NYT Columnist David Brooks to visit the Weinberg Center!

Did you know that nearly 14% of the U.S. population lacks the reading skills to complete a job application or look at a newspaper? That statistic more than doubles within the foreign-born population.

During its 2013-2014 season, HCSMT is committed to changing lives by introducing individuals to the world of reading and all its wonders. President Travis Gilbert has made it an season goal to achieve the President's Gold Service Award in this field by May 2014.

Today, Hood College Student Musical Theatre is proud to announce their partnership with the Frederick Literacy Council during the council's 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2013. On October 23, HCSMT will join FLC in hosting New York Times Columnist David Brooks at the Weinberg Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of literacy advocacy.

The council, formed in October of 1963, provides free tutoring resources for individuals within the Frederick community seeking assistance in their path to literacy. Similar to Hood College, the council was formed by a group of women from Church Women United.

Columnist David Brooks on Meet the Press

Tutoring over 200 adults annually, the Frederick Literacy Council now operates from the C. Burr Artz Library in downtown Frederick and is an affiliate of the national ProLiteracy organization.

Brooks, a famed op-ed columnist for the New York Times, is a commentator for TheNewsHour with Jim Lehrer, a consistent guest on National Public Radio, and the author of several books discussing contemporary social justice causes. He will be discussing 'moral genius' and the power of literacy during the presentation.

HCSMT will be helping prepare for Brooks visit and its members will have a very special role during the evening's schedule - but it's a secret!

So be sure to mark this special date on your calendars! Student tickets will be reserved and distributed by HCSMT on hcsmtseuss.org or may be purchased by calling the Frederick Literacy Council at 301-600- 2066, or by visiting their website at www.frederickliteracy.org.