Sharon Ball Memorium
Left legacy of literacy
Sharon Ball, former community resource coordinator at the Lake County Public Library, created a legacy
when she launched English as a second language classes for the system.
The program, which opened so many doors for people whose native tongue was not English, began 15 years ago
with grants and volunteers who were trained as teachers and tutors.
The project became a labor of love for Ball, who also organized citizenship classes in partnership with the
International Institute and the test of English as a foreign language for those looking toward college entrance.
Carolyn Strickland, head of reference services at the main library, worked with Ball to provide a special
collection of books, audio and video tapes, and computer software for her students.
"Sharon was a true advocate for literacy and was an example for all of us," Strickland said.
Ana Grandfield, assistant director of the library, lauded Ball's efforts.
"The fun part for Sharon was the last day of class when her students would bring in a dish unique to their
native country," Grandfield said. "It was a feast."
Ball often told her students to seize the opportunity for progress, something the literacy program was all about.
Many students went on to attain better jobs. Some started their own businesses, and others were able to assist
their children with homework.
In addition to the literacy program, Ball coordinated the library's volunteer program. She recruited volunteers,
trained them and found meaningful jobs for them in the library. As a way of saying thank you, she instituted
the annual volunteer recognition luncheon.
Carole Moore was a friend and an active participant with Ball in the Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition.
"Through Sharon's efforts, the Coalition's collection of literacy-related materials has a permanent home
in the library," Moore said. "She always organized the library's team for our annual Executive Spelling Bee,
even locating and bringing the appropriate dictionary along. You could always count on Sharon. If she said
she would do something, it got done."
Most recently Ball was unanimously appointed to the Valparaiso School Board by the Valparaiso City Council.
"She truly made a difference," said Larry Acheff, director of the Lake County Public Library.
Ball’s work on behalf of literacy left a mark
Valparaiso woman who headed Lake County library program dies at 59.
VALPARAISO – Because of Sharon Ball, the lives of more than 22,000 Northwest Indiana residents were
made better.
Some learned to read or learned English. Some got better jobs and others were able to get into college.
Ball, a Valparaiso resident and a longtime employee of the Lake County Library system who coordinated
its literacy program, died Friday at age 59 after an illness.
“She was involved in our literacy program since the mid-1970s,” Library Director Larry Acheff said Monday.
“We were very, very proud of her and the program she put together over the years. It’s a great loss to the
community.”
Ball’s supervisor Ingrid Norris, worked with Ball in the library system for years.
“She had a knack for literacy,” Norris said. “She helped people get jobs because they improved their skills.”
Norris said Ball, a former manager at the St. John library branch, “hit her mark” when she became involved
in literacy.
Ball was appointed in July to the Valparaiso Community School Board by the City Council.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Moeller Funeral Home. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today.
Ball incorporated GED and English as a Second Language into the program, as well as the TOEFL, a test of English as a foreign language program. Foreign students must pass the TOEFL to get into an American college.
Norris said Ball taught students who hailed from all over the world. On the first day of class she had students put a star on a world map on the wall of the classroom.
“We probably have every country represented on that map,” Norris said. “On the last day of class, Sharon had students bring a dish native to their country, so they actually shared cultures.”
Norris said Ball also worked with other groups of students toward becoming American citizens.
“We’ll really miss her,” Norris said. “She had an extended family here at the library.”
Ball, Sharon M. Obituary
Sharon M. Ball Valparaiso, IN Sharon M. Ball, age 59, of Valparaiso, died Friday November 10, 2006. She was born April 16, 1947 in Indianapolis to William and Floreine (Elliott) Curtis. She was a 1965 graduate of Arlington High School in Indianapolis, received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a master's degree from Purdue University. Sharon was a long time employee of the Lake County Public Library and a member of the Valparaiso School Board. She is survived by her two sons: Andrew Ball of Valparaiso and Michael Ball of the U.S. Navy; her father William Curtis; her sisters Jennifer Ayers, Louise Curtis and Linda Curtis all of Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her mother Floreine Curtis. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd, Valparaiso, with cremation to follow at Angelcrest Crematory. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Lake County Public Library. Moellerfuneralhome.com. Published in The Times from 11/12/2006 - 11/13/2006.
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Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition
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