MUSCATINE, Iowa — Muscatine’s Flickinger Learning Center, an older, non-descript building located at 413 Mulberry Ave. may not always be noticed by those driving past it.

But the Center’s programs and services for students of all ages have received regional recognition.

On May 21, the Bi-State Literacy Council recognized the Center’s staff and programs in several categories during its annual recognition breakfast at the i wireless Center in Moline, Ill.

The Flickinger Learning Center was presented with Bi-State Literacy Council’s annual literacy awards for business and non-profit organization award and its executive director, Paul Carroll of Muscatine received a volunteer/tutor literacy award.

In addition, the Center received a $350 grant to use for the GED Study Materials Program, which is tutored by Mary Robinson.

Robinson and Carroll submitted the grant application.

The Flickinger Learning Center, established in 2003, offers free tutoring for students and a GED program.

Carroll said  one reason the GED program has been successful is because many people feel comfortable coming to the Center which is located in a downtown Muscatine neighborhood.

Duffy DeFrance

Other area literacy proponents who received recognition at the breakfast include Duffy DeFrance of Wilton who received the Sister Camille Clark Exemplary Service Award.

The award recognizes volunteers who encourage the advancement of literacy in their community.

DeFrance was the children’s librarian for Musser Public Library for 30 years.

Since her retirement in 2003, she has used the skills she gleaned in that position to capture the attention and imaginations of children through her volunteer work.

According to Davenport Public Library Director LaWanda Roudebush storytelling is one of DeFrance’s best-known talents.

Roudebush, who nominated DeFrance, said DeFrance helped start the Quad-Cities storytelling group.

DeFrance is also a founding member of the Muscatine Literacy Coalition and she  works with the  Midwest Writing Center in Davenport, an organization that encourages aspiring authors.

DeFrance was pleased with the recognition, but she was quick to say that the Flickinger Learning Center’s success is well deserved.

She referred to the after-school, homework help program the Center provides for free for students in area public schools.

“The Flickinger Learning Center is a safe place for young people to get homework help and tutoring,” said DeFrance. “We all want students to remain in school, and we know education is important.”

Library recognitions

The Wilton Public Library, along with its director, Sharon Bower, and staff, also received a recognition award for business and nonprofit organizations for several of its programs. 

The Bi-State Literacy Council also granted the Musser Public Library $410  for its Sustained Silent Reading Program. That grant application was submitted by children’s librarian Betty Collins.

Details

What: Flickinger Learning Center

Address: 413 Mulberry Ave.

Phone number: (563) 288-1990