. You have goodness, kindness and faithfulness, as well as gentleness. Your desire to help others was evident. You encouraged them to do the best they could. You have served as a tutor, a board member, helped with Love Your Library Day, as a computer class instructor, and again, my right-hand gal. We shared the joys and challenges of our jobs."

Linda Ferrara, a LL-L volunteer, read several cards and letters written to Berry. Caroline Baldwin, LL-L founder, also read a letter of appreciation for Berry's dedication to the program. Another volunteer, Sandra Hicks, also made a few appreciative comments.

Berry cut the cake, which had been baked and decorated by LL-L volunteer Oralia Rede. While those participating in the honoring of Berry partook of the refreshments, Eileen Sullivan, Library director, played her fiddle as background music.